Creative blocks can be a real drag for writers. Even the most prolific writers get stuck from time to time. However, I’m about to share one of my favorite writing prompts that I’ve been using for years, and it might just inspire you to get back to your keyboard.
I learned this writing prompt from novelist Emily Tedrowe, who has also taught at StoryStudio here in Chicago. It’s one of those great little tools to have in your back pocket if you ever get stuck in what you’re writing, whether it’s a poem, an essay, a nonfiction book, a novel, a short story, or anything else. This prompt is here to unstick you and get you moving again with passion!
But first: Imagine yourself 10 years ago
Before we dive into the prompt, I’d like you to first imagine that you’re writing as your wiser, more knowing self to the you of 10 years ago who really needed a certain story, idea, message, or source of inspiration.
The “you” from a decade ago might identify with a certain demographic, such as women at a turning point in their life, stay-at-home moms or dads, people who have experienced a loss, people who have decided to start their own business, or people who want to become vegan.
Or maybe that version of you belongs to a certain psychographic, such as people who feel bored with creating material wealth and want to tap into their philanthropic passions or create a legacy. People in this psychographic group could be any age, any background, and any gender.
Whatever that commonality is among your readers, it’s what will ultimately lead you into the writing prompt I’m about to share.
So what is this magical prompt?
Now that you’ve started to imagine who this ideal reader is — this version of yourself from a decade ago — you can turn that reader into an ally in the writing process. So in a moment when you’re not sure what to put on the page … simply close your eyes, take a breath, and ask:
What would my ideal reader want me to do next?
What would delight them? What can I write that would throw them, surprise them, support them, nurture them, and inspire them?
By asking this question, you’re able to break out of your own rational mind, where you’re getting stuck trying to figure something out. Instead, you tap into the whole reason you’re writing this book to begin with — which is to bring forth the treasures inside you in a way that benefits others.
Why does this matter?
The whole point of imagining what your reader would love for you to write is to recognize that not only are you the author of this work that you’re creating, but you also have readers who have sourced the very book that you’re writing.
What do I mean by this? It’s my personal belief that there are people out there who need the exact story, methodology, ideas, or inspiration that you’ve been called to share. I believe strongly in this “call and response” between book and reader in the universe because books have changed my own life in this way.
Indeed, I can recall a book that saved my life, and I found it precisely when I needed it. I know many of you have shared your stories of similar experiences.
And the more you start to imagine this person — or hundreds or thousands or millions of persons that you’re writing to who need the very thing you’re going to create — the easier it becomes to write for that reader.
Remember, you’re not alone
The act of writing can feel quite isolating, especially when you have those moments of writer’s block. Through this writing prompt, the writing process becomes collaborative, as you deeply get to know, attract, and serve your readers.
You’ll even find joy in crafting your message for the people who are eagerly waiting for your story to land in their lap. You’ll have them wanting your books before they even come out and eagerly watching for the next one while you’re still writing it. They’ll yearn for your coaching, your training, your workshops, your retreats.
They’re already your biggest fans, and they can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Count me among them. I can’t wait to see what you create.