Submit your writing prompt to blackecattales@gmail.com with the word “Prompt” in the subject line and get featured on this page. Be sure to include your deets and website info for proper credit.

How to use these prompts:

First, there are no rules. Use them as inspiration for plots or characters, use them as first lines or last lines, change names or genders, change the point of view, don’t use them at all. No one is going to tell you what to do.

Secondly, I am going to tell you what to do, and there is one rule.

Do not judge yourself or your writing when using these prompts! There is no crappy writing  or great writing. There is only the commitment you made to yourself to write every day.

Think of working on prompts as a warm-up for creative inspiration.

Like a dancer who has to warm up her feet, a pianist who has to warm up his fingers, an artist who has to prep a canvas, a writer needs to prepare the language center of her brain.

That’s why we don’t judge. We take note of kinks or stiffness, but we don’t critique them. This is not a performance. This is practice and practice is where you make mistakes and take risks.

Thirdly, aim for spending no more than 30 minutes a day working on any one prompt. You can go for less time but no more, unless you are super inspired to create something more significant.

And lastly, have freaking fun!

The Prompts:

We’re not drug addicts, felons, or out of work losers. What more does she want?

I thought it was National I Don’t Know What to Make for Dinner So I’ll Have a Hot Dog Day.

I dreamed of killing aliens.

The world needs ditch diggers too.

I want all the wine.

Your phone loves you.

I’m a constant disappointment to her. You get used to it.

Candy down the hatch.

I have no water, and my life is bullshit.

Today I went to work with a sticker on the back of my leg telling everyone what size I wear.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

And then there were nine…

It was supposed to be done by 7:00 A.M.

Yes, I would like to sleep in too.

It wasn’t the first time I’d been buried alive.

Her name is Anthony.

Why can’t we let them eat cake?

He said nothing.

Okay, but only because you said ‘please’.

I’m going to try not to puke this time.

Too bad I won’t be alive to see it.

Make sure you get more milk before the cows freeze in the field.

One does not sully such a room with sleep.

My mom said we need to go back to war school.

My ass thanks you for not getting cake.

Swallowing batteries is never a good idea.

Taking a healthy vacation only sounds like a great idea immediately following an unhealthy one.

Just tell me who you want me to kill.

The worst part is I have to wear an old lady bathing suit in the hot tub.

I knew this day was going to end in disaster.

I lost my stupid flowers and I had to bring my demented wreath.

I think I broke my abs at the gym last night.

It will be just like in my dreams.