Category: Creative Writing

Writer’s Bucket List Inspiration

~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

Creating a bucket list as a writer can be a wonderful way to set goals, and really challenge yourself as a writer. It can also push you to try different things that you wouldn’t otherwise which, overall, can help you hone your craft of word weaving! So, all that being said, I’ve come up with a few suggested writer’s bucket list items for inspiration. This list is good if you don’t know where to start when making your lofty writing goals.

1. Write a Novel

   Challenge yourself to complete a full-length novel, exploring a genre or theme you’re passionate about.

2. Attend a Writing Workshop or Retreat

   Immerse yourself in a writing workshop or retreat to learn from other experienced writers. You can also receive feedback, and connect with fellow creatives. This can also add to your sense of writing community and (as someone who has participated in a few workshops) motivate you to move forward with your creative endeavors knowing you have people cheering you on.

3. Visit a Literary Landmark

   Travel to a location with literary significance, whether it’s a famous author’s home, a library, or a setting from a beloved book.

4. Publish a Book

   Work towards getting your writing published, whether it’s through traditional publishing or self-publishing. Whatever floats your boat and fits with where you want to go with your work.

5. Participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

   Join the annual challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. Admittedly, I have not participated in this event as time hardly allows me to these days (especially in college) but I have high hopes of being able to one day!

6. Write a Short Story Collection

   Compile a collection of short stories, perhaps exploring different themes or genres or sticking with something specific so that all the stories relate in some regard.

7. Complete any Writing Challenge really

   Take on a writing challenge, like writing a 100-word story every day for a month, to enhance your creativity and discipline. These can be both fun and extremely rewarding as you get in a lot of writing practice.

8. Learn a New Writing Style or Genre

   Step out of your comfort zone and explore a writing style or genre you haven’t tried before.

9. Create a Writing Space

   Design a dedicated and inspiring writing space that encourages creativity and focus. My personal writing space that I hope to create one day is a small study or library of sorts. I would just love to have a whole room dedicated to reading and writing. Due to today’s economy however and the unfortunate tax bracket I occupy, this has not yet been doable for me but it’s still on the bucket list.

10. Collaborate on a Project

    Work with another writer, illustrator, or creator on a collaborative project, such as a graphic novel or multimedia storytelling.

11. Attend a Book Launch or Literary Event

    Experience the excitement of a book launch or attend a literary event to meet authors and fellow book enthusiasts. I recently went to the Southern Festival of books in Nashville and it was magical. The environment was nothing like any other festival I have attended. Truly, I was amongst my kin.

12. Become a Beta Reader

    Offer your feedback and insights by becoming a beta reader for other writers. It’s a great way to engage with different writing styles and stories.

13. Start a Writing Blog or Podcast

    Share your writing journey, tips, and experiences through a blog or podcast to connect with a broader audience. I personally find blogging to be my chosen medium of communication in this regard but definitely don’t limit yourself to that if you want to experiment with different mediums of communication.

14. Write a Letter to Your Favorite Author

    Express your appreciation by writing a heartfelt letter to an author who has inspired you (if they’re alive of course. Unfortunately, many of my favorite writers are not among us any more).

15. Complete a Creative Writing Course

   Enroll in a creative writing course to enhance your skills and gain new perspectives on storytelling.

16. Write and Perform a Spoken Word Piece

   Craft a powerful spoken word piece and share it at an open mic night or poetry slam. This can be prose or poetry- it’s up to you. I have done this thanks to one of my writing professors at my college and while the experience was a little terrifying (public speaking is NOT my forte), it was overall a wonderful experience and I did, in fact, live to tell the tale. Use me as proof that anyone can do this.

17. Create a Writing Portfolio

    Develop a professional writing portfolio showcasing your best work and accomplishments. This is not only good practice but could be useful for you in the future if you ever start submitting to literary journals or other publications.

18. Read the Classics

    Explore classic literature across genres and time periods to broaden your literary knowledge and horizons.

Remember, a writer’s bucket list is a personal journey, and you can customize it based on your interests, aspirations, and the writing experiences you wish to explore. I hope you’ve found this list inspiring or at least mildly entertaining. Good luck on wherever your writing adventure takes you! I’m sure you’re gonna do great!

Octopus Themed Writing Prompts

~ Brooke F. ~ 4 Comments

This may seem like an oddly specific writing prompt post but I’ve been sitting through a few lectures on marine biology in college and I can’t get enough of these guys. So, enjoy this weird post that indulges my new found fascination with Octopi.

★Magic and Ink

A sea witch makes a grave mistake in a spell and turns herself into an octopus. She must find a way to reverse this spell but must go on some sort of quest or journey of self-discovery to do so. She is delighted to find, however, in this form, each of her tentacle’s host a different kind of magic. You can take it from here.

★Escape from the Aquarium

Two octopuses, plan their daring escape from the aquarium where they’ve been held captive. Describe their elaborate scheme, the challenges they face, and the freedom they long for in the open sea.

★Inky’s Inkcredible Adventure

Inky, a small octopus has a flair for creativity. Instead of using his ink for defense, he finds he can write stories and create pictures. He is generally made fun of by the other octopi but his writing endeavors take him places he and the other octopi could only imagine.

★Eight-Legged Thief

In a coastal town, rumors circulate about a mysterious octopus that steals shiny objects from the docks. Write a story from the perspective of the octopus, revealing its motivations and the unsuspecting friendships it forms with the humans it “steals” from.

★DnD but with Octopuses basically

Picture a team of adventurous octopuses exploring the depths of the ocean in search of hidden treasures. Each octopus has a unique skill. What challenges do they encounter, and what is their ultimate goal?

★Lost City of Eight Arms

Write a story about an explorer who stumbles upon an ancient underwater city that seems to have been built by octopuses. Uncover the mysteries of this octopus civilization and the artifacts left behind.

Picture Prompts for Writers

~ Brooke F. ~ 9 Comments

Any image is worth a thousand words as they say. I’m not sure if this exchange rate is exact or fixed but it’s worth trying, right?

Hope everyone is doing wonderfully this fine December. As for me, I am doing well. However, I made the mistake of blinking and now it is already the 19th and Christmas is right around the corner and pretty soon, before I know it, I’ll be back in school, taking on the second semester of my junior year.

I had a few goals to complete before break is over, one of which being to write a few short stories. Seems simple enough, right?

Hahaha….ahem.

At any rate, I find the most inspiration for my short story piece by taking a scroll through pinterest for any art or pictures that trigger those creative juices to get to work. I figured I might share a few as well as a link the pinterest board I’ve created primarily for picture prompts. The link for this board is here.

But if you’re feeling a bit reluctant, here are a few images to give you a taste for what I look for in my photo prompts.

We’re starting off strong. This cute lil guy is actually a knick-knack/snail terrarium. Pretty cute, right? He actually goes for about $250-$300 dollars so he is definitely on the expensive said. However, that’s not the point. I see this little guy and I can’t help but imagine an ecosystem with organisms that are a fusion between animals and plants. What would that look like?

Elephants with vines hanging from their tusks. Owls with whit mushrooms growing along their body that allow them to absorb nutrients. Deer with antlers made of actual branches that sprout blossoms that change with the season. Whales covered in moss. The possibilities are endless!!!

I look at this image and not only am envious of the fact that I don’t think I have 5 friends who would dress up as mushrooms with me, but I also see potential for a story. A DnD type adventuring party sets out on a journey! Except they’re all cute lil mushroom gals. What quest are they on exactly? And what hijinks will ensue?

(Link to the cosplayer’s twitter where the image was posted can be found here)

I need a short story featuring cute but horrifying monster cats. That is all.

Similar to the plants & animals prompt but with a steampunk-y twist. Imagine we, as humans, craft machine animals. Ones that are better equipped and therefore outcompete the actual wildlife on Earth when they are released into the wild? Just food for thought….(and hopefully your writing).

A vague concept but tattoo weapons and items is simply too cool not to include. How it may look in your story will probably differ from someone else’s. The parameters of this concept are up to you!

This marvelous painting by Jakub Rozalski gives me medieval David and Goliath vibes. But it makes me wonder….what if knighthood was not limited to humans? Could a fairy be knighted? A wizard maybe? Or perhaps… a giant?

And those are just a few picture prompts that I found while scouring my pinterest board. Definitely check it out if you’re interested. Regardless, I hope these few prompts got your rusty gears a-turnin’!

Have a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (whichever seems more appealing to you)!

Take care!

Self-Care Tips for Writers

~ Brooke F. ~ 8 Comments

As a writer, I can often find myself collecting bad habits like Pokémon. A cruddy sleep schedule (gotta finish that chapter), living on caffeine, imposter syndrome, the infliction of self guilt for not writing enough, and the list goes on and on. If you face similar unfortunate circumstances, then perhaps you can use this post as a checkpoint in your writing journey to take inventory. Have you been taking care of yourself lately?

★Avoid screens for a little while.

Chances are, you’ve been staring at one for awhile is you work using a word processor. Maybe consider having a “screen cleanse” day where you try to not look at a screen at all (unless necessary of course). If a whole day feels too long, try setting a timer from 1-3 hours and just reset your eyes by not using a screen within this time.

★Create a morning routine.

It’s easy to wake up ten minutes late, look at your phone first thing, or skimp on breakfast. But doing these habits on the regular can often make it even harder for you to start your day, especially if you have a lot of writing to get done. If your brain doesn’t feel refreshed and ready to get to work, it can often lead to writer’s block. Take a minute to write out your current morning routine. Make adjustments as needed.

★Fix yourself some coffee, tea, hot chocolate or maybe just a simple glass of water.

We all have that comfort drink. Why not fix yourself one? And if you haven’t drunk any good ol’ H2O in the last couple hours, then for the love of your brain and body, please go get yourself a glass.

★Don’t neglect your physical health- look up a workout online and start moving around.

This is something I probably have brought up before though I think it’s super important. Especially since it’s one that I struggle with personally. Especially if I feel uninspired and blobby. But a quick walk or workout has a way of resetting my brain and I know for a fact that it usually works. It’s often a matter of doing it.

★Journal.

Journaling is a wonderful way to reflect and track your current habits, writing related or otherwise. Sometimes journaling can simply be a way for you to dump out all the thoughts that are preventing or distracting you from whatever project you are currently working on. Either way, I definitely recommend pulling out a journal every now and then and getting to writing.

★Read. For fun.

Try to let yourself slip into the reader’s mindset. Try to not analyze everything you’re reading. Just read and let yourself bask in the words for a while.

★Pretty up your writing space.

My favorite way to do this is by adding some lighting or greenery. Or maybe both! Plants do a lot for brightening and livening up a space and fairy light…well, they just make me happy. They look so magical, what can I say! Don’t judge me, sometimes I just gotta satisfy my inner toddler. All she really wants are sparkles and glitters and I’m not about to tell her she’s wrong.

★Go to bed early.

I haven’t met a writer yet who wasn’t a night owl, so I might be biased. But let’s be honest here- couldn’t we all improve our sleeping habit? Maybe just a little? If not, then you have your life far more together than I do and this tip isn’t for you.

★Congratulate yourself on how far you’ve come already.

Your journey as a writer has probably been wrought with imposter syndrome or fear of not measuring up. Or perhaps you find yourself comparing your drafts to the finished drafts of other writers and fear that you have fooled everyone into thinking you’re a writer but are you really?

We’ve all been there. So maybe take a second to reflect on how far you’ve come as a writer. Even thought you might have written some really cringy stories in high school or middle school, by golly, you still did it. And it’s become a part of your journey to grow as a writer. And that’s something worth being proud of!

An Extensive List of Character Flaws

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Character flaws are a great tool to use in your writing. When used correctly, character flaws can add depth to the characters you write about, and make them seem more realistic and believable. But I bet you already knew that because why else would you be here? Anyways, here is an extensive list of character flaws that you can use at your leisure. Happy writing!

Absent-minded

Addictive personality

Aggressive

Aimless

Anxious

Arrogant

Attention-Seeking

Bad Habits

Bigmouthed

Blunt

Callous

Clumsy

Cowardice

Cruel

Cursed

Defensive

Dependent

Dishonest

Disloyal

Disturbed

Entitled

Envious

Erratic

Fantastical

Fickle

Flirty

Gruff

Gullible

Humorless

Hypocrite

Ignorant

Immature

Impatient

Impish

Incompetent

Infamous

Inflexible

Insincere

Judgmental

Lack of Self-awareness

Lacking Self-control

Lazy

Lustful

Manipulative

Martyr Complex

Meddlesome

Meek

Messy

Naive

Nihilistic

Non-reflective

Obsessive

Oppressive

Overambitious

Overemotional

Overprotective

Overzealous

Paranoid

Petty

Prejudice

Prideful

Prudish

Reckless

Refusal to change

Remorseless

Rude

Sadistic

Sarcastic

Self-denial

Selfish

Self-pities

Self-righteous

Shy

Snobby

Spiteful

Spoiled

Squeamish

Stand-offish

Stubborn

Superstitious

Tactless

Unfair

Unfriendly

Vengeful

Weak

Wrathful

A Collection of Haikus on Burn Out

~ Brooke F. ~ 4 Comments

I’m afraid we’re reaching that point in the semester! Winter break is right around the corner and I’m very ready to welcome it with open arms. Until then, however, enjoy a collection of a few choice haikus that I have written over the past couple of weeks. I generally recover from semester burn out after Thanksgiving as I can just see the light at the end of the tunnel. Finals are oh-so-close but regardless, maybe a few tired adults (or even teens) out there can relate as to my mood in recent days.

Busy Bee

Buzz Buzz Buzz

Do you think bees can burn out?

I’m sick of honey

Assigned Readings

Way too many books

Reading should not be a chore

Thank you, dear college

Sunrise

The sky is orange

It always is this early

I’m tired of orange

Two more years

Senioritis? No.

Junioritis. Just halfway.

Five more minutes please?

I Haven’t a Dime nor a Penny

Burn out. Burn out. Spent.

I am so completely spent.

I haven’t a cent.

If Polaroids Could Talk

~ Brooke F. ~ 6 Comments

No, it wasn’t better then.

It was only different.

Nostalgia,

You are liar

Who insists things were better before.

And I’m tired of listening to you.

You can keep your sepia filters,

Your polaroid’s,

Your cassette tapes,

Your photo albums,

And your yesterdays.

I left them for a reason.

And the reality is,

If I were asked,

“Do you want to go back?”

I would most certainly shake my head.

It’s amazing what flaws you miss

When you apply that tinted brown filter.

To be a child is magical, yes.

But growing up is rarely painless.

Fox Writing Prompts

~ Brooke F. ~ 13 Comments

★The Slyest of them All

A battle of wits is held every 3 years in the Kingdom of Foxes. The goal is simple- win each test and beat your competitors. The Fox that reigns supreme is named Slyest of them all and is to rule the next 3 years. However, if all the participants fail, the currently residing Fox King remains for another 3 years.

The current King is a tyrant and you will do everything in your poem to dethrone him.

★Fox Detective

A pompous Detective wrongs the wrong person. A witch, enraged, curses him to turn into a fox every time the sunrises. The only way he can lift this curse from himself is if he helps the witch and solves her case. It’s Swan Lake but with a twist in this fractured fairytale!

★Fairy Foxes

This prompt is a little more vague. I just want you to imagine a world where Fairy Foxes exist- little flying creatures that are always out to cause trouble. What do you think this world would look like?

★Revenge in the Forest

The other forest animals are sick of being terrorized by the local fox. He comes at night causing trouble and sometimes even killing some of the forest residents for food (none of the other animals have been able to catch him red-handed though). Secretly, they hatch a plan and plot their revenge.

★ To Err is to Fox

In some sort of magical mix-up, a fox gets turned into a human and must figure out how to pass as one, all while trying to figure out how to revert to his normal, animal form. Hijinks as I’m sure you expect, ensue.

★Outfox or Befriend?

A fox has no friends. At least, that’s how it’s always been. However, a certain fox is starting to rethink this. A fox is given a task to steal or fool someone else but, in the process, becomes too attached and begins forming bonds with the one they are supposed to fool and begins having second thoughts.

★The White Fox

Legend has it that white foxes are magical creatures that grant wishes upon being caught. You always chalked this up as a myth- after all, you’ve never even seen a white fox! However, you begin to rethink this as you found that you have accidentally snared a white fox in one of your hunting traps. And it’s still alive.

Columbus’s Stars

~ Brooke F. ~ 8 Comments

My small feet pattered up the steps as I made my down the stairs of my Grandparents’ rickety steps that led to a wide kitchen. The screen door creaked open, then snapped shut behind me as I continued to join my Grandfather on the porch.

Peeling paint pricked my toes and a chilly breeze nipped at my small ears. A perfect night for soup, as my mother would often say. Mother always loved soup.

 “Could you not sleep?” The lilting voice of my grandfather broke the night. There leaned against the railing, slightly bent, bearded, tan, and plump, my grandfather beckoned me over to lean with him. I accepted of course.

“You told me I could stay up late!” I accused. Surely, he hadn’t forgotten. Did he?

“Are you sure?” Grandfather leaned his head back and stroked in his beard as if he were deep in thought. “I don’t recall…”

“You said at dinner that I could come out and see the stars fall!” I informed him. Adults always thought they were so funny. And Grandfather often was but he didn’t need to know that.

Grandfather smiled at me and even though it was dark, I could still tell that his eyes are sparkling in amusement. I could hear it in his voice.

“Well, you did.” I finally concluded. Grandfather seemed satisfied with this and returned his gaze to the sky.

 All around, light streaked the sky. Mom often described stars “like diamonds on tapestry”. But these stars were not diamonds. They moved and danced across the sky, leaving a glowing pathway behind.

“What are they?” I found myself asking aloud. “Why can they go so fast?”

“Because they’re ships, Molly.”

My 10-year old self was aghast. “I thought they were fire? Burning fire and chemicals and stuff. I remember from our astronomy class at school.”

Grandfather shrugged. “That’s the boring answer. You already get a bunch of boring answers at school. Wouldn’t you like to hear a fun one for a change?”

“Even if its not true?” I was very concerned with the truth, even as a 10-year old.

“Good stories often aren’t.”

I was fortunately intrigued. “Tell me about the ships then.”

Grandfather’s eyes shut as he began to imagine. “Ships often travel in big groups. You’ve learned that in school, right?”

“Of course!” I responded, eager to demonstrate my knowledge on the matter. “They’re called fleets. The Pilgrims traveled in one to America.”

Grandfather seemed entertained by the Pilgrims remark, half smiling as I came to the end of my sentence, but he would not be sidetracked. “Look out then, M. What you see is a fleet. Ship after ship passing by.”

I still wasn’t fully sold on the idea. “And why do they glow white then?”

 “That’s their sails of course,” responded my grandfather. “Sails that reflect and are powered by pure moonlight.”

“And where are they going?”

Grandfather shrugged. “Who knows. I reckon it’s not for us to know.”

A beat of silence ensued as I wrapped my mind around the idea. I didn’t believe it and the both of us knew it wasn’t true, but perhaps that was what made it a fun idea. It was so utterly impossible. Then I was struck with another thought.

“What about shooting stars?” I wondered. “What are they?”

“They’re ships too,” Grandfather said, now a little more quietly. “The ones left behind and lost.”

This thought saddened me.

“Maybe they’re explorers. Like Columbus. I learned that in school too.”

Grandfather opened his eyes and leaned back to look at the sky. “Maybe so, M. Maybe so.”

Steampunk Writing Prompts

~ Brooke F. ~ 10 Comments

Hahaha I’m gonna pretend it hasn’t been like a month since I’ve posted. I will probably type up a quick life update/overview post soon but for right now, I’m just gonna post this real quick. I’m excited to hopefully get a few more posts out seeing as how I took an impromptu month break without meaning too (oopsy daisy!) but I do have lots to talk about now that I’m back. I’ve gotten settled into my internship position, have gone on vacation, seen the ocean for the first time ever, and am now feeling refreshed and ready to write!

Phew! That was a lot. I have been gone for a month after all so I’ve been saving it all up I guess. Anyways, onto the prompts!

★Nightstalker  

An city’s industrial economy begins to grow. Thousands of new factories are built and a heavy smog begins to coat the city, cloaking it in darkness despite the time of day. The people did not mind this until they realized the 24/7 lack of light attracted something…. 

★Victorian Avengers  

I don’t see why a steampunk city can’t have super heroes. Weave a tale of Victorian crime fighters. 

★Botanical Apocalypse  

As the industrial revolution begins, nature begins to fight against man’s machinery in an act of revenge and rebellion.  

★A Girl and her Goggles 

A girl steals a pair of goggles from a family member only to find a new perspective. The sight of ghosts and spirits passed greet her as she explores her home city and figures out what in blazes is going on?! 

★A Fox made of Cogs 

An boy who grew up in a forest far away from the city gets a job as an inventor in a bustling, Victorian metropolitan area. He accepts his fate but cannot shake this feeling of homesickness for the woods. So, in his spare time, he assembles together mechanical forest creatures, the most special and clever of them being the Fox. So, when the inventor is murdered, it is not wonder the Fox wishes to solve the case and enact revenge.  

★The Age of Dragons

The time of draconian domination has all but passed at the time of the industrial revolution. And yet many still survive, learning to cope with this cruel world that man has manufactured. Some have even managed to thrive. Some choose to befriend humans while others slink back into the sewers and abandoned factories and wait….