One of my intentions for 2019 was to bring more well-rounded and thoughtful content into this space for my readers. One of the ways I’ve planned to do that is to help get all of the aspiring writers out there actually writing. And, personally, I’ve always found writing prompts a helpful launchpad for a story idea, character idea, or a brain “dump” of random ideas that could either be incorporated into stories later or not. The simple act of writing wakes our brain up and, in turn, our writing will only strengthen with more time writing. Below are five February writing prompts and exercises to help you get inspired:
- Setting a scene. Use the following to help create a suspenseful scene: A land of blinding, pure white snow lies before you. An owl softly coos in the distance; the only other sounds are your feet flattening the earth and your labored breathing. Then, suddenly…
- Creating characters. Complete a character sketch of the most hateful, evil person you can imagine. Give them the traits of your worst enemy. Unpack their thoughts, actions, dreams, and past. How could you make way the reader (and possibly you) like this character, even in the most remote possible way? What would you find sympathetic in this type of character? Explore your feelings of empathy towards this character.
- Creating characters. Likewise, create a character sketch of a person who [everyone] finds lovable and admirable. How could you introduce flaws to this character? What traits would allow the character to still stay admirable to the reader, but would add some depth to their personality? What traits would you want to avoid? How can you build more empathy towards an outwardly admirable/lovable character, while maintaining a sense of reality to the story?
- Developing a setting. Think back to your childhood neighborhood and draw a map of it in your notebook. How many stores/buildings/houses/landmarks can remember? Do you remember their names? Who owned/lived in them? What comes to mind as you take a “walk” through the neighborhood. Can you recall any memories that are linked to a certain place in your childhood neighborhood? Flesh out the description of this place you once called home. Make the reader feel like they are transported there through your pages. Give minute details.
- Focusing on the
plot . What was your favorite novel as a young adult reader? Take the characters from that novel and drop them into another world/time period. What would they do? How would they act? What kind of adventures would they have in this new setting?
Did you write anything as a result of the February writing prompts or exercises above? Tag me or message me on Instagram (@bookishkitchen #thebookishkitchen) or leave a comment below and tell me all about it!
