Unpopular opinion: I was using writing prompts all wrong for years

I always thought prompts were just a starting point you follow exactly to see where it goes. But after joining a workshop in Austin last June, someone pointed out that I was treating prompts like orders instead of inspiration. She showed me her take on the same prompt and it was totally different, that's when I realized I was limiting myself by not bending the rules. How do you usually approach a writing prompt differently than most people?

2 comments

2 Comments

charles_kim1mo ago

Tbh that "treating prompts like orders instead of inspiration" line hit home for me. I spent years churning out the same basic stories because I was too scared to stray from the prompt.

green.jessica1mo ago

@charles_kim prompts are more like starting points than strict rules lol