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By Crossroad Publisher
It’s that time of the year again. The time to pause and reflect on everything good in our lives. For writers, Thanksgiving allows channeling gratitude into creativity. At Crossroad Publisher, we believe that gratitude and creativity go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve created this list of Thanksgiving writing prompts to get your writing juices flowing this holiday.
Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley shows that practicing gratitude can improve mental health and boost productivity. It means sharper focus, better storytelling, and more meaningful writing.
Famous authors often highlight gratitude as essential to their craft. Maya Angelou once said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
What does this mean? Even though writing is challenging, Angelou teaches us that gratitude keeps us grounded.
That’s why, at Crossroad Publisher, we encourage authors, designers, and marketers to practice gratitude as fuel for creativity.
There are several things that you can be thankful for as a writer
Words are powerful. They inspire, connect, and heal. So be thankful for the ability to express ideas and craft stories that move your readers.
While writing is a solitary endeavor, it helps you connect with people, especially fellow authors. Platforms like Twitter #writingcommunity are full of writers who share resources and celebrate each other’s wins.
As a writer, you get the chance to grow every day. Through books, workshops, and feedback from peers or readers, not a day passes where you don’t learn anything
At Crossroad Publisher, we focus on helping authors learn more about the craft and the publishing process. This is a gift that keeps on giving.
Finally, words and narratives can change lives. As you struggle to write, think about how you can enrich the lives of your readers and offer them hope, comfort, or joy through your words.
Ready to write? Use these Thanksgiving writing prompts to bring some gratitude to your work.
#1 Describe a character reflecting on a past Thanksgiving where they felt truly grateful for something unexpected. E.g. A soldier returning home from an offshore war.
#2 Write about a meal shared by characters who struggle to find common ground. E.g. two survivors on an island.
#3 Write a letter of gratitude to your younger self.
#4 Imagine a world where Thanksgiving traditions have changed completely. E.g. Thanksgiving during the apocalypse.
#5 Write about a character who performs a small act of kindness during Thanksgiving but lives a tormented life.
#6 Write a dialogue between polar opposite characters in a way that brings out the meaning of gratitude.
#7 Create a list of things people are thankful for that come with great conflict or sacrifice.
#8 Write about a romantic encounter during the parade.
#7 Create a list of things people are thankful for that come with great conflict or sacrifice.
#9 Write about a Thanksgiving where a character confronts loss.
#10 Create a whimsical story about a Thanksgiving celebration in a historical period in the past (or on another planet).
“‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. It expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.”
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
“Gratitude is the fruit of cultivation.”
“You may believe anything that is good of a grateful man.”
Here are some more creative exercises that you can begin this Thanksgiving, but continue throughout the next year.
Start or end each day by listing three things you’re thankful for. This habit will uplift your mood, improve focus, and keep writer’s block at bay!
You can collaborate with other writers on the same theme. And then share your stories for feedback.
Write a 100-word story based on a Thanksgiving prompt. The brevity will sharpen your storytelling.
Dive into books or poems that explore themes of thankfulness. Notice how other authors express these ideas. Check out our blog on the best books to read on Thanksgiving.
Practicing gratitude as a writer helps you grow creatively and emotionally. This Thanksgiving, use these prompts to explore thankfulness in ways that resonate with your readers.
And when you’re ready to take the next step, Crossroad Publisher is there for you.
Gratitude is the first chapter; we’ll help you write the rest. Happy Thanksgiving 2024!
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