Four Word Confessions (Writing Prompt)

There’s a thing I do in my private journal – small confessions. I pick a number, usually between 4 and 10, and write out whatever comes into my head. They’re usually on the simple side – I don’t aim for earth-shattering prose, just for honesty in the moment. I go quickly. I don’t think about it too much.

I like four word confessions the best. Here are a few happy ones I wrote recently…

Writing is a devotion
I am happy here
This feels fantastically right

And my less happy ones…

You really bore me
You’re not my savior
Sickness is a warning

Quick and simple. What’s on your mind? What do you want to say? Write out everything that comes into your head – but do it without giving it much thought. Just confess.

Next steps to this prompt that I use:
– String some of your confessions together into a poem or a prompt for flash fiction, short stories, etc.
– Take your confessions and change them – i.e., if they’re happy, make them sad or tragic or indifferent – then string them together or use them as prompts
– Do this not for yourself, but for a character you’re writing or want to explore more and see what emerges