inspiration

Write a poem inspired by emptiness, explore your characters’ perceptions of love, or write about your interior self—three prompts to inspire you in the New Year.

Sally Wen Mao, Hanif Abdurraqib, Morgan Parker, Esmé Weijun Wang, Ross Gay, Yiyun Li, and Chigozie Obioma share their thoughts about creativity, the transformative power of writing, and the infinite potential of the literary imagination.

A psychologist and writer explores how writers can tap into the twilight stage between sleep and waking to discover the most creative parts of our minds.

Explore emotional ties to personal objects in a poem, write a short story about the holiday season, and use interviews for an essay—three prompts to get you writing.

Consider earthly and celestial bodies, write a prequel to a horror story, or explore emotional ties to clothing—three prompts to get you writing.

Connect with nature, delve into dystopia, and reflect on a relationship with a guardian—three prompts to get you writing.

A memoirist hikes through rejection during a do-it-yourself retreat in the California desert. 

Shape-shifting poems, reimagining fairy tales, and envisioning an exhibition—three prompts to get you writing, plus our suggested reading: A Primer for Poets & Readers of Poetry by Gregory Orr.