By Isha Jain
At the beginning of my career, the idea of writing based on prompts was strange to me. I tried a prompt for the first time when the dreaded writer’s block hit me.
It felt far better than staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to strike. So, when walking, watching movies, reading books, socializing, and even traveling didn’t work for me, prompts worked like a charm.
Over the years, using the same has helped me immensely in my writing career.
Here are some ways it can help you.
Beat the deadlines
If you are a full-time writer, a variety of prompts are available online that may ask the right question and give you the nudge to beat the deadline.
Whether you have to write something funny, an opinion piece, or a song, you only have to search for prompts until you find one that gets your mind running.
Prompt writing can also help you get in the groove to complete your other longer projects too, if you are stuck, by trying something new.
Earn through prompt competitions.
While most publications are open to all or a specific genre, some are particular in their themes that work like prompts.
The first story I ever sold was based on a prompt. It didn’t only lead me to believe that I could write but also earn from my words.
Although I submit my work widely now, I like writing based on prompts. I have even had more fiction selected based on specific topics, and I enjoy the process.
Freedom of form
The best part about the prompts is the freedom it allows to go in any direction. If the prompt says apple, it is up to you if you want to write an article about the benefits of the fruit, a personal essay on why you don’t like eating it, a poem about a child’s first bite, or a fictional piece of apples ruling over other fruits.
Did you see what just happened here? I had an apple in front of me, and I could think about what I wanted to do with it. Prompts help you write what comes to your mind without judgment from editors or readers.
Freedom of genre
Quirky prompts allow you to explore different genres in writing. It can help you to broaden your horizons.
When I tried science fiction for the first time, it was because of a prompt-based competition. I was afraid of the genre. I had convinced myself that I could never write it. Yet, the topic seemed interesting and sparked the idea of a story in my head.
And while that was specific, you can write any genre that suits your interpretations of the prompt.
No pressure
Since there is no one looking over your shoulder, you can abandon the stories that do not work for you, even if the idea first sparked something creative in your head.
The lack of pressure allows you to get going with the process of your work without any expectations.
Maybe that is why I have a little hidden folder in my laptop of unfinished drafts based on prompts.
Post your unhinged work
If you have a landing page, like Substack, website or blog, you can post your raw writing to connect on a more personal level with your readers.
Last year, I started a series on prompts, and it has led to the creation of something bigger.
The readers give their takes, even their prompts and requests for me to write on. It has created a creative space for all.
Build a community
It is amazing to see what different people can come up with when you are all given the same set of words to ponder over.
You can build a community by providing prompts, writing, reading, sharing, and promoting the work of your fellow writers. You can also be a part of a community run by another person.
Since writing is usually a solitary process, I like this method of finding new writers and bonding with other creatives in the field.
In the end, writing prompts are a tool that can be used, if stuck, bored, or in need of something adventurous.
Every writer has their process, and their take on prompts. However, I find that there is no harm in trying something new when it can lead to something potentially good.
Bio: Isha Jain is a writer from Delhi, India. Her work has been published with Mysticeti, riddlebird and Brown History among other avenues. She runs her own newsletter named, ‘The Indian Story’ where you can find more of her fiction and essays.
