Make Your Own Prompt

I think preparing the prompts for this contest is best done in a low tech way and I find the process quite enjoyable. Years ago, when I was writing a lot of prose, I devised this method to trick myself into doing more writing.

1. Write a series of words or statements on cut-up slips of paper. Go with whatever occurs to you. I would often use memories or would simply write names from my past or present. You may even use lines of poetry, Old or Modern.

2. Fold the slips and put them in a jar or box. Since I recently started using this technique again, I have been using a Ziploc bag for greater portability. When I first devised the slip jar method, I ended up with jars full of slips but, for this contest, try for at least 10 slips, more if you're in the mood.

3. Pick one slip. This part always reminded me of drawing names at Christmas time.

4. Here comes the high tech part. Turn to this contest and write your piece. You have a time limit of 15 minutes or less and you might want to use a timer and write as fast as you can. Be as spontaneous as you can; this is part of a technique called freefall. Write whatever comes to mind and, for a change, don't worry about grammar and spelling. Do not edit while you are going along and don't go back and edit when you are finished.

5. Write 60 lines or less and make it rhyme if you like, but only if the rhymes come effortlessly. I will tell you which parts of your write I particularly like and then ask you to expand on these sections in a second round.

I hope this works. It may sound intimidating and it is more like a workshop than a contest though I will be awarding points. Everyone one enters may proceed to the next round if they wish. I hope that new entrants, as well as those who have entered my contests in the past, will give it a try. Come on on. The water's fine once you take the plunge and, if you surrender to the spontaneity of the exercise, you may find it helpful in future writing.

Please include your prompt in your Author's Notes.