A Quick Guide to Writing Prompts
A quick guide to some sites for writing prompts.
I'll periodically come back to this article and update it with better links and sections
[Photo by Brandi Redd on Unsplash]
Where to Start
I make ideas prompts for roleplaying games as my main work.
Lots of writers, world builders and creatives use writing prompts for short stories, novels and bringing depth to their creations.
For advice from people who know more about writing prompts than me try Writing Prompt Sites
Communities exist to help with the use and give advice on writing prompts. One is the r/writingprompts community at reddit. And Ameronis at RanGen.co.uk has writing challenges which use random generators from the site.
Some like to make their own Writing Prompt generators using tools such as perchance or chartopia
Writing Prompts for Characters
A simple place to start for writing is with a character.
Names can be found at Fantasy Name Generators. The site has many generators for real world names as well as places, fantasy, science fiction and many parts of geek culture.
For various character traits RanGen has tools including appearance, family, personality and motive.
More character prompts (alongside other writing tools) are available at springhole.net. The Ridiculously Awesome Character Idea Generator is worth a glance.
More Writing Prompt Sites
For writing prompts beyond chaaracters we have two Plot Generators
Manuel Ebert
For general writing prompts with some extra advice on how to get more out of them. try this one from the Character Comma.
Writing Exercises has several tools for helping the stuck or struggling writer. There is a children's section for younger writers.
Seventh Sanctum is ancient in internet terms. As well as many short generators for roleplaying games it has a section for Writing Generators.
Some writers find visual prompts to be more inspiring. Pinterest has categories for nearly everything. For something more focused I've created Story Icons for the Cyberpunk genre.
Finishing Up
For more info about a couple of creators behind the sites I've done gaming focused interviews with Ameronis of RanGen and Steven of 7th Sanctum.
What Writing Prompts have you used?
