Shoutout to the library in Springfield for showing me a better way to start a story

I used to stare at a blank page for hours trying to think of a perfect opening line. About two months ago, I saw a workshop at the local library about using objects as prompts. Now I grab something random from my desk, like a broken watch or a coffee mug, and write its history for five minutes. It gets words flowing way faster than overthinking. Anyone have a favorite weird object they've written about?

2 comments

2 Comments

joseph_hart1mo ago

Using objects as prompts" is a great idea. I have a stapler that's jammed with a piece of a tax form, and it has a surprisingly long backstory now. It really does get things moving.

walker.rowan1mo ago

Totally get the jammed stapler thing. I have this one specific coffee mug with a chip in the rim that I won't throw out. Every time I use it, my brain starts making up a whole story about how it got chipped, like some epic kitchen battle. It's weird how a random thing can just kick your brain into gear.