The Scene That Sings
Conduct an analysis of a famous musical or theatrical scene from a film or TV show. Discuss the components—from the script, to the music, to the acting—that make the scene effective or memorable, and explore its impact on the viewer's emotional and intellectual response.
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.
- Cut every sentence that only repeats the one before it.
- Find one surprising fact and build around it.
- Use one example from your own life.
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.
More Music, Film and Performing Arts prompts
- The Night at the TheatreCompose a narrative non-fiction piece centered around a memorable theatrical performance you attended. Delve into details like the setting, the…
- Fifty Years of a Music GenreWrite an essay on the evolution of a specific genre of music over the past fifty years. Include key artists, pivotal albums, and how societal changes…
- The Performance That Changed MeReflect on a live performance that changed your outlook on life. Whether it was a concert, a play, or a dance performance, discuss what about the…
- A Century of JazzWrite an essay exploring the evolution of a particular music genre over the last century. Highlight key artists, pivotal albums, and how societal…
Fifteen minutes in? Keep going.
Chapterly gives a draft somewhere to grow: chapters, daily word goals, and readers when you're ready.
Plans from $9.99 a month. Cancel any time. Your words are always yours.