Journal Prompts for Getting Inspired
We people of the arts feed off each other. An artist is inspired by a song. A musician is inspired by a novel. And a writer is inspired by a film.
So we come full circle.
Journal prompts are also useful for getting inspired. When you want to write but find yourself without any ideas, you might think your muse has gone MIA, but ideas about. You need only look to the arts and there is a whole world of inspiration waiting to move you (and your pen).
Journal Prompts About the Arts
These journal prompts get you thinking about the arts and entertainment from a fresh perspective. Instead of sitting back and taking it in, look for new ideas in the art that you experience. With these prompts, you can enjoy a session of journal writing while thinking about the broader community of artists.
- ART is all around. You can purchase books packed with images of art. You can visit museums and galleries. You can simply surf the web in search of paintings and sculptures. Choose a piece of art that speaks to you and write about it. Describe the piece. How does it make you feel? What details give it power or make it captivating?
- MUSIC makes the world go round. Listen to your old favorites or explore some brand new music. Choose a song or album that you have a visceral response to. Maybe it makes you want to dance, laugh, or cry. Write about it. Is it soft and tender? Hard and brash? Hip and groovy? What moves you? The lyrics? The melody? The rhythm?
- FILM is one of the greatest forms of entertainment. The audience gets to sit back and snack on junk food while the movie plays and takes us on a wild ride through someone else’s life. We all have our favorite films. What are yours and why? What do you love most about them? Is it the characters? The plot? The special effects?
- LITERATURE is a writer’s home. This is where we eat, sleep, and breathe. And where would we writers be today without the predecessors who, through their art, contributed to the literary canon and years of bestseller lists. Which novels or poets inspired you to become a writer? Which authors embody a voice that resonates in your soul? Which genres are you most drawn to?
- DANCE is one of the most unappreciated art forms. Dancers are stuck somewhere between the arts and sports though they are closely tied to musicians. But think about this – dancers get out there and do their thing and the only tool they possess are their own bodies. No pens or computers, no cameras, no paintbrushes, and no instruments. You can watch dance performances on TV, in music videos, or simply by searching through YouTube. Watch a few dance performances and then write about the performances. Discuss how the dance itself is tied to the music. Make observations about how the dancer is tied to the choreography. Compare dancing to writing. Are their similarities?
Have fun exploring these journal prompts, and keep on writing!
Do you use journal prompts for your writing sessions? Do you have any favorite prompts or ideas for prompts? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
