Writer's block. It happens to the best of us. When I'm struggling to work up some creative genius-ness, I like to remind myself that even the best of the best, that's right, even John Green gets writer's block. Or so I like to believe. (If you haven't read 'Paper Towns', 'Looking for Alaska', 'Turtles All The Way Down', 'The Fault In Our Stars', or 'An Abundance of Katherines', What are you doing with your life?)
This isn't even just to one Odyssey content creator to another, this is one writer to another. Sometimes it's just hard to get the juices flowing. Some weeks I have all the time in the world or an interview/collaboration set up, other weeks I crank out some word vomit thirty minutes before my deadline. It happens. But whether you're trying to meet a due date or just haven't allowed yourself to write in a while, it's important to push yourself and get those precious words articulated! I promise what you have to say is worth reading. Even if your mom won't, even if your boyfriend won't, send that story my way and I will read every letter.
If you have the time and energy but are lacking a topic, I am hoping one of these 50 little prompts can set your mind free from that writer's block and let the magic happen. Maybe next week I'll give number 35 a try.
1. Your favorite hobby
Giphy2. Your extended family
3. Your favorite recipe
Giphy4. Your pet
5. Your sibling(s)
6. Your parents
7. Your best friend
8. Your significant other
9. Your favorite vacation or dream vacation
Giphy10. Your political beliefs
11. Your religious beliefs or lack thereof
12. Your student organization
13. Make a playlist!
Giphy14. Your favorite artist
15. Where you like to shop for clothes/your style
Giphy16. What's it like living with your roommate
17. What are you most passionate about
18. Describe your favorite color without actually naming it
19. Your favorite things to eat and snack on
20. Your go to workout/fitness routine
Giphy21. Your biggest fears
22. What you want to be when you grow up
23. Your favorite family memory
24. What you would do if you won the lottery, in order of course
25. What part of your identity is the strongest/means the most to you
Giphy26. What is your major and why
27. What you love about your job
28. What you hate about your job
29. Where do you see yourself in 5 years
30. Where do you see yourself in 30 years
31. If you could change one thing about your life what would it be
32. If you could have a superpower what would you choose and how would you use it
Giphy33. What is something most people don't know about you
34. Plan ahead and do a Q&A about yourself
35. What is your favorite animal and what would your imaginary life be like if you were one
Giphy36. Your favorite TV shows/movies
37. The first three things you would do if you became President of The United States
Giphy38. What are your life goals right now
39. Interview someone you look up to
40. Make a pros and cons list of a large decision you recently made that could help others with the same/similar large decision
Giphy41. What's something you recently learned and are excited about
42. What is your hometown? Tell us all about it
43. Pick a city you love and make a guide for a tourist
44. Share a routine of yours and how it's beneficial to you
45. Tell us your favorite jokes
Giphy46. Make up a story with a detailed and ridiculous plot line
47. Write an open letter to yourself in the future
48. Give a simple and exciting life update
49. Your favorite ways to de-stress, decompress, and relax
Giphy50. Surprise yourself! Step out of your comfort zone and write about something you would never write about.
"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." - Toni Morrison
10 Ways To Celebrate Christmas With Your New College Friends
Because we have to celebrate three weeks in advance, right?
In a season of mourning the dreaded finals week and wishing to be home with family, college students across the country are ready for the fall semester to be over. There's no doubt Christmas is the best time of year, and what better way to get into the spirit than planning fun activities with new college friends? Follow these 10 helpful tips to avoid the end of the semester breakdowns and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
Play all the music
Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Pentatonix, Frank Sinatra, the list goes on and on... It's time to update your Spotify playlist and sing along to the best carols known to man. Christmas music is catchy and appeals to all audiences no matter your music preference. Next time you hear "Jingle Bells" or "Let it Snow", don't bother to be shy and turn down the tunes. Sing your heart out loud and proud.
Have a movie marathon
GiphyWhat better way to take a study break than watching Christmas movies? The world's best Christmas icons have all come from moving pictures, and rewatching these films never gets old. Whether it be the Grinch, Frosty the snowman, Buddy the elf, or Kevin McCalister, everyone can relate to at least one holiday character. Be sure to stay up to date with Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas for all your Christmas classics.
Buy a mini tree from Target
Wikimedia Commons
While going to the Christmas tree farm and picking out the perfect Fraser fir seems like a fun idea, it may not be the most practical for a college dorm room. Take a short trip to your nearest Target and you'll find artificial trees in any color your heart desires — silver, blue, pink, gold, possibly even rose gold. We all know you can't have Christmas without a tree!
Plug in the lights
GiphyIt doesn't take much time or effort to decorate a dorm room as much as it does to decorate a house. Go to the Dollar Tree and stock up on discounted items to spread some holiday cheer. Coming back from class and being surrounded by twinkle lights will fix any bad day in a heartbeat.
Enjoy the Starbucks holiday collection
Flickr Creative Commons
What better way to spend your last dining dollars than splurging on a toasted white chocolate mocha? With temperatures below freezing and long walks to lecture, stopping by the Ferg Starbucks sure sounds like a great idea. You don't even have to spend real money!
Write cards
Flickr Creative Commons
The tradition of giving and receiving holiday cards never gets old. As a writer, receiving handwritten notes from family and friends warms my heart. I always look forward to the holiday season and spend an ample amount of time gathering addresses to send out cards to family members across the country.
Drink hot chocolate
Giphy
There's nothing quite like warming up with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter day. Grab the marshmallows, whip cream, and enjoy!
Bake cookies
Flickr Creative Commons
Chocolate chip. Sugar. Gingerbread. Snickerdoodle. Peanut butter. Cookies are a must. Plain and simple.
Give back with a student organization
Flickr Creative Commons
While in college, consider volunteering with a local club or charity that house children in your area. Some religious organizations will hold toy drives for underprivileged families in the community. Whatever you do to make a difference, know that your efforts are making an impact. It can be easy to take things for granted, especially during the holiday season. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating items to Operation Christmas Child is a great way to give back.
Spend time with friends
Ashley Cunigan
Whether you're minutes down the road or miles away from home, Christmas is meant to spend time with loved ones. Enjoy this holiday season with college friends and make some memories at the end of the semester. Time flies by way too fast not to be having fun. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!