Writing Tip: The Power of the Prompt
Image by Okinawa Soba via Flickr
Writers often use writing prompts to practice their craft. The prompt, depending on the subject helps a writer to create work, practice, write an essay or answer a question. A prompt is specific or broad.
When I was teaching, I used “homelessness” as a writing prompt for my students. For many, it was a difficult subject to broach because they only thought about the stereotype: the homeless drunkard or homeless woman with a shopping cart. They were stuck because they felt that they did not know enough about the subject.
I posed questions to them.
Are there homeless families? Are there homeless teens? We started to brainstorm about how and why families or teens might become homeless, such as divorce, abuse, money, jobs, or simply rebellion.
This is the power of a good writing prompt. It can help you think beyond the normal. Writing prompts can be used in different areas such as business.
When I took my class in Financial Management, I was asked to analyze situations quantitatively and qualitatively meaning had to examine the situation and suggest a solution by the numbers and by strategy. The economy has challenged many business owners to think the same. How can we add more products and services to our company to attract new audiences? Is there a way to streamline the business to become more efficient, to save money?
Try adding a writing prompt to your weekly routine to resolve or examine situations in your life.
