I’ve written before about using prompts to warm up before a productive writing session, but using prompts that fall outside of your typical genre or writing style can be an unmatched creativity booster.

Recently, I’ve been tired and mentally exhausted, a state many writers find themselves often occupying. I decided to warm up in an effort to force my brain to cooperate. Unfortunately, standard prompts weren’t working so I tried working from a horror story writing prompt.

Pscyhological horror is my favorite movie genre and well-crafted fiction in this style has the power to make readers question their own realities. It was a genre I felt belonged only to skilled writers, those who have spent years practicing the techniques necessary for scaring or discomforting readers.

However, I used

His camera could steal people’s souls. On his walls, the portraits wailed and begged for freedom.

as my prompt. Within 15 minutes, I’d written an intensely satisfying horror scene that I’m actually excited to continue. Even better? It boosted my confidence and allowed me to practice writing more descriptively. Because of this practice, I’m considering writing a few horror short stories and expanding outside of my normal style. I might not be successful, but I’ll learn different techniques along the way.

So if you feel stuck as a writer, force yourself to complete writing prompts you otherwise wouldn’t encounter or consider. Your writing rut might be a byproduct of boredom. An unusual prompt from an unfamiliar perspective will help you find new ideas or even a new niche.