Get the Juices Flowing

Any writer worth their salt has hit a roadblock before. The hardest part about them is just how random they are—and how long they tend to last. Sometimes, you have every idea in the world without any means of articulating them, and other times, you don’t sit at your desk for months. Don’t worry; we have a few ways to kickstart your creativity. 

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1. Your Character is Cooking

Cooking is a somewhat peaceful activity for many people. But how cathartic is it for your character? Are they a chef with terrible staff? Are they a home cook in the throes of a divorce? Where does their mind go when they see steam rising from the pot? What does the kitchen look like? Plop them in their element and see what happens! 

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2. Rewrite a Scene From a Different Perspective

Sometimes, one of the best ways to climb out of your funk is to write from someone else’s viewpoint. What does your protagonist’s dad think about their decisions? How does the neighbor view their activities? 

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3. You Lose One of Your Senses

Have you ever imagined how the world would change if you suddenly woke up blind? What’s the first thing you would do if you noticed you could no longer feel anything? Sit in a quiet room and truly try to envision your next steps—then write them down. 

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4. Misheard Lyrics

Not every prompt has to be serious! When was the last time you misheard lyrics? What did you hear? Write down your goofiest mistakes and see what comes next. You never know; maybe you’ll make a song of your own. 

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5. A Younger Version of Yourself

We know it seems a little cliché, but when was the last time you truly confronted your old self? We often turn our backs on the exercise, too afraid to encounter our past selves, but that vulnerability is exactly what creates a good tale. 

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