This guide is for creatives of any skill level. If you are unfamiliar with using prompts, you'll enjoy the tips below. If you already use prompts day-to-day for inspiration, you may learn how to manage your time better.
A couple of years ago, my friends and I created an informal writing group called “The Writing Prompt Crusaders.”
Initially, we struggled with the time constraint, condensing our overcomplicated ideas, and being consistent. By encouraging each other to participate every week in a new prompt, these struggles became easier.
This 5 Step guide will give you structure in making the most out of your 15 minutes.
Step 1: Brainstorm
Whether you use 15 minutes to tackle the prompt or not, you need to take time to brainstorm. We recommend that you take 3-5 minutes to ponder the prompt.
Outline what events you want to include.
Scribble concepts inspired by the prompt.
Hum a melody
This pre-production can drastically affect your final result. Yet don't spend more than 5 minutes brainstorming since you still want time to actually do the prompt. Quickly think about your ideas and then execute them.
Step 2: Do Over
If 15 minutes pass and you aren't happy with the results of your prompt, that's not a problem! Reset your timer and give the prompt another shot. 15 minutes can feel like an eternity; other times, your timer is already ringing in the blink of an eye. But once you do your prompt a second time, you'll have a better idea of how long your idea is going to take to achieve.
Did you feel like you were rushing? Then, use fewer adjectives when you write.
Don't mention that background character that didn't impact your story. Condense your ideas a little.
Did you run out of things to write before time was up? Then, slow down and spend more time setting the scene.
Use your second go-around to expand on your ideas from your first draft. I suggest not doing more than three drafts. These prompts are meant to be quick bursts of creativity meant to jumpstart your mind.
Step 3: Skim
Do not spend hours proofreading or refining your prompt. If you must, spend a 1 to 5 minutes to correct any major spelling errors or mistakes. This is only if you feel that your work is unreadable or indistinguishable otherwise. Remember, if you feel inspired, you can refine your work later. Set some extra time aside and really work on your craft.
Step 4: Save
This is the most critical step. Whether you have created a short story, a sketch, or a song, make sure to save your work.
Paste your text into a word document and create a folder to store all your prompts.
You'll see with time how much you grow as an artist if you keep on expressing yourself in a short time span. Also, you never know when these quick prompts may inspire something greater. If you draw something, try to keep a folder in your room with your sketches or scan them into your computer. Services such as Google Photos, Google Drive, and DropBox are useful to save your work on the cloud.
Step 5: Share
Feedback will make you grow as a creator. If you want to become better at your hobby or craft, then you should share your work. You can post your work online or show your creations to your friends.
Tweet at me or post in the comments what prompts you came up with or were inspired by.