Creative Writing Prompts

Simple Exercises Can Help Release Creativity

Aug 12, 2009 Debbie Roome

Most writers have periods where they need help to get their imaginations going again.

Here are some techniques which can release fresh ideas and inspiration.

The Three Word Prompt

Choose three random words that are unrelated. Take these and with no planning, write for five minutes and include them in a short story. Don’t worry how rough it is. The point is to get thoughts flowing. Here are some word groups to start with:

  • Fire, balloon, pig
  • Waterfall, star, helicopter
  • Stairs, puppy, shoes

Describing a Name by Associations

Choose a name and associate it with the following: a color, a flower, an animal, a spice and a fabric. Do this for several names and then include these characters in a short 100 word story. Here are two examples:

  • Bianca is associated with ivory, armfuls of lilies, a sleek zebra, sprinkles of cinnamon and plush velvet
  • Ethan is associated with navy blue, a blooming cactus, an aloof tiger, turmeric and freshly ironed linen

Type out a Passage from a Best-Seller

Choose an action piece or a scene from a best seller and type it out. Then type a follow-on paragraph from imagination, trying to follow the style

Describe an Emotional Scene

Imagine an emotional scene – a farewell at an airport, an angry confrontation or the birth of a child or anything else of impact. Then write 100 words that portray the emotion without mentioning what it is. Do this by using facial expressions and body language.

Make Color Lists

This exercise stretches the brain and imagination. Choose a color or several and then list at least ten words to describe that color. Here’s a list of words to describe brown:

  • Nut
  • Coffee
  • Tan
  • Acorn
  • Fudge
  • Toffee
  • Mud
  • Chocolate
  • Earth
  • Cocoa

Write a Series of Sentences

Linking unrelated sentences helps to train the mind to form associations. Do this by starting a new sentence with the last word of the previous sentence. This is how it works:

  • The boy had a cupboard full of kites
  • Kites filled the air like colored confetti
  • Confetti littered the lawn like sprinkles on a cake
  • Cake was Donna’s favourite treat

Be Aware of Creative Times of Day

Many writers find that inspiration comes when not looking for it. This is often when they are occupied with a monotonous task such as vacuuming, walking or polishing furniture. Another good time is the period just before falling asleep and just after waking up. Use these times to think about a story line and then put it away and let the subconscious work on ideas and solutions.

Nearly every writer gets stuck at times. Working through the simple exercises above is an easy way to boost creativity. Try them one by one, relax and have fun.

The copyright of the article Creative Writing Prompts in Writing Fiction is owned by Debbie Roome. Permission to republish Creative Writing Prompts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Associating Names with Flowers Helps Creativity, Debbie Roome Associating Names with Flowers Helps Creativity
   
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