Things to Write About: Great Places to Find Ideas
Look around and you’ll find there’s no shortage of interesting things to write about—whether you’re in search of blog topics or creative story ideas. But in spite of that, I…
Look around and you’ll find there’s no shortage of interesting things to write about—whether you’re in search of blog topics or creative story ideas. But in spite of that, I found myself sucked in to the advance copy of a book I recently happened upon in my inbox: 642 Things to Write About, by the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto (Chronicle Books).
We receive copies of a LOT of books for writers here at the WD office—and, of course, our colleagues at Writer’s Digest Books are constantly publishing wonderful new resources for writers, too—and our well-stocked library is one of the best perks of working here. With so many great resources on hand, when a new title stands out, it’s worth taking notice—which is why we'd like to start sharing some of our favorite finds with you here from time to time.
What I immediately loved about this book is that it was compiled by 35 writers--all participants at The Grotto, a workspace for professional writers in San Francisco—and the inventive creative writing prompts inside are proof that 35 heads really are better than one. Here’s a sampling of a few of my favorites.
5 Interesting Things to Write About
1. What is the sound of silence, and when did you last hear it? What was missing?
2. You can keep only one memory from your entire life. What will it be?
3. Something you never told your mother.
4. Write an anonymous letter to a stranger detailing the things you’ve learned about life.
5. Five ideas for a novel that you’ll never write.
See what I mean? (Note: We have no affiliation with Chronicle Books or The Grotto. I just like the book. Honest.)
More Places to Find Creative Writing Prompts
• Among our most popular features here on WritersDigest.com are our Daily Creative Writing Prompts, so if you haven’t checked them out before and are in search of more fun or interesting things to write about, don’t miss out! They're free and easy to access, wherever you are.
• We offer up a Your Story prompt in every issue of Writer’s Digest, and the winner(s) appear(s) in print! View our latest challenge (also free to enter, of course) on the Your Story homepage. We’re always inspired by the creative story ideas submitted by readers month after month—and we’d love to see yours among the next round.
• I was really excited this year when WD Books released an updated 10th Anniversary Edition of The Writer's Idea Book by Jack Heffron. A longtime friend and colleague of mine, Jack offers up gem after gem of inspiration in these pages--so if it's not already a staple of your bookshelf, it should be.
What are your own favorite resources for finding creative blog topics or story ideas? Leave a comment below and let us know—your fellow writers (and WD editors) will thank you.
Jessica Strawser
Editor, Writer’s Digest
Follow me on Twitter: @jessicastrawser
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Jessica Strawser is editor-at-large for Writer's Digest and former editor-in-chief. She's also the author of several novels, including Not That I Could Tell and Almost Missed You.
