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.

1. Journaling prompts

One of my favorite ways to use writing prompts is to incorporate them into my daily routine — especially right before bed and right after waking up. These quieter moments are perfect for reflecting on life and/or setting the tone for what comes next.

My go-to nighttime prompt comes from Matthew Dicks’s Storyworthy:

  • If I had to tell a story from today — a five-minute story onstage about something that took place over the course of this day — what would it be?

The idea is simple: capture a meaningful moment. Something that moved you or shifted your thinking, even in the smallest way. Great stories are often tucked into the ordinary, and this habit helps you catch them. You don’t need to find a brilliant story every day — just stick with it, and you’ll start to see the diamonds in the rough, so to speak.

In the morning, you might try to make the most of that fresh burst of energy with a more introspective journaling session, using prompts to reflect or set intentions. If you’re thinking about “new beginnings,” for example, you might use these prompts from Javacia. A sample:

  • What part of yourself are you ready to leave behind?
  • Write about a fresh start you gave yourself — and how it changed you.
  • Describe the last time you started over — and what you learned.

You can find more prompts here. Take your time with them: start by responding to just one per day, or even one every other day. Your response could be a single sentence or a full page. What matters most is showing up for it.

2. Revision prompts

Prompts aren’t just for first drafts — they’re also an antidote to that glazed-over feeling that creeps in when you reread your own work. Treat the questions below as revision prompts: quick, targeted cues to help you focus on one craft element at a time instead of trying to “fix everything” in one impossibly weighty pass.

For blog posts or newsletters:

  • What’s the one thing I want readers to take away — and does every section serve it?
  • If someone disagreed with my main point, what would their strongest argument be?
  • Where could a quick personal anecdote turn an abstract point into something readers can picture?
  • Is there any claim that would feel stronger if I linked to data, a quote, or an outside source?

For fiction:

  • What does my protagonist want in every scene?
  • Would starting in scene B rather than scene A create a sharper hook?
  • Where am I telling instead of showing?
  • Does the dialogue sound like something real people would say?

For memoir or personal essays:

  • Where am I holding back or polishing myself to look good?
  • Which sensory details could make this memory more vivid?
  • What assumption am I making about the reader’s background — and how can I supply just enough context for them to feel the moment?

By posing a single, specific prompt each read-through, you give your editor-brain a clear mission — and gain just enough distance to see the draft like a first-time reader.

3. Prompt decks

How you use writing prompts matters just as much as when. That’s why I love prompt decks — they’re tactile, portable, and help you step away from the internet’s black hole. You can toss one in your bag and pull it out when you’re writing at a café, in a park, or on the go.

There are tons of prompt decks out there, depending on the kind of inspiration you’re after. On Amazon, for example, you’ll find storytelling cards designed to help you brainstorm characters, themes, plots — perfect if you write fiction.

If you’re more into nonfiction, you can choose decks focused on self-exploration, self-love, creativity, or even sexuality — whatever topic speaks to your writing. Just keep a deck near your workspace, and whenever you hit a slump, pull a few cards and see what lights a spark.

What I really love is that you don’t need to save them just for writing. You can use prompt cards with friends — during a cozy evening at home or while out together — to spark deeper conversations. In fact, that’s one of the best ways to test and shape your ideas: notice which stories or thoughts actually resonate with others in real time. Those are often the ones worth developing further on the page.

4. Writing contests

Sometimes, raising the stakes can make writing prompts even more powerful. One way to do that is by entering a writing contest. These typically give you a prompt and a deadline, and that pressure can be incredibly productive.

Aside from pushing you to be creative on a schedule, you often get the chance to win prizes, and, more importantly, they connect you with fellow writers!

If you’re into short stories, for example, check out the weekly Reedsy Prompts contest. Every Friday, you’ll get five new prompts by email based on a theme. After submitting your story, you can receive comments from other writers — whether that’s pure writerly encouragement or craft-focused feedback.

Even if you mostly write nonfiction, “fiction-based” prompts can still be a goldmine of inspiration. A line like “Describe a reluctant leader” might nudge you to write about a time you (or someone you know) had to step up. Or a dialogue prompt like “I never thought I’d see this place again” could trigger a journal entry or memoir scene.

Plus, sometimes fiction is the safest space to explore our most personal truths! Of course, there are nonfiction writing contests out there too — find one that resonates and go for it.

And that’s a wrap. If you test out these ideas, let me know how it goes in the comments. Happy writing!

Savannah Cordova is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace that connects authors and publishers with the world’s best editors, designers, and marketers. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys reading contemporary fiction and writing short stories.