Write Starts: Prompts, Quotes, and Exercises to Jumpstart Your Creativity

by Hal Bennett

Even dedicated and experienced writers need what author and writing coach Hal Zina Bennett a fresh, fun, surefire place to start. In this handy resource, practiced and aspiring writers alike will find inspiration and initiative in the form of prompts for brief writing exercises, story prompts that set forth dramatic arcs for more lengthy works, readings with exercises that reflect on the art and craft of writing, and quotes from famous authors on the inner processes of successful work. Write Starts facilitates creativity like the perfect seat at a favorite café or a peaceful room of one’s own. What’s more, it puts you in the congenial company of a wise and expert coach.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2009

About the author

George Harold "Hal" Bennett (1936 – 2004),[1][2] was an author known for a variety of books. His 1974 novel Lord of Dark Places was described as "a satirical and all but scatological attack on the phallic myth",[3] and was reprinted in 1997. He was Playboy's most promising writer of the year [1]. He has also written under the pen names Harriet Janeway and John D. Revere (the Assassin series). His books are sometimes compared to Mark Twain's style of satire, but contain a much stronger sexual tone.

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even the most prolific writer has bad days, or weeks as the case may be. Intellectually, we all know that down time is necessary. We realize that sometimes ideas need to take shape before they can be plopped on paper. Often, such things take time and patience.

Nonetheless, while in the midst of one of these episodes it’s very hard not to get discouraged. Being stuck is no fun. Moreover, it is during these more difficult times when our inner critic tends to come out and question our decision to write at all.

Fortunately, whether you just need a break, have writer’s block, or are just procrastinating, Write Starts provides some much needed support. The short entries range from inspiration quotes through pep talks to writing exercises and story starters to get your creative juices flowing. Writers have the option of flipping through the pages at random as needed or working through the book from cover to cover.

[Kori · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could be great for the older, more experienced or task oriented writer, but for me it didn't get the job done. I suppose one could say it just didn't cater to my prompting needs. I think prompts need to be a few short, inspiring words/directions to get the ink flowing, but these (and no, I didn't mistake them for the exercises, I know they're different) were a bit drawn out and unstimulating.

[Debra Daniels-Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with ideas to kickstart or improve your writing. Some of my favorites include: The Fine Art of Observation, Checklist for Creating Characters, and Variation is the Spice of Write. This is a great book for those times when you wait for a bus or have a bit of time before meeting a friend and it's small enough to tuck inside a purse for easy inspiration any time. I will read this one over and over again. A great addition to my writing books.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of these were more writing exercises than prompts, but there was some creative stuff here. I think it would be particularly useful for fiction writers, but since I have been focused on writing poetry lately, I found it less inspiring.

[H.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than a number of books similar to it that I've read. Finally finished through it. Was surprised t wasn't on my list here...