Tag Archives: inspiration

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Writing Prompt WednesdayHave at it.

  • His breathing slowed, but everything around us sped up.
  • If I see another happy couple, I’m . . .
  • I knew the moment he handed me the backpack, I’d regret taking it.
  • I wrote the note four times before I finally left.
  • Light from the fire glinted off the shards of glass.
  • Ethan wandered into the room, not knowing . . .
  • The explosion should have killed me.
  • She didn’t mean to steal from people; their belongings just ended up in her apartment.

Happy writing.

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Writing Prompt WednesdayI took a little breather, but now the prompts are back. Same “rules” apply: Pick one, two, or however many you want, and write something. Post it here if you’d like. Write a story, whip out some flash fiction; just write. 

  • I bought it thinking it would help me win him back.
  • I should have known the police would find me.
  • The documents burned faster than I anticipated.
  • The trick to getting out of a hostage situation is . . .
  • She wondered what he’d look like carrying a . . .
  • Margo regretted taking the shortcut to work.
  • David had on that ridiculous shirt he bought at Caesar’s Palace.
  • Ruth didn’t expect to find herself in the same situation as before. 

Happy writing!

 

Writing Prompt Wednesday {Title Edition}

Writing Prompt Wednesday

 

It’s nice to be back in the swing of things after the A to Z Challenge. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out my previous Writing Prompt Wednesday posts, and as always, feel free to use any of these. Post here, there, anywhere; just write! 

Today, I thought I’d shake things up a bit and come up with some titles, which can also spark a short story, flash fiction, novel, or poetry idea. 

  • The Shop Girl’s Secret
  • The Elephant in My Attic
  • King of Sycamore Street
  • The Fires of Spring
  • The Mourning Years
  • Waiting for War
  • The Bitter Brides Club
  • Last Flight Out of Paris

Happy Writing!

 

W is for Writers’ Block

W is for Writers' Block 2015 A to Z Challenge -- April J. MooreThere’s a wall there, you just can’t see it. Apparently, my sister wasn’t in the mood to smile. I tried to help, but there was no getting through that wall. Blocked. That’s how I felt for a while because I had been struggling with what to write next. I’m not a big fan of the term writers’ block and I think we give it more power than it deserves. Maybe that’s why I’m so big on writing prompts—they can get you going when you’re stalled in the writing process. 

Look, the muse doesn’t give a shit if you’re staring at your computer screen, fingers poised on the keyboard, asking nicely for some inspiration. In fact, I’m convinced muses revel in watching us suffer, which is why you have to take charge. If you’re struggling with a scene in your WIP, get away from it. Distance can be the exactly what you need in order to come back with a fresh mind. Over at The Writing Bug, I recently wrote about using pencil and paper to get out all my thoughts—every possibility, every angle, every idea, and it worked; it got me my new novel idea.
Pencil to Paper -- April J. Moore
I also recently picked up The Amazing Story Generator that creates thousands of story ideas. 
The Amazing Story Generator -- April J. MooreThis book combines random settings, characters, and conflicts; the rest is up to you. That’s how I feel about writers’ block—it’s up to you. You’re the only one who can get yourself past a lull in your writing, so don’t count on being struck over the head with an idea while you’re binge watching on Netflix. That can happen, but, again, don’t count on it. You’re a writer; so write. No matter how crappy it is, it’s writing—and it will lead somewhere.  

How do you get going again when you’re stalled in your writing?

A to Z Challenge 2015

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Writing Prompt WednesdayIt’s that time again. I hope one of these prompts will give your writing mojo a kickstart. As always, feel free to share your flash fiction, poetry, or story here, or link it. Looking forward to what you’ve got for us, Dean.

  • It happened in front of me.
  • Everyone has secrets; mine can get me killed.
  • I had no choice but to write the letter.
  • Shane picked a bad time to confront me.
  • I never meant to hit . . .
  • The aroma of [fill in the blank] lured me into the [fill in the blank].
  • I brushed away the leaves from the grave marker.
  • I immediately regretted opening the [fill in the blank].

Happy writing!

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Writing Prompt Wednesday

In honor of National Grammar Day, here’s a list of prompts that . . . ah . . . have nothing to do with grammar. Just celebrate this day by picking a prompt (or two!) and write something. Honor this momentous occasion with a short story, poem or flash fiction. You’re welcome to post it in the comments section, on your own blog (link it, baby) or among the pages of your journal. 

  • Evan couldn’t believe his luck, when the elevator doors opened and . . .
  • At first, the lake appeared flawlessly iced-over, then Amy saw . . .
  • Dave knew he’d never be allowed back . . . 
  • It wasn’t supposed to get out of hand.
  • The memory of her walking . . .
  • The man stood behind the glass and waited . . .
  • Layla took one last swig of beer and  . . . 
  • I hated that he knew about . . .

Happy writing!

Writing Prompt Wednesday {Dialog Edition}

Writing Prompt WednesdayIt’s that time again. It not uncommon for a story or novel to open with dialog, and it can  be very effective for dropping the reader into the middle of the action. Even if you chose to not open with one of these dialog pieces, one might at least inspire a conversation between two characters. Have at it!

  • “You think that’ll stop me?”
  • “I know I’m late, but here I am.”
  • “Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing.”
  • “Seriously, I’m not above begging.”
  • “My doctor told me I couldn’t do that.”
  • “Please tell me you read the instructions.”
  • “I wish you’d shut up.”
  • “I’ll tell you what really happened.”

Happy writing!

Sunday Inspiration

Something to get you writing today (and hopefully, everyday) . . .

“Advice? I don’t have advice. Stop aspiring and start writing. If you’re writing, you’re a writer. Write like you’re a goddamn death row inmate and the governor is out of the country and there’s no chance for a pardon. Write like you’re clinging to the edge of a cliff, white knuckles, on your last breath, and you’ve got just one last thing to say, like you’re a bird flying over us and you can see everything, and please, for God’s sake, tell us something that will save us from ourselves. Take a deep breath and tell us your deepest, darkest secret, so we can wipe our brow and know that we’re not alone. Write like you have a message from the king. Or don’t. Who knows, maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to.”

~ Alan Watts

What is one of your favorite writing quotes?