365 Days of Writing Prompts PDF

365 Days of Writing Prompts
365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

A prompt to fire your imagination, each and every day for a year
The Editors, WordPress.com
365 Days of Writing Prompts Copyright 2013 by The Daily Post.
CONTENTS
Write, Every Day of Your Life 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. January February March April May June July August September 1 2 9 16 23 30 37 44 51 58 65 72 79
10. October 11. November 12. December
WRITE, EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE

Enjoy this year-long collection of writing prompts geared to get you writing each and every day. We made them for you, with love. Check out The Daily Post for writing inspiration, tips and techniques on making blogging a habit, and how to nurture your audience and grow your traffic. You can even get some friendly moral support from the blogging community. The Editors, WordPress.com
1
JANUARY
January 1
Stroke of Midnight Where were you last night when 2013 turned into 2014? Is that where youd wanted to be?
January 2
Resolved Have you ever made a New Years Resolution that you kept?
January 3
Kick it Whats the 11th item on your bucket list?
January 4
Quote me Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you?
January 5
Call Me Ishmael Take the first sentence from your favorite book and make it the first sentence of your post.
January 6
My favorite Whats the most time youve ever spent apart from your favorite person? Tell us about it.
January 7
Helpless Helplessness: that dull, sick feeling of not being the one at the reins. When did you last feel like that - and what did you do about it?
January 8
Teachers pet Tell us about a teacher who had a real impact on your life, either for the better or the worse. How is your life different today because of him or her?
THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM
January 9
1984 Youre locked in a room with your greatest fear. Describe whats in the room.
January 10
32 flavors Vanilla, chocolate, or something else entirely?
January 11
This is your life If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover.
January 12
Take two Run outside. Take a picture of the first thing you see. Run inside. Take a picture of the second thing you see. Write about the connection between these two random objects, people, or scenes.
January 13
Clean slate Explore the room youre in as if youre seeing it for the first time. Pretend you know nothing. What do you see? Who is the person who lives there?
January 14
Ripped from the headlines Head to your favorite online news source. Pick an article with a headline that grabs you. Now, write a short story based on the article.
January 15
Polite company Its never a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you dont really know. Agree or disagree?
January 16
Toot your horn Most of us are excellent at being self-deprecating, and are not so good at the opposite. Tell us your favorite thing about yourself.
January 17
In a crisis Honestly evaluate the way you respond to crisis situations. Are you happy with the way you react?
January 18
Free association Write down the first words that comes to mind when we say . . . home. . . soil. . . rain. Use those words in the title of your post.
January 19
Apply yourself Describe your last attempt to learn something that did not come easily to you.
January 20
Breaking the law Think about the last time you broke a rule (a big one, not just ripping the tags off your pillows). Were you burned, or did things turn out for the best?
January 21
Sweet sixteen When you were 16, what did you think your life would look like? Does it look like that? Is that a good thing?
January 22
I got skills If you could choose to be a master (or mistress) of any skill in the world, which skill would you pick?
January 23
Shipwrecked Read the story of Richard Parker and Tom Dudley. Is what Dudley did defensible? What would you have done?
January 24
Ready, set, go Set a timer for ten minutes. Open a new post. Start the timer, and start writing. When the timer goes off, publish.
January 25
Dearly departed Write your own eulogy.
January 26
Musical What role does music play in your life?
January 27
Sliced bread Most of us have heard the saying, Thats the best thing since sliced bread! What do you think is actually the best thing since sliced bread?
January 28
Ode to a playground A place from your past or childhood, one that youre fond of, is destroyed. Write it a memorial.
January 29
Through the window
Go to the nearest window. Look out for a full minute. Write about what you saw.
January 30
Burning down the house Your home is on fire. Grab five items (assume all people and animals are safe). What did you grab?
January 31
Burnt Remember yesterday, when your home was on fire and you got to save five items? That means you left a lot of stuff behind. What are the things you wish you could have taken, but had to leave behind?
2
FEBRUARY
February 1
Flangiprop! Invent a definition for the word flangiprop, then use the word in a post.
February 2
Think global, act local Think global, act local. Write a post connecting a global issue to a personal one.
February 3
Writing room
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A genie has granted your wish to build your perfect space for reading and writing. Whats it like?
February 4
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes You need to make a major change in your life. Do you make it all at once, cold turkey style, or incrementally?
February 5
Call me, maybe Describe your relationship with your phone. Is it your lifeline, a buzzing nuisance, or something in between?
February 6
Choose your adventure Write a story or post with an open ending, and let your readers invent the conclusion.
February 7
Right to health Is access to medical care something that governments should provide, or is it better left to the private sector? Are there drawbacks to your choice?
February 8
Karma chameleon Reincarnation: do you believe in it?
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February 9
Childhood revisted Sure, you turned out pretty good, but is there anything you wish had been different about your childhood? If you have kids, is there anything you wish were different for them?
February 10
Teachable moment You have to learn a new skill. Do you prefer to read about it, watch someone else do it, hear someone describe it, or try it yourself?
February 11
Whoa! Whats the most surreal experience youve ever had?
February 12
All about you Explain why you chose your blogs title and what it means to you.
February 13
Shoulda, woulda, coulda Tell us about something you know you should do . . . but dont.
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February 14
Cupids arrow Its Valentines Day, so write an ode to someone or something you love. Bonus points for poetry!
February 15
Proud When was the last time someone told you they were proud of you?
February 16
The clock Write about anything youd like. Somewhere in your post, include the sentence, I heard the car door slam, and immediately looked at the clock.
February 17
Mentor Have you ever had a mentor? What was the greatest lesson you learned from him or her?
February 18
Far from normal Many of us think of our lives as boringly normal, while others live the high life. Take a step back, and take a look at your life as an outsider might. Now, tell us at least six unique, exciting, or just plain odd things about yourself.
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February 19
Nightmares Describe the last nightmare you remember having. What do you think it meant?
February 20
A plot of earth Youre given a plot of land and have the financial resources to do what you please. Whats the plan?
February 21
Undo If you could un-invent something, what would it be? Discuss why, potential repercussions, or a possible alternative.
February 22
Seconds Describe the most satisfying meal youve ever eaten, in glorious detail.
February 23
B+ Write about what you did last weekend as though youre a music critic reviewing a new album.
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February 24
Buffalo nickel Dig through your couch cushions, your purse, or the floor of your car and look at the year printed on the first coin you find. What were you doing that year?
February 25
Clich Clichs become clichs for a reason. Tell us about the last time a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush for you.
February 26
Happily ever after And they lived happily ever after. Think about this line for a few minutes. Are you living happily ever after? If not, what will it take for you to get there?
February 27
Comedy of errors Murphys Law says, Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Write about a time everything did fiction encouraged here, too! Bonus assignment: do you keep a notebook next to your bed? Good. Tomorrow morning, jot down the first thought you have upon waking, whether or not its coherent.
February 28
First light
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Remember yesterday, when you wrote down the first thought you had this morning? Great. Now write a post about it.
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MARCH
March 1
Back to the future A service has been invented through which you can send messages to people in the future. To whom would you send something, and what would you write?
March 2
Places Beach, mountain, forest, or somewhere else entirely?
March 3
No, thanks
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Is there a place in the world you never want to visit? Where, and why not?
March 4
Twenty-five There are 26 letters in the English language, and we need every single one of them. Want proof? Choose a letter and write a blog post without using it. (Feeling really brave? Make it a vowel!)
March 5
Perspective Write about the last disagreement you had with a friend or family member from their perspective.
March 6
All grown up When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
March 7
Seven days You wake up tomorrow morning to find all your plans have been cancelled for the next seven days and $10,000 on your dresser. Tell us about your week.
March 8
Fantasy
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The Tooth Fairy (or Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus . . .) : a fun and harmless fiction, or a pointless justification for lying to children?
March 9
VIP Whos the most important person in your life and how would your day-to-day existence be different without them?
March 10
Playlist of the week Tell us how your week went by putting together a playlist of five songs that represent it.
March 11
Ghostwriter If you could have any author living or dead write your biography, who would you choose?
March 12
Erasure You have the choice to erase one incident from your past, as though it never happened. What would you erase and why?
March 13
Silver screen Take a quote from your favorite movie theres the title of your post. Now, write!
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March 14
180 degrees Tell us about a time you did a 180 changed your views on something, reversed a decision, or acted in a way you ordinarily dont.
March 15
Comfort zone What are you more comfortable with routine and planning, or laissez-faire spontaneity?
March 16
Show and tell Youve been asked to do a five-minute presentation to a group of young schoolchildren on the topic of your choice. Describe your presentation.
March 17
Bone of contention Pick a contentious issue about which you care deeply it could be the same-sex marriage debate, or just a disagreement youre having with a friend. Write a post defending the opposite position, and then reflect on what it was like to do that.
March 18
Impossible Why, sometimes Ive believed as many as six impossible
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things before breakfast. the White Queen, Alice in Wonderland. What are the six impossible things you believe in? (If you can only manage one or two, thats also okay.)
March 19
Menagerie Do you have animals in your life? If yes, what do they mean to you? If no, why have you opted not to?
March 20
INTJ Do parties and crowds fill you with energy, or send you scurrying for peace and quiet?
March 21
Bedtime stories What was your favorite book as a child? Did it influence the person you are now?
March 22
Stranded Youre stranded in a foreign city for a day with no money and no friends. Where do you go; what do you do?
March 23
Local flavor Write a piece about a typically local experience from
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where you come from as though its an entry in a travel guide.
March 24
Competition What activity, task, or game most brings out your competitive streak?
March 25
Idyllic What does your ideal community look like? How is it organized, and how is community life structured? What values does the community share?
March 26
Dj vu Have you ever truly felt dj vu, the sensation that youve already had the experience youre currently having?
March 27
Judgment day If you were to judge your favorite book by its cover, would you still read it?
March 28
Happy happy joy joy We cry for lots of reasons: sadness, pain, fear . . . and happiness. When was the last time you shed tears of joy?
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March 29
Trading spaces Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a member of the opposite sex for a day? What do you think life would be like?
March 30
Five a day Youve being exiled to a private island, and your captors will only supply you with five foods. What do you pick?
March 31
Odd couple Does a messy home (or office) make you anxious and cranky, or is cleaning something you just do before company comes over?
4
APRIL
April 1
The social network Do you feel like you get social media, or do you just use it because thats where all your friends and family are?
April 2
Prized possession Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a child. What became of it?
April 3
Escape!
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Describe your ultimate escape plan (and tell us what youre escaping from).
April 4
The transporter Tell us about a sensation a taste, a smell, a piece of music that transports you back to childhood.
April 5
Share the love Tell us about another blogger who has influenced your own online journey.
April 6
Third from the top Head to your favorite blog. Scroll down to the third post in the list. Take the third sentence in the post, and work it into a new post of your own.
April 7
Alma mater Youve been asked to speak at your high school alma mater about the path of life. (Whoa.) Draft the speech.
April 8
Turn, turn, turn For many of us, winter is blooming into spring, or fall hard-
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ening into winter. Which season do you most look forward to?
April 9
Do-over Go back to a blog post you always thought could be better, or were unsatisfied with now, fix it.
April 10
Imperfection Imperfections in things, in people, in places add character to life. Tell us about an imperfection that you cherish.
April 11
Press it Give some love to three blog posts youve read and loved in the past week, and tell us why theyre worth reading.
April 12
Decisions, decisions How are you more likely to make an important decision by reasoning through it, or by going with your gut?
April 13
Charitable Youve inherited $5 million, with instructions that you must give it all away but you can choose any organizations you like to be the beneficiaries. Where does the money go?
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April 14
S/he said Pause whatever youre doing, and ask the person nearest you what theyre thinking about (call someone if you have to). Write a post based on it.
April 15
The satisfaction of a list Who doesnt love a list? So write one! Top five slices of pizza in your town, ten reasons disco will never die, the three secrets to happiness go silly or go deep, just go list-y.
April 16
History of language Write a piece of fiction describing the incident that gave rise to the phrase, third times the charm.
April 17
Million-dollar question Why do you blog?
April 18
Unknown caller You receive a call from an unexpected person. Who is it, and what is the conversation about? Go!
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April 19
Freaky Friday If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why? If that seems too easy, try this one: who would you like to have spend a day as you and what do you hope theyd learn from the experience?
April 20
The bizarro world In the DC comics universe, a planet called Htrae (Earth spelled backwards) is populated with bizarre versions of superheroes. A Seinfeld episode made the idea of this Bizarro World popular, where the characters encountered their opposite selves. Craft a scene in which you meet an opposite version of yourself or a story in a bizarre, backwards world.
April 21
Companionable Head to one of your favorite blogs. Write a companion piece to their penultimate post.
April 22
Critical eye Write about the subject you usually blog about as if you were a music critic.
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April 23
Earworm What song is stuck in your head (or on permanent rotation in your CD or MP3 player) these days? Why does it speak to you?
April 24
Stranger Have you ever had a random encounter or fleeting moment with a stranger that stuck with you?
April 25
Clone wars If you could clone yourself, how would you split up your responsibilities?
April 26
Second time around Tell us about a book you can read again and again without getting bored what is it that speaks to you?
April 27
Wall to wall What do you display on the walls of your home photos, posters, artwork, nothing? How do you choose what to display? What mood are you trying to create?
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April 28
Your time to shine Early bird, or night owl?
April 29
Cringe-worthy Do you feel uncomfortable when you see someone else being embarrassed? Whats most likely to make you squirm?
April 30
Art appreciation Do you need to agree with an artists lifestyle or politics to appreciate their art? To spend money on it?
5
MAY
May 1
Personal space To what extent is your blog a place for your own selfexpression and creativity vs. a site designed to attract readers? How do you balance that? If sticking to certain topics and types of posts meant your readership would triple, would you do it?
May 2
Mad Libs Turn to your co-workers, kids, Facebook friends, family anyone whos accessible and ask them to suggest an article, an adjective, and a noun. Theres your post title! Now write.
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May 3
The little things Describe a little thing one of the things you love that defines your world but is often overlooked.
May 4
Its a text, text, text world How do you communicate differently online than in person, if at all? How do you communicate emotion and intent in a purely written medium?
May 5
The glass? Is the glass half-full, or half-empty?
May 6
Evasive action Whats the most significant secret youve ever kept? Did the truth ever come out?
May 7
Key takeaway Give your newer sisters and brothers-in-WordPress one piece of advice based on your experiences blogging. If youre a new blogger, whats one question youd like to ask other bloggers?
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May 8
Success Tell us about a time where everything youd hoped would happen actually did.
May 9
Landscape When you gaze out your window real or figurative do you see the forest first, or the trees?
May 10
Morphing Language evolves. The meaning of a word can shift over time as we use it differently think of cool, heavy, or even literally. Today, give a word an evolutionary push: give a common word a new meaning, explain it to us, and use it in the title of your post.
May 11
I want to know what love is We each have many types of love relationships parents, children, spouses, friends. And theyre not always with people; you may love an animal, or a place. Is there a single idea or definition that runs through all the varieties of love?
May 12
Fill in the blank Three people walk into a bar . . .
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May 13
Unconventional love Over the weekend, we explored different ways to love. Today, tell us about the most unconventional love in your life.
May 14
The interview Interview your favorite fictional character.
May 15
Memories for sale On a weekend road trip, far away from home, you stumble upon a garage sale in a neighborhood youre passing through. Astonished, you find an object among the belongings for sale that you recognize. Tell us about it.
May 16
Too big to fail Tell us about something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail (and tell us why you havent tried it yet).
May 17
Feed your senses Write down the first sight, sound, smell, and sensation you experienced on waking up today. Pick the one youre most
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drawn to, and write. (For a bigger challenge, pick the one youre least drawn to.)
May 18
Helping hand Tell us about the most surprising helping hand youve ever received.
May 19
Dulled You encounter a mysterious man offering you a magic potion that, once sipped, will make one of your senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch) super sharp but dull the others. Will you sip it, and if so, what sense do you choose?
May 20
Bittersweet memories You receive a gift that is bittersweet and makes you nostalgic. What is it?
May 21
Goals When you started your blog, did you set any goals? Have you achieved them? Have they changed at all?
May 22
Green-eyed
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Tell us about the last time you were really, truly jealous of someone. Did you act on it? Did it hurt your relationship?
May 23
Fictional elevator Youre stuck in an elevator with an intriguing stranger. Write this scene.
May 24
The next big thing What will the next must-have technological innovation be? Jetpacks? Hoverboards? Wind-powered calculators?
May 25
Tell us your story Tell us about a journey whether a physical trip you took, or an emotional one.
May 26
Switcheroo If you could switch blogs with any blogger for a week, with whom would you switch and why?
May 27
Say your name Write about your first name: Are you named after someone or something? Are there any stories or associations attached to it? If you had the choice, would you rename yourself?
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May 28
Elevator from the past Youre stuck in an elevator with a person from your past. Write this scene.
May 29
Weaving the threads Draft a post with three parts, each unrelated to the other, but create a common thread between them by including the same item an object, a symbol, a place in each part.
May 30
Fight or flight When faced with confrontation, do you head for the hills or walk straight in? Was there ever a time you wished youd had the opposite reaction?
May 31
Teleport If you could travel to any location in the universe where would you travel and why?
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JUNE
June 1
Silver linings Write about something you consider ugly war, violence, failure, hatred but try to find beauty, or a sense of hope, in your thoughts.
June 2
The zone Tell us about your favorite way to get lost in a simple activity running, chopping vegetables, folding laundry, whatever. Whats it like when youre in the zone?
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June 3
Tourist trap Whats your dream tourist destination either a place youve been and loved, or a place youd love to visit? What about it speaks to you?
June 4
Red pill, blue pill If you could get all the nutrition you needed in a day with a pill no worrying about what to eat, no food preparation would you do it?
June 5
Never Tell us about a thing youll never write about.
June 6
Four stars Write a review of your life or the life of someone close to you as if it were a movie or a book.
June 7
RSVP Plan the ultimate celebration for the person youre closest to, and tell us about it. Where is it? Whos there? Whats served? What happens?
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June 8
Do not disturb How do you manage your online privacy? Are there certain things you wont post in certain places? Information youll never share online? Or do you assume information about you is accessible anyway?
June 9
The normal Is being normal whatever that means to you a good thing, or a bad thing? Neither?
June 10
Ripped into the headline Write about something that happened over the weekend as though its the top story on your local paper.
June 11
Take care When youre unwell, do you allow others to take care of you, or do you prefer to soldier on alone? What does it take for you to ask for help?
June 12
Youve got the power You have the power to enact a single law. What would it be?
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June 13
Person of the year Youre asked to nominate someone for TIMEs Person of the Year. Who would it be, and why?
June 14
In good faith Describe a memory or encounter in which you considered your faith, religion, spirituality or lack of for the first time.
June 15
Singin in the rain Safe inside, toasty warm, while water pitter-patters on the roofdescribe your perfect, rainy afternoon.
June 16
Bookworm Tell us about the last book you read (Why did you choose it? Would you recommend it?). To go further, write a post based on its subject matter.
June 17
Shape up or ship out Write a letter to the personality trait you like least, convincing it to shape up or ship out. Be as threatening, theatrical, or thoroughly charming as is necessary to get the job done.
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June 18
Might as well jump Whats the biggest risk youd like to take but havent been able to? What would have to happen to make you comfortable taking it?
June 19
Tagline Often, our blogs have taglines. But what if humans did, too? What would your tagline be?
June 20
Moment of kindess Describe a moment of kindness, between you and someone else loved one or complete stranger.
June 21
Ha ha ha Tell us a joke! Knock-knock joke, long story with a unexpected punchline, great zinger all jokes are welcome!
June 22
No, thank you If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
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June 23
Island of misfit posts We all have something wed like to write about, but that doesnt really fit our blog. Write it anyway.
June 24
Morality play Where do your morals come from your family? Your faith? Your philosophical worldview? How do you deal with those who dont share them, or derive them from a different source?
June 25
21st century citizen Do you belong in this day and age? Do you feel comfortable being a citizen of the 21st-century? If you do, explain why and if you dont, when in human history would you rather be?
June 26
Planes, trains, and automobiles Youre going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, or car? (Or something else entirely bike? Hot air balloon?)
June 27
The artists eye Is there a painting or sculpture youre drawn to? What does
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it say to you? Describe the experience. (Or, if art doesnt speak to you, tell us why.)
June 28
We can be taught Tell us a moment or an incident that you treasure not necessarily because it brought you happiness, but because it taught you something about yourself.
June 29
No longer a mere mortal Youve imbibed a special potion that makes you immortal. Now that youve got forever, what changes will you make in your life? How will you live life differently, knowing youll always be around to be accountable for your actions?
June 30
The natural world Describe your first memorable experience exploring and spending time in nature. Were you in awe? Or were you not impressed? Would you rather spend time in the forest or the city?
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JULY
July 1
Great or greatest What makes a blog great? What makes you follow a blog or Like a post?
July 2
The road less traveled Pinpoint a moment in your past where you had to make a big decision. Write about that other alternate life that could have unfolded.
July 3
A mystery wrapped in an enigma
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Tell us something most people probably dont know about you.
July 4
From the gut Tell us about the last time you had a real, deep, crying-fromlaughing belly laugh.
July 5
Mirror, mirror Finish this sentence: When I look in the mirror, I . . .
July 6
Tables turned Are as comfortable in front of a camera as behind one? Being written about, as well as writing?
July 7
Rolling stone If you could live a nomadic life, would you? Where would you go? How would you decide? What would life be like without a home base?
July 8
Barter system If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would you struggle?
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July 9
Keep out Who is the one person you hope isnt reading your blog? Why?
July 10
Earworm Write whatever you normally write about, and weave in a book quote, film quote, or song lyric thats been sticking with you this week.
July 11
Fandom Are you a sports fan? Tell us about fandom. If youre not, tell us why not.
July 12
Singular sensation If one experience or life change results from you writing your blog, what would you like it to be?
July 13
Your life, the book From a famous writer or celebrity, to a WordPress.com blogger or someone close to you who would you like to be your biographer?
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July 14
Opposite day If you normally write non-fiction, post a photo. If you normally post images, write fiction. If you normally write fiction, write a poem. If you normally write poetry, draw a picture.
July 15
Far from home Tell us about the farthest youve ever traveled from home.
July 16
Dream home You win a contest to build your dream home. Draft the plans.
July 17
Stranger in a strange land Whats your favorite part about visiting a new place the food? The architecture? The people watching?
July 18
Flip flop Think of a topic or issue about which youve switched your opinion. Why the change?
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July 19
Fly on the wall If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere and at any time in history, where and when would you choose?
July 20
Theres no place like home If you had the opportunity to live a nomadic life, traveling from place to place, would you do it? Do you need a home base? What makes a place home to you?
July 21
Party animals? After spending time with a group of people, do you feel energized and ready for anything or do you want to hide in the corner with a good book?
July 22
The stat connection Go to your Stats page and check your top three-five posts. Why do you think theyve been successful? Find the connection between them, and write about it.
July 23
You, the sandwich If a restaurant were to name something after you, what would it be? Describe it. (Bonus points for writing a recipe!)
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July 24
From the collection of the artist Its the year 2114. A major museum is running an exhibition on life and culture as it was in 2014. Youre asked to write an introduction for the shows brochure. What will it say?
July 25
A friend in need Finish this sentence: My closest friend is
July 26
Back to school If you could take a break from your life and go back to school to master a subject, what would it be?
July 27
From A to Z Create a short story, piece of memoir, or epic poem that is 26 sentences long, in which the first sentence begins with A and each sentence thereafter begins with the next letter of the alphabet.
July 28
Life after blogs Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
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July 29
State of your year Write up a mid-year State of My Year post.
July 30
Drawing a blank When was the last time your walked away from a discussion, only to think of The Perfect Comeback hours later? Recreate the scene for us, and use your winning line.
July 31
Pat on the back Tell someone youre proud of just how proud you are.
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AUGUST
August 1
A house divided Pick a divisive issue currently in the news. Write a two-part post in which you take on two personas and approach the topic from both sides. Bonus points for a creative format (roundtable discussion, debate transcript, etc.).
August 2
Origin story Why did you start your blog? Is that still why you blog, or has your site gone in a different direction than youd planned?
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August 3
Green-eyed monster Write an anonymous letter to someone youre jealous of.
August 4
Back to the future Anachronism (noun): an error in chronology; a person or thing thats chronologically out of place. Write a story in which a person or thing is out of place, or recount a time when you felt out of place.
August 5
Ballerina, fireman, astronaut, moviestar When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up? What are you now? Are the two connected?
August 6
Everything changes Walking down the street, you encounter a folded piece of paper on the sidewalk. You pick it up and read it and immediately, your life has changed. Describe this experience.
August 7
Never again Have you ever gone to a new place or tried a new experience and thought to yourself, Im never doing that again! Tell us about it.
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August 8
(YAWN) What bores you?
August 9
Smell you later Humans have very strong scent memory. Tell us about a smell that transports you.
August 10
Moved to tears Describe the last time you were moved to tears by something beautiful.
August 11
P.C. Is political correctness a useful concept, or does it stifle honest discussion?
August 12
Life line Youre on a long flight, and a palm reader sitting next to you insists she reads your palm. You hesitate, but agree. What does she tell you?
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August 13
Drawing the line Can anything be funny, or are some things off limits?
August 14
Mirror, mirror, on the wall Think of your blog as a mirror: what does it reveal? Consider your blog name, theme choice, design, bio, posts what does every element tell you about yourself?
August 15
Freaky Friday You experience your own Freaky Friday, and switch bodies with someone you love/hate. Tell us what happens.
August 16
Standout When was the last time you really stood out in a crowd? Are you comfortable in that position, or do you wish you could fade into the woodwork?
August 17
Three-tenths Scribble down the first ten words that come to mind. Pick three of them. Theres your post title. Now write!
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August 18
Procrastination What have you been putting off doing? Why?
August 19
On the edge We all have things as need to do to keep an even keel blogging, exercising, reading, cooking. Whats yours?
August 20
The full moon When the full moon happens, you turn into a person whos the opposite of who you normally are. Describe this new you.
August 21
Fifteen credits Another school semester will soon begin. If youre in school, are you looking forward to starting classes? If youre out of school, what do you miss about it or are you glad those days are over?
August 22
Viral The New York Times is going to feature your blog on its home page, and youve been asked to publish a new post itll be the first thing tens of thousands of new readers see. Write it.
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August 23
Pants on fire What was the last lie you told? Why did you tell it?
August 24
These boots were made for walkin Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where theyve taken you.
August 25
Secret of success What would it take for you to consider yourself a successful blogger? Is that something you strive for?
August 26
Funny ha-ha Do you consider yourself funny? What role does humor play in your life? Whos the funniest person you know?
August 27
Id like to thank my cats You are receiving an award - either one that already exists, or a new one created just for you. What would the award be, why are you being honored, and what would you say in your acceptance speech?
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August 28
Ready for your close-up Cast the movie of your life.
August 29
I cant drive 55 Take the third line of the last song you heard, make it your post title, and write for a maximum of 15 minutes. GO!
August 30
A little sneaky Are writing prompts a useful exercise, or do you find them to be too limiting and/or hokey?
August 31
I pledge allegiance Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
9
SEPTEMBER
September 1
Groundhog day In the comedy Groundhog Day Bill Murray experienced the same day again and again, stuck in a time loop until he got the day right. What day would you choose to repeat until you got it right? Do you think its ever possible to get life right?
September 2
Name thatyou! Do you know the meaning of your name, and why your parents chose it? Do you think it suits you? What about your childrens names?
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September 3
Blogger with a cause If your day to day responsibilities were taken care of and you could throw yourself completely behind a cause, what would it be?
September 4
I am a rock Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?
September 5
Imagine all the people The next time youre in a public place a coffeehouse, a park, a store observe the people around you. Pick a person, a couple, or a group, and imagine what their lives might be like.
September 6
Regrets, Ive had a few Whats your biggest regret? How would your life have been different if youd made another decision?
September 7
Luxurious Whats the one luxury you cant live without?
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September 8
The excitement never ends Tell us about the last thing you got excited about butterflies-in-the-stomach, giggling, cant-wait excited.
September 9
What a twist Tell us a story fiction or non-fiction with a twist we cant see coming.
September 10
Six of one, half-a-dozen of the other Write a six-word story about what you think the future holds for you, and then expand on it in a post.
September 11
Thank you The internet is full of rants. Help tip the balance: today, simply be thankful for something (or someone).
September 12
Toy story What was your favorite plaything as a child? Do you see any connection between your life now, and your favorite childhood toy?
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September 13
Snark bombs, away! Try your hand at parody or satire take an article, film, blog post, or song you find misguided, and use humor to show us how.
September 14
Bookworms Grab the nearest book. Open it and go to the tenth word. Do a Google Image Search of the word. Write about what the image brings to mind.
September 15
Sorry, Im busy Tell us about a time when you should have helped someone but didnt.
September 16
Super sensitive If you were forced to give up one sense, but gain super-sensitivity in another, which senses would you choose?
September 17
The cat says meow Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.
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September 18
Naked, with black socks Are you comfortable in front of people, or does the idea of public speaking make you want to hide in the bathroom? Why?
September 19
Are you being served? Whats the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience youve ever had as a customer?
September 20
No fair Tell us about something you think is terribly unfair and explain how you would rectify it.
September 21
We can be taught! What makes a teacher great?
September 22
Practice makes perfect Tell us about a talent youd love to havebut dont.
September 23
Non sequitur
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Write a post about anything youd like, but be sure to include this sentence somewhere in the final paragraph: He tried to hit me with a forklift!
September 24
Standstill For a moment today, time stands still but you can tweak one thing while its stopped. What do you do?
September 25
Celebrate good times You receive some wonderful, improbable, hoped-for good news. How do you celebrate?
September 26
2100 The language of the future: what will it be like? Write an experimental post using some imagined vocabulary abbreviations, slang, new terms.
September 27
A bend in time When youre giddy with excitement, does time speed up? Slow down? Tell us about the experience of anticipation.
September 28
Ebb and flow Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life hap-
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pens. Write a post for your blog but three years in the future.
September 29
Cleaning house Is there junk in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of it?
September 30
On the road If you could pause real life and spend some time living with a family anywhere in the world, where would you go?
10
OCTOBER
October 1
Fearful symmetry Pick a letter, any letter. Now, write a story, poem, or post in which every line starts with that letter.
October 2
Reading material How do you pick what blogs or books to read? Whats the one thing that will get you to pick up a book or click on a link every single time?
October 3
New internet order
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All the worlds countries have decided that the Internet itself needs a government. Your country asks you to run for Prime Minister of the Net do you accept? If so, what will your platform be?
October 4
The clothes that (may) make the (wo)man How important are clothes to you? Describe your style, if you have one, and tell us how appearance impacts how you feel about yourself.
October 5
Eye of the beholder Describe what it feels like to hear a beautiful piece of music or see a stunning piece of art.
October 6
Mixtape masterpiece You make a new friend. Make them a mix tape (or playlist, for the younger folks) that tells them who you are through song.
October 7
Exhale Tell us about a time when everything seemed to be going wrong and then, suddenly, you knew it would be alright.
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October 8
Bloggers, unplugged Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes. How do you know when its time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
October 9
Cant get enough Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10
Fright night Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe the sensation of being scared, and why you love it or dont.
October 11
Mid-season replacement For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12
Blogger in a strange land Whats the strangest place from which youve posted to your
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blog? When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly thought, I need to write about this!?
October 13
Michelangelos YOU Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from the last month of your life into the glistening marble of immortality. Whats the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14
Imitation / flattery Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite author.
October 15
Childlike Explain your biggest regret as though to a small child.
October 16
Honorific October 16th is officially declared Person X Day and you get to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be commemorated.
October 17
Community service Your entire community however you define that; your
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hometown, your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues is guaranteed to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post youd like them all to see.
October 18
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news. Whats the first thing you do?
October 19
Home sweet home When youre away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?
October 20
Release me Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish and what it was like to set it free.
October 21
Blank is the new blank Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th words (that arent the or an). Drop them into this phrase: _____ is the new _____. Theres your post title. Now write!
October 22
Sand but true
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Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear but accurate criticism youe ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23
As seen on T.V. Write a script for a late-night infomercial where the product is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you embody that other products dont? What are the benefits of reading your blog?
October 24
Express yourself Tell us about a time you couldnt quite get your words or images to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25
Simply the best NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26
Breakdown Tell us about a habit youd like to break. Is there any way it can play a positive role in your life?
October 27
The golden hour
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6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM bedtime?
October 28
Seven wonders Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
October 29
First Tell us about your first day at something your first day of school, first day of work, first day living on your own, first day blogging, first day as a parent, whatever.
October 30
Free to be me Whats the character trait you admire the most about yourself?
October 31
Halloweeny! If bloggers had their own Halloween and could go from blog to blog collecting treats, what would your blog hand out?
11
NOVEMBER
November 1
Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. The world is ending tomorrow! Tell us about your last dinner the food, your dining companions, the setting, the conversation.
November 2
Conflicted Youre in the middle of a terrible argument, and everyone turns to you to help resolve it. How do you respond? How do you react to conflict?
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November 3
Placebo effect If you could create a painless, inexpensive cure for a single ailment, what would you cure and why?
November 4
It builds character Tell us about a favorite character from film, theater, or literature, with whom youd like to have a heart-to-heart. What would you talk about?
November 5
Intense Describe the last time you were surprised by the intensity of a feeling you had about something, or were surprised at how strongly you reacted to something you thought wouldnt be a big deal.
November 6
Google and rescue operation What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?
November 7
Cheering section Do you have a mentor? Tell us about him or her. Are you a mentor to someone else? Tell us what that relationship has added to your life.
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November 8
Connect the dots Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your life. Write about that.
November 9
About page for the future Write the About page for your blog in 10 years.
November 10
The perfect game Youre set to play poker (or Scrabble or something else . . .) with a group of four. Write a story set during this game. Or, describe the ideal match: the players, the relationships and the hidden rivalries.
November 11
Food for the soul (and the stomach) Tell us about your favorite meal, either to eat or to prepare. Does it just taste great, or does it have other associations?
November 12
Come fly with me Share a story about the furthest youve ever traveled from home.
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November 13
Non-regional diction Write about whatever youd like, but write using regional slang, your dialect, or in your accent.
November 14
Write about evil Write about evil: how you understand it (or dont), what you think it means, or a way its manifested, either in the world at large or in your life.
November 15
FAQ Interview someone a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman and write a post based on their responses.
November 16
Love to love you What do you love most about yourself? What do you love most about your favorite person? Are the two connected?
November 17
Land of confusion Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.
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November 18
Fear no more Whats the thing youre most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
November 19
Perspective Think about something that drives you crazy. Now, think about something that makes you happy. Does it change your perspective on the former?
November 20
Safety first Share the story of a time you felt unsafe.
November 21
A bird, a plane, you! You get to choose one superpower. Pick one of these, and explain your choice: the ability to speak and understand any language, the ability to travel through time, or the ability to make any two people agree with each other.
November 22
Playtime Do you play in your daily life? What says playtime to you?
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November 23
I have confidence in me Are you good at what you do? What would you like to be better at?
November 24
Close call Tell us about a bullet youre glad you dodged when something awful almost happened, but didnt.
November 25
Simply irresistable Tell us about the favorite dish or food that you simply cannot turn down.
November 26
To boldly go An impending new year gives rise to reflection and goal setting. What will your goals for 2015 be? Its never to early to start thinking about self improvement!
November 27
Fear factor People are afraid of all kinds of things: spiders, the dark, or being enclosed in small spaces. Tell us about your greatest fear rational or irrational.
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November 28
Keeping up with the Jones Tell us about the one luxury item you wish you could afford, in as much detail as you can. Paint a picture for us.
November 29
Humble pie Tell us about a time you found out after the fact that youd been mistaken and you had to eat a serving of humble pie.
November 30
Tattooyou? Do you have a tattoo? If so, whats the story behind your ink? If you dont have a tattoo, what might you consider getting emblazoned on you skin?
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December 1
Hear no evil Tell us about a conversation you couldnt help but overhear and wish you hadnt.
December 2
No you see me You have a secret superpower: the ability to appear and disappear at will. When and where will you use this new superpower? Tell us a story.
December 3
Sink or swim Tell us about a time when you were left on your own, to fend for yourself in an overwhelming situation on the job, at home, at school. What was the outcome?
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December 4
Five items A classic question, revisited: what are the five items you must have on a deserted island?
December 5
The power of touch Textures are everywhere: The rough edges of a stone wall. The smooth innocence of a babys cheek. The sense of touch brings back memories for us. What texture is particularly evocative to you?
December 6
Fifteen minutes You have 15 minutes to address the whole world live (on television or radio choose your format). What would you say?
December 7
Whats your learning style? Whats your learning style? Do you prefer learning in a group and in an interactive setting? Or one-on-one? Do you retain information best through lectures, or visuals, or simply by reading books?
December 8
A source of anxiety
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Write about a noise or even a silence that wont go away. (Well let you interpret this in different ways)
December 9
Out of your reach Was there a toy or thing you always wanted as a child, during the holidays or on your birthday, but never received? Tell us about it.
December 10
Unexpected Unexpectedly, you lose your job. (Or a loved one. Or something or someone important to you.) What do you do next?
December 11
My precious Who is the person in your life who can do no wrong? Describe this person and tell us why you hold them in such high esteem.
December 12
Daring do Tell us about the time you rescued someone else (person or animal) from a dangerous situation. What happened? How did you prevail?
December 13
Necessity is the mother of invention
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Imagine, in great detail, an invention that could help reverse pollution describe for us how your invention works and how it will help save the planet.
December 14
Festivus for the rest of us You have been named supreme ruler of the universe. Your first order of business is creating and instituting a holiday or festival in your honor. What day of the year is your holiday? What special events will take place? Describe YOU DAY in as great a detail as you can muster: the special foods well consume, the decorations well useeverything.
December 15
Memories of holidays past What is your very favorite holiday? Recount the specific memory or memories that have made that holiday special to you.
December 16
By the skin of your teeth Share a time when you narrowly avoided disaster.
December 17
Youre a mean one, Mr. Grinch What is your least favorite personal quality in others? Extra points for sharing your least favorite personal quality in yourself.
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December 18
Mad as a hatter Tell us about a time when you flew into a rage. What is it that made you so incredibly angry?
December 19
A random act of kindness Tell us about the time when you performed a secret random act of kindness where the recipient of your kindness never found out about your good deed. How did the deed go down?
December 20
Forgive and forget? Share a story where it was very difficult for you to forgive the perpetrator for wronging you, but you did it you forgave them.
December 21
My number one Who is the most important person in your life? Describe that person in as great a detail as you can muster and most importantly, tell us why you cherish this person.
December 22
Interplanet Janet You get to design your own planet: tell us all about your planet the weather, the seasons, the inhabitants. Go.
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December 23
The guilt that haunts me Share a time when you were overcome with guilt. What were the circumstances? How did you overcome you guilt?
December 24
The best day ever You get to enjoy the best day ever describe in detail what that means to you. Where are you? What will you do? Whats the weather like? What will you eat? Who will you see?
December 25
I was here You are the first astronaut to arrive on a new, uncharted planet. Write the note that you leave to those who come after you.
December 26
Moment of clarity Tell us about a time youd been trying to solve a knotty problem maybe it was an interpersonal problem, a life problem, a big ol problem and you had a moment of clarity when the solution appeared to you, as though you were struck by lightening.
December 27
Youre a winner
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Youve just won $1 billion dollars in the local lottery. You do not have to pay tax on your winnings. How will you spend the money?
December 28
The new school You get to redesign school as we know it from the ground up. Will you do away with reading, writing, and arithmetic? What skills and knowledge will your school focus on imparting to young minds?
December 29
Brainwave Whats the best idea youve ever had? Regale us with every detail of the idea the idea itself, where it came to you, and the problem it solved.
December 30
I believe in magic You have been transformed into a mystical being who has the ability to do magic. Share your new abilities in detail. How will you use your new skills?
December 31
A brand new you, effective tomorrow! Tomorrow is the first day of a brand new year. Tomorrow you get to become anyone in the world that you wish. Who are you? If you decide to stay you share your rationale.

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365 Days of Writing Prompts

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

The Editors, WordPress.com

365 Days of Writing Prompts Copyright 2013 by The Daily Post.

10. October 11. November 12. December

WRITE, EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

where you come from as though its an entry in a travel guide.

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THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

Tell us something most people probably dont know about you.

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365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

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365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

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THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS

THE EDITORS, WORDPRESS.COM

365 DAYS OF WRITING PROMPTS