If you're like me, you start new projects with enthusiasm. Nothing will stop you. And then, something does. If you've hit a roadblock and need some new energy, try one of these prompts to get you started again.
When you get stuck, it's easy to slip into despair– to question yourself and your work. But don't let those initial doubts overwhelm you. There will be days where you won’t meet your word count, or even write at all. That doesn’t mean you’re not a writer.
You ARE a Writer
Here's some real encouragement for writers: The great thing about going to sleep every night is you get to wake up the next morning to a new day. A different year has nothing to do with what you can accomplish. Every single day is a chance to start again, to do what you’ve promised yourself, to be who you want to be. To be the writer you want to be.
Didn't write yesterday? Write today.
Write now.
3 Writing Prompts to Rekindle Your Enthusiasm
Today I’m going to ask you to think about the coming year a little differently, and hopefully renew some of the enthusiasm you may have already lost. Try one of these prompts to remember why your writing is worthwhile:
1. Local Writer Makes It Big!
I want you to imagine this: You wake up one morning and see the headline LOCAL WRITER MAKES IT BIG! The entire article is about you.
What did you accomplish to earn such a heading? Is it a published book, a bestseller, a movie deal? Did you contribute to twenty different anthologies, finish a memoir, write a hit blog?
Take your writing resolutions (for this year or for the next twenty) and pretend you’ve already succeeded. Then, write the story that goes along with this triumphant headline.
2. How Did You Produce This Masterpiece?
Maybe, instead of a news story, you're prepping for your first interview with a magazine editor or about to walk out onto a late night TV show. Here are some of the questions they're about to ask you:
- People around the world are raving about the story/blog/screenplay/etc. you’ve written. What inspired you to write it?
- You’re already awesome, but all writers know they can always improve. What one thing would you give up in order to become a better writer?
- What is the most difficult thing about your artistic process and how did you overcome it to produce such a masterpiece?
- What does writing mean to you?
- What’s next for you?
Envision the writing masterpieces that led you to this point. Then, answer these questions (or write your own!) as though you're being interviewed by your favorite editor or TV host.
3. Bragging to a Stranger
Maybe you're not being interviewed; you're just bragging to a random person on the street or a stranger at a party. Imagine they're riveted, hearing you talk about your amazing career as a writer.
Why? What successes are you sharing with them? Write the conversation. (Bonus for practicing dialogue!)
You've Made It!
Whenever your writing resolutions flag, whenever you get discouraged, when you wonder whether this writing thing is worth it at all, pause and remember why you're writing at all. Envision the future, that point when you've met your writing goals. Let the thrill of your success fuel your writing. That's some of the best encouragement for writers.
Then, write — that's how you'll make it there.
How will you succeed this year? Tell us in the comments.
PRACTICE
Choose one of the prompts above, then take fifteen minutes to write about it.
Feel free to mix it up and repeat this exercise whenever you feel down. I know it always helps me!
When you’re done, share your success story in the Pro Practice Workshop here, and be sure to leave feedback for your fellow successful writers.
Thanks, Sarah! I’m going use one of these for my character. I really needed this, so thanks again!
Great idea! 🙂
Thank you for having me on the show! 1) My inspiration for this novel has been in the works for many years, actually. The story encompasses an issue that needs to be spoken about . . . and it was finally time for me to share! 2) Hmmm–not quite sure what you mean by “giving up” something to become a better writer, although I’d like to continue to grow my “critters” (critique partners), as that’s where the valuable insight and wisdom come from for me. 3) The most difficult thing for me is sitting in the chair to write. Writers don’t “have” time, nor do they “find” time . . . one must MAKE time. It’s a conscious committment that you have to want badly enough. 4) Writing for me is a true catharsis, as well as, I think, a vital way to reach others and have an impact on my world. There are numerous life lessons and moments that can move us in ways that help define who we are or who we want to be. 5) What’s next? Ha! Well, Alexandra Holland and Matthew Parker’s adventures don’t stop at the end of this novel. On the contrary, I believe they’ve just begun. I see definite sequels in the future!
Dawn, I really enjoyed your answers. Thank you for sharing. I wish the best for you. Happy writing.
Beautifully written like a pro Dawn. I need some of your energy.
Sarah, thank you for this post. These are great, uplifting questions.
I love these prompts Sarah, thank you.
You know you want to write, everything around you has a voice. You dream of writing, whether it’s your novel or something else. You even dream of what you’re going to say. But then you wake up. Your writing chair beckons you, but you shy away because of practical chores that demand attention first. Their is only one way to succeed as a writer and that is to write. Get out of bed one hour early and think only of the dream to write and then write some more. Work and responsibilities will always beckon to be a priority. Don’t fall in that trap. Make your mark. What will l write today? Words is who l am and words is what I want to say so l will write them every day anyway.
I am waiting on becoming a, “Best Seller!” That is a wonderful dream of mine! My biggest writing accomplishment was to just write. I stopped being afraid of what others think. And, now people see an ambition in me. I am glad that I published something. Anything to keep going. Thank you for this inspirational article.
Assalam-o-Alaikum and Hello,
Thanks a lot dear Sarah.
I will soon share my writing.
• People around the world are raving about the story/blog/screenplay/etc. you’ve written. What inspired you to write it?
• Shakespeare’s work inspired me to write this play. I am his fan and the first book I read was in grade 8 and it was hos play, “As you like it”
• You’re already awesome, but all writers know they can always improve. What one thing would you give up in order to become a better writer?
• I would give up giving extra details in my writing as noticed by me and one of my mentors.
• What is the most difficult thing about your artistic process and how did you overcome it to produce such a masterpiece?
• I write too lengthy because of which I revise my work at least three times so that flaws can be removed and the stone is polished into a precious gem.
• What does writing mean to you?
• At first it was confined to examinations, I attempted story writing, essay writing and practiced same topics on and on, then I figured it out as something I am good at, later it became a hobby and now it’s my ambition to write a master piece.
• What’s next for you?
• To be very honest, GOD knows that. I am just waiting for a fresh plot to spark somewhere in my mind.
Envision the writing masterpieces that led you to this point. Then, answer these questions (or write your own!) as though you’re being interviewed by your favorite editor or TV host.