Write Reflect Create: A Book Review
As with any art form, creative writing is inspired from anything, any place and often by people. Sometimes, to keep the creative juices flowing, the use of tools are used. Writing prompts allow writers to improve their writing by focusing attention on a designated item. Prompt writing can also lead to essays, research topics, blog posts, books and much more. There have been plenty of intellectual conversations started from a prompt.
JaQuette Gilbert was inspired to make Write Reflect Create: 250 Writing Prompts For The Creative And Introspective Writer. Since I like to journal, I thought it would be cool to try using such a tool.
The inspiration for this project came from an Instagram idea. A writer who likes to encourage other writers, Gilbert did a writing prompt challenge for five days on Instagram. The overwhelming response encouraged her to do the challenge more often. Feedback from the participants produced the idea to make a journal of prompts that can be used for personal writing or as a workshop tool to assist writers.
Write Reflect Create is pretty neat. The pages have a space to put the date if you wish to track your work. There is a small mandala at the bottom of each page if you need to take a coloring break. The lined pages allow plenty of room to write because the prompts are separate. This way if you need more space for one prompt it won’t interfere with another one.
The journal is divided into four sections. First is a list of 75 one-word prompts. Space is provided for you to choose what word you wish to use - you’re not forced to go in order. Simply start with the word that inspires you and finish when your thought is complete. Next is a list of 75 prompt phrases. The third section is 50 introspective prompts followed by 50 scenarios. Each section includes tips on using the prompts to help the writer enjoy the process.
As a writer, Gilbert understands the need to break up the monotony. So the book also includes five coloring pages, one at the end of each section along with the reflection questions. To top if off, there are 20 reflection pages to craft blog posts, essays, book ideas and more at the end. This is cool because while using the prompts, you may have other ideas or thoughts that don’t necessarily flow wi the current prompt you’re using. This way all that wonderful creativity is all in one place.
Since getting my copy, I’ve completed several prompt pieces. I’ve even published some of my poetry inspired by them on Twitter and Medium. If you’re a writer, I recommend you give this book a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you value this gem.
You can learn more about the author JaQuette Gilbert and her support of writers by clicking on The Writer’s Lounge. Oh yeah, she also created a #writereflectcreate hashtag so other writers can locate your work when posted on social media to offer support and build community. Links to my #writereflectcreate poetry pieces are listed below.
