Mapping the Magic Realm
Chronicle the adventures of a cartographer tasked with mapping unexplored territories in a magical realm. What unusual creatures and mysterious phenomena do they encounter, and how do these experiences change their perception of the world?
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Include a counterargument and answer it fairly.
- Cut every sentence that only repeats the one before it.
- Find one surprising fact and build around it.
Writing essays
A mind at work, one subject at a time.
An essay collection gathers short nonfiction pieces: personal, critical, funny or all three. What ties them together is the writer's voice and way of seeing.
What readers expect
- A distinctive voice
- Personal stakes
- Surprising connections
- Pieces that stand alone
A tip before you start
Follow a question, not a thesis. The pleasure of an essay is watching someone think.
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- The Relic Beneath the DungeonDevelop a story around a mythical object that’s been lost for centuries in a vast dungeon. A team of diverse characters, each with unique skills and…
- Role-Playing and Mental HealthCraft an article focusing on the therapeutic benefits of participating in role-playing and fantasy games. Include case studies, expert opinions, and…
Fifteen minutes in? Keep going.
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