I design prompts to have an impact on whatever project you’re writing. They may seem random at times, but in fact are keyed to the specific demands all stories have.
1. Structure Prompt.
I target a specific structural moment in a story. For example, for the Inciting Incident, I’ll ask you to write: From the point of view of your main character, write about the moment your story gets started. In a romance, of course, the Inciting Incident is the moment the two lovers meet for the first time. In a murder mystery, it’s the moment the detective finds the body. Or, for the Epiphany: Write a Monologue for your Main Character in which they explain what they’ve learned on this journey. For example, Dorothy Gale learns “There’s No Place Like Home.” If you stick with me, and write to all the structure prompts I offer, you’ll end up with a pile of stuff that will comprise a good bit of your story.
2. Sense Memory Prompt.
We all hear about the importance of using the five senses to create the most vivid writing. In my workshops, I will assign a specific detail using one of the senses which should unlock important memories or inspire expressive scenes. For example, Write a scene with something sweet. Write a scene with a loud bang. Write a scene with the smell of smoke. Write a scene with something cold. Write a scene with the color pink.
3. Elements.
Using the four elements in your writing will engage the reader. Write a scene with Wind. Write a scene with Rain. Write a scene with Fire. Write a scene with Earth. Over the years, I’ve seen hundreds of writers improve their work by including the Four Elements.
4. Interior Monologue Prompts.
How can we find out what makes our characters tick? I offer Interior Monologue Prompts which get our character talking to us, sometimes shouting at us, telling us what they care about. For example: What do you fear most? What’s the worst thing that could happen? What’s the happiest day of your life, your happiest memory? If all your dreams came true, what would that look like? What would be your typical day? If you’re working on a novel or a memoir, you know you need to get those interior monologues down on paper. I suggest however, that even if you’re working on a screenplay, you need to get in touch with the inner life of your Main Character.
Happy Writing!
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