20 Nonfiction Writing Prompts to help you write your damn book.
If this is your first time attempting to write a book, you may be surprised to learn how much actual writing is involved. You’d think it wouldn’t be that surprising, most want-to-be writers are avid readers and know how long a book is. But actually WRITING that many words? Well, we can’t always put that into perspective until we’re *in it*.
Whatever your writing goal is, whether it’s 10 chapters or 1000 words a day, there’s a certain rhythm we must find as a writer in order to get those words out. I’ll be honest, 10 chapters is a lot. 1000 words a day is a lot. But, once you find that flow it starts to come a little bit easier.
Here’s some tough love, the best way to get better at writing is to keep on writing. So if you’re just getting started with your project, you’re stuck somewhere in the middle, or you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, try this:
Clear off your desk/writing space
Get yourself a nice hot coffee or your favourite tea. Something that makes you feel good!
Put your phone on airplane mode
Pull up a writing playlist or some inspiring music
Set a timer for 30 minutes, 60 minutes or whatever you can spare
Use some of these prompts below and just WRITE.
Even if you don’t think they will directly benefit your manuscript, just allowing your mind to be open, recall memories, and think in a different perspective will get your creative juices flowing. Plus, any exercise in sitting down to actually write something is beneficial for forming the habit.
After your session, any ideas that came up about your book, be sure to put them in a separate document to come back to later!
Ready? Here are 20 nonfiction writing prompts to help you write your damn book:
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
What is your favourite thing to learn about?
What have you learned about yourself in 2022?
What makes you feel alive? How can you incorporate more of this into your life?
Retell a story from your memories from an alternate perspective. How would they see it differently than you did?
Recall a specific memory in as much detail surrounding it as you can. Where were you? What were you wearing? What were some things you saw or heard or smelled?
What is something you’ve never experienced that you’ve always wanted to?
What is one of your biggest desires? Write about it in detail.
How would you describe your “journey”? Where did you start? Where did you end up?
What’s something you’d love to experience again for the first time?
What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self? How young are you in this scenario?
What is the next or biggest goal you’re working towards? What would achieving it look like for you?
What is something you thought you’d never do, but did anyway?
Recall an obstacle, event or conflict that changed you for the better
Where do you want to be 1 year from right now? How about 5 years?
What’s a word or quote that feels most impactful to you right now?
Name a time you’ve felt the most seen or understood recently? In a book? A movie or tv character? A podcast? A conversation with friends or loved ones?
How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
What experiences have you had that you're grateful for, or have learned from?
What do you feel is holding you back? How can you let it go?
Ps - I know that sexy, brooding & reclusive writers are one of Hollywood’s favourite stereotypes, but you don’t actually have to do this whole “writing a book” thing alone. In fact, I created a program just for that reason. WriteHer is a group writing program for accountability and empowerment to write your damn book already. Enroll now!
