Rant: Blew $75 on a writing prompt book that was total garbage

Picked up this book called "1000 Story Sparks" at the bookstore last weekend. Thought it would have fresh, creative prompts to break out of my slump. Instead it was all the same basic stuff like "write about a door" or "a character finds a letter." I got through 10 pages before I tossed it in the garage. Anyone else get burned buying prompt books or online courses that just recycle the same ideas?

3 comments

3 Comments

robin6283d ago

Return it if you can, most bookstores will take stuff back within a week or two. I've had way better luck just searching "creative writing prompts" on Pinterest or Tumblr where people share stuff for free. Stick with prompts that specify a weird twist or limitation, like "write a scene where the only dialogue is song lyrics," those tend to actually spark something.

emma_flores3d ago

Nah, see I actually think some of those paid prompt books are worth it if the author's got legit experience. The free stuff online is hit or miss, a good curated collection can save you hours of scrolling.

david_jones383d ago

Makes you wonder why we pay for stuff that's just repackaged free content, huh @robin628?