52 Writing Prompts

Suzanne Roberts is the author of Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties (Nebraska, 2022), longlisted for the 2023 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award; Bad Tourist: Misadventures in Love and Travel (Nebraska, 2020); and Almost Somewhere: Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail (Bison Books, 2012), winner of the 2012 National Outdoor Book Award; as well as four collections of poetry. Visit her website at www.suzanneroberts.net.

"52 Writing Prompts contains much more than writing prompts. In engagingly written and occasionally confessional prose, Suzanne Roberts offers a comprehensive launch pad for writing in essay, fiction, and poetic forms. There are examples from contemporary writers both familiar and new; quotations about writing from the Marquis de Sade to Rebecca Makkai; tips, pep talks, and, yes, prompts, cleanly based on the examples. These cover every aspect of life from childhood and memory to death and shame, not avoiding race, gender, lust, grief, injustice, or AI, sometimes in blunt or colorful language. It would make a great look-up, dip-in, learn-from companion to Imaginative Writing, and I'll be sure to use it myself."—Janet Burroway, author of Simone in Pieces and Imaginative Writing"Packed with tips, exercises, and beautiful writing examples, this book feels like a crash course in creative writing that works for any genre. As a former student of the author, I could hear her voice throughout 52 Writing Prompts—a voice that is encouraging and funny but also insightful and demanding. She wants every writer to dig deep, to work hard at their craft, and to discover their best writer selves by looking both inward and outward. No matter where you are in your writing journey, this book can help you do just that: discover the best you can be at your craft."—Clare Frank, author of Burnt: A Memoir of Fighting Fire"I've learned a lot from Suzanne Roberts's work and real-world lessons over the years, and 52 Writing Prompts carries the same steady brilliance I've come to trust—direct, generous, and deeply practical. At that tender stage of drafting new work, when you're deciding what to include, what to leave out, and how to tell if the work has found its meaning—these prompts don't just spark pages, they shape them. Each chapter braids craft guidance with examples, imitation exercises, and honest talk about revision and the writer's life, including the parts nobody glamorizes: rejection and persistence. Whether you're writing prose or poetry, developing a play, or sharpening your criticism, this book will move you toward the page—and keep you there. A must-have for any writer in progress!"—Faylita Hicks, author of A Map of My Want"Witty, emotionally insightful, and encouraging, Suzanne Roberts disarmingly shares examples from her own challenges as a writer. Throughout these prompts she feels like a personal guide—a wise and trustworthy writing buddy."—Elizabeth Dodd, nonfiction editor at Terrain.org and author of Horizon's Lens"This book offers generous, brilliant writing prompts—a whole year's worth! A wide range of authors share advice as well as essays, stories, and poems to propel you through your current writing project, and beyond. The solitary nature of writing is tough. However, with all the inspiring voices in this book, you won't be writing alone. This is an essential addition to any writer's toolbox."—Sue William Silverman, author of Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader"Suzanne Roberts has a rare talent for helping writers craft our stories, shape our messages, and discover our voices."—Bridey Thelen-Heidel, author of Bright Eyes: A Memoir"This wise, compassionate guide invites writers of all levels to experiment with craft and genre. Filled with readings to support the content and a variety of fun, craft-based exercises, this book will be a valuable resource for both writers and teachers. The perfect blend of creative process and craft!"—Laraine Herring, author of A Constellation of Ghosts: A Speculative Memoir with Ravens

• Introduction: Getting StartedHow to Use this BookA Note on CraftPep Talk: Overcoming Writers' BlockCraft Tip: Getting StartedWriting Prompt #1: Getting UnstuckReadings"The Lovers" by Brian TurnerWriting Advice from Brian TurnerWriting Prompt #2: Imitation Exercise"The Woman Who Was a House" by Sarah LaydenWriting Advice from Sarah LaydenWriting Prompt #3: Imitation Exercise[This is my letter to the World] by Emily DickinsonWriting Advice from Emily Dickinson