Overall, try to make prompts as specific as possible, and not just tied to general themes.
Listing exercise:
- List 3-5 specific experiences that have made you the person you are
- List 3-5 relationships that have been important in your life
- List 3-5 unique things that you do (habitually)
- List 3-5 places that have been important in your development
- List 3-5 experiences you'd mention if someone asked you to explain why you do the work you do
THEN, circle the three list items that have the most story potential or that you're most interested in telling.
THEN, free write for 10 minutes on one of those.
Object oriented prompts:
Bring a bag of interesting objects that lead to actions, characters or behaviors. Things that work well are everyday objects associated with work, school, home (such as cooking utensils, books, pens), wearable objects (hats, scarves), small dolls, and basic shapes. Then have the writers pick a few, lay them out, and either take digital photos or write out a quick story.
[Adapted from exercises led by Lisa Dush of Storybuilders.]
