10 Mind-Expanding Writing Exercises to Build Momentum in Just 10 Minutes a Day

'Take Ten for Writers'

By Bonnie Neubauer | Updated September 9, 2018

Get creative with these writing prompts and exercises from Take Ten for Writers! Each of these writing activities features 10 different variables, so every exercise can be done 10 unique times with 10 very different results! These prompts will help you:

Get into the habit of writing without the burden of weighty expectations — write for the pure fun of it.
Write fast in 10-minute bursts without over-thinking or over-editing your work — no self-censoring allowed!
Learn how to weave details into your writing to paint a more realistic, tactile picture with your words — be specific and write with intent.
Celebrate your writing accomplishments without comparing your work to that of others — every piece you finish is an achievement to be acknowledged!

Ready to Write? Go!

'Super Wordacious' Writing Exercise

Super Wordacious Learn how using creative math in blending a prefix, root, and suffix to create a brand new word translates into combining life experiences in larger pieces of writing.

'Biopic' Writing Exercise

Biopic A biopic dramatizes the life of person, sometimes stretching the truth. Use a riveting, recent event from your life to write your own biopic's opening scene.

'Hearing Voices' Writing Exercise

Hearing Voices Develop your own unique writing voice by telling an engaging story about your life in voice other than first-person narration.

'I Wood If I Could' Writing Exercise

I Wood If I Could A walk in nature offers multiple benefits to your writing. You're lost in the woods; what happens next?

'LINGO-istics' Writing Exercise

The touches of slang or lingo added to your dialogue and narrative to make your writing sound more realistic. Here’s a chance to try your hand at some Lingo-istics.

'Listing' Writing Exercise

Listing A nice way to develop characters or to flesh out existing ones is to write lists they might carry around. Practice writing lists as a way to to sketch out a character given in this exercise.

'Seuss-erific Q&A' Writing Exercise

Q & A If you’re stuck in the middle of a piece, ask yourself some non-related Seuss-like “what if” questions to get through your block. Think of Dr. Seuss or other children's books.

'Saucy Millionaire' Writing Exercise

Saucy Millionaire Become a full-time writer and inherit two million dollars, with just one stipulation or you lose it all. Which one will you choose to fulfull?

'Simile But Different' Writing Exercise

Simile Similes are comparisons that jazz up your writing. Use this exercise to take the time to honor who you are and celebrate the differences that make your writing creativity unique.

'VocabuLeery' Writing Exercise

Vocabuleery When it comes to vocabulary, a thesaurus is a writer’s best friend. Learn how to spice up your writing using uncommon words that mean the same thing.