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76+ Fun Science Writing Prompts For Students

Science is all around us – from the tiny cells in our bodies to the vast galaxies in outer space. For budding young scientists and writers, there’s no better way to explore their interests than through writing! This post contains over 76 fun, thought-provoking science writing prompts perfect for students of all ages from elementary to high school.

Covering topics like biology, chemistry, physics and more, as well as journal ideas to get those creative juices flowing. Whether it’s imagining travelling to a new planet or designing their own robot, kids will love putting pen to paper with these science-themed prompts. So grab a notebook and let’s get started on an exciting scientific writing adventure!

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From understanding the weather to exploring new frontiers in technology, science opens up a world of possibilities. Spark your student’s imagination with these diverse science writing prompts covering biology, chemistry, physics, and more.

• Describe a world-changing scientific discovery from the perspective of the scientist who made it. Explore the emotions, challenges, and implications of this breakthrough.
• A scientist invents a time machine but faces a moral dilemma about whether to change a critical moment in history. Write about the decision-making process and its consequences.
• Imagine being an astronaut on a mission to explore a habitable exoplanet. Describe the journey, the landing, and the challenges of establishing the first human colony on an alien world.
• Explore your thoughts on climate change. What actions can individuals take to mitigate its effects, and how can science contribute to finding sustainable solutions?
• Write a narrative from the perspective of a highly advanced artificial intelligence. Explore the AI’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences as it interacts with humans and the world.
• A scientific experiment unexpectedly opens a portal to parallel universes . Explore the consequences and interactions between different versions of the same characters.
• Scientists develop a groundbreaking technology that allows parents to customise their child’s genetic traits. Explore the ethical implications and societal consequences of this technology.
• Reflect on the complexity of the human brain. Consider how neuroscience advancements contribute to our understanding of cognition, emotions, and consciousness.
• In a post-apocalyptic world, one scientist remains with the knowledge to rebuild society. Explore the challenges and responsibilities of being the last hope for scientific progress.
• A linguist is tasked with deciphering the language of an extraterrestrial species. Explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and cultural exchanges that occur during the process.
• Scientists develop a technology that allows people to share thoughts and emotions directly. Explore the impact on relationships, privacy, and society as a whole.
• A research team discovers a cure for a deadly disease but faces ethical challenges in its distribution. Explore the ethical dilemmas and decisions that the scientists must make.
• Explore a future where artificial intelligence gains self-awareness and questions its role in serving humans. What happens when AI systems rebel against their creators?
• Imagine a world where all living organisms emit light through bioluminescence. Describe the ecological interactions, adaptations, and cultural aspects of a society in this unique environment.
• A scientist develops a device that allows people to enter and explore their dreams. Explore the psychological and philosophical implications of this invention.
• Write a story about the challenges faced by the first human colony on Mars. Address issues such as isolation, resource management, and the psychological impact of living on another planet.
• Consider the microscopic organisms that exist around us. Reflect on the importance of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in maintaining life on Earth.
• Miniaturise a group of scientists and send them on an adventure inside the human body. Explore the challenges and discoveries as they navigate the microscopic world.
• Set a story in a future where climate change has drastically altered the Earth. Follow a group of scientists as they embark on a journey to reverse or adapt to the changes.
• Scientists invent a teleportation device, but users report strange experiences during the process. Explore the consequences and mysteries surrounding this new mode of transportation.
• Consider the role of technology in society. Reflect on the positive and negative impacts of technological advancements, and explore your thoughts on ethical considerations related to technology.
• A breakthrough leads to the discovery of a method for achieving immortality. Explore the societal, ethical, and personal implications of a world where everyone can live forever.
• Write about a team of scientists solving long-standing mysteries, like the nature of dark matter, the origin of the universe, or the cure for a mysterious ailment. Explore the journey and the impact of their discoveries.
• Consider the benefits and challenges of solar, wind, and hydropower, and explore their role in addressing climate change.
•  During a science experiment, something goes wrong, and you shrink down to the size of an atom! Describe your journey through the microscopic world, encountering the wonders and dangers of this unseen realm. 
• Explore the ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology. Reflect on the possibilities and challenges of genetic engineering, cloning, and other advancements in biotechnology.
• In a society obsessed with genetic engineering, you are born with a unique genetic anomaly that gives you extraordinary abilities. But how do you deal with the prejudice and fear your difference inspires in others?
• Reflect on the water cycle and its significance in sustaining life on Earth. Consider the impact of human activities on water resources and ways to promote water conservation.
• You discover that plants are not only sentient but possess hidden intelligence and a unique perspective on the world. Write a story exploring your communication with them and the ecological and ethical implications of your discovery.
• You develop a technology that allows minds to be uploaded into digital avatars, offering immortality but raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the ethics of digital existence. Explore the societal debate and your own conflicting emotions as you face the decision to upload your own mind.
• Reflect on the vastness of the universe. If you could visit any celestial body, which one would it be and why? Describe your journey and the scientific discoveries you might make.
• Consider the invisible forces that shape our world, such as gravity, magnetism, or electromagnetism. How do these forces impact your daily life, and what would life be like without them?
• Explore the concept of biodiversity. Reflect on the variety of life on Earth, its importance to ecosystems, and how each species contributes to the delicate balance of nature.
• Reflect on the role of robots in today’s society. Consider how robots are used in various fields, from manufacturing to healthcare, and reflect on the ethical considerations surrounding their integration.
• Dive into the world of sound. Reflect on how sound waves travel, the impact of different frequencies, and the role of sound in communication and the natural environment.
• Imagine you are a photon travelling through space. Reflect on the journey from a distant star to Earth, considering the challenges and experiences along the way.

See this list of sci-fi writing prompts and story ideas for more inspiration.

The building blocks of life – that’s biology! From the smallest cells to the most complex ecosystems, there are endless topics to explore in the scientific study of living organisms. These biology writing prompts will get students thinking critically about plants, animals, human anatomy, and more.

• Write a fictional story that follows the evolution of a species over millions of years. Explore the environmental challenges, adaptations, and speciation events that shape the evolutionary path.
• Imagine you are a cell within the human body. Write a first-person narrative describing your daily activities, interactions with other cells, and the role you play in maintaining the body’s health.
• Research and write about a specific genetic disorder. Discuss its causes, symptoms, and the impact it has on individuals and their families. Explore current research and potential treatments.
• Choose a specific ecosystem and describe the interdependence among various organisms, highlighting the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers.
• Investigate the diverse world of microorganisms. Write about the importance of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in maintaining ecological balance and their applications in fields like medicine and biotechnology.
• Reflect on the ethical considerations of cloning. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of cloning animals or humans and explore the societal implications of this technology.
• Choose a biome (e.g., rainforest, desert, tundra) and explore its unique biodiversity. Discuss the plant and animal adaptations that allow them to thrive in that specific environment.
• Write a creative story that takes place inside the human body. Explore the journey of nutrients, the functions of organs, and the interactions between different body systems.
• Research and write about the potential applications of stem cells in medicine. Discuss their role in regenerative medicine, organ transplantation, and treatment of various diseases.
• Reflect on your personal ecological footprint. Calculate and discuss the environmental impact of your lifestyle choices, considering factors like energy consumption, waste production, and dietary habits.

See our Earth Day writing prompts for more environmental writing ideas.

Chemistry is the fascinating science of matter, its properties, and how substances interact with one another. These chemistry writing prompts will have students experimenting with creative ways to describe chemical reactions, the periodic table, acids and bases, and other key chemistry concepts.

• Write a creative story where the characters are elements or compounds undergoing a chemical reaction. Describe the characters, their interactions, and the products of the reaction.
• Choose an element from the periodic table and write a poem that captures its properties, uses, and significance. Use metaphor and imagery to bring the element to life.
• Explore the chemical reactions that occur during cooking. Write about the transformations of ingredients, the Maillard reaction, and the role of acids and bases in creating delicious dishes.
• Create a dialogue or short play where different types of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, metallic) are characters engaged in a conversation. Explore the nature of their relationships.
• Research and write about the environmental impact of a specific chemical or group of chemicals. Discuss pollution, bioaccumulation, and potential alternatives or solutions.
• Imagine a world where molecules are sentient beings. Write a story where molecules embark on adventures, exploring different environments and undergoing various chemical reactions.
• Explore the science behind colours in everyday life. Write about the role of pigments, dyes, and chemical reactions in creating the vibrant colours we see in art, nature, and products.
• Investigate the applications of nanotechnology. Write about the potential breakthroughs and challenges in fields like medicine, materials science, and electronics.
• Research a recent news article related to chemistry. Write a reflection on the scientific principles involved, the potential implications, and the role of chemistry in addressing real-world challenges.
• Research and write about recent innovations in chemical engineering. Discuss how chemical engineers contribute to fields like pharmaceuticals, energy production, and environmental sustainability.
• Follow the life cycle of a plastic bottle from production to disposal. Discuss the chemical processes involved in manufacturing, recycling, and the environmental impact of plastic.
• Choose a medicinal plant and explore the chemical compounds responsible for its therapeutic properties. Discuss the history of its use in traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical applications.

From Newton’s laws of motion to quantum theory, physics seeks to understand the forces and laws that govern our universe. These physics writing prompts will get students thinking about energy, gravity, electricity, light, and other physics fundamentals in creative ways.

• Imagine you’ve invented a time machine. Write about the physics principles involved and the ethical considerations and challenges of time travel.
• Explore the physics behind superpowers. Choose a superhero and analyze how their abilities might be explained or debunked based on principles like Newton’s laws or electromagnetism.
• Reflect on the bizarre and counterintuitive aspects of quantum physics. Discuss how quantum phenomena might impact everyday experiences, from the behaviour of electrons to the concept of superposition.
• Choose a sport and discuss the physics principles involved, such as projectile motion in basketball, the conservation of energy in gymnastics, or the aerodynamics of soccer balls.
• Write about the physics challenges of a manned mission to Mars. Discuss topics like space travel, gravity, and life support systems that physicists would need to address for a successful journey.
• Explore one of Albert Einstein’s famous thought experiments, such as the twin paradox or the elevator experiment. Write about the implications of these theoretical scenarios.
• Discuss the physics of alternative energy sources. Explore the principles behind solar power, wind energy, or nuclear fusion, and consider their potential to address global energy needs.
• Explore the physics of sound and music. Discuss concepts like frequency, resonance, and harmonics, and explain how these principles contribute to the creation of different musical instruments.
• Write about the physics of roller coasters. Explore concepts like gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and centripetal force, and discuss how engineers design thrilling rides.
• Imagine a world where everyday objects exhibit quantum behaviour on a macroscopic scale. Write about the societal and practical implications of living in a macroscopic quantum world.

See our space writing prompts for more scientific writing ideas.

Keeping a science journal is a great way for students to thoughtfully reflect on their observations and discoveries. These science journal topic prompts cover a range of disciplines – from detailing a science experiment to speculating about life in the year 2050 – to encourage analytical thinking and science writing skills.

• Track the growth of a plant: Choose a plant, like a bean sprout or sunflower, and document its growth over time. Take pictures, measure its height, and note any changes in its appearance. You can even write about the conditions you provide for the plant, such as sunlight, water, and soil type.
• Observe the weather: Keep track of the weather conditions in your area for a week or a month. Record the temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover. You can also note any interesting weather events, such as storms or rainbows.
• Collect and identify rocks and minerals: Go on a rock-hounding expedition and collect some interesting specimens. Then, use a field guide or online resources to identify them. You can learn about the different types of rocks and minerals, how they are formed, and their properties.
• Start a compost bin: Composting is a great way to recycle food scraps and yard waste. Set up a compost bin in your backyard or kitchen and track how it decomposes over time. You can learn about the different stages of composting and the organisms that help break down the organic matter.
• Monitor your sleep: Keep a sleep diary to track how much sleep you get each night. Note the time you go to bed, the time you wake up, and how well you slept. You can also record any factors that might affect your sleep, such as caffeine intake or exercise.
• Experiment with different foods: Try cooking a new recipe each week and document your results. Note the ingredients you used, the steps you followed, and how the dish turned out. You can also rate the recipe and write about any modifications you would make next time.
• Write a journal entry speculating about the energy sources that might power our world in the year 2050. Consider advancements in renewable energy, new technologies, and their impact on the environment and daily life.
• Track your water intake: It is important to drink plenty of water each day. Keep a water tracker to monitor how much water you are drinking. You can also set goals for yourself and track your progress over time.
• Learn about a new scientific discovery: Choose a recent scientific discovery that interests you and learn more about it. Read articles, watch videos, and talk to experts. Then, write about what you learned and what you think the implications of the discovery are.
• Conduct an experiment to test how different light conditions affect plant growth. Record your hypotheses, methods, and observations. Reflect on the significance of your findings for indoor gardening or space exploration.
• Record your dreams: Keep a dream journal to record your dreams as soon as you wake up. Write down as much detail as you can remember, including the setting, the characters, and the plot. You can also try to interpret your dreams using a dream dictionary.
• Track your mood: Keep a mood tracker to record your mood each day. You can use a scale of 1 to 10, or you can use words to describe your mood. You can also track any factors that might affect your mood, such as stress or sleep.
• Backyard Biodiversity: Observe and identify the different plants and animals living in your backyard or local park. Learn about their interactions, adaptations, and ecological roles. Use photos, sketches, and notes to document your discoveries.
• Stargazing Adventures: Choose a constellation or celestial object to follow throughout the night sky. Track its movement, brightness, and any changes in appearance. Learn about its composition, distance, and cultural significance.
• Kitchen Chemistry Experiments: Conduct simple chemistry experiments using everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and food colouring. Observe the reactions, record your findings, and explain the scientific principles behind them.
• Gardening Experiments: Plan and conduct your own gardening experiments, testing different planting methods, soil types, or fertilizers. Track the growth of your plants, analyze the results, and draw conclusions about the best practices for your specific environment.
• Document an experiment where you observe the effects of pollution on local ecosystems. Choose a nearby environment (like a pond or park), detail your experiment setup, record observations of plant and animal life, and discuss the broader implications for environmental conservation.
• Speculate about a day in your life in the year 2050, where advanced robotics play a significant role. Consider how robots might assist with daily tasks, education, and work. Describe the impact on society and personal interactions.
• Decoding Animal Behavior: Observe animals in your environment, like birds, squirrels, or insects. Try to understand their behaviour, communication patterns, and adaptations to their habitat. Document your observations and research to gain deeper insights into the animal kingdom.
• Speculate about life in a smart city in the year 2050. Consider how technology, data, and sustainability practices might shape urban living. Explore the benefits and challenges of smart city initiatives.

Science sparks curiosity and wonder in young minds. These science writing prompts tailored for elementary-age students will get little ones excited about making observations, conducting simple experiments, and exploring basic scientific concepts through creative writing.

• Imagine a world where plants can talk. Write a story about your adventure with a friendly, talking plant in your backyard. What did you learn from it?
• If you were a helpful robot, what tasks would you assist people with? Write a short paragraph explaining your robot’s abilities and how it would make life easier.
• Tell the story of a water droplet’s journey. Describe its adventures as it travels through the water cycle, from evaporation to precipitation.
• If you could create a brand new dinosaur, what would it look like? Describe its size, colour, and any special features it might have. What would you name your dinosaur?
• You discover a magical science book that lets you conduct exciting experiments with just a touch of its pages. Write about the experiments you would try and the fun you would have.
• Imagine that you have a friendly pet alien from Mars. Describe your alien friend, its special abilities, and the fun activities you would do together.
• If you had the superpower to absorb energy from the sun, how would you use it to help your community? Write about the positive changes you would bring using solar power.
• Create a story about a group of animals that can talk and work together to solve problems. What kind of adventures do they go on, and how do they help each other?
• You have a garden where everything you plant grows into something magical. Write about the different plants you would grow and the enchanting surprises they would bring.
• You shrink down to the size of a fish and explore the underwater world. Write a story about your adventures, the creatures you meet, and the mysteries you solve.
• You’re on a mission to find a new source of clean energy. Where do you look? What do you discover? Write a story about your search for clean energy and the impact it could have on the world.
• The forest near your home is shrinking, and the animals are losing their homes. Write a story about your efforts to save the forest, the challenges you face, and the importance of protecting nature.
• Choose an animal you find interesting and research its unique adaptations. Write a story from the animal’s perspective, describing how its adaptations help it survive and thrive in its environment.
• You invent a potion that makes you invisible. What kind of adventures do you have while invisible? How do you use your invisibility to help others? Write a story about your invisible adventures.
• You build a time machine and accidentally travel back in time. Where do you end up? Who do you meet? Write a story about your time-travelling adventure and how you get back to your own time.

Sometimes you just need a quick spark to get students engaged in science writing. These brief science quick-write prompts offer thought-provoking scenarios or questions that can be responded to in just a few minutes.

• If you could have a conversation with any planet in our solar system, which one would it be and what would you talk about?
• If you could have an invisible superpower related to a scientific concept (like invisibility, teleportation, etc.), what would it be and how would you use it?
• You discover a time-travelling camera that takes snapshots of any moment in history. Write about the moment you choose to capture and why.
• In a world ravaged by climate change, you become the caretaker of a hidden seed bank containing the last remnants of Earth’s biodiversity. Write a short scene depicting your struggle to protect the seeds and cultivate hope for the future.
• You become emotionally attached to a chatbot with advanced learning capabilities. Can you maintain a meaningful relationship with an artificial intelligence? Write a series of chat entries showcasing your interactions and the evolving nature of your connection.
• Write a quick description of your encounter with a friendly alien scientist. What scientific knowledge do you share with each other?
• If you could make a quantum leap to any point in time or space, where would you go, and what scientific wonders would you hope to witness?
• You invent a robot that can perform any scientific experiment or task. Describe the robot’s capabilities and the incredible discoveries it helps you make.
• If you could have a conversation with an element from the periodic table, which one would it be, and what questions would you ask? 
• Imagine you are a news reporter broadcasting from each planet in our solar system. Provide brief updates on the weather, unique features, and any interesting scientific phenomena.

And that’s just a taste of the many creative science writing prompts we have to share! Whether it’s speculating about the science of the future or explaining a simple science concept, these writing prompts and journal ideas are designed to engage any student’s natural curiosity. The best part is there are no right or wrong answers – as long as students are thinking critically and letting their imaginations run wild. 

We hope these science writing prompts sparked plenty of ideas for your next classroom or homework assignment. Let us know in the comments below which prompts are your favourites or if you have any other ideas to add to our list!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Sands of Creativity: Mastering the Art of Describing Sand in Creative Writing

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Unleashing Your Imagination: The Intriguing World of Describing Sand

Capturing the essence: exploring the texture and color of different sands, painting a picture with words: crafting vivid descriptions of sand, playing with metaphors: infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions, mastering the art of sensory detail: evoking sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, choosing the right words: enhancing descriptions through precise vocabulary, going beyond the obvious: uncovering the unique qualities of various sands, inspiring your readers: techniques to bring sand descriptions to life, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Have you ever stopped to truly observe the mesmerizing qualities of sand? This omnipresent substance that effortlessly slips through our fingers is more fascinating than meets the eye. Its texture alone can transport us to a multitude of landscapes, from silky smooth shores to rough and grainy dunes. But describing sand goes far beyond its mere sensation. Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the intriguing world of sand and let your imagination run wild .

Sand, with its infinite variety, holds a treasure trove of colors. From dazzling white beaches to golden desert expanses, it embraces shades that beckon the wanderlust within us. Each grain tells a unique story, composed of minerals, rocks, and even seashells. Imagine the soft, powder-like feel of finely ground quartz sliding through your fingers, or the coarser, uneven grit of volcanic ash-shaped particles. The diversity of sand is as astounding as the landscapes they form. Palettes of ochre, beige, caramel, or ebony awaken our senses and paint vivid pictures in our minds.

Welcome to a captivating journey where we delve into the mesmerizing world of sands! Join us as we uncover the diverse range of textures and colors found in sands across the globe. From sun-kissed beaches to arid deserts, each grain has its own story to tell.

The texture of sands can vary significantly, providing a truly unique tactile experience. Fine sands, with their powdery consistency, effortlessly slip through your fingers, creating a velvety sensation. In contrast, coarse sands offer a grainier touch that exudes a sense of rawness and ruggedness. Embark on an adventure of touch, allowing your fingertips to explore the vast differences that sands have to offer.

• Jagged Sands: Some sands display jagged edges, formed from elements like crushed shells or volcanic rocks. These rough textures not only add intrigue but also depict the turbulent history of their origin.
• Silky Sands: As smooth as silk, these ultra-fine grains are like caressing a cloud. Often found on serene beaches, their velvety texture feels luxurious beneath your toes.
• Glistening Sands: Certain sands shimmer like precious gems under the sunlight. Infused with tiny crystal fragments, they create a mesmerizing spectacle that sparkles and captivates all who behold their beauty.

Colors also play a significant role in the allure of sands. Some beaches boast pristine white sands, where the pureness reflects the surrounding sunlight, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Other shores embrace warm golden tones, reminiscent of endless summer days. Certain volcanic regions unveil striking black sands, drenched in mystery and history. The kaleidoscope of colors found in sands truly invites us to observe the fascinating tapestry of our planet.

Color: The sand sparkled like golden silk under the bright rays of the sun, spreading hues of warmth and radiance. As the coastline stretched far into the distance, the sand gradually lightened to a delicate shade of beige, reminiscent of a creamy cappuccino. In some areas, where the sea gently lapped against the shore, the sand appeared damp and darker, contrasting beautifully with the dry, powdery texture surrounding it.

Texture: Running your fingers through the sand felt like sifting through thousands of tiny, velvety granules. It was as if nature had taken the softest down feathers and transformed them into a flooring of delicate particles. The sand was cool to the touch, offering a refreshing respite from the heat of the sun. With each step, the sand gently yielded beneath your weight, leaving behind little footprints and revealing its resilient nature.

When it comes to describing sand, the use of metaphors can add a whole new dimension of emotion and depth to your writing. Metaphors allow you to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses, making your descriptions more captivating and memorable.

One way to infuse emotion into sand descriptions is by comparing the texture of the sand to something familiar yet evocative. For example, you could liken the softness of the sand to a baby’s skin, instantly conjuring feelings of tenderness and delicacy. Alternatively, you might compare the roughness of the sand to a warrior’s calloused hands, evoking a sense of strength and resilience. By using metaphors, you can transform a mundane description into a powerful visual experience that resonates with your readers.

• Compare the warmth of the sand to a cozy fireplace on a winter’s night.
• Describe the color of the sand as golden, like an ethereal sunbeam at sunset.
• Portray the sound of the sand as a gentle whisper, reminiscent of secrets shared between loved ones.

Ultimately, the key to infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions lies in the artful use of metaphors. By carefully selecting metaphors that resonate with your intended emotions and creating a sensory experience, you can transport your readers to the sandy shores and make your descriptions come alive.

Evoke the beauty and essence of a sandy landscape by mastering the art of sensory detail. By incorporating vivid sights, sounds, and feelings, you can transport your readers to a world of sun-kissed shores and shifting dunes.

When describing the sight of sand, imagine the golden grains glistening in the sunlight like a million tiny stars. The fine texture and undulating patterns create a mesmerizing sight, painting a picture of tranquility and endless possibility. Picture the way the sand stretches out before you, seemingly infinite, inviting you to explore and lose yourself in its soft embrace. To amplify this visual imagery, consider using descriptive adjectives like “powdery,” “radiant,” or “undulating.”

• Sound: Close your eyes and listen closely to the soundscape of sand. As you walk, the grains gently shift under your feet, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound – a gentle dance of nature. The sound of sand blowing in the wind is a whispered melody, harmonizing with the symphony of crashing waves in the background. To convey these auditory sensations, incorporate words like “whisper,” “rustle,” or “murmur.”
• Feelings: The sensation of sand beneath your toes is an unparalleled experience. As you sink your feet into its warmth, you can almost feel its soft caress against your skin. The playful texture lends itself to building sandcastles or creating intricate patterns with your fingertips. Let your readers feel the sensation of sand slipping through their fingers, the gentle exfoliation as it meets their skin. Use words like “gritty,” “grainy,” or “velvety” to transport your audience to the tactile wonderland of sand.

Incorporating sensory detail in your writing enables you to paint a vivid and immersive picture of the sandy landscape. By harnessing the sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, you can evoke a sensory experience that resonates with your readers, enticing them to embark on their own journeys through the mesmerizing world of sand.

The art of effective communication lies not only in the ideas we express but also in the words we choose to convey those ideas. When it comes to descriptions, the use of precise vocabulary can elevate the impact and clarity of our message. By carefully selecting the right words, we can paint a vivid picture in the minds of our readers, capturing their attention and evoking specific emotions.

First and foremost, precision in vocabulary allows us to be more specific with our descriptions. By utilizing words that are exact and concrete, we provide the reader with a clear image of what we are describing. Rather than simply stating that something is “big,” we can use words like “monstrous” or “towering,” providing a much more evocative and memorable depiction. Additionally, precise vocabulary helps us to express nuanced differences. For example, instead of describing an object as “old,” we can choose words like “antique” or “vintage” to convey a sense of history and value. These subtle word choices add depth and richness to our descriptions, making them more engaging and captivating.

• Precision in vocabulary provides clarity and specificity in descriptions.
• Exact and concrete words create clear mental images.
• Evocative vocabulary helps capture the reader’s attention.
• Subtle differences can be expressed through nuanced word choices.
• Precise vocabulary adds depth and engages the reader.

In conclusion, choosing the right words is key to enhancing descriptions. By incorporating a precise vocabulary, we can ensure clarity, evoke emotions, and captivate our readers. So, let us dive into the vast sea of words and select those that best convey our intended meaning, creating descriptions that truly come alive in the minds of those who read them.

When it comes to sand, we often take it for granted as simply a gritty substance beneath our feet. However, delve deeper into the world of sands, and you’ll be amazed by their diverse characteristics and rich histories. From the serene beaches of the Caribbean to the mystical deserts of Africa, sands hold unique qualities that set them apart. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the hidden wonders of these fascinating granules!

1. The Singing Sands of Lovers Beach, Mexico: Have you ever heard sand sing? Well, you can experience this enchanting phenomenon at the pristine Lovers Beach in Cabo San Lucas. As you step on the sand, the friction between the tiny grains produces a gentle melody resembling the sound of a distant flute. This extraordinary occurrence is due to the silica-rich content of the sand particles. It’s truly a magical experience cherished by locals and visitors alike.

2. The Magnetic Sands of Tenerife, Spain: Prepare to be amazed by the magnetic sands of Tenerife’s Playa de las Teresitas. Unlike ordinary sand, these unique black grains are formed from volcanic materials, giving them their magnetic properties. Locals believe that the sand possesses healing powers, and visitors flock to this stunning beach to relax and indulge in its alleged therapeutic benefits. So, next time you’re in Tenerife, don’t miss the opportunity to lounge on these captivatingly magnetic sands!

When describing sandy landscapes, it is crucial to paint a vivid picture in your reader’s mind. By incorporating sensory details and using descriptive language, you can transport your audience to the breathtaking beauty of sandy shores. Here are some techniques to infuse life into your sand descriptions:

• 1. Appeal to the senses: Engage your reader’s senses by describing the texture of the sand – is it powdery, fine, or gritty? Highlight the scent of the ocean breeze as it mingles with the salty sea air. Captivating your reader’s senses creates a more immersive experience.
• 2. Evoke emotions: Describing the sand in a way that elicits emotions can create a deeper connection with your readers. A phrase like “the golden sand shimmered under the sun, inviting you to feel its warmth beneath your toes” sparks feelings of comfort and tranquility.
• 3. Use vibrant comparisons: Enhance your descriptions by drawing comparisons to relatable objects. For instance, you could compare the color of the sand to “pale vanilla” or liken its texture to “sifting through a thousand crushed pearls.”

By employing these techniques, you can revitalize your descriptions of sandy landscapes and transport your readers to coastal paradises. Remember to be creative and let the sand come alive in their minds, enabling them to feel the warmth, smell the sea, and hear the gentle whisper of the waves in the distance.

Q: What is the importance of describing sand in creative writing? A: Describing sand in creative writing can add depth and realism to your storytelling. It helps create vivid imagery and transports readers to different settings, whether it’s a tropical beach or a desert landscape.

Q: How can I effectively describe sand in my writing? A: To describe sand effectively, use sensory language to engage readers’ senses. Focus on the texture, color, temperature, and even the sound of sand to make your description come alive on the page. Be specific and pay attention to small details that can enhance the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: What are some ways to capture the texture of sand in descriptive writing? A: To capture the texture of sand, consider its graininess, roughness, or smoothness. You can compare it to other familiar textures, such as silk, granulated sugar, or even the rough skin of a lizard. By using descriptive adjectives and similes, you can effectively convey the unique properties of sand.

Q: How does the color of sand impact descriptive writing? A: The color of sand plays a significant role in setting the scene in creative writing. Whether it is white, golden, or even black, the color of sand can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, white sand may convey a sense of purity or tranquility, while golden sand can symbolize warmth and paradise.

Q: How can I describe the temperature of sand in my writing? A: Describing the temperature of sand can help readers experience the scene more fully. You can convey warmth by mentioning the hot sand beneath one’s feet, or alternatively, describe the coolness of sand in the shade. By incorporating the temperature element, you can accentuate the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: Is it important to describe the sound of sand as well? A: Absolutely! Incorporating the sound of sand can make your writing even more immersive. Describe the crunching sound underfoot as someone walks on dry sand, or the gentle swishing sound of sand slipping through fingers. By including auditory details, you engage another sense and make the scene feel more realistic.

Q: How can I avoid generic descriptions when writing about sand? A: To avoid generic descriptions, focus on using unique and specific details. Instead of simply stating “the sand was white,” you could describe it as “powdery white sand, so fine that it slipped right through my fingers.” By using more descriptive language, you make the description more engaging and memorable.

Q: Are there any pitfalls to avoid when describing sand in creative writing? A: One common pitfall to avoid is overusing cliches or generic phrases. Aim to create original descriptions that paint a vivid picture in readers’ minds. Additionally, be cautious of excessive description that might slow down the pace of your writing. Strike a balance between providing enough detail to engage the reader, while keeping the story flowing smoothly.

Q: Can you provide some examples of effective descriptions of sand in creative writing? A: Certainly! Here are a few examples: 1. “The sand, warm as freshly baked bread, cushioned my every step as I strolled along the beach.” 2. “Golden grains of sand shimmered under the scorching sun, creating a radiant tapestry as far as the eye could see.” 3. “As the wind whispered through the dunes, the fine sand rose and fell like dancing tiny diamonds in a desert waltz.”

Q: Any final tips for mastering the art of describing sand in creative writing? A: Practice observing sand in real-life situations , paying attention to its various characteristics and how it interacts with the environment. This practice will help you develop a keen eye for detail, enabling you to describe sand more authentically in your writing. Remember to engage the reader’s senses and use language that is unique, specific, and evocative.

In conclusion, mastering the skill of describing sand in creative writing is a powerful tool that can take your prose to new heights.

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

Rock - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• freddie mercury
• paving stones
• stepping stones

The mountain peak had a bluish hue; Ian touched it with his gloved had to lay the black against it. Unless it was a trick of the bright sky above, the rock had a forget-me-not hue. Removing his eye-wear he scanned the ground for a sample. He could photograph it for sure but wouldn't it be so much nice to have a rock for the mantle. After only a few minutes he had several pieces to take, one for each of the kids and he sat back to admire the view. The entire province was laid out like his very own “Marauders map,” where the birds flew and the cars way below moved along spaghetti roads. Up here the plant growth was low and scrubby against the wind and in many places that mesmerizing stone was entirely bare to the wind. He glanced back down the rocky trail he'd climbed just an hour before; it was time to head back. Down in theory was easier, but he preferred the ascent. Up was the challenge, up was into the new, returning was just retracing his steps.

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Read This Next:

• What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
• What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

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Rocks in a River, These Hands Held Out to Each Other: The Creative Writing Community

Ru freeman | december 2013.

Real writers have MFAs, most are members of writing groups or have designated readers of works-in-progress, and many eschew Facebook, Twitter, and all other forms of social media. (Real writers also do things like this: show up, plant backside in chair, stare at the blank page, and/or write every day. They usually do these things with an accompanying collection of tics—the latte flavor of the season, this chair in that coffee shop corner booth, after, not before, yoga—in a venue decorated by totems. Whenever I come across one of this black-bedecked tribe I run back home to peruse want ads for a job that might more suitable for my undeserving writerly self who should, surely, be quarantined and trammeled by a dull desk-job involving numbers and graphs). Clearly, I am not qualified to wear that rarified habit of a real writer. And yet, I do. And yet, there I am, standing in front of a group of people talking about writing. How did I get there? The simplest answer is that I got there because (a) I write, and (b) I belong to a pretty extensive community of writers.

Having grown up elsewhere, and therefore without the American idea that if I have a dream then there must be institutional affirmation for this in the form of a conferred degree or certificate, I did not know there was such a thing as an MFA program. I wrote because I loved to read and eventually I grew to love to read what I wrote; which meant that somehow I had to write things worth my own time and attention. The moment I reached the point where I felt that what I was writing may be worth someone else’s time and attention, I looked around for those people. For me that came in the form of applying not to an MFA but to a conference of writers; namely, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Ripton, Vermont.

The instincts that lead me to that conference have never failed me. Being among other writers, without any specific need for the approval or sign-off of any particular entity (agents, editors, professors, publishers), but rather the celebration of the written word and our love for it, has been the best inspiration for my work. The writers I met there grew exponentially as I placed myself not as a writer with a personal agenda of self-aggrandizement, but a writer among writers. Picture the rocks in a river and you will understand: we rocks (writers), of varying hue, girth, width and striation, tumble the waters (words) differently, but those waters live both upstream and down, they evaporate and come back to earth, they feed the soils and they make things grow and sometimes they come down hard and drown our harvests. The rocks, too, break down, splinter, are dislodged, pushed downstream, and eventually turn to sand and disappear. That river, that riverbed, remains, and there are other mountains that will supply the movement and disturbances required.

Understanding this eternal verity was critical to my own development as a writer. It is what has prompted me to remember that the unasked for favor granted to a younger or less-established writer is often more intrinsically pleasing than the favor asked for on our own behalf. It makes me seek out and read the work of writers others recommend, it convinces me that liking someone else’s fiction is not enough, I should tell others about my discoveries, it convinces me that going to poetry readings is sometimes a more soul-sustaining endeavor than simply fraternizing with those who write fiction and personal essays as I am inclined to do. It makes me say yes to things that may once have seemed like “too much work;” things like traveling five hours round-trip to speak to a group of high school students for payment that is less than the cost of travel or, more often, nothing at all. It makes me buy books that I can’t always afford, read them when perhaps I could do more writing, and spread my arms wide as I possibly can to make a circle that encompasses as much of this world of words and people who love them. I do this because it is only when I can see and embrace that world that I can place myself within it.

Last Thursday, I was riding the subway with one of my senior creative writing majors at Columbia - a real talent and one who will go far if he can get out of his own way - and he looked astonished when I told him I commute to NY from Philadelphia.  (Just as an aside, ever notice how New Yorkers are perpetually baffled that the world does not end at the edge of its boroughs?) As I recounted the innumerable reasons why I find myself at events or gatherings that aren’t always convenient for me, or even involve me at all, I realized that there has never been a single event to which I have gone where some new experience has not opened up for me, be it an invitation to read or speak, an offer of help, or the opportunity for me to connect writers with one another. The same is true of the time I do invest in sharing myself on Facebook or other social networks. Many of my favorite stories or essays have been solicited because someone liked the person they get to know via those channels. I’ve been to some of the most entertaining parties in my life solely because the hosts felt they would like to have the person they see on Facebook sit at their dining tables. And many of my favorite writers are friends whom I have met because I was willing to assume that we did not have to meet in person to help one another.

In a field where there are no guarantees of any sort, where today’s award winner is tomorrow’s horrified whisper, where the golden rule is that there isn’t one, the only way to take a giant leap of faith into the unknown is the presence of that net created by our inter-connectedness, these hands held out to each other. You jump off the ledges of your fear because you know it exists. And you can only know it exists if you have participated in its creation.

Ru Freeman ’s creative/political writing appears internationally, and her novels, A Disobedient Girl (Simon & Schuster, 2009) and On Sal Mal Lane (Graywolf, 2013) are published in English and in translation. She blogs for the Huffington Post on literature and politics, is a contributing editorial board member of the  Asian American Literary Review , and teaches creative writing at Columbia University. You can find her at www.rufreeman.com .

There are of course accomplished writers with advanced degrees and those without. Your salient comment: "I write" is the difference maker. As William Zinsser wrote in On Writing Well , "There are all kinds of writers and all kinds of methods, and any method that helps people to say what they want to say is the right method for them." Merry New Year.

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365 Creative Writing Prompts

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to help inspire you to write every single day! Use them for journaling, story starters, poetry, and more!

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If you want to become a better writer, the best thing you can do is practice writing every single day. Writing prompts are useful because we know sometimes it can be hard to think of what to write about!

To help you brainstorm, we put together this list of 365 creative writing prompts to give you something to write about daily.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire:

Whether you write short stories, poems, or like to keep a journal – these will stretch your imagination and give you some ideas for topics to write about!

1. Outside the Window : What’s the weather outside your window doing right now? If that’s not inspiring, what’s the weather like somewhere you wish you could be?

2. The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?

3. The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

4. Dancing: Who’s dancing and why are they tapping those toes?

5. Food: What’s for breakfast? Dinner? Lunch? Or maybe you could write a poem about that time you met a friend at a cafe.

6. Eye Contact: Write about two people seeing each other for the first time.

7. The Rocket-ship: Write about a rocket-ship on its way to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far, away.

8. Dream-catcher : Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.

9. Animals: Choose an animal. Write about it!

10. Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.

11. Dragon : Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

12. Greeting : Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello” or another greeting.

13. The Letter: Write a poem or story using words from a famous letter or inspired by a letter someone sent you.

14. The Found Poem : Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines.

15. Eavesdropper : Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you’ve overheard.

16. Addict: Everyone’s addicted to something in some shape or form. What are things you can’t go without?

17. Dictionary Definition : Open up a dictionary to a random word. Define what that word means to you.

18. Cleaning: Hey, even writers and creative artists have to do housework sometimes. Write about doing laundry, dishes, and other cleaning activities.

19. Great Minds: Write  about someone you admire and you thought to have had a beautiful mind.

20. Missed Connections: If you go to Craigslist, there is a “Missed Connections” section where you can find some interesting storylines to inspire your writing.

21. Foreclosure : Write a poem or short story about someone who has lost or is about to lose their home.

22. Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

23. Sugar: Write something so sweet, it makes your teeth hurt.

24. Numbers:  Write a poem or journal entry about numbers that have special meaning to you.

25. Dread: Write about doing something you don’t want to do.

26. Fear: What scares you a little? What do you feel when scared? How do you react?

27. Closed Doors: What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

28. Shadow: Imagine you are someone’s shadow for a day.

29. Good Vibes: What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

30. Shopping:  Write about your shopping wishlist and how you like to spend money.

31. The Professor: Write about a teacher that has influenced you.

32. Rewrite : Take any poem or short story you enjoy. Rewrite it in your own words.

33. Jewelry: Write about a piece of jewelry. Who does it belong to?

34. Sounds : Sit outside for about an hour. Write down the sounds you hear.

35. War and Peace: Write about a recent conflict that you dealt with in your life.

36. Frame It: Write a poem or some phrases that would make for good wall art in your home.

37. Puzzle: Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles.

38. Fire-starters: Write about building a fire.

39. Coffee & Tea: Surely you drink one or the other or know someone who does- write about it!

40. Car Keys: Write about someone getting their driver’s license for the first time.

41. What You Don’t Know: Write about a secret you’ve kept from someone else or how you feel when you know someone is keeping a secret from you.

42. Warehouse : Write about being inside an old abandoned warehouse.

43. The Sound of Silence: Write about staying quiet when you feel like shouting.

44. Insult: Write about being insulted. How do you feel? Why do you think the other person insulted you?

45. Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you? What might the mirror say?

46. Dirty: Write a poem about getting covered in mud.

47. Light Switch : Write about coming out of the dark and seeing the light.

48. The Stars : Take inspiration from a night sky. Or, write about a time when “the stars aligned” in your horoscope.

49. Joke Poem : What did the wall say to the other wall? Meet you at the corner! Write something inspired by a favorite joke.

50. Just Say No : Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.

51: Sunrise/Sunset : The sun comes up, the sun goes down. It goes round and round. Write something inspiring about the sunrise or sunset.

52. Memory Lane : What does Memory Lane look like? How do you get there?

53. Tear-Jerker : Watch a movie that makes you cry. Write about that scene in the movie.

54. Dear Diary: Write a poem or short story about a diary entry you’ve read or imagined.

55. Holding Hands : The first time you held someone’s hand.

56. Photograph : Write a story or journal entry influenced by a photograph you see online or in a magazine.

57. Alarm Clock: Write about waking up.

58. Darkness: Write a poem or journal entry inspired by what you can’t see.

59. Refreshed: Write a poem about a time you really felt refreshed and renewed. Maybe it was a dip into a pool on a hot summer day, a drink of lemonade, or other situation that helped you relax and start again.

60. Handle With Care : Write about a very fragile or delicate object.

61. Drama: Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other.

62. Slip Up: Write about making mistakes.

63. Spice: Write about flavors and tastes or a favorite spice of yours.

64. Sing a New Song: Take a popular song off the radio and rewrite it as a poem in your own words.

65. Telephone: Write about a phone call you recently received.

66. Name: Write a poem or short story using your name in some way or form.

67. Dollhouse: Write a poem or short story from the viewpoint of someone living in a doll house.

68. Random Wikipedia Article : Go to Wikipedia and click on Random Article . Write about whatever the page you get.

69. Silly Sports: Write about an extreme or silly sport. If none inspire you, make up the rules for your own game.

70. Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, such as a feeling.

71. Famous Artwork: Choose a famous painting and write about it.

72. Where That Place Used to Be : Think of a place you went to when you were younger but it now no longer there or is something else. Capture your feelings about this in your writing.

73. Last Person You Talked to: Write a quick little poem or story about the last person you spoke with.

74. Caught Red-Handed: Write about being caught doing something embarrassing.

75. Interview: Write a list of questions you have for someone you would like to interview, real or fictional.

76. Missing You: Write about someone you miss dearly.

77. Geography: Pick a state or country you’ve never visited. Write about why you would or would not like to visit that place.

78. Random Song: Turn on the radio, use the shuffle feature on your music collection or your favorite streaming music service. Write something inspired by the first song you hear.

79. Hero: Write a tribute to someone you regard as a hero.

80. Ode to Strangers: Go people watching and write an ode to a stranger you see on the street.

81. Advertisement: Advertisements are everywhere, aren’t they? Write using the slogan or line from an ad.

82. Book Inspired: Think of your favorite book. Now write a poem that sums up the entire story in 10 lines.

83. Magic : Imagine you have a touch of magic, and can make impossible things happen. What would you do?

84. Fanciest Pen: Get out your favorite pen, pencils, or even colored markers and write using them!

85. A Day in the Life: Write about your daily habits and routine.

86. Your Muse: Write about your muse – what do they look like? What does your muse do to inspire you?

87. Convenience Store : Write about an experience you’ve had at a gas station or convenience store.

88. Natural Wonders of the World: Choose one of the natural wonders of the world. Write about it.

89. Status Update: Write a poem using the words from your latest status update or a friend’s status update. If you don’t use sites like Facebook or Twitter, you can often search online for some funny ones to use as inspiration.

90. Green Thumb: Write about growing something.

91. Family Heirloom: Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family.

92. Bug Catcher: Write about insects.

93. Potion: Write about a magic potion. What is it made of? What does it do? What is the antidote?

94. Swinging & Sliding: Write something inspired by a playground or treehouse.

95. Adjectives: Make a list of the first 5 adjectives that pop into your head. Use these 5 words in your story, poem, or journal entry.

96. Fairy Tales: Rewrite a fairy tale. Give it a new ending or make it modern or write as a poem.

97. Whispers: Write about someone who has to whisper a secret to someone else.

98. Smile: Write a poem about the things that make you smile.

99. Seasonal: Write about your favorite season.

100.  Normal: What does normal mean to you? Is it good or bad to be normal?

101. Recycle : Take something you’ve written in the past and rewrite it into a completely different piece.

102. Wardrobe: Write about a fashion model or what’s currently in your closet or drawers.

103. Secret Message : Write something with a secret message hidden in between the words. For example, you could make an acrostic poem using the last letters of the word or use secret code words in the poem.

104. Vacation: Write about a vacation you took.

105. Heat: Write about being overheated and sweltering.

106. Spellbinding: Write a magic spell.

107. Collection : Write about collecting something, such as salt shakers, sea shells, or stamps.

108. Taking Chances: Everyone takes a risk at some point in their life. Write about a time when you took a chance and what the result was.

109. Carnival: Write a poem or story or journal entry inspired by a carnival or street fair.

110. Country Mouse: Write about someone who grew up in the country visiting the city for the first time.

111: Questions: Write about questions you have for the universe. Optional: include an answer key.

112. Rushing: Write about moving quickly and doing things fast.

113. Staircase : Use a photo of a staircase or the stairs in your home or a building you love to inspire you.

114. Neighbors: Make up a story or poem about your next door neighbor.

115. Black and Blue: Write about a time you’ve been physically hurt.

116. All Saints: Choose a saint and create a poem about his or her life.

117. Beach Inspired: What’s not to write about the beach?

118. Shoes: What kind of shoes do you wear? Where do they lead your feet?

119. The Ex: Write a poem to someone who is estranged from you.

120. My Point of View: Write in the first person point of view.

121. Stray Animal: Think of the life of a stray cat or dog and write about that.

122. Stop and Stare : Create a poem or story about something you could watch forever.

123. Your Bed: Describe where you sleep each night.

124. Fireworks : Do they inspire you or do you not like the noise and commotion? Write about it.

125. Frozen: Write about a moment in your life you wish you could freeze and preserve.

126. Alone : Do you like to be alone or do you like having company?

127. Know-it-all: Write about something you are very knowledgeable about, for example a favorite hobby or passion of yours.

128. The Promise: Write about a promise you’ve made to someone. Did you keep that promise?

129. Commotion: Write about being overstimulated by a lot of chaos.

130. Read the News Today : Construct a poem or story using a news headline for your first line.

131. Macro: Write a description of an object close-up.

132. Transportation : Write about taking your favorite (or least-favorite) form of transportation.

133. Gadgets: If you could invent a gadget, what would it do? Are there any gadgets that make your life easier?

134: Bring on the Cheese: Write a tacky love poem that is so cheesy, it belongs on top of a pizza.

135. Ladders: Write a story or poem that uses ladders as a symbol.

136. Bizarre Holiday : There is a bizarre holiday for any date! Look up a holiday for today’s date and create a poem in greeting card fashion or write a short story about the holiday to celebrate.

137. Blog-o-sphere : Visit your favorite blog or your feedreader and craft a story, journal entry, or poem based on the latest blog post you read.

138. Mailbox: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry based on a recent item of mail you’ve received.

139. Sharing : Write about sharing something with someone else.

140. Cactus: Write from the viewpoint of a cactus. What’s it like to live in the desert or have a prickly personality?

141. It’s a Sign : Have you seen any interesting road signs lately?

142. Furniture: Write about a piece of furniture in your home.

143. Failure: Write about a time you failed at something. Did you try again or give up completely?

144. Mystical Creatures: Angels or other mystical creatures – use them as inspiration.

145. Flying: Write about having wings and what you would do.

146. Clear and Transparent: Write a poem about being able to see-through something.

147. Break the Silence : Record yourself speaking, then write down what you spoke and revise into a short story or poem.

148. Beat: Listen to music with a strong rhythm or listen to drum loops. Write something that goes along with the beat you feel and hear.

149. Color Palette: Search online for color palettes and be inspired to write by one you resonate with.

150. Magazine: Randomly flip to a page in a magazine and write using the first few words you see as an opening line.

151. The Grass is Greener : Write about switching the place with someone or going to where it seems the “grass is greener”.

152. Mind & Body: Write something that would motivate others to workout and exercise.

153. Shaping Up : Write something that makes a shape on the page…ie: a circle, a heart, a square, etc.

154. Twenty-One: Write about your 21st birthday.

155. Aromatherapy: Write about scents you just absolutely love.

156. Swish, Buzz, Pop : Create a poem that uses Onomatopoeia .

157. What Time is It? Write about the time of day it is right now. What are people doing? What do you usually do at this time each day?

158. Party Animal: Have you ever gone to a party you didn’t want to leave? Or do you hate parties? Write about it!

159: Miss Manners : Use the words “please” and “thank you” in your writing.

160. Cliche: Choose a common cliche, then write something that says the same thing but without using the catch phrase.

161. Eco-friendly : Write about going green or an environmental concern you have.

162. Missing You: Write about someone you miss.

163. Set it Free: Think of a time when you had to let someone or something go to be free…did they come back?

164: Left Out : Write about a time when you’ve felt left out or you’ve noticed someone else feeling as if they didn’t belong.

165. Suitcase: Write about packing for a trip or unpacking from when you arrive home.

166. Fantasy : Write about fairies, gnomes, elves, or other mythical creatures.

167. Give and Receive : Write about giving and receiving.

168. Baker’s Dozen: Imagine the scents and sights of a bakery and write.

169. Treehouse: Write about your own secret treehouse hideaway.

170.  Risk: Write about taking a gamble on something.

171. Acrostic : Choose a word and write an acrostic poem where every line starts with a letter from the word.

172. Crossword Puzzle: Open up the newspaper or find a crossword puzzle online and choose one of the clues to use as inspiration for your writing.

173. Silver Lining : Write about the good that happens in a bad situation.

174. Gloves: Write about a pair of gloves – what kind of gloves are they? Who wears them and why?

175. All that Glitters: Write about a shiny object.

176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

178. Jury Duty : Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

181. Discovery: Think of something you’ve recently discovered and use it as inspiration.

182. Complain:  Write about your complaints about something.

183. Gratitude: Write a poem or journal entry that is all about things you are thankful for.

184. Chemistry: Choose an element and write a poem or story that uses that word in one of the lines.

185. Applause: Write about giving someone a standing ovation.

186. Old Endings Into New Beginnings:  Take an old poem, story, or journal entry of yours and use the last line and make it the first line of your writing today.

187. Longing: Write  about something you very much want to do.

188. I Am: Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

189. Rainbow : What is at the end of a rainbow? Or, take a cue from Kermit the Frog, and ask yourself, why are there so many songs about rainbows?

190. Museum: Take some time to visit a nearby museum with your journal. Write about one of the pieces that speaks to you.

191. Cartoon: Think of your favorite cartoon or comic. Write a poem or story that takes place in that setting.

192. Copycat: Borrow a line from a famous public domain poem to craft your own.

193. From the Roof-tops:  Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and broadcast a message to everyone below – what would you say?

194. Time Travel: If there was a time period you could visit for a day, where would you go? Write about traveling back in time to that day.

195. Changing Places: Imagine living the day as someone else.

196. Neighborhood: Write about your favorite place in your neighborhood to visit and hang out at.

197. Pirates: Write about a pirate ship.

198. Interview : Write based on a recent interview you’ve read or seen on TV or heard on the radio.

199.  Hiding Spaces : Write about places you like to hide things at. What was a favorite hiding spot for you as a child playing hide-and-seek?

200. Extreme Makeover: Imagine how life might be different if you could change your hair color or clothing into something completely opposite from your current style.

201. Empathy: Write about your feelings of empathy or compassion for another person.

202. Opposites: Write a poem or story that ties in together two opposites.

203. Boredom: Write about being bored or make a list of different ways to entertain yourself.

204. Strength : Think of a time when you’ve been physically or emotionally strong and use that as inspiration.

205. Hunger: Write from the perspective of someone with no money to buy food.

206. Greed: Write about someone who always wants more – whether it be money, power, etc. etc.

207. Volcano: Write about an eruption of a volcano.

208. Video Inspiration : Go to Vimeo.com or YouTube.com and watch one of the videos featured on the homepage. Write something based on what you watch.

209. Sneeze: Write about things that make you sneeze.

210. Footsteps on the Moon:  Write about the possibility of life in outer-space.

211: Star-crossed: Write a short modern version of the story of Romeo and Juliet or think of real-life examples of lovers who are not allowed to be together to use as inspiration for your writing.

212. Font-tastic: Choose a unique font and type out a poem, story or journal entry using that font.

213. Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and use the schedule for inspiration in writing.

214. Grandparents: Write about a moment in your grandparent’s life.

215. Collage: Go through a magazine and cut out words that grab your attention. Use these words to construct a poem or as a story starter or inspiration for your journal.

216. Oh so Lonely: Write a poem about what you do when you are alone – do you feel lonely or do you enjoy your own company?

217. Waterfall: Think of a waterfall you’ve seen in person or spend some time browsing photos of waterfalls online. Write about the movement, flow, and energy.

218. First Kiss: Write about your first kiss.

219. So Ironic: Write about an ironic situation you’ve been in throughout your life.

220. Limerick: Write a limerick today.

221. Grocery Shopping: Write about an experience at the grocery store.

222. Fashion : Go through a fashion magazine or browse fashion websites online and write about a style you love.

223. So Close: Write about coming close to reaching a goal.

224. Drinks on Me: Write a poem or short story that takes place at a bar.

225. Online Friends: Write an ode to someone online you’ve met and become friends with.

226. Admiration: Is there someone you admire? Write about those feelings.

227. Trash Day: Write from the perspective of a garbage collector.

228. Mailbox: Open your mailbox and write something inspired by one of the pieces of mail you received.

229. Fresh & Clean: Write about how you feel after you take a shower.

230. Energized: Write about how you feel when you’re either at a high or low energy level for the day.

231. Rhyme & No Reason: Make up a silly rhyming poem using made up words.

232. Tech Support: Use computers or a conversation with tech support you’ve had as inspiration.

233. Hotel: Write from the perspective of someone who works at a hotel or staying at a hotel.

234. Underwater: Write about sea creatures and under water life. What’s under the surface of the ocean? What adventures might be waiting?

235. Breathing: Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing relaxation techniques. Once your mind is clear, just write the first few things that you think of.

236. Liar, Liar: Make up a poem or story of complete lies about yourself or someone else.

237. Obituaries: Look at the recent obituaries online or in the newspaper and imagine the life of someone and write about that person.

238. Pocket: Rummage through your pockets and write about what you keep or find in your pockets.

239. Cinquain: Write a cinquain poem, which consists of 5 lines that do not rhyme.

240. Alphabetical: Write a poem that has every letter of the alphabet in it.

241.  Comedy Club: Write something inspired by a comedian.

242. Cheater: Write about someone who is unfaithful.

243. Sestina: Give a try to writing a sestina poem.

244. Fight: Write about witnessing two people get in an argument with each other.

245. Social Network : Visit your favorite Social Networking website (ie: Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, etc.) and write a about a post you see there.

246. Peaceful: Write about something peaceful and serene.

247. In the Clouds: Go cloud watching for the day and write about what you imagine in the clouds.

248. At the Park: Take some time to sit on a park bench and write about the sights, scenes, and senses and emotions you experience.

249. Sonnet: Write a sonnet today.

250. Should, Would, And Could: Write a poem or story using the words should, would, and could.

251. How to: Write directions on how to do something.

252. Alliteration: Use alliteration in your poem or in a sentence in a story.

253. Poker Face: Write about playing a card game.

254. Timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about it making sense or being perfect.

255. Dance: Write about a dancer or a time you remember dancing.

256. Write for a Cause: Write a poem or essay that raises awareness for a cause you support.

257. Magic : Write about a magician or magic trick.

258. Out of the Box: Imagine finding a box. Write about opening it and what’s inside.

259. Under the Influence: What is something has impacted you positively in your life?

260. Forgotten Toy : Write from the perspective a forgotten or lost toy.

261. Rocks and Gems: Write about a rock or gemstone meaning.

262. Remote Control: Imagine you can fast forward and rewind your life with a remote control.

263. Symbolism: Think of objects, animals, etc. that have symbolic meaning to you. Write about it.

264. Light at the End of the Tunnel: Write about a time when you saw hope when it seemed like a hopeless situation.

265. Smoke and Fire : “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Use this saying as inspiration to write!

266. Railroad: Write about a train and its cargo or passengers.

267. Clipboard: Write about words you imagine on an office clipboard.

268. Shipwrecked: Write about being stranded somewhere – an island, a bus stop, etc.

269. Quotable: Use a popular quote from a speaker and use it as inspiration for your writing.

270. Mind   Map it Out: Create a mind map of words, phrases, and ideas that pop into your head or spend some time browsing the many mind maps online. Write a poem, story, or journal entry inspired by the mind map.

271. Patterns : Write about repeating patterns that occur in life.

272. Scrapbook : Write about finding a scrapbook and the memories it contains.

273. Cure: Write about finding a cure for an illness.

274. Email Subject Lines: Read your email today and look for subject lines that may be good starters for writing inspiration.

275. Wishful Thinking: Write about a wish you have.

276. Doodle : Spend some time today doodling for about 5-10 minutes. Write about the thoughts you had while doodling or create something inspired by your finished doodle.

277. Chalkboard: Imagine you are in a classroom. What does it say on the chalkboard?

278. Sticky: Imagine a situation that’s very sticky, maybe even covered in maple syrup, tape or glue. Write about it!

279. Flashlight : Imagine going somewhere very dark with only a flashlight to guide you.

280. A Far Away Place : Envision yourself traveling to a fictional place, what do you experience in your imaginary journey?

281. On the Farm : Write about being in a country or rural setting.

282. Promise to Yourself: Write about a promise you want to make to yourself and keep.

283. Brick Wall : Write a poem that is about a brick wall – whether literal or figurative.

284. Making a Choice: Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

285.  Repeat: Write about a time when you’ve had to repeat yourself or a time when it felt like no one was listening.

286. Outcast : Write about someone who is not accepted by their peers. (for example, the Ugly Ducking)

287. Scary Monsters: Write about a scary (or not-so-scary) monster in your closet or under the bed.

288. Sacrifice: Write about something you’ve sacrificed doing to do something else or help another person.

289. Imperfection: Create a poem that highlights the beauty in being flawed.

290. Birthday Poem: Write a poem inspired by birthdays.

291. Title First : Make a list of potential poem or story titles and choose one to write from.

292. Job Interview : Write about going on a job interview.

293. Get Well : Write a poem that will help someone who is sick feel better quick!

294. Lost in the Crowd: Write about feeling lost in the crowd.

295. Apple a Day: Write about a health topic that interests you.

296. Cravings: Write about craving something.

297. Phobia: Research some common phobias, choose one, and write about it.

298. In the Moment: Write about living in the present moment.

299. Concrete : Write about walking down a sidewalk and what you see and experience.

300. Battle: Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative.

301. This Old House : Write about an old house that is abandoned or being renovated.

302. Clutter: Is there a cluttered spot in your home? Go through some of that clutter today and write about what you find or the process of organizing.

303. Go Fly a Kite: Write about flying a kite.

304. On the TV: Flip to a random TV channel and write about the first thing that comes on – even if it is an infomercial!

305. Fruit: Write an ode to your favorite fruit.

306. Long Distance Love: Write about a couple that is separated by distance.

307. Glasses: Write about a pair of eyeglasses or someone wearing glasses.

308. Robotic : Write about a robot.

309. Cute as a Button: Write about something you think is just adorable.

310. Movie Conversation: Use a memorable conversation from a favorite movie to inspire your writing.

311. Easy-Peasy : Write  about doing something effortlessly.

312. Idiom: Choose from a list of idioms one that speaks to you and create a poem around that saying or phrase. (Ie: It is raining cats and dogs)

313. Playground: Whether it is the swings or the sandbox or the sliding boards, write about your memories of being on a playground.

314. Romance: Write about romantic things partners can do for each other.

315. Rock Star: Imagine you are a famous rock star. Write about the experience.

316. Come to Life: Imagine ordinary objects have come to life. Write about what they do and say.

317. Airplane: Write about meeting someone on an airplane and a conversation you might have.

318. Health & Beauty: Take some time to peruse your medicine cabinet or the health and beauty aisles at a local store. Write a poem, short story, or journal entry inspired by a product label.

319. Determination: Write about not giving up.

320. Instrumental Inspiration: Listen to some instrumental music and write a poem that matches the mood, beat, and style of the music.

321. Wait Your Turn: Write about having to wait in line.

322. Personality Type : Do you know your personality type? (There are many free quizzes online) – write about what type of personality traits you have.

323. Decade: Choose a favorite decade and write about it. (IE: 1980’s or 1950’s for example)

324. I Believe: Write your personal credo of things you believe in.

325. Lost and Found: Write about a lost object.

326. Say it: Write a poem or story that uses dialogue between two people.

327. The Unsent Letter: Write about a letter that never made it to its recipient.

328. The Windows of the Soul: Write a poem about the story that is told through someone’s eyes.

329. Trial and Error: Write about something you learned the hard way.

330. Escape : Write about where you like to go to escape from it all.

331. What’s Cooking: Write something inspired a favorite food or recipe.

332. Records : Go through your file box and pull out old receipts or records…write something inspired by what you find!

333. Banking: Write about visiting the bank.

334. Sweet Talk: Write about trying to convince someone of something.

335. Serendipity: Write about something that happened by chance in a positive way.

336. Distractions: Write about how it feels when you can’t focus.

337. Corporation: Write about big business.

338. Word of the Day: Go to a dictionary website that has a word of the day and use it in a poem, story or journal entry you write.

339. Pick Me Up:  What do you do when you need a pick me up?

340. Unfinished: Write about a project you started but never completed.

341. Forgiveness: Write about a time when someone forgave you or you forgave someone.

342. Weakness: Write about your greatest weakness.

343. Starting: Write about starting a project.

344. Mechanical: Think of gears, moving parts, machines.

345. Random Act of Kindness : Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone or someone has done for you, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed.

346. Underground: Imagine living in a home underground and use that as inspiration for writing.

347. Classic Rock: Pick a classic rock love ballad and rewrite it into a story or poem with a similar theme.

348. Night Owl : Write about staying up late at night.

349. Magnetic : Write about attraction to something or someone.

350. Teamwork: Write about working with a team towards a common goal.

351. Roller-coaster : Write about the ups and downs in life.

352. Motivational Poster: Look at some motivational posters online and write a poem or journal entry inspired by your favorite one.

353. Games: Write about the games people play – figuratively or literally.

354. Turning Point: Write about a point in life where things turned for the better or worse.

355. Spellbound: Write about a witch’s spell.

356. Anniversary: Write about the anniversary of a special date.

357. Gamble:  Be inspired by a casino or lottery ticket.

358. Picnic: Write about going on a picnic.

359. Garage: Write about some random item you might find in a garage.

360. Review: Review your week, month, or year in a journal entry or poem format.

361. Detective: Write about a detective searching for clues or solving a mystery.

362. Camera: Take your camera for a walk and write based on one of the photographs you take.

363. Visiting : Write about visiting a family member or friend.

364. Trust: Write about putting trust in someone.

365. Congratulations : Did you write a poem, short story, or journal entry every day for a whole year? Write about what you’ve learned and celebrate your achievement!

We hope you enjoy these creative writing prompts! And of course, if you write anything using these prompts, we’d love to know about it! Tell us how you’ll use these everyday creative writing prompts in the comments section below!

And of course, if you’d like the printable ad-free version of these prompts to reference again and again or to use in your classroom, you can find them at our Etsy shop !

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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From 101 Creative Writing Exercises: Rock and Rhyme (Poetry)

by Melissa Donovan | Sep 23, 2021 | Poetry Writing Exercises | 6 comments

From 101 Creative Writing Exercises: Rock and Rhyme Poetry.

Today’s post features an exercise from my book,  101 Creative Writing Exercises  (aff link), which is filled with exercises for various forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. It will inspire you while imparting useful writing techniques that are fun and practical.

This exercise   comes from “Chapter 8: Free Verse.” The creative writing exercises in this chapter focus on free-form poetry writing.

I chose this exercise because it’s playful and inspiring. It asks you to use a song as a foundation for writing a poem. Many song lyrics are poems in their own right. This exercise focuses on rhyming, but it also shows you how to look at your writing’s musicality and encourages you to think about rhythm and meter in your work.

Rock and Rhyme Poetry Writing Exercise

Rhyming poetry goes in and out of vogue all the time, except when it comes to children’s poetry, which is almost always packed with fun and clever rhymes.

Some poets take to rhyming rather easily, and sound-alike words roll off their tongues like butter. Other poets struggle, dancing through the alphabet and flipping through rhyming dictionaries just to find a rhyme as simple as bat and cat.

Poems that rhyme may be a challenge for some, but they’re still fun to write and a blast to read (they are especially fun to read out loud). Rhyming is good practice for exploring musicality in language and experimenting with word play.

The Exercise

All you need is a song — a rhythmic and rhyme-y song without a lot of fancy runs. You’ll want a relatively simple tune. A short pop song will work well. Forget about classical music because most of it doesn’t have lyrics, and what we’re doing requires words. We’re writers, right?

Rewrite the lyrics but keep the rhythm and rhyme scheme intact. You don’t have to replace the rhyme ring and sing with a rhyme like thing and bling . But you do need to find another rhyming pair (like dance and pants ). Your rhymes can be as strict or as loose as you want.

If you do just a few of these, rhyming will start to come more naturally to you, and your rhymes will flow with greater ease.

Try to rewrite the song on your own, but if you’re really struggling, hit up a rhyming dictionary or a thesaurus.

Tips: You might want to start with a short, three-chord pop song. Then, graduate yourself to longer and more complex tunes. If you know all the lyrics to your song, that will be immensely helpful. If not, do an online search to find the lyrics to the song you want to work with.

Variations: Here are a few variations that you can use for this exercise:

• Try it with nursery rhymes: Hey diddle diddle.
• Try it with a famous poem: Shakespeare anyone?
• Try it using a song without lyrics: You’re on your own!

Applications: Working with rhyme helps you think more carefully about word choice and points your focus to the sound and rhythm of a piece of writing. This is also an excellent exercise for anyone who has thought about writing song lyrics or children’s poems and stories.

I Rocked Some Poetry

Here’s my attempt with the first chorus from 80s one-hit wonder “ 99 Red Balloons ” by Nena.

The Original Verse You and I in a little toy shop Buy a bag of balloons with the money we’ve got Set them free at the break of dawn Till one by one they were gone Back at base, bugs in the software Flash the message: something’s out there Floating in the summer sky Ninety-nine red balloons go by

My Attempt to Catch the Rhyme Shoes untied at a little bus stop Sigh and whistle a tune ’cause it’s all you’ve got Set your feet on the tired green lawn Tie your shoe, stretch and yawn Five o’clock, the bus should be here Time is precious, the deadline is near Waiting till the bus comes by Ninety-nine cents just for a ride

Are You Ready to Get Down?

Try it for yourself and post a verse or a chorus in the comments! If you’re looking for a song lyric resource, then check out 99 Red Balloons and 100 Other All-Time Great One-Hit Wonders  (aff link), which is packed with awesome song lyrics that are ideal for this exercise.

Original: So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams My version: We Said Our Last Goodbye

http://joycefied.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/we-said-our-last-good-bye-a-rock-and-rhyme-poem/

Standing on a lonely hill Beneath a cloudy sky He always thought our love would grow Before we said our last good bye. . Didn’t know just what he did wrong Never got to ask me why Why must I be so doggone proud To make us say good bye . Will I ever get a full night’s sleep When clouds roll through the sky For I never learned how to forgive When we said our last good bye. . I always wonder from afar Let out a mournful sigh As I wish upon a star After we said our last good bye.

This is excellent! You’ve done a great job using imagery and storytelling in recreating the lyrics to this classic tune. Nice work!

I love this concept. I’m a habitual rhymer and often there’s a tune playing in my head when I write something down. So I’ll give it a whirl with Paul McCartney [I Want to Hold Your Hand]. ============================================

MY SILLY VERSION

Oh say, can you see me I’m waving both my hands Descend the plane so gently Here is the place to land Here is the place to land Here is the place to land

I hope you see my signal Alone upon the sand And please do not kill me As you attempt to land Here is the place to land Right here upon the sand

And when I spot you I get nervous and cry It’s such a worry Oh my nerves I might die I might die I might die

Thank God you saw my signal As you approached the sand Thankfully you did not crush me In your attempt to land You found the place to land Right here upon the sand

As I read this, I kept thinking about some person on an island with a plane flying overhead and trying to land. Interesting concept. You did a good job staying in tune with the rhythm of the Beatles song!

I am expecting my first great granddaughter who is the inspiration for my poem from the original that I used: MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE

My great granddaughter to be Sweet precious jewell to me What joy you’ll bring. I plan when you arrive I plan to be your guide From Morn to Eventide Your welcome clings.

Great job, Barbara!

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Creative Writing Corner

UA Little Rock is home to a talented group of creative writers ! We are proud to feature the work of our faculty and students.

Faculty Members

Professor Jeffrey Condran is a fiction writer (novels and short stories) who describes his work as “literary globalism.” His 2014 novel, Prague Summer , received a 2015 Independent Publisher Book Award’s Silver Medal. He also has a collection of short stories titled Claire, Wading into the Danube by Night (Southeast Missouri State Press, 2020). He also has interests in literary publishing and is co-founder and publisher of the independent press  Braddock Avenue Books. 

Professor H.K. Hummel is a writer who is interested in socially and environmentally engaged literature. She is the author of Lessons in Breathing Underwater (Sundress Publications, 2020) and  Short-Form Creative Writing: A Writer’s Guide and Anthology (Bloomsbury Academic Press, 2018). She co-founded the literary journal, Blood Orange Review, which is now part of the Washington State University editing and publishing program.

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English: Creative Writing

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Our creative writing students regularly workshop each other’s projects

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SRU is equipped with many resources, such as the Bailey Library, to inspire your writing

Slippery Rock University's Creative Writing major provides students with a complete and in-depth education in many different genres. Our program gives you the opportunity to try your hand at poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and more. If you have a passion for the written word, SRU's creative writing major is for you.

Why major in Creative Writing?

Creative writing majors graduate from SRU with a variety of skills including cross-genre writing, critical reading, and a mastery of grammar and linguistics. Our program opens the gates to infinite career opportunities and also helps you think about the world differently. Not only will you become a better writer, but you'll also shape your humanistic principles.

The knowledge you take away from the Creative Writing program will provide you with a competitive edge on the job market and will open the door to professional schools or graduate.

What Will You Learn?

Students pursuing their Bachelor's in English Writing-Creative Writing Specialization degree at SRU listen to and learn from the words of their fellow writers and gain valuable feedback from their professors. They experiment with different techniques and genres and delve into the intricacies of the human experience. Most importantly, creative writing majors and minors learn to tap into their well of creativity and pour its contents out onto the page.

SRU has a variety of clubs that will interest creative writing students. SLAB is an award-winning, student-run literary magazine which features work from both students and writers from around the world. The Roxy is another student-run magazine which features students' writing on film. Other clubs of interest include Slam Poets Club and RockScissorsPaper.

Careers for Creative Writing Majors

Slippery Rock graduates go on to pursue a diverse array of career paths. While some Creative Writing majors become novelists, poets, and journalists, most pursue careers in areas like editing, publishing, non-profit and arts organizations, advertising, law, government, business, higher education, and teaching.

Recent research reveals that many medical and law schools show preference toward English majors and minors who complement their studies with pre-med and pre-law preparation. Corporations are also known to seek English majors for starting managerial positions.

Learn more about our Creative Writing major!

Slippery Rock University's Creative Writing program teaches students everything from literary theory and ethics to how to write for a variety of audiences. Interested in learning more?  Request more information today !

Alumni Spotlight

Paul Cunningham earned an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Notre Dame where he studied hybrid forms of poetry and learned to translate Swedish. He worked as an editorial assistant for Action Books, and edited Raúl Zurita's The Country of Planks (2015) and Hiromi Itō's Wild Grass on the Riverbank (2015). He has read poetry and fiction submissions for the Notre Dame Review , continues to manage Radioactive Moat Press, and edit Deluge , an online literary magazine. In 2012, while earning his B.S. in Creative Writing from SRU, he served as co-editor of Slippery Rock University's sixth issue of SLAB , which was awarded the AWP National Director's Prize for Undergraduate Literary Magazines in the Category of Content. As a board member of co • im • press, he is responsible for creating book trailers for various authors including Gina Abelkop and Sade Murphy. He is a contributing editor to The Fanzine , a literary arts magazine co-managed by Casey McKinney and author Blake Butler. He had an opportunity to study the texts of Judith Butler and Virginia Woolf with Dame Gillian Beer at the Rebellion-themed Synapsis European School for Comparative Studies in Siena, Italy. He has presented his work at several conferences, and his writing has appeared or is forthcoming in Bat City Review , LIT: The Journal of the New School , Tarpaulin Sky , DIAGRAM , Luna Luna Magazine , H_NGM_N , and others. Paul is currently studying on fellowship in the doctoral program at the University of Georgia.

Related Programs

• Art : Students interested in text-image relationships will benefit from dual degrees in Creative Writing and Art.
• Communication : Students interested in written and oral narratives would benefit from dual degrees in Creative Writing and Communications.
• Modern Languages and Cultures : Students interested in language as a reflection of culture would benefit from dual degrees in Creative Writing and Modern Languages.

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• Creative Writing

The concentration in creative writing offers students the opportunity to explore an array of writing styles and genres, thereby helping them discover and develop their own voices.

Beyond the introductory course in which students write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, students take specialized workshops offered each term, as well as tutorials and independent studies. A number of Simon’s Rock graduates have gone on to great success in graduate programs in writing, and have published their own stories, poems, essays, novels, and biographies. However, the concentration is intended to assist all students who wish to make creative writing a part of their course of study, rather than only those students interested in writing as a profession.

Because the concentration affords students the opportunity to explore writing as a means of knowing, it is frequently paired with a second concentration in literary studies, theater, visual arts, or the social sciences. Creative writing can help students become better readers of their own work, of themselves, and of the world around them.

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Students with a concentration in creative writing may enter into fields and positions such as fiction writing, editing, screenwriting, communications, grant writing, and advertising.

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Literature 288/388: Fiction Workshop

For students who have some experience in writing short fiction and want to give and receive helpful criticism in a workshop atmosphere, this course combines structure and freedom: Structure in the form of assigned exercises drawing attention to the elements and techniques of fiction and freedom in the form of longer, independently conceived stories. Some time is spent each week discussing short fiction by contemporary writers as well as that of students in the workshop, with the goal of sharpening our abilities as writers, editors, and critics.

Related Special Programs

Bard study abroad and international programs, oxford university, st. catherine's college, study at bard college, creative writing at university of manchester.

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Content Area Writing That Rocks (Creative Writing Activities, Grades 3-12) (Professional Resources) 1st Edition

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• ISBN-10 1425816509
• ISBN-13 978-1425816506
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• Publisher Shell Education
• Publication date April 24, 2017
• Language English
• Dimensions 8.5 x 0.28 x 11 inches
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For over 40 years, TCM’s award-winning resources have been used by educators across the U.S. and in 89 different countries. Offering a broad range of innovative curriculum resources, TCM’s products support reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, technology, test preparation, and professional development for Grades K-12.

Content Area Writing that Rocks, Teachers' Resource Book

3rd-12th grade (160 pages).

A strategy guide designed to help teachers learn key strategies to stay current with their knowledge and writing skill-set. An ideal resource for teachers' use either through the school year or during the summer, but also useful for homeschooling parents looking to meet the demands of today’s educational curriculum.

A strategy guide that focuses on:

• Technology and social media
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Enables teachers to learn key strategies to improve students writing abilities

• Practical strategies for teachers to conduct small-group lessons and math conferences
• Tested strategies to organize and manage student independence
• Sample workstations and mathematical tasks and problems for a variety of grade levels

Helps teachers create better classroom experiences for better students

Developed to help teachers foster a better classroom learning environment for their students, creating the right structure for unlocking student potential

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Content Area Writing That Rocks is a strategy guide designed to help teachers learn key strategies to stay current with their knowledge and writing skill-set. Designed by teachers, this educational resource helps teachers stay up-to-date with teaching students by tapping into their interests in technology, social media, and other relevant and contemporary topics for the younger generation. An ideal resource for teachers either through the school year or during the summer, but also useful for homeschooling parents looking to meet the demands of today’s educational curriculum.

• STRATEGIC WRITING: Designed to assist parents and teachers to develop and evaluate different writing skills needed for their students to succeed from the 3rd to 12th grade
• INNOVATIVE LEARNING: SEL format assesses children’s unique learning abilities through real-life examples, testimonials, and case studies that demonstrate practical applications
• COMPLIES WITH EDUCATION STANDARDS: Packed with engaging activities to help students flourish and thrive in critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving skills. Aligned to state, national, and College & Career Readiness standards
• IDEAL FOR HOMESCHOOLING: Designed for parents and teachers to provide daily practice to young scholars at home or online

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shell Education; 1st edition (April 24, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1425816509
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1425816506
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 18 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 12
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.28 x 11 inches
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Young and Teen Writers Workshops

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The Young and Teen Writers Workshops have served the community for over 38 years. Take a journey into the world of creative writing.

About the Workshops

Our program is one of the oldest workshops for young writers in the nation and remains one of the most affordable options for academic programs. We offer generous need-based financial aid packages.

Students will work on their craft and meet and learn from professional authors and artists. We offer two workshops:

• The Young Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 5th through 8th grades. The 2024 YWW will meet on weekday afternoons, July 8-19.
• The Teen Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 9th grade through rising college freshmen. The 2024 TWW will meet on weekday afternoons, July 22-August 2.

Past Guest Authors

The very first Young Writers Workshop guest author was the great Clyde Edgerton in 1986!

Our 2023 guest artists include returning authors Frances O’Roark Dowell and David Carter.

In recent years, YWW has featured NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, award-winning songwriter JR Richards; novelists Miriam Polli, Nahid Rachlin, Ben Shaberman, David Carter, Sean DeLauder, Kyle Winkler; poets Dorianne Laux and Al Maginnes; nonfiction author Cat Warren, and voice-over artist Graham Mack.

Previous guests through the years have included Jhon Sanchez (fiction), Eric Roe (fiction writer), Stephanie Van Hassel (poet), Chris Tonelli (poet), Bianca Diaz (poet), Ravi Tewari (poet), Alice Osborn (poet), Ian Finley, (drama), Ed Mooney, Jr. (fiction), Eric Gregory (fiction), Kayla Rutledge (fiction), Sarah Grunder Ruiz (fiction), David Tully (YA novelist), Cari Corbett (comics), Jeremy Whitley (comics), Megan Roberts (fiction), among so many others.

Dr. William K. Lawrence [email protected]

Creative Writing Program Marks Three Decades of Growth, Diversity

By Luisa A. Igloria

2024: a milestone year which marks the 30 th  anniversary of Old Dominion University’s MFA Creative Writing Program. Its origins can be said to go back to April 1978, when the English Department’s (now Professor Emeritus, retired) Phil Raisor organized the first “Poetry Jam,” in collaboration with Pulitzer prize-winning poet W.D. Snodgrass (then a visiting poet at ODU). Raisor describes this period as “ a heady time .” Not many realize that from 1978 to 1994, ODU was also the home of AWP (the Association of Writers and Writing Programs) until it moved to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

The two-day celebration that was “Poetry Jam” has evolved into the annual ODU Literary Festival, a week-long affair at the beginning of October bringing writers of local, national, and international reputation to campus. The ODU Literary Festival is among the longest continuously running literary festivals nationwide. It has featured Rita Dove, Maxine Hong Kingston, Susan Sontag, Edward Albee, John McPhee, Tim O’Brien, Joy Harjo, Dorothy Allison, Billy Collins, Naomi Shihab Nye, Sabina Murray, Jane Hirshfield, Brian Turner, S.A. Cosby, Nicole Sealey, Franny Choi, Ross Gay, Adrian Matejka, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Ilya Kaminsky, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, Jose Olivarez, and Ocean Vuong, among a roster of other luminaries. MFA alumni who have gone on to publish books have also regularly been invited to read.

From an initial cohort of 12 students and three creative writing professors, ODU’s MFA Creative Writing Program has grown to anywhere between 25 to 33 talented students per year. Currently they work with a five-member core faculty (Kent Wascom, John McManus, and Jane Alberdeston in fiction; and Luisa A. Igloria and Marianne L. Chan in poetry). Award-winning writers who made up part of original teaching faculty along with Raisor (but are now also either retired or relocated) are legends in their own right—Toi Derricotte, Tony Ardizzone, Janet Peery, Scott Cairns, Sheri Reynolds, Tim Seibles, and Michael Pearson. Other faculty that ODU’s MFA Creative Writing Program was privileged to briefly have in its ranks include Molly McCully Brown and Benjamín Naka-Hasebe Kingsley.

"What we’ve also found to be consistently true is how collegial this program is — with a lively and supportive cohort, and friendships that last beyond time spent here." — Luisa A. Igloria, Louis I. Jaffe Endowed Professor & University Professor of English and Creative Writing at Old Dominion University

Our student body is diverse — from all over the country as well as from closer by. Over the last ten years, we’ve also seen an increase in the number of international students who are drawn to what our program has to offer: an exciting three-year curriculum of workshops, literature, literary publishing, and critical studies; as well as opportunities to teach in the classroom, tutor in the University’s Writing Center, coordinate the student reading series and the Writers in Community outreach program, and produce the student-led literary journal  Barely South Review . The third year gives our students more time to immerse themselves in the completion of a book-ready creative thesis. And our students’ successes have been nothing but amazing. They’ve published with some of the best (many while still in the program), won important prizes, moved into tenured academic positions, and been published in global languages. What we’ve also found to be consistently true is how collegial this program is — with a lively and supportive cohort, and friendships that last beyond time spent here.

Our themed studio workshops are now offered as hybrid/cross genre experiences. My colleagues teach workshops in horror, speculative and experimental fiction, poetry of place, poetry and the archive — these give our students so many more options for honing their skills. And we continue to explore ways to collaborate with other programs and units of the university. One of my cornerstone projects during my term as 20 th  Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth was the creation of a Virginia Poets Database, which is not only supported by the University through the Perry Library’s Digital Commons, but also by the MFA Program in the form of an assistantship for one of our students. With the awareness of ODU’s new integration with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and its impact on other programs, I was inspired to design and pilot a new 700-level seminar on “Writing the Body Fantastic: Exploring Metaphors of Human Corporeality.” In the fall of 2024, I look forward to a themed graduate workshop on “Writing (in) the Anthropocene,” where my students and I will explore the subject of climate precarity and how we can respond in our own work.

Even as the University and wider community go through shifts and change through time, the MFA program has grown with resilience and grace. Once, during the six years (2009-15) that I directed the MFA Program, a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) university-wide review amended the guidelines for what kind of graduate student would be allowed to teach classes (only those who had  already  earned 18 or more graduate credits). Thus, two of our first-year MFA students at that time had to be given another assignment for their Teaching Assistantships. I thought of  AWP’s hallmarks of an effective MFA program , which lists the provision of editorial and publishing experience to its students through an affiliated magazine or press — and immediately sought department and upper administration support for creating a literary journal. This is what led to the creation of our biannual  Barely South Review  in 2009.

In 2010,  HuffPost  and  Poets & Writers  listed us among “ The Top 25 Underrated Creative Writing MFA Programs ” (better underrated than overrated, right?) — and while our MFA Creative Writing Program might be smaller than others, we do grow good writers here. When I joined the faculty in 1998, I was excited by the high caliber of both faculty and students. Twenty-five years later, I remain just as if not more excited, and look forward to all the that awaits us in our continued growth.

This essay was originally published in the Spring 2024 edition of Barely South Review , ODU’s student-led literary journal. The University’s growing MFA in Creative Writing program connects students with a seven-member creative writing faculty in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

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Michael McDonald, Silken-Voiced Yacht-Rock Icon, Talks About Writing His Life Story With Paul Reiser (Yes, That Paul Reiser)

By Jason Diamond

Everybody is always a little late to a Zoom interview, so I’m shocked when I log on five minutes early to make sure everything is kosher and see Michael McDonald sitting there patiently, white beard matching his slicked-back head of white hair. He’s 72 and wears it well. He sounds good, too—like it hasn’t been decades since he sang “Takin’ It to the Streets” with the Doobie Brothers, or the floating-down-from-a-cloud backing vocals on Steely Dan’s “Peg.” Once you hear his voice, it’s in your head forever. To steal one from an old Saturday Night Live sketch, it’s like buttah . Blue-eyed soul that melts your inner core, undoubtedly the soundtrack to the conception of thousands of babies over the years. You have to be confident to have a voice like that, but McDonald is polite and soft-spoken when I thank him for dialling in before I did.

“I always figure it’s best to start early,” he says, “because I never know how to figure out these things, getting on Zoom and all that.”

McDonald is here to talk about his new memoir, What a Fool Believes , named for the 1979 Doobie Brothers hit. The book, which he co-wrote with Paul Reiser—yes, the Paul Reiser , more on this in a moment—isn’t your typical Yeah, we trashed a few hotel rooms and banged some groupies, but then things changed… kind of rock-star autobiography. It’s deeper than that, more honest, light on the bravado. It begins way back when, long before the Doobies and Steely Dan, with McDonald recounting his early days as a rock and soul-obsessed kid from the St. Louis suburbs. It was the early 1960s; regional garage-band scenes were popping up all over the country. Guys who’d watched how Brits like the Beatles and the Stones made girls scream and cry and decided they wanted to do that . Usually that was their first reference: John and Paul and Mick and Keef , not the blues and soul the Brits were borrowing from. But McDonald was a little different. He was an explorer. He got so deep into music that there was no getting out, and that’s what we were starting to talk about when his coauthor logged on.

Paul Reiser : How are you doing, Michael?

Michael McDonald : Good. I was doing better until I saw the full screen. I’m like the poster boy for liver spots.

Reiser : No. You look remarkably healthy.

GQ: Yeah, your hair is perfect. So tell me how you guys met.

Reiser : I’ve got a picture of Mike with my kids, so it's got to be 15 years maybe. Mike was performing at this private event that I was invited to and I walked in and went, Holy shit. Michael McDonald is the entertainment? That's pretty cool . And then I went over and said hello and told him what a big fan I was. Then, in a jolt of moxie that I don't always have, I told him I live 40 feet from here, and I have a music studio with two pianos just in case something like this ever occurred. You want to come over and play? And, God bless him…

McDonald : …I said, yeah, sure . So we sat and played and that was where it all started. I was very familiar with Paul's work and I was pleasantly surprised that he was a fan of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and so we hit it off right away just talking about music. Then we literally walked across the driveway to his house, and there are these two grand pianos. We were sitting there playing our favorite Beatles songs and our discussions were fun because I don't normally get to talk to people about things like all the great bridges from Beatles songs. There was an era of Beatles songs, like from the Something New album to Beatles VI , where all their songs had these great bridges , and I was always amazed by that. So we were sitting around picking out the bridges from different Beatles songs and just really having fun the way that only two people who are that neurotic about Beatles songs can have, I guess.

I’ll be honest and say maybe eight times out of ten, I hate music memoirs because they feel like they’re just there to sort of boost the faded legacy of a musician. But you guys did such a great job with this. One thing that stood out is how honest you were, Michael, about what you say was a “subconscious resentment towards women” when you were younger. That struck me, because a lot of male musicians from your era tend to revel in the macho antics of their younger years. What made you want to discuss that?

McDonald : I don't know what I thought it would explain, to be honest with you, but I thought it was somehow a bit of insight. We threw a lot of stuff against the wall. Paul interviewed me for a month before we even did this and we then transcribed all these interviews. So he's worked a lot harder on this book than I have, but we talked about the certain things that should stay and shouldn't stay and that was one of 'em. And I think we both felt it was important. It was some kind of insight into all that would take place later in my life, it has been an issue for me in relationships throughout my growing up period and my adulthood. So I didn't have to dig too deep. It was not like a shrink session.

By Ilana Kaplan

By Jesse Hassenger

By Gabriella Paiella

Reiser : Mike has done so much exploration and understanding of his life, which is why it's great that he decided to do this book now as opposed to 10 or 20 years ago. I think there's a vantage point that he has of who he is and how he got here, which is really what the book is about. But if there's one thing I can say about Michael McDonald it’s that he's remarkably honest and humble, but also forthcoming. He owns every piece of his life that he can. So it didn't take a lot of excavation. It was two of us talking on Zoom and he was just sharing this stuff. I was a big fan of Mike’s, and the reason I first said “You should write a book” to him was because I really wanted to read it. I didn’t know his story. I love his music, but I really know very little about him, and now I do.

Paul, people know you from your standup career, from Mad About You, or as the author of a few best-selling books of your own, but two of my favorite things you’ve done as an actor are Barry Levinson’s 1982 film Diner and the Amazon series Red Oaks . And a thing about those projects was you were interpreting another person’s nostalgia as an actor. Here, you’re doing something similar by taking Michael’s memories and shaping them into a story. How did you approach doing this project?

Reiser : We approached it thinking, This might be the dumbest idea in the world or it might be fun . I would periodically ask Mike questions, about Steely Dan or the Doobies and how he went from one thing to the other. And at one point I jokingly said You should write a book, so I didn’t have to ask you all the questions . He said people had mentioned that to him, but he didn’t know if there was a story there or how to do it. And that's when I said, well, let's just do this .

I had no approach and I had no tone that I was going for; I was just asking genuine questions that I was curious about, and Mike was sharing everything that came up. A lot of the stories ended up not being used because they weren’t really about Mike. He’d go, I'll tell you a funny thing that happened to my friend . I’d say, Well, that's great. That goes in his book . That's not your book . This is Mike's story. I didn't write it. These are all verbatim Mike's stories. Mike's laying himself bare, and all I did was sometimes pull it out of him a little more or ask him to go deeper or explain and then just sort of help organize the material. But it's not a book I wrote— it's just Mike's book that I was honored to and flattered that he let me help him walk through it.

McDonald shakes hands with Peter Frampton onstage at the Oakland Coliseum, 1977

The book shows Michael’s rise from local garage bands playing parties to a band like the Del-Rays who put out a single on Stax, then session work, and eventually bands like the Doobies and later the solo success. It made me think of the old-school rock journeyman thing other guys of your generation like Bob Seger or Glenn Frey did before they found success. I haven’t seen many books that really focus on that part of a career as much as you did. Why was it so important to focus so much on that era?

McDonald : I think it was what Paul was saying, how a lot of the times I would say, Oh, I think this is a great story to tell , and I was fortunate to have Paul, with his ability as a writer, to look at something and go, Here's your story right here . All this other stuff, you're repeating yourself because you think this is important. And you keep repeating it like you think that reader is an idiot . It was really in the organization and editing that we did along the way that the story came together. That was the expertise I was able to tap into with Paul.

Reiser : One of the reasons I think this book is resonating with people and one of the reasons I think we're both proud of it is it works on a couple of levels. There are not a lot of artists who have the scale and the scope of Mike's career, from playing church basements in St. Louis to rock festivals and then to all his success to arenas and then his solo career. So there is a story there, and that, as the French would say, dayenu —that would've been enough just to have this chronology of rock and roll and rock and the L.A. music scene in the seventies that nobody knows better than Mike McDonald. But along the way, out of excavating these stories is this arc of Mike the person and his very unique, distinctive childhood and musical influences. His dad and his family, the St. Louis music scene, his journey through alcohol and drugs; Mike finding himself and finding Amy and finding his center in light. So they kind of work in dovetail together. You're getting all the nuts and bolts. I think anybody who wants a really accurate and detailed telling of pop history from the ‘70s to now, it's in this book. But what really carries it is this guy and how his personality really comes out. I think that's a testament to how honest and open Mike was with sharing everything.

McDonald : I think the message is a universal one; it’s about the randomness of life and how miraculously sometimes we just skirt the disaster right and left. You don't realize that life is really not made up of our choices; it’s made up of random events and the amount of providence that we're blessed with along the way. And many times it flies in the face of our own actions.

Reiser : If you trace Mike's trajectory, it's like, okay, the Doobie Brothers came because of Steely Dan, and Steely Dan came because of how a guy that he played with once called him a year later and said, Hey, can you come down right now and try out ? And Mike just jumped in his Pinto and had no time to prepare, and after five hours of what became a rehearsal period, Mike was never told he was in the band. Okay, well now you're in Steely Dan. So to me, that checks both boxes. It's like that's how rock history happens. The guy says, can you come down and put your Wurlitzer in the Pinto and get over here? The next thing you know, you're in Europe backing up Steely Dan, and then you're back in Glendale playing a bar to 12 people. And then you get another call, and now you're in the Doobie Brothers. Is that how it happens? Yeah, that's how it happens. There was no curriculum that you could sign on to join the Doobies: You got a phone call and then because you have Mike's skills and unique talent, you’re in.

McDonald with Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines on the set of McDonald's “Sweet Freedom" video, 1986

Something that might get overlooked is how much comedy and music have in common. The endless touring, the small clubs, the hecklers. Were there times where you guys were discussing your paths and you realized your stories have a lot in common?

Reiser : Yeah. It was like we had hecklers and we both had a couple of stories about terrible audiences we were sharing, and out of that came some of the stories in the book about opening for Cher in France, then hearing a whistle and going, I think they like us. No, they're telling us to get the fuck off the stage . So we all have our nightmare stories and to me those are the most fun parts. And as a comedian, I remember whenever there was a horrendous night—and there were nights that were just terrible—in the back of your head, you're thinking This will be a good story . It's a terrible night, but this will be a funny story later.

McDonald : Microcosm of life right there. I think comedians have it worse, though, because they have to have the audience’s attention. Musicians can get away with it because people largely ignore them in lounges and places like that.

And people tend to be drunk at comedy shows; they’re usually on more drugs at concerts. Paul, I know you’ve talked in the past about how comedy records were so important to you growing up, but you were also a musician, so you appreciate both forms. Michael, were there any comedy records you liked back in the day?

McDonald: I remember one record we used to get stoned and listen to. It wasn't a comedy record, but it was Jack Webb reciting poetry and it was so great. The cover was him, those little thin ties, the real stern look on his face, just like Dragnet . And pretty much his delivery of the poems was not too different from the way his dialogue was on TV.

McDonald with Danielle Spencer and the Doobie Brothers' Tiran Porter on the set of What's Happening!! , 1978

Was there a lot of overlap with comedy in your early days? Albert Brooks and Richard Pryor and George Carlin were playing in some of the same clubs. Maybe Cheech and Chong ?

McDonald : We didn't play with those guys, but we went to their club. We were kind of scheduled to do the second Up in Smoke movie with them. They had a club up in Vancouver where they would try out new material, and they were both loaded that night, and it ended up being one of those nights that went on and on. It was fun to watch. I remember when we did Saturday Night Live once, we went to a party after at this warehouse in Manhattan, maybe Lower Manhattan, where the guys rented the place out, always had a fully-stocked bar, and after every episode, they would go and hang there.

The Blues Bar? Aykroyd and Belushi’s place?

McDonald : Yeah. That was a riot. Seeing comics after the show, that can be a really interesting character study, especially if there's a little alcohol involved. It gets pretty crazy. I remember Bill Murray trying to moon us while we were leaving. He fell down and started rolling down the street.

Did you open for a lot of bands, Paul?

Reiser: Not a lot. My first real gig was at the Bottom Line where I opened for Buddy Rich—which was not a particularly salient pairing, but it was fine. But I did a couple of short tours with the Pointer Sisters, and opened for Melissa Manchester. That was a more civil crowd. I can't remember too many more than that. But yeah, you open for bands, a local band sometimes. It was usually tough. It's like you just couldn't wait to get the check and get out of there.

Since we talked about early bands, Paul, is there an old garage band of yours that will have an old single dug up and reissued at some point?

Reiser: Oh, I hope not. I had a band—the Upper Deck was the name. We were very big in my building, and we were 12, 13, 14. And then about five years ago, we decided to all get together again. Everybody came out to L.A. and we played in the room where Mike and I first played, and I was very tickled to see that in 50 years time we had gotten no better and actually got a little bit worse. We played “Gloria,” and a couple of Traffic songs. We were just really bad. Luckily, there were no recordings made.

Michael, you worked with Steely Dan’s Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, two of the most famously obsessive musicians of the modern era. How does working with Paul Reiser compare? Who cracks the whip more?

McDonald : [laughing] Paul’s much nicer to me.

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Mary In The Junkyard are writing mini indie rock horror epics

The british band uncover their oldest fears with their new ep, this old house ..

The Opener is The FADER's short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.

Clari Freeman-Taylor grew up in the remote English countryside, isolated and with enough time on her hands to let her imagination run wild. “Growing up I had a lot of fears and would dream up monsters,” she says over Zoom. “There’s this whole imaginary world I would use to break away and escape.” When she got older and formed the band Mary In The Junkyard with drummer David Addison and bassist Saya Barbaglia (who are also on the video call), she returned to the anxieties of her youth for This Old House , their debut EP. “The songs have a real feeling of claustrophobia,” she says from her new home in London.

The line between childlike imagination and unvarnished horror is one Mary in The Junkyard skip over merrily on This Old House . The sweeping art-rock “Marble Arch” conjures images of lonely nights and frayed sisterly relationships. The desperate longing of adolescence can also be felt above the gothic waltz of “Teeth”. There is a rabid nature to “Ghost,” too, and not just because the band howl some of the backing vocals. Freeman-Taylor describes that song as being initially written while she was “obsessed with moths” but is more reflective of moving to the city and “enjoying the freedom” she desired as a teen. The band cite Joanna Newsom and Leonard Cohen as influences, though the fantastical darkness of a director Guillermo Del Toro or novelist Shirley Jackson feels just as apt a reference point.

This black-laced vulnerability has made Mary In The Junkyard one of the must-see live acts in London over the past 18 months. In the band’s estimation, they played the Brixton Windmill, a venue key to the rise of acts such as Black Midi and The Last Dinner Party , over 30 times as they happily snapped up support slots. Like fellow Windmill alumni Black Country, New Road , Mary in the Junkyard met while studying orchestral music and used their downtime to write what they describe as “silly songs,” pop-oriented material a world apart from both the classics they studied and the “angry weepy chaos” music they would go on to make together. One early memory they have of playing together is a cover of Radiohead ’s “Creep” performed with spaghetti as drumsticks.

The man who helped them refine their anything-goes energy was Richard Russell. The band decamped to The Copper House, a south London studio owned by the XL Recordings founder, and got to work at the start of 2024. They set up their equipment in the studio’s kitchen, joking on the call that they wanted to make “kitchen rock” the new bedroom pop. Addison says Russell helped the band shed their perfectionist tendencies while Barbaglia echoes that she was impressed with his laid-back approach. “He's a very spiritual man and I think after a week with him, I felt just so at ease. That kind of mindset was really inspiring and made me realize it’s the way it’s meant to be.”

Barbaglia describes occasionally feeling “exposed” by performing now. The band prize their live show above almost everything but concede that playing such intimate songs can be hard. It’s something Freeman-Taylor says she often wrestles with too. “I don't know whether it's really therapeutic or just kind of fucks you up,” she admits. Either way, that high-wire chase for catharsis is what makes the band’s songs so magnetic.

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New dcu show's writing update gets confirmation from james gunn.

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10 Must-Have Requirements For The DCU's Green Lantern Costumes

I watched amy adams' smallville episode 23 years later and i'm convinced it's superman's lowest point, mcu spider-man 4's latest update has me worried for the future of tom holland's peter parker.

• The official creative team for the upcoming Lanterns TV show was revealed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.
• Chris Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof are leading the charge on the Max series development.
• Gunn puts rumors to rest with an Instagram announcement about the new DC Studios TV show.

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn revealed the official creative team for one of the big DC Universe TV shows that is currently in development. While Gunn's DC Universe is currently in the works with the Superman movie, there are a lot more films and TV shows being worked on by DC Studios. One of the Max dramas that are being developed is the Green Lantern series, Lanterns , focusing on the Emerald Knights. Rumors floated around this week about a creative team being set for the TV show, as it has been over a year since it was announced for Chapter 1, "Gods and Monsters."

However, Gunn has officially confirmed that Chris Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof are officially running the Max series .

Three other writers who had been reported to be part of Lanterns were Justin Britt-Gibson, Breannah Gibson, and Vanessa Baden Kelly . However, at the time of Gunn's posting, none of them were mentioned, leaving it unknown if they are part of Lanterns or not.

Who Are The Lanterns Writing Team?

What their hiring means for dc studios' lanterns tv show.

Mundy and Lindelof's previous shows are also very focused on ensembles, which is fitting as Lanterns will focus on John Stewart and Hal Jordan as the leading characters.

As Gunn mentioned, King is no stranger to the DC Universe franchise , with the comic book scribe working as part of DC Studios' creative team. King is also working on the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie as an architect, with the film adapting his comic book run of the same name. It's unknown what other DC Universe projects King is working on outside the Lanterns TV show .

DC's 2011 live-action Green Lantern proved that perfecting the costume is important. The DCU's Lanterns give them a second chance to get it right.

Mundy's body of work includes serving as the showrunner on the Netflix series Ozark , which ran for four seasons. Lanterns is influenced by True Detective, as that is another show Mundy worked on as an executive producer and writer . Lindelof's boarding the new show marked a return for him at Warner Bros. Discovery after his successful run as the showrunner for the Watchmen TV show on HBO, where he also created The Leftovers .

With these three confirmed to shepherd Lanterns , it shows that DC Studios wanted a combination of writers who have experience with handling mystery and science-fiction, as well as the superhero genre. Mundy and Lindelof's previous shows are also very focused on ensembles, which is fitting as Lanterns will focus on John Stewart and Hal Jordan as the leading characters . Hopefully, with the creative team set, casting will start later this year for the DC Universe show.

Lanterns (DCU)

Lanterns is a detective show based on DC Comics' Green Lanterns. It started as an HBO Max series centered around Alan Scott, Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, and Simon Baz. However, James Gunn confirmed that the project was redesigned to focus on Hal Jordan and John Stewart in the new interconnected DC Universe franchise.

Source: James Gunn /Instagram