The Panic Jar

While prepping for NaNoWriMo, I found reference to a Panic Jar. It’s a jar with prompts to kickstart your writing. Usually it’s good advice like making a time lock for your story to give it a sense of urgency or introducing a new character that brings nothing but trouble with them.

So I decided I needed one of these.

But I’m a website manager.

So I instead created an online version I could refer to without actually creating a dusty jar that I neglect for the rest of the year and spiders start living in it. Ick!

I’ve cribbed these prompts from all over the internet writer ‘verse but especially Apron Warrior as she had some great advice.

So it’s under Writer Resources on my blog. Every time you click the jar a random prompt will come up.Do you have a prompt to add to the Panic Jar? Leave it in the comments and I’ll add it.

8 thoughts on “The Panic Jar

  1. I like this idea. I will use it as I need. And I may make one for my regular writing schedule as well.

    1. I don't make outlines. I feel like they confine the story to much. I just write down ideas and go with that.

  2. A Panic Jar ideas
    1.Change your antagonist's way of thinking.
    2. Add a character with a "grey" point of view.
    3. Turn one of your protagonist's friends against them for a while. See how it works out.

  3. Panic Jar Ideas
    1. Add a new character, make them question the protagonist's goal.
    2. Change the weather. A sudden storm can change the direction of an event
    3. Have the protagonist be injured. Different characteristics come out when you have to ask for help

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Aidee Ladnier

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