The following writing prompts are meant as starting points for free writing exercises. In free writing, the writer sets a timer (10-15 minutes usually works well) and uses the prompt as a starting point.
Continue writing, without stopping or lifting the pen from the page, until the timer goes.
The goal is to quit self-censoring and to get the creative juices flowing. The point of the exercise is to focus on the process of writing, not the product.
Write About Springtime Smells
Leave your notebook at home and take a fifteen minute walk around your neighbourhood. Focus on what you smell. Fresh earth? The smell of pavement after rain? A neighbour's dinner cooking, or manure on a freshly dug garden?
When you get home, go straight to your desk and start writing about what you smelled. Using all the senses to inspire writing can bring out details that writers normally miss. And great writing is always informed by great, specific details.
Write About Growth
Start your writing with the phrase, “The moment she knew she was a grownup was when...”
Without lifting your pen from the page, continue writing for at least ten minutes. Let the writing naturally take you where it wants to, not worrying about plot or structure or grammar.
Write About Springing Into Action
Great writing has conflict, and it also has action. The action doesn't have to be dramatic, but to keep a reader interested there has to be some movement in the characters and the story.
Imagine the character has just discovered that her husband of ten years is having an affair. What is her first course of action? What comes next? Start writing and don't stop for at least fifteen minutes.
Write About New Life
In springtime, new life is everywhere. Flowers are starting to grow, animals are having their babies, new buds are blooming. Spend some time imagining all the new things growing around you before you start this prompt.
Now, start with the words “In the beginning...” See where the writing takes you.
Write About a Springtime Memory
Spring time memories could include Spring Break holidays, Easter celebrations, visits to a petting zoo, or rainy days inside. Mud puddles, mud pies, bird's nests, spring concerts...
Think about a springtime memory that is meaningful to you. Set your clock for ten minutes and start writing. Focus on writing down as many details as you can remember.
Details allow the reader to enter your world. And remembering details can also trigger more and more memories for the writer.
Fight Writer's Block
There are many ways to fight writer's block and inspire your writing.
The best way to stay inspired is to keep writing. Even when you don't feel like it. Just like working out keeps your body in shape, writing keeps your creative muscles in shape.
Use these spring writing prompts to get started, and then keep going.
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