Writing Prompts
I go back and forth on how effective writing prompts really are. Most of the time, I’m not that into them. I have enough ideas floating around in my head — I tend to feel that I don’t need anyone else’s inspiration. However, sometimes they totally work out!
I’m sure I’ve discussed my writing group’s monthly prompts contest here before. Some of the stories I’ve had published this year were the result of prompts from the contest, so that in and of itself illustrates the value of using them.
I think, possibly, the best thing about the prompts contest is that it can get me writing when I might be stuck on something else (a or story-in-progress). And like anything of the sort (prompts, the group’s story every day contest, etc.), there can be good and bad results. Some of the prompts I attempt come out extremely crappy, and others are either good or at least good enough that they can be retooled into something I can submit.
The other good thing about prompts is that they challenge creativity and allow me to stretch myself. It’s harder to write about something that I didn’t choose myself. Prompts created by someone else make me work for the story, but in a good way. I think it’s helpful to get out of one’s comfort zone (genre of choice, POV of choice, etc.) and write something else on occasion.
And, sometimes, I use the prompts provided by my group’s monthly contest to expand one of my already-created fictional worlds. I’ve written many a prompt (and short story) for the group set in the fantasy world of my first novel, and each one helps me to know that world just a little better. Whenever I get back to revising that novel, it will be the richer for that extra work.
The danger of exercises like prompts, writing a story every day, and other such things is that they can take you away from the things that you really need to focus on. It can be so seductive to focus on something other than that novel or short story I’ve been struggling with.
I don’t know that I like prompts enough that I would seek them out on my own, but as long as Writer’s Ink has the monthly contest, I will occasionally delve into that madness.
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I find they’re really helpful to me when I’m between stories and can’t think of anything to write about. I’ve had a few pretty good stories come about because I picked a prompt and forced myself to write.
I agree that they can be a distraction, too. Strange little buggers, these prompts.
I am of two minds on prompts, as well. I have written only two successful stories based on prompts; one was The Mixture, my debut story at Every Day Fiction. I define “successful” as a story I am willing to share with other folks.
Prompts are fine, if you need to prime the pump, so to speak; but like you, I always have more than enough ideas bubbling around in my mind.
In general, I am opposed to writers’ group exercises. I find critiquing — giving and receiving — far more productive. On that point, I believe giving critiques, offered in a positive and supportive manner, help me to see shortfalls in my own work more clearly, as well.
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