4 Quirky Writing Prompt Books
Sometimes, my greatest creations are sparked from writing prompts. Here are five books that have helped me to become a better writer, or if nothing else, inspired me to take the time to write.
1. 642 Things to Write About by the San Francisco Writer's Grotto This is a fantastic book to have for writing sprints. Whether you have 5, 10, or 20 minutes (or longer) to respond to the prompts, I think you'll be surprised with what you create. I know I have been. The compilation of the book itself was a prompt, as editors sent out an email blast to co-workers asking them to submit writing prompts. After 24 hours and a flood of contributions, this quirky-fun book was pulled together.
2. The Amazing Story Generator by Jason Sacher This book will spark an idea even if you aren't using it to write. The pages are divided into three flippable sections so that you can turn, shake, or carefully construct a plot. For example, the first time I flipped through the book, I got "After a monthlong fast, the oldest woman in the world becomes the subject of a documentary film." On a more playful flip, I got "Ignoring the advice of friends, the heir to an oil fortune creates a family of robots." The options are endless!
3. The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood I've had this book for about five years, and I leaf through it all of the time. Monica combines prompts, pictures, and exercises in order to get your creative juices flowing. An example of a prompt is, "write about a roll of film obtained surreptitiously." Anything could be on that film...a memory, clues to a mystery, puzzling photographs from the future, etc. She also includes helpful tips regarding writing professionally, grammar and publishing.
4. Rip The Page! Adventures in Creative Writing by Karen Benke This book may be geared towards children, but I find it to be very helpful with its simple writing prompts and exercises that take me back to why I wanted to write in the first place - because it's fun! You are encouraged to tear out each page and make something of it - create, create, create. I found myself excitedly jotting ideas in my notebook with the turn of every page.
All of these books can be found on Amazon.com :)