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A Few Books I Keep on Hand for Prompts (for my writing)

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Oh, so much fun. I used to like to write before the fire, and I want to write again. I am nearly there. I thought tonight I’ll write a little about the prompt books I have and why I value them.

A book takes you places - sketchbook art by Linda Jo Martin.

A Writer’s Book of Days

Starting with the one I’ve had the longest… I’ve bought this book twice (at least) because my former housemate berated me until I gave up my entire collection of writing books, and most of the rest of the books too. Sad times. I regret to say I let someone push me around that much. When I got to where I was going (away from him!) I had to replace this particular book because I value it so much.

This is A Writer’s Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life, by Judy Reeves, a writing teacher.

This book is divided into months. For each month there’s a collection of short essays about topics of interest to writers. There’s also a collection of prompts for that month – one for each day of the year. This book is an inspired treasure and a pleasure to read and learn from.

I’ve used many of the prompts. I’ve written poetry occasionally with the prompts, but usually write flash fiction.


Take Ten For Writers

Another great prompt book I’ve bought twice is Take Ten for Writers, by Bonnie Neubauer. This book is So.Much.Fun. I highly recommend it.

I originally bought this for the local writer’s club. We would choose a prompt and all write for ten minutes, then compare notes. Great fun, I assure you. I prefer this kind of writer’s club to any other kind, including critique groups.

After I moved to Idaho and had to leave the club I bought another copy of this book for myself. Had to have it. Had to.

The reason this book is so much fun is because every page is colorful and you get to make choices. There are ten different choices to go with each prompt. It is kind of hard to describe but I hope you will get the book and try it out.


Kicking in the Wall

One more book, and I’ve bought this one only once! I bought it in a special place – the Well-Read Moose bookstore in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I loved shopping there when I lived nearby.

I searched the store high and low and finally found the section of books intended for writers on a bottom shelf near the front of the store. It was there that I discovered Kicking In the Wall: A Year of Writing Exercises, Prompts, and Quotes to Help You Break Through Your Blocks and Reach Your Writing Goals, by Barbara Abercrombie.

I use this book for memoir writing, but you may find it handy for other types of writing depending on where your heart leads you. There are some very nice prompts that will make you think and get your pen moving.

This is the writing prompt book I’m most likely to take with me (along with a journal) to the nearest coffee house to sit quietly and write.

Just Write

If you still need inspiration, try my page of 365 Writing Prompts for Creative Writing Inspiration.

Don’t over-think it. Just open the journal and write something. It isn’t hard. These books (and my page) help give a little direction and the rest comes from within your heart.

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Filed Under: writing stories Tagged With: inspiration, writing everything March 20, 2023

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