Having trouble figuring out what to write? Try using some prompts. I find that often it helps keep me going until I start generating my own ideas again.
The other great thing about using prompts or participating in a challenge is meeting other bloggers. I’ve read a number of new blogs that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about and some of them have turned into friends as well. For some thoughts on the pros and cons of using prompts, check out this post here.
Here’s some places to check out if you need some ideas:
Share Your World at Cee’s Photography asks 4-5 questions each week. Cee’s questions cover a wide variety, from thoughtful to mundane to hilarious. Their purpose is for us to get to know each other. I enjoy using them in my personal journals for leaving a record of who I am. Cee also hosts a Fun Foto Challenge each week. I love going through my photos and posting a collection of them to share with her readers.
Six Word Fridays provides a word each week for writing a six word description. This one always stirs up my muse and some of my best posts have come from explaining my six word phrase.
The Daily Post at WordPress asks a question every day. Quite often they’re just fun things to try and will get you thinking outside the box.
Joy Dare is from Ann Voskamp, author of the best-selling book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are. This link has a year’s worth of daily prompts to find three things to be joyful about. I find they sharpen my awareness of God’s blessings in my life and gives me something to share with my fellow bloggers.
Simple Woman’s Daybook has a series of questions that help record a moment in time. It’s fun going back later and re-reading them, remembering what I was doing on that day in my life.
Right Now is similar to the daybook, but merely asks that you list 4 or 5 things that you are noticing right now in your life.
Marc and Angel Hack Life – these are not prompts, but their post are challenges of things to think about, any of which could be fleshed out in a blog entry.
95 Questions to Help You Find Meaning and Happiness
The One Minute Writer – posts a word each day; there is a timer on the site to use as encouragement that for 60 seconds, you can do it.
What else are you using? Please leave a link in the comments, along with a note why you like using prompts.
A Daily Life 
January 7, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Thanks so much for the great write up. I’m so glad you enjoy my little challenges. That why I do them. Thanks again for touching my heart!
January 12, 2013 at 9:56 pm
You’re welcome! Those challenges are great that you do and I wish I had more time to participate in them.
January 7, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Hey, Nancy, I have very recently started using prompts for my writing. I find that I am enjoying the challenge and it is helping me to get out of my writing rut. My favorite is the 100 Word Challenge for Grownups. It is from Julia’s Place, over in England.
The address is: http://jfb57.wordpress.com/
I like the challenge of writing only 100 words. It keeps you on track, and serious about how you will express your idea with the exact word(s) you need to get your message across. Fun!
January 12, 2013 at 11:27 pm
That looks really cool. Thanks for sharing!
I think keeping it at 100 words would be hard, but would also be fun to try.
January 19, 2013 at 9:46 am
Hi! Just found this post from the link at your Living the Seasons blog. I often find myself stumped for inspiration this time of year – both in words and photos. I will definitely have a peek at some of these places.
January 21, 2013 at 9:59 am
I like having prompts. They stretch me and challenge me with things I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. I do have to be careful though to write something original and not just answer the question.
January 21, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Thanks for sharing with us this long list of wonderful blogs.
Its really helpful for new bloggers like me.
Have a Great Day. Namaste.
February 15, 2013 at 8:54 am
You’re welcome. The prompts are great for those days when you want to write but can’t come up with an idea.