How Writing Prompts Can Kickstart Your Memoir (And Why They're Not Useless!)
As memoir writers, we’ve all faced that blank page. The cursor blinks back at us, the ideas don’t come, and suddenly, doubt creeps in. Is my story worth telling? Where do I even begin? In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but that’s where writing prompts can come in to save the day—and, no, they’re not useless! In fact, they can be the secret weapon you need to kickstart your memoir journey.
The Power of Prompts in Memoir Writing
Memoir writing isn’t just about telling any story; it’s about capturing your story—the core moments, lessons, and emotions that shaped who you are. However, unlocking those memories and emotions isn’t always easy. This is where writing prompts become invaluable tools.
Think of writing prompts as gentle nudges. They help you tap into a particular memory, emotion, or theme that you may not have considered exploring. A well-crafted prompt can help you break through the overwhelm and get words flowing.
Why Some Writers Think Prompts Are Useless
There’s a common argument that writing prompts are a waste of time—"How could someone else’s idea for a story inspire my own?” I get it; after all, you want your memoir to be deeply personal and uniquely yours. But here’s the thing: a writing prompt doesn’t take ownership of your story—it’s just a spark. The beauty of prompts is that they allow you to interpret them in your own way. They give you a jumping-off point, but the story is still completely yours to tell.
Prompts are not restrictive; they’re freeing. Rather than trying to come up with something from scratch, a prompt gives you a theme or angle that focuses your mind and quiets your inner critic. Instead of worrying about writing the “perfect” story, you’re just writing—allowing yourself to remember, reflect, and explore.
Writing Prompts Can Get the Ball Rolling
Imagine staring at a blank page and wondering, “Where do I begin?” Now, imagine you’re given this prompt:
“Write about a time in your life when everything changed in an instant.”
Suddenly, you’re not starting from nowhere—you have direction. Memories start to bubble up. Maybe it was the day you moved to a new city, the moment you decided to leave a toxic relationship, or the phone call that altered your career path forever. With that nudge, the blank page is no longer intimidating; it’s an opportunity.
Writing prompts also have the added benefit of bypassing the inner perfectionist. Instead of obsessing over where to start or how to craft the ideal opening line, you’re focused on just getting words on the page. And that’s the goal: to start. Because once you start, you’ll find that writing leads to more writing, and before you know it, you’re uncovering more memories and insights.
The Writing Community: You’re Not Alone
Another key reason to embrace prompts is the sense of community they can foster. Writing can feel like a lonely endeavor, but when you participate in a prompt challenge—like the one I’m launching in the Memoir Magic Writing Challenge—you’re suddenly part of something bigger. You’re writing alongside other memoirists who are navigating their own stories, facing their own challenges, and seeking feedback and support.
When you share your response to a prompt, you open yourself up to feedback and encouragement from others who understand the vulnerability of memoir writing. You also get to see how different writers interpret the same prompt, which can inspire you in unexpected ways. The writing community becomes a source of accountability and motivation, helping you push through writer’s block or self-doubt.
Join the Memoir Magic Writing Challenge
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of where to begin, or just need a little nudge to start writing again, I encourage you to join my upcoming Memoir Magic Writing Challenge. Every day for 5 days, I’ll share a new prompt designed to help you dig deeper into your personal story and uncover those core moments that define your memoir. You’ll have the opportunity to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and connect with other writers on the same journey.
Here’s why you should join:
Prompts are a tool, not a constraint: They offer a starting point, allowing you to focus on writing instead of worrying about what to write.
Writing prompts create momentum: Once you start, you’ll find the words flow more easily, helping you get unstuck.
You’re part of a community: Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary process. Sharing your work and engaging with others can fuel your creativity.
So, are you ready to silence your inner critic, get words on the page, and unlock the heart of your memoir? CLICK HERE to join the Memoir Magic Writing Challenge, and receive 5 daily writing prompts to your inbox.. Writing your story is worth it—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.