Writing Prompts

• If you put off writing because you seem to be at a loss for ideas, writing prompts can help. Bookstores have shelves of books on writing filled with prompts to spark creativity. Online blogs or websites can be good resources as well. For example, one from "Writer's Digest" says, "Pick an event from your childhood that you wish would have gone differently. Write it as though it had happened ideally." The resulting bit of fiction you jot down could even be used as a scene in a larger story. You can spend as few as five minutes or over an hour on writing prompts.
  
  

Free Write

• This is the ultimate uncensored writing activity. There are no rules, no expectations and no guidelines. Set a timer for up to 15 minutes and start it. Write down the first thought that comes to you, then write the thought that comes after that. During free writing, write down every single thing that comes to mind. One thought will lead to another and another, and it may not make sense. At the end of your time, read what you have written. Highlight thoughts or ideas you think you can develop later and use those ideas as writing prompts.
  
  

Journaling or Blogging

• Keeping a journal or posting to a blog can help you put your ideas into writing. Even if you simply write about your day-to-day life, you will find your thoughts flow more smoothly and your writing style improves with this practice. You might even find that some of your personal experiences spark ideas for stories, poems or essays. Another option is to keep a daily journal of your dreams for at least a month to see what creative ideas your subconscious conjures. Journals and blogs can help you practice the technical aspects of writing while providing you with ideas from your own life.
  
  

Just One Minute

• One minute a day may be all it takes to spark your creativity. In some cases, this may be all the time you can spare. You can do this with shorter writing prompts, also found online or in creative writing books, that are easily answered in a minute or less. Set a timer for exactly one minute, choose a prompt, start the timer and begin writing. You don't have to stop when the timer goes off if you find that you have more to say.