March 2013 NaHaiWriMo Writing Prompts

1

Gathering. Whether it is an event a place or a specific time, people love to get together. If you are stuck, try using the event/place/time as a back drop to something else that is going on.

2

It’s Theodor Geisel’s birthday (Dr. Seuss). If this does not resonate with you, pick a children’s author from your own childhood.

3

Pressure.

4

Fire.

5

Breakfast.

6

Wildlife in your city/town/farm/etc.

7

Status.

8

Lines.

9

Salt.

10

Erosion.

11

New moon.

12

Mystery.

13

Primary mode of transportation.

14

Pi.

15

Paper.

16

Storm.

17

Sounds.

18

Crime.

19

Shoes.

20

Kigo for your current season. Kigo, for those of you new to haiku, is a “season word.” Traditionally, haiku is supposed to reference the season in which it takes place. This can be done simply by using the word “spring” to indicate spring, or by using a word such as “crocus.” When writing English-language haiku, the kigo (sometimes referred to as a keyword) can be any word that indicates the time of year. Although usually nature-oriented, such as snow, daffodil, frost, or falling leaves, any word that places the poem on a timeline can work. In the United States, “Super Bowl” could do the trick. Write a haiku using kigo or keywords for your part of the world. If you feel that your kigo may be obscure, please share its meaning to help us understand your poem.

21

Teaching/learning.

22

Scale.

23

Glass.

24

Moisture.

25

Generations.

26

Key.

27

Illuminated/full moon.

28

Sleep.

29

Hook.

30

Writing utensils.

31

Tension and or release.