TIL that writing prompts with random restrictions actually spark way better ideas for me

I used to think limiting yourself in writing was the dumbest thing ever lol. Like why box yourself in when the whole point is to be creative right? Then last week I tried a prompt that said "write a scene using only one syllable words" and I was shocked at how hard but fun it was. I ended up with a 300 word flash story about a guy stuck in an elevator that actually had some punch to it. I've been trying out other weird rules like "no adjectives" or "every sentence has to start with a letter from your name" and it's weirdly helpful. Has anyone else found that random constraints actually make your writing better or am I just losing it?

2 comments

2 Comments

calebrivera3d agoMost Upvoted

oh man, the elevator story with one syllable words sounds incredible actually. i've been doing something similar where i force myself to write a scene without using the letter 'e' and it's brutal but man it makes you dig deep for different words. i also tried one where every sentence has to end with a question mark and i ended up with this weird noir detective thing that was way more atmospheric than anything i'd planned. the trick i've found is that those limits kill your inner editor, you know? you're too busy worrying about the rule to second guess yourself.

wyatt8623d ago

and it's the same reason i can't grocery shop without a list anymore... too many choices and my brain just shuts down before i even pick a cart. that invisible editor we all have gets real loud when there's no boundaries, so slapping a weird rule on a page is like giving it a cage to pace around in. it's kinda funny how we need to make our own little prisons just to set the words free.