inspiration

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.

From albums and movies to naps and snacks, a series of suggestions from fifty-two authors on how to help keep your creativity flowing throughout the year.

“Become an open door,” “Say anything,” and “Begin where you are.” Seven ways to reconnect to your writing, from one of the country’s most prolific poets.

The executive director of National Novel Writing Month and cofounder of 100 Word Story considers how constraints can help writers access inventiveness and increase productivity.