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what to write over the break

some writing prompts for the issue 007 open call if you're feeling uninspired

open calls can be hard, especially at this time of the year when your brain starts grinding to a halt. to help combat that we’ve put together a little list of prompts - you can write a sentence or an essay, whatever feels right for you.

if you’d like to, you can send us the piece for the open call of mnemotope issue 007!

we first wrote this list for our workshops with passa porta to help the students overcome the scariness of a blank page. the prompts are mostly silly but can lead to lovely serious pieces as well. don’t feel like you have to stick too tightly to them - they can evolve with your piece. feel free to use them for drawings too!

if you do want to submit your work (which we really think you should) you can find frequently asked questions about the open call here. we can’t wait to read it!

here are our prompts:

instructions on how to do something you love
think about a stranger you’ve seen today and imagine a life for them
write a review of the last place/thing you felt strongly about
transcribe the next conversation you overhear
record the story that you’ve already told all your friends
the bus is the catwalk and you’re a fashion critic. review the collection as it is worn by passengers
translate your favourite sayings from another language
draw a dog with your eyes closed and then name it
interview the person working at your local snack bar
write about the last job you had
make a playlist or review another one
fictionalise the last conversation you had at the bar with your friends