It happens to all writers on occasion. They sit down, whether in front of a computer or with pen and paper in hand, and find that the words simply will not come. They then begin to wonder what happened to their creative muse. Is she merely taking a much deserved coffee break, or has she perhaps deserted them for good? On the other hand, it's doubtful she's departed forever since she tends to be a quite loyal creature. She simply needs her writer to jumpstart her creativity.
The Value of Story Prompts
Many teachers help students jumpstart their creative muses by providing students with story prompts — narrative lines, snippets of dialogue, or basic “bare-bones” story ideas — from which students can spring and then build upon in order to develop a unique tale of their own. One does not have to be a student, however, in order to find such tools helpful.
Although not a guaranteed route to inspiration or success, using story prompts oftentimes not only helps writers clear the hurdle called "writer's block," but also propels them in directions they never imagined going with a story, and sometimes the results are quite surprising, as well as professionally rewarding.
Narrative and Dialogue
Springing from narrative lines or bits of dialogue can help generate ideas and even lead to complete stories, perhaps because there are really no constraints surrounding where the lines or dialogue must be placed within the context of the story. In fact, they can be placed in the beginning, at the end, or even in the middle.
Here are some examples:
- Smiling, though the smile never reached his eyes, he looked at her across the table and whispered, “I love dead people.”
- As she strolled along the beach, she glimpsed a bottle half-buried in the sand.
- Written on the restroom wall in blood-red lipstick were three words: Vampires are real.
- A chill inched icily down her spine as she looked back over her shoulder.
- The funny thing about love is how it can take you completely by surprise.
- Heidi woke up on the morning of her 40th birthday, alone and 100 pounds overweight.
- Even after his boa constrictor died, she never invited Frank around.
- “You think you got problems,” Grandpa said. “Leastways you ain’t never been picked up by no tornado.”
- Some secrets are best left dead and buried.
Basic Story Ideas
Although there are many ways for a writer to find inspiration for original storylines, for example, by reading the newspaper, observing people in the mall, or taking a walk through the park, some writers find it helpful to ask this simple little question: “What if?”
- What if the world (as you know it) were to end at midnight tonight?
- What if you knew your neighbors were from another planet but no one believed you?
- What if you, your child, or another family member were psychic?
- What if you won the lottery but did not want your spouse to know?
- What if you were walking down the street, encountered someone you once loved, and at that moment realized you still loved him or her?
- What if you woke up, looked in the mirror, and did not recognize the face looking back at you?
- What if you went to a party and met your doppelganger?
- What if you could go back in time and know what you know now?
- What if you accidentally sent an incriminating or amorous e-mail to the wrong person?
Whichever of these methods writers choose to help jumpstart their creative muse, or if they opt for another method entirely, they must, first and foremost, allow themselves the freedom to write without worrying about the possible outcome. As Sean Connery advises the young wannabe writer in the movie Finding Forrester, "Write the first draft from your heart, the second from your head."
Writers must also accept that the story may develop and grow or it may fizzle entirely; but if it fizzles, they should shrug and say, “Well, so what?” The important thing is not the outcome, after all, but the process of exercising one’s creativity. Besides, there’s always the next story, and perhaps that is the story a writer's creative muse has been waiting to tell.
 |
 |
