Writing prompt: Every word counts

This is the sixth in a series of short writing prompts inspired by Stephen King's "On Writing":

p. 62-65: While in a college writing group, Stephen King discovered--and regretted the fact--that most young writers consider writing to be instant magic messages. Inspiration, these poets believe, is not to be questioned and does not need to be worked on. King and his future wife, Tabitha, however, believe writing to be a combination of inspiration and hard work. Write four lines of poetry quickly--the first thing that comes to your mind. Saving this first draft, work hard on another draft. Substitute words. Look for more lyrical or intense language. Try breaking the lines differently. When you’ve worked your four lines thoroughly, set the first and second draft aside. Go back later and see which poem you prefer.

Writing prompt: Good writing requires editing

This is the fifth in a series of short writing prompts inspired by Stephen King's "On Writing":

p. 56-57: When a teenaged Stephen King began stringing (freelancing) for a local newspaper, he had an editor work a sports story of his pretty hard, removing extraneous adverbs, clauses and hyperbole (exaggeration). King was in awe, happy he’d finally been challenged by real editing. How would you like your work edited? What in your writing style do you think might be crossed out or improved?

Writing prompt: The big put-down

This is the fourth in a series of short writing prompts inspired by Stephen King's "On Writing":

p.44-50
In eighth grade, Stephen King created a self-produced book based on the B-grade horror film “The Pit and the Pendulum” and sold it to his schoolmates. At the end of the day, he was called into the principals office and reprimanded for writing “junk.” He admits to having felt ashamed for years afterward about what he wrote: horror and science fiction stories, complete with sex and gore. In his memoirs, he writes the following: “If you write. . .someone will try to make you feel lousy about it, that’s all.” Write about a time someone tried to make you feel lousy about writing, or something else you tried to do.