Get Out of the Writing Rut

We do so many things habitually. If your daily habit is going for a brisk walk or some other form of exercise, that’s a positive. But, if your daily writing has gotten stale and yet you still go about it in the same manner, that’s not so good. Here are a few writing prompts for how to get out of the writing rut.

Try Something Different.

Perhaps you’re a romance writer. You might be very good at creating a situation in which your characters meet, but are thwarted in their efforts to find true love with each other. They come together and then apart until ultimately, love prevails. But on that one annoying day when the ideas just don’t flow, why not write a scene in which the perfect romance isn’t so perfect after all? Here’s your unromantic writing prompt:

You have two characters who can’t stand each other. They find themselves stuck in an elevator. What do they talk about and how does it lead to romance…on the spot!

If the spirit moves you, go for it.

We’re writers, which means we have active imaginations. If you suddenly visualize a horrific crime, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to become an ax murderer. But, you should take the time to write about it. Just because your normal stories gravitate towards rainbows and kittens doesn’t mean you can’t throw in a curve ball once in awhile.

Here’s your just go with it writing prompt:

Romance writers: I want you to create a scene in which a leading man loses the love of his life in a boating accident.

Thriller/Horror writers: I want you to create a scene in which we see another side to your villain. Write about the one person in the world that might get him to change his evil ways.

It’s good to have a writing habit, but you don’t have to let your writing habit control what you write. I’d love to here how these writing prompts go for you. Feel free to drop me a line.