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Creative Writing

A guide dedicated to the basics of creative writing and resources. Includes writing prompts.

The Blank Page

Whether a person is a beginning writer or an experienced published author, people all encounter the first blank page. A blank page can make even the most experienced writer pause for a moment. Often, starting to write and putting words on that first blank page can be the hardest part of writing. This section provides suggestions for getting past a blank page.

Reminder: After the first rough draft is written, words can always be changed. This is just so writers may put something, anything, on the page.

Fast help! Below is a card with many options for first words. Whatever square a writer chooses has the first words for the story. A writer may either:

  1. Pick a square or
  2. Close eyes and randomly point at the card

Writing Prompt: Pick Your First Words!

(Use for the opening lines of your novel, a chapter, a scene change, or anything else)

Once upon a time

Let it go

Come fly with me

Every breath I take

On Friday, I fell in love

A long time ago

Bet on it

Is that a comet?

It’s all fake, just a façade

Give a little

The power of love

There was a bicycle race

Dancing through life leads to

Look at the fields of gold

I was just looking for a good time

Welcome to the Hotel

A bad moon was rising

Do you believe in destiny

Remember to find yourself

The hammer fell

Walk this way

We made a breakthrough

It don’t cost nothing to

The first sign of spring

And I said have a nice day

I’m waiting for a hero

Strange things were happening

Time to double back

For the first time in forever

Haven’t you noticed I’m a star
You'll never believe this, but When the wind blew like that Life suddenly got fair and I don't know how  I got into this It's not my fault

 

Writing by Reflection: Looking Inside

Reflecting and Writing: Story Starters

Writers may also reflect, or look inside themselves for writing ideas. Reflecting may include thinking of a character and seeing the opening scene through a variety of senses (which might be touch, smell, sight, hearing, etc.). The two options below might be helpful.

Reflecting steps:

  1. Shut your eyes.
  2. Imagine the character. Words or images may be used.
  3. Ask yourself - "What are they experiencing?" Answer by writing.

Start a story by answering some of the following questions:

  • Open with dialogue - What would the character say?
  • Describe the setting - Where are they?
  • Start with an action or event - What is going on? Did something just happen?

The First Blank Page: Writing Prompts from Other Sources

Looking at something that has already been written may sometimes help a person start writing. Below are several prompts a person can use, if inspiration is needed from an outside source.

Writing Prompt Options:

  • Pick the book closest to you. Open to the first page. Use the first five words on the page to begin your story. (Naturally, these will be deleted when you start editing)
  • Open your edevice's messages. The most recent message is how your story starts.
  • Open your music list. The first line of the first song you play is now the opening line of your story.

Reminder: Words can always be changed after the story is finished. For now, just write the rough draft.