Need More Writing Prompts

By aimi_aiko · Dec 23, 2013 · ·
Categories:
  1. I go to this site more for the writing prompts, but from what I see there is no fresh prompts. I come here for inspiration and I am finding it very difficult. I feel that this site needs more creativeness and less "chit chat" and "debates" because those two things are all I am seeing.

    Feeling disappointed...
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Comments

  1. losthawken
    I know what you mean Aimi. Learning to write really involves a lot of writing and not a lot of discussing, we could stand to encourage more writing here.

    That said there are two aspects of the forum I really feel are valuable, the workshops, and the RP section. The workshop is obvious as its is a great place to get some feedback and learn how to identify/handle quality and non-quality reviews. If you want to be inspired to write the RP section is great. The often fast paced interaction is addictive and really fun! I attribute most of me ability to develop characters to the RP section here (though I might be biased since I am the Mod for the RP forum ;) )

    Lastly, I'll say that there a lot of prompts and other types of writing inspiration on the wordpress blogs. They come in all types and sizes, some are more participated in than others, but there is a good community of active writers on the blogosphere, its worth taking a look.

    And if you need a place to start I posted a writing prompt of sorts on my blog not long ago ;)

    http://jaurelguay.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/scifi-writing-challenge-reboot/
  2. Faust
    I usually just pick three things. A Person, a Place, and a Thing and try to write 500 words about them.

    For example, you could have a prompt of Abraham Lincoln, Boston, and a telescope.

    Of course this becomes harder when you're looking for other 'non-easily identified' persons, places and things. But it's a good start if you're bored. I've come up with some pretty witty ones just using that.

    I also like the idea of the RP forum.
  3. jannert
    Hi there! I'm sorry you're a bit disappointed with this forum, but I think perhaps you're expecting too much of it AS A WHOLE. This is a collection of people who have only one thing in common ...an interest in writing.


    I, for one, NEVER do writing prompts, or even look at that thread. I have my own story which I've developed over a period of several years, and would find writing short pieces based on a word somebody else gave me a total waste of my time. However, others love this sort of thing, and find it inspirational. Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes.


    Everybody's remit is the same on this forum, really. It's not up to anybody else to provide you with inspiration. It's a sharing kind of deal ...you provide some inspiration and may receive some in return.


    The best thing about this forum is the fact that if you stick around and pay attention, you WILL encounter folks who are of like mind to yourself.


    Through personal messaging (now called 'conversations') you can establish strong contacts, exchange emails addresses, and move on from there. My own strongest need—and my best personal skill—is for beta reading, mostly for novels. I have developed personal friendships with about 7 people on this forum. Several of these have read my novel; I've read theirs. I'm currently working on one (huge pleasure for me) which is the kind of Sci-Fi I love to read. I sent this person a few writing books I owned on the topic, and received some lovely Christmas chocolate in return! I also just received a copy of an anthology, in which another one of my forum friends has been published. I may meet up with a third one in the spring.


    There are many others with whom I regularly exchange fun and friendly messages. Many of these have been of personal help to me, when it comes to polishing my story (which is in the very final stages of editing, after many years of work.) I guess I've helped them as well.


    There are also others on the forum whose contributions are just plain fun to read. There are a few whom I'm not fond of at all, and one or two whom I actively dislike ...and don't really engage with.


    It's just like any other group of people, really. Some will 'get' you, some won't. Some will like what you write, some won't. Some offer advice that is helpful, some just regurgitate their own opinions without much reference to what you've given them. Some advice is just BAD. Some people will be kind and helpful, some will be right pains in the arse. The only way you'll figure out who's who and what is worthy is by sticking around, participating where and if you feel inclined, and build your online relationships gradually, with people who share your interests and goals.


    I really enjoy this forum. I think the mods are excellent. They jump in with a huge whallop if things get out of hand. They don't hesitate to ban trolls, they keep the spam at bay, and actually participate themselves in writing-related discussions. However, they let things develop freely, as long as personal insults are kept to a minimum, so there is a free exchange on most threads. The forum is organised so that 'chat' that's unrelated to writing is generally found in places like The Lounge, the happy and not happy threads, etc. If you don't want to participate in this kind of thing, then avoid these sections of the forum.


    This is not a church or a school. It's a party, really. Nobody owes anybody anything. You circulate, make friends, and hopefully have a good time! I hope you give it another chance to be what you'd like it to be.
      obsidian_cicatrix likes this.
  4. obsidian_cicatrix
    I do understand where you are coming from, but try taking the blinkers/blinders of disappointment off for a moment. Personally, I think you are looking at the site in a very superficial light. There's a lot going on under the surface.

    'Chit-chat' has it's uses. It helps members connect with those who have it in them to be inspirational. I've learned more from interacting with members on a more personal level than I have from the threads and posts. Even things said inadvertently can trigger a stream of thoughts that push me in the right direction.

    Whilst I am not a big fan of the debate threads, there is much to be observed in the way members handle themselves. It all depends on perspective. Debate thread, or ready laid out characterisation material? It's all in how you choose to view it. Most negatives can be spun into positives. Try being a bit creative in your outlook. There are prompts everywhere I look... not of the obvious kind, but subtle little suggestions. Even the thread that you demanded closed gave me much to think about with regards to how you come across in type. More often than not, the issues don't get me invested in a thread, the personal interactions do. There's a lot can be gleamed in terms of personality markers and traits that can contribute to realistic characterisations and scenes.

    Perhaps, instead of expecting the site to adapt to fit you, you would be better off considering how you can integrate more fully and start to reap the benefits of more meaningful interactions.

    Like much else in life, you need to give to get. Coming here once in a blue moon and finding fault, just simply because the site somehow doesn't fit your criteria of what a writing site should be, helps no one, especially yourself.

    Of course, if you have already made up your mind, and you feel this site and its members serve no useful purpose, I'm wasting my breath. I would have been more than happy to suggest prompts, if that is what you felt you required.

    All you had to do was ask. ;)
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