8 Writing Exercises


I finished my first draft two months ago and have been looking for things to write about during my break. It was tough at first, and I’m still working through it. If you, too, are struggling to find a story idea, I’m here to help.


 Asking God for guidance in your search could lead to something greater than you expected. Here’s a quick prayer before you get started:

         Abba, thank You for this great calling to write. I appreciate this gift and thank You for every blessing in my life. Please let me glorify You with my next project. Guide my heart to the right story idea, one that is fruitful, pleasing to You, and satisfying to work on. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Let’s begin!



1. Journaling gets creative juices flowing. Knowing your own unique worldview can help you write your character’s. Take note of simple things that interest you, like a funny anecdote or an inside joke.

2. Word sprints are great because you don’t have time to think about your words before typing them. This makes your work authentic and you may stumble upon some real gems.

3. Writing prompt books get you physically writing and can be fun to flip and do at random. (I recommend any of the 642 Things to Write About books or The Writer’s Lab by Sexton Burke.) If you don’t have a prompt book, take a book you own, flip to page 152 (or 254 or 23) and read the first line of that page. There’s your prompt.

4. Create a character using the traits, habits, and quirks of people you know. He or she could be your next protagonist, antagonist, or love interest.

5. Play music and write to the lyrics or mood of the song. When the next song plays, adapt to the new idea or mood. (I like listening to soft pop hits while doing this exercise.)

6. Use the internet. Go on Pinterest and search character designs, video game/fantasy concept art, or writing prompts. Start a storyboard with a picture that sparks your imagination.

7. Brainstorm a list of random things and pair interesting ones together. For example gunslingers and the apocalypse (kind of like The Dark Tower by Stephen King), clowns and a lawn mowing service, or cyborgs and a chocolatier. Combine them in an interesting way and start writing.

8. Read a new book. Relax so you can think clearly and get new ideas. It’s also inspiring to see that someone else struggled as you are but still succeeded.




If you’re stuck, just write. It doesn’t matter if it’s trash. You don’t have to write for an hour; stick to ten or fifteen minutes. Don’t force yourself to start a big project, either. Relax, take a deep breath, and try to inspire yourself with these exercises. I hope this helps! What do you do to get your creative juices flowing? Where do you go for new ideas? Reply in the comments below!

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