Old dogs, McDonald's Breakfast Burritos, & nonsensical contradictions make for more intriguing characters in stories & IRL. Writing prompts.

The neighborhood is a great source of info and inspiration for writers and otherwise. That’s the gist of this blog. But...

Overhearing snips of people's conversations, like this one, can generate many story ideas. Writing prompts.

A person's library reveals a lot about them and what they're interested in, so what's your character reading? Try these quick questions

Writers must really know their characters and use intentional details about them in their writing for readers to latch on and relate to.

Does your character make her bed in the morning? Every little thing you know about her contributes to the bigger picture.

What does your main character desperately want to control, but can't? Story Writing Prompts. Character development. Plot development.

First jobs provide glimpses into the way the real world works, so give your main character a first job.

I remember the typewriter most of all because: I saved for it; I LOVED IT & took it everywhere; & it made me feel like a real writer.

Here are my hospital-inspired ideas composed into a little order so they don't sound too crazy... but they still will. Writing prompts.

What if your main character was forced to stare out the window all day? Writing ideas. Story prompts.

What does your MC pack for lunch? Though it may not seem to be a BIG or important question about your character, it could be a revealing one

Everything can change in a moment. If your story is floating along in a predictable way, it's time for some lightning bolts.

If you're looking for ideas to start or supercharge your story, then read, watch, or listen to something you wouldn't normally enjoy.

A big shock in the middle of a mundane activity, like going to work, could lead to thousands of compelling stories. Plot development ideas.

What does your main character think about in the shower? Does she run through her to-do list? Imagine murdering her neighbor? Questions ...

If your character was in a commercial, what product would she endorse? Detailing characters' likes makes prose more interesting.

You can learn a lot about a character by taking an imaginary look inside her closet. Writing prompts.

Okay, so these ideas might sound a little Hallmark-y, but I've been toying with plots centering around recurring events. Writing ideas.

Consider what your character views as essential to his or her life. What if that thing was made obsolete or otherwise altered forever?

The aftermath of longterm effects from the pandemic should be considered in plot development, characters, and novel writing.

Assigning a character a spirit animal provides a unique perspective for character development. Writing prompts.

If you're grappling with a scene that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, throw in a little accident. Writing prompt. Scene ideas

Give your character a dream. Then explain how his or her brain works to have caused it. Writing Prompt. Writing ideas. Character development

To develop characters, it's useful to think in odd combinations. Here's a list of ironic characters to inspire your writing. Writing Prompts

Instead of jumping on the pandemic bandwagon, brainstorm how to use the BIG STORY in small ways. Writing prompts. Writing ideas. Setting.

Mid-pandemic and stuck at home, I'm thinking about stories that revolve around characters forced to stay in one place.

What random encounters might inspire your writing? Move your plot? Or motivate your characters?

The rain got me thinking about, well, rain, and how effectively it can be used in fiction. So much can be done with rain.

How might bad advice change the trajectory of your plot?

To add depth and interest--and **bonus** potential scenes to use for plotting--give your characters hobbies.

Romantic gift fails. Writing prompts about gifts that maybe shouldn't be given.

A quick writing prompt in a minute or less featuring the grocery store.

A quick writing prompt that brings the background to the forefront in less than a minute.

Quick writing prompt on character development. In less than a minute, figure out what your character is sensitive about.

Use this wonky writing prompt for any lackluster scene in your novel. Quick writing prompt.

Quick writing prompt on special deliveries with a twist.

A quick writing prompt turning trash items into treasured story ideas

Gather characters together—maybe throw in a few oddballs—and see what happens when… A list of writing prompts

We all have our things, don't we? Things we carry, check, feel lost without? Check out these writing prompts for character development.

Quick writing ideas on your characters' comfort foods. What food does your character turn to in hard times?

Try giving your character an ALMOST to launch her into conflict and add meat to the bones of your story *yummy*. Writing prompts.

Cats, dogs, turtles, horses.. for characterization and plot development maybe it's time to think outside the human.

A cluttered house is a cluttered mind. When developing characters for your future bestseller, consider your character's living environment.

A simple, everyday item that most of us don’t give much thought to, like a coffee mug, can be a useful writer’s tool. Writing ideas.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your story is toss in a few Gremlins. Writing prompts about plot "monsters."

If you’re naturally a what-if thinker, you don’t have to look any further than your local headlines for mystery ideas. Or your own car.

Good things can happen to your characters, even things that seem unrealistic. A big win could propel your MC into greater conflict.

There’s no better resource for providing inspiration for your writing than your local newspaper. Writing ideas about petty crime.

Everyone needs someone, even your imaginary friends... I mean, um, characters. Part of developing characters is knowing who they turn to.