3 Reasons I Respond To Prompts
It’s not just because it’s fun
In case you haven’t noticed, most publications offer prompts or challenges.
They can be a single word or a phrase, a call to write several hundred words or compose a single sentence.
Some give you chance to highlight a fellow author or compile your own works. There is even a never-ending poem, a writing chain letter.
They are all thoughtful and meant to help us hone our skills.
I appreciate that and take them seriously.
Here are a few reasons why I think everyone should consider rising to the occasion:
1. Get out of that Comfort Zone
Initially, all my writing was about cases and the people and their pets who had affected me deeply. I wrote from my heart ( still do !) but restricted myself to my area of expertise- my comfort zone.
Responding to challenges and prompts has been like taking a speed course in creative writing.
I learned to move from prose to poetry, from animals to nature, from channeling others’ feelings to expressing my own.
I never imagined there was a poet buried deep in my rational, scientific self, and would never have explored this area without a non — judgmental nudge!
2. Be part of a Community
Medium is a huge platform and it’s easy to lose your voice.
When you participate, I guarantee someone will take notice of you, standing in the shadows, and extend a friendly hand.
This might be all the encouragement you need to come out and show the world all that you have to say. Isn’t that the point of writing?
In return, you get to do the same for someone else. Perfect symmetry!
3. Learn from Others
Perhaps the most important is, reading.
One person’s words, lead you to another, and so on, and so on.
Following other responses has been both inspirational and comforting.
So many people have parallel experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
Sharing them gives us the courage to face life’s bigger challenges.
So next time you get tagged or see a challenge -go for it.
Not just because it’s fun,
but because you have nothing to lose!
