Sharpen your skills: Why writers need regular exercises (Plus a 350-word prompt!)

Even the most seasoned authors need practice. Just like athletes train their bodies, writers must train their minds and creative muscles. Regular writing exercises aren’t just a warm-up—they’re essential for growth. Whether you’re working on a novel, poetry, or short fiction, small prompts can help you hone your voice, explore new ideas, and build confidence on the page.

One of the most valuable benefits of regular writing practice? It teaches you to write concisely. When you’re forced to distill a story down to its essence, every word matters. You learn to tighten your prose, heighten your stakes, and let your ideas breathe in a limited space. That’s a skill that serves you well whether you’re submitting to literary journals, writing query letters, or polishing your latest manuscript.

And if you’re looking for a reason to sit down and write today—here’s your invitation.

✍️ Writing Prompt: The Bad Moon Rises

Write a complete story in 350 words or less that takes place on the night of a blood moon. Something strange is happening in your setting—maybe a transformation, an arrival, a revelation. Lean into the eerie or uncanny. The tone can be subtle, surreal, or full-on horror, but the moon must matter, and something must change before the night is over.

Challenge yourself to use atmosphere, tension, and imagery to say more with less. Don’t worry about perfection—this is about flexing your creativity and finding your voice in a tight space.

We’d love to see what you come up with! And if your finished piece fits the vibe of our upcoming anthology, Bad Moon on the Rise, consider submitting it before the August 15 deadline. Learn more and submit your work here:
👉 https://writeontheworld.wordpress.com/call-for-submissions

Let’s talk: What’s your favorite kind of writing exercise? Do you find word limits helpful or frustrating? Share your thoughts—or a snippet of your story—in the comments!

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.