Was dead set against writing prompts until a random one at a diner in St. Louis changed my mind

I always thought writing prompts were just for beginners or people who couldnt come up with their own ideas. Like a cop out. Then last month I was stuck on a project for weeks and grabbed a napkin at a diner where some guy left a prompt about a vending machine that only dispenses memories. I wrote a short story in 20 minutes and it kicked off the whole thing. Has anyone else had a prompt totally save their writing? What was it?

2 comments

2 Comments

sam_rivera11d ago

A vending machine that only dispenses memories? That's one of the best ones I've heard in a while. I was at a bus stop in Philly last fall and a crumpled prompt about a door that only opens to people who've never lied made me write a whole five-page story that same night. Sometimes the weirdest ideas come from strangers and they just click your brain into gear.

sam_anderson11d ago

Have you ever wondered if the machine would only give you the memories you think you've forgotten, not the ones you actually want back?