Editor’s Note: See Jane Write publishes guest articles by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By: Savannah Cordova

Writing rarely comes easily. More often than not, you’re left swirling half-formed ideas in your mind, unsure of how to shape them into something meaningful. And then there are the days when you feel like you have absolutely nothing to say (which must mean your life is incredibly boring, right? Yikes!).

One way to break through that creative fog is to use writing prompts — specific questions or cues to steer your writing in a new direction. When used intentionally, prompts can surface long-forgotten memories, help you build a steady journaling habit, or even spark entire novels!

Whether you’re writing a blog or a book, these five strategies will show you how to turn a simple prompt into a reliable source of creativity.