Today, I want to highlight one of the underestimated yet elite tools in my toolbox.
I’ve been sharpening this tool for the last 3 months, so it’s even more potent than before.
This elite-level tool has helped me open my heart, trust myself more deeply, expand my vision of who I am, and inspire me to be even more authentic.
So, what is the tool?
It is writing prompts.
Yep! That’s what I’m talking about!
Writing prompts are words, phrases, or questions you answer, relying on your intuition and trusting yourself to write down whatever comes up.
Why Writing Prompts Work Like Magic
1. Surprise: Reveal the Unconscious
It's difficult to count the number of times I've been asked to write about a particular word or phrase, and each time I'm surprised by what ends up on the page.
During my recent MFA program, I produced four markedly distinct paragraphs from a single writing prompt, enabling me to delve deeper into my understanding of what the phrase meant to me and discover a more evocative way to articulate my thoughts. Mind blowing!
2. Inspire: Trust Your Intuition
When utilizing a writing prompt, I'm attempting to tap into a wellspring of inspiration that cannot be reached through deliberate thought processes.
Responding to a writing prompt requires me to relinquish control and trust whatever arises at the moment without judgment or analysis. I must refrain from editing or dissecting my intuitive responses and record them as they come.
3. Discover: Uncover Your Authentic Voice
Throughout this process of writing my memoir, writing prompts have played a pivotal role in unfolding my story, helping me uncover previously unknown aspects of myself and fostering acceptance and reverence for my experiences.
They have inspired me to honor myself and my journey more fully.
But that's not all. Writing prompts help with
- Overcoming writer's block: Sometimes, writers can feel stuck and unsure of what to write about. Writing prompts provide a starting point and help get the creative juices flowing.
- Developing writing skills: Writing prompts can challenge writers to practice different styles of writing, such as descriptive or persuasive writing, and help them improve their skills.
- Exploring new ideas: Writing prompts can encourage writers to explore topics and ideas they may not have considered before, which can lead to new insights and perspectives.
- Building a writing habit: By using writing prompts regularly, writers can establish a routine and make writing a part of their daily or weekly routine.
How To Make the Most of Writing Prompts
This practice of writing with prompts can be done on your own with a Google search… However, the quality will be hit-and-miss, and I feel there’s one thing missing:
Human connection. The container within which to share, be seen, and expand.
If you're like me and benefit from some accountability and support to get yourself going, join us inside our compassionate, supportive community called Fearless You, as well as our seasonally run Fearless Writing Group.
The Fearless Writing Group is for writers of all skill levels who want to be better writers.
By the way, you don't have to call yourself a writer to join because, inside Fearless Writing Group, those writing prompts will be a catalyst for change, a tool for self-discovery, and a place to nurture accountability to your soul, no matter your level of writing experience!
Today, I want to highlight one of the underestimated yet elite tools in my toolbox.
I’ve been sharpening this tool for the last 3 months, so it’s even more potent than before.
This elite-level tool has helped me open my heart, trust myself more deeply, expand my vision of who I am, and inspire me to be even more authentic.
So, what is the tool?
It is writing prompts.
Yep! That’s what I’m talking about!
Writing prompts are words, phrases, or questions you answer, relying on your intuition and trusting yourself to write down whatever comes up.
Why Writing Prompts Work Like Magic
1. Surprise: Reveal the Unconscious
It's difficult to count the number of times I've been asked to write about a particular word or phrase, and each time I'm surprised by what ends up on the page.
During my recent MFA program, I produced four markedly distinct paragraphs from a single writing prompt, enabling me to delve deeper into my understanding of what the phrase meant to me and discover a more evocative way to articulate my thoughts. Mind blowing!
2. Inspire: Trust Your Intuition
When utilizing a writing prompt, I'm attempting to tap into a wellspring of inspiration that cannot be reached through deliberate thought processes.
Responding to a writing prompt requires me to relinquish control and trust whatever arises at the moment without judgment or analysis. I must refrain from editing or dissecting my intuitive responses and record them as they come.
3. Discover: Uncover Your Authentic Voice
Throughout this process of writing my memoir, writing prompts have played a pivotal role in unfolding my story, helping me uncover previously unknown aspects of myself and fostering acceptance and reverence for my experiences.
They have inspired me to honor myself and my journey more fully.
But that's not all. Writing prompts help with
- Overcoming writer's block: Sometimes, writers can feel stuck and unsure of what to write about. Writing prompts provide a starting point and help get the creative juices flowing.
- Developing writing skills: Writing prompts can challenge writers to practice different styles of writing, such as descriptive or persuasive writing, and help them improve their skills.
- Exploring new ideas: Writing prompts can encourage writers to explore topics and ideas they may not have considered before, which can lead to new insights and perspectives.
- Building a writing habit: By using writing prompts regularly, writers can establish a routine and make writing a part of their daily or weekly routine.
How To Make the Most of Writing Prompts
This practice of writing with prompts can be done on your own with a Google search… However, the quality will be hit-and-miss, and I feel there’s one thing missing:
Human connection. The container within which to share, be seen, and expand.
If you're like me and benefit from some accountability and support to get yourself going, join us inside our compassionate, supportive community called Fearless You, as well as our seasonally run Fearless Writing Group.
The Fearless Writing Group is for writers of all skill levels who want to be better writers.
By the way, you don't have to call yourself a writer to join because, inside Fearless Writing Group, those writing prompts will be a catalyst for change, a tool for self-discovery, and a place to nurture accountability to your soul, no matter your level of writing experience!
