In a recent workshop, Pat asked me, “What if I freeze up when I’m given a writing prompt? They don’t help me at all. I just feel stuck. I prefer the blank page.”
Good news: There’s no Prompts Police.
When Writing Prompts Work
Many people love writing prompts. In my 20s and 30s, prompts were my thing. They got me past resistance and stuckness and into flow mode. Prompts gave me an easy starting place and often led me into unexpected territory. In my early 20s, Writing Down the Bones was my bible.
I still love a good writing prompt.
These days, though, I go through stages: I mostly draw inspiration from writing in a blank journal or using a detailed book outline. Yet, when I travel or know I’ll be places where I may need to wait, I keep a prompts journal in my car or bag so I can tap into creative flow anytime, anywhere.
Other Ways to Get Moving and Unblock
If, like Pat, prompts don’t work for you, don’t use ’em!
You may want to:
- Outline.
- Mind map.
- Doodle and write.
- Listen to music.
- Visit your muse.
- Use mindful movement and breathing practices in Breathe. Write. Breathe.
You don’t have to use prompts at all.
Ever.
Here’s a fun and easy movement practice from Qigong to stimulate creative flow:
Find Your Way
We all have our ways of tapping into creativity.
If someone tells you their way is THE way, walk the other way. There is no “the way.” There’s just what works for you at this moment. And in the next moment (which may be different).
So, be free. I was going to say, “I give you permission,” but that didn’t feel right. You need to permit yourself to do what makes your heart sing and feel free to ignore anyone else’s advice, including mine!
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