A writer is only as good as her ideas. That is why it’s frustrating when writers run out of inspiration. In fact, most put down their pens for weeks at a time due to disappointment. Writing prompts come in handy in situations such as these because they serve as a catalyst for bigger, better stories.

To assist you with the creative process, below are writing prompts designed to help you avoid or overcome writer’s block.

Writing prompt #1: Describe the first time you…

a) fell in love.

b) drank a cup of coffee.

c) actually felt connected to someone for the first time.

d) you changed a baby’s diaper.

e) made out in the backseat of a car.

f) got into an argument with your parents.

Writing prompt #2: Write a letter to (for)…

a) someone who has passed away and that you miss dearly.

b) your first grade teacher

c) your child to open when he is thirty

d) the child you once were.

e) your favorite celebrity.

f) your local butcher.

Writing prompt #3: Begin a story with the one of the following sentences:

a) We are going to need wine – lots of it.

b) I can hear you, you know.

c) She’s sick. She’s dying.

d) The judges have made their decision.

e) He’s her sugar daddy.

f) I’ll be fine. Go to work.

Writing prompt #4: Write a story from the perspective of a(n)…

a) shoe.

b) money.

c) eyebrow.

d) eyeglasses.

e) computer.

f) corpse.

Writing prompt #5: In 300 words…

a) write about a time you acted like a coward.

b) describe a time you let someone go whom you loved.

c) write down your deepest secret.

d) jot down a time you needed someone in your life.

e) illustrate a time when you were humbled.

f) recall the first song that touched you.

Writing prompt #6: Below are general writing prompts.

a) If you had a million dollars to donate to charity, which charity would benefit and how would you want your money spent.

b) Write a clever phrase you’d like to see as a bumper sticker or as a company logo.

c) Write an apology to a person you wronged.

d) Jot down a story where the first letter of every sentence starts with the letter A.

e) Start a story with, "Shut up. I like that kid."

f) Start a story with, "It’s easy work. If you can get it."

Writing prompt #7: Begin a story with one of the following famous movie lines.

a) I just wanna say one word to you. Just one word.

b) Have you got the nerve to tell me you don't want to marry my son for his money?

c) Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!

d) Greed - for lack of a better word - is good. Greed is right. Greed works.

e) Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

f) You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Well, who the hell else are you talkin' to? You talkin' to me? Well, I'm the only one here. Who the f--k do you think you're talkin' to?

When you feel out of touch with your inner writer, reread the aforementioned prompts. There you will find the motivation to write your next big story.