Just came back from the library downtown and saw something weird in the writing section

They have this whole display for writing prompts, but every single one is about a character finding a magic object or waking up with a superpower. I counted 12 different cards, all the same basic idea. It's like they gave up after the first thought. Where are the prompts about normal people in tough spots, or weird jobs, or just... anything else? What's the most overused prompt you keep seeing?

4 comments

4 Comments

mary_nelson712mo ago

Yeah, "written that story a dozen times" is exactly it. My local coffee shop has a prompt jar that's just all "you find a door to another world".

aaron_perry2mo ago

Feels like I've written that story a dozen times myself.

wade2502mo ago

Really? I always find something new in each version. What makes them feel the same to you?

angelarivera1mo ago

But that means you know the beats so well you can play with them, @wade250. Finding the right twist or character makes it feel completely new even if the setup is the same. Its like cooking the same dish but with different spices every time.