If you're a writer in college, like I am, it can be hard to make time to write outside of your assigned school work. I know I have a problem with this.

April is National Poetry Month, which gives you the perfect excuse to make more time for writing every day. Even when you make time for writing it can be hard to figure out what to write about, especially if you're feeling a little rusty.

Here's a list of my favorite prompts this month to get you going!

1. Write a poem about your own shadow.

2. Open your favorite novel a random page. Write a poem based off of the first full sentence on that page.

3. Write an ode to an object you use every day (like a water bottle, pen, your laptop, etc).

4. Write a found poem using only the lyrics of songs by your favorite band or artist.

5. Write a poem about what it feels like to fall asleep.

6. Write a poem about your greatest fear.

7. Take an old poem and paste it into google translate. Translate it into a different language, then a second different language, then back to English. Write a new poem based on the translation.

8. Write a poem about your hometown.

9. Write a love poem to somebody you don't really like.

10. Open your camera to the last photo you took on your phone, write a poem about it.

11. Write a poem from the perspective of your pet.

12. Pick a letter, any letter, and make a list of 15 words that start with that letter. These words should be the first ones that pop into your head. Now, use them to write a poem.

13. Ask a friend to send you the title of a movie you probably haven't seen before. Write a poem based on that title without looking up the film.

14. Find the last text you sent from your phone and use it to start a poem.

15. There's a smashed flower on the sidewalk. Write a poem about how it got there.

16. Write a poem including a broken walkman, a highway, and a guitar pick.

17. What did you eat for breakfast? Write a poem about it (yes, even if you didn't eat breakfast).

18. Write a poem about uncomfortable eye contact in public places.

19. Sit somewhere public and eavesdrop for a little while. Write down any phrases or conversations that stand out and turn them into a poem.

20. Write a poem about a door.

21. Write a poem to your alarm clock.

22. Write a list of 15 words that make you uncomfortable. Write a poem including all of them.

23. How do you feel about the campus dining options? Write a poem about it.

24. Write a poem that includes a smelly old shoe, a piece of toast, and a video camera.

25. Write a poem about dancing in the rain.

26. Write a poem using a series of questions and answers.

27. Think about the absence of a person or object. It can be positive or negative. Write a poem about it.

28. Write an ode to your shower shoes.

29. Think of someone in your life who is always there for you to lean on. Write a poem about them.

30. Think about the last time you laughed so hard that it hurt. Write a poem about it.

I hope some of these ideas help to get your creative juices flowing. Just remember, a page of bad writing is worth more than a page with no writing on it at all. You might even surprise yourself!