Looking for a fun way to spark quick conversations in your non-fiction writing community? This or That templates are the perfect tool to break the ice and get members talking without pressure. Use these easy prompts to drive lighthearted engagement and keep your group active.
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This or That questions work because they lower the barrier to participation. Members only need to make a simple choice, which feels effortless and welcoming, especially for new or hesitant writers. The playful tone invites spontaneous responses and can reveal personal preferences, habits, or quirks, helping members connect.
In non-fiction writing groups, these prompts offer a break from more serious discussions and encourage even lurkers to join in. By sparking quick replies, they kick off threads that can lead to deeper conversations, foster a sense of community, and make engagement feel easy and enjoyable.
Outline first or write as you go? Which works best for you?
💡 Example: "Outline first or write as you go? Which works best for you? I am team outline!"
Morning writing or late-night sessions? What is your productivity peak?
💡 Example: "Morning writing or late-night sessions? What is your productivity peak? I write best at night."
Pen and paper or digital notes? Which do you prefer for brainstorming?
💡 Example: "Pen and paper or digital notes? I love my notebook."
Coffee or tea during writing sessions?
💡 Example: "Coffee or tea during writing sessions? Always coffee for me."
Write in silence or with background music?
💡 Example: "Write in silence or with background music? Silence helps me focus."
Longhand drafts or straight to the keyboard?
💡 Example: "Longhand drafts or straight to the keyboard? I go digital."
Solo writing retreats or group workshops? Which inspires you more?
💡 Example: "Solo writing retreats or group workshops? I get more done solo."
Print books or ebooks for research?
💡 Example: "Print books or ebooks for research? I love print."
Strict deadlines or flexible timelines? What helps you finish projects?
💡 Example: "Strict deadlines or flexible timelines? I need deadlines."
Fact-checking as you write or after the first draft?
💡 Example: "Fact-checking as you write or after the first draft? I check after."
Writing at home or in a cafe?
💡 Example: "Writing at home or in a cafe? Home for me!"
First-person or third-person perspective?
💡 Example: "First-person or third-person perspective? I love first-person."
Daily writing sprints or longer weekend sessions?
💡 Example: "Daily writing sprints or longer weekend sessions? Sprints are easier!"
Beta readers or professional editors first?
💡 Example: "Beta readers or professional editors first? Betas all the way."
Research-heavy topics or personal essays?
💡 Example: "Research-heavy topics or personal essays? Essays for me."
Write to music or total quiet? What helps your flow?
💡 Example: "Write to music or total quiet? What helps your flow? Quiet works best!"
Handwritten notes or voice memos for capturing ideas?
💡 Example: "Handwritten notes or voice memos for capturing ideas? I use memos."
Short chapters or long-form sections?
💡 Example: "Short chapters or long-form sections? Short is my style."
Start with a title or write it last? What is your approach?
💡 Example: "Start with a title or write it last? What is your approach? I am a title-first person."
Printed manuscripts or digital drafts for editing?
💡 Example: "Printed manuscripts or digital drafts for editing? I edit on paper."
Write every day or only when inspired?
💡 Example: "Write every day or only when inspired? I write daily."
Whiteboard or sticky notes for planning?
💡 Example: "Whiteboard or sticky notes for planning? I stick notes everywhere."
Share drafts early or keep them private until finished?
💡 Example: "Share drafts early or keep them private until finished? I like early feedback."
Write at a desk or somewhere comfy?
💡 Example: "Write at a desk or somewhere comfy? I need my couch."
Plan with mind maps or outlines?
💡 Example: "Plan with mind maps or outlines? Mind maps for brainstorming."
Write about real events or analyze trends?
💡 Example: "Write about real events or analyze trends? I prefer trends."
Public libraries or online databases for research?
💡 Example: "Public libraries or online databases for research? Libraries are best."
Long paragraphs or punchy sentences?
💡 Example: "Long paragraphs or punchy sentences? Punchy all the way."
Write in the same place or switch locations for fresh ideas?
💡 Example: "Write in the same place or switch locations for fresh ideas? I like to move."
Read non-fiction for pleasure or research?
💡 Example: "Read non-fiction for pleasure or research? Pleasure mostly."
Start with an outline or just a topic?
💡 Example: "Start with an outline or just a topic? I need an outline."
Revise as you go or wait until the end?
💡 Example: "Revise as you go or wait until the end? I revise later."
Focus on one project or juggle multiple?
💡 Example: "Focus on one project or juggle multiple? I juggle a few."
Draft on laptop or tablet?
💡 Example: "Draft on laptop or tablet? Laptop for speed."
Non-fiction books or podcasts for inspiration?
💡 Example: "Non-fiction books or podcasts for inspiration? Podcasts energize me."
Start writing with the intro or jump to the main body?
💡 Example: "Start writing with the intro or jump to the main body? I start in the middle."
Traditional publishing or self-publishing?
💡 Example: "Traditional publishing or self-publishing? Indie all the way!"
Short articles or full-length books?
💡 Example: "Short articles or full-length books? Articles suit my schedule."
Write with snacks or no food distractions?
💡 Example: "Write with snacks or no food distractions? Snacks for motivation."
Edit alone or with a critique partner?
💡 Example: "Edit alone or with a critique partner? I need feedback."
Big picture outlining or detailed scene lists?
💡 Example: "Big picture outlining or detailed scene lists? I go big picture."
To use these templates, copy your favorite prompt and post it as a new conversation starter or in your community's chat. Invite members to share their pick and, if you like, ask why they chose it. Rotate themes regularly to keep things fresh and encourage everyone, from seasoned writers to newcomers, to join the fun. Try pinning a This or That post on slower days or as a warm-up question before a more in-depth discussion.
Since these templates work on all platforms, adjust the format for your space. On forums or Facebook, post as a standalone thread and pin for visibility. On Slack or Discord, use them as daily chat prompts. For newsletters, include a This or That question with a quick poll link. Always respond to answers to keep the conversation flowing.
Highlighting key non-fiction process debates—such as 'detailed outlining vs. writing organically'—makes your This or That posts more relevant and engaging. Frame questions based on common pain points (e.g., 'Do you develop a chapter-by-chapter outline, or write as ideas flow?') and encourage members to share their reasoning. This not only drives engagement but also provides valuable insights into members' diverse approaches to structuring non-fiction.
Non-fiction writers often grapple with different research methods. Use specific prompts like 'interviews vs. archival research' or 'online sources vs. primary documents.' These choices reflect real-world scenarios and challenges non-fiction writers face, prompting members to share their preferences, experiences, and even tips for verifying facts or managing citations.
When addressing sensitive topics such as narrative perspective, craft your This or That posts to acknowledge ethical considerations (e.g., 'Do you prioritize personal experience or objective detachment when tackling controversial topics?'). Encourage respectful discussion about truth, bias, and credibility, and set clear guidelines to keep the conversation constructive and professional.
Absolutely! Frame the This or That as a process comparison, not a platform for promotion. For example: 'Which path has better served your non-fiction work: traditional publishing with an agent, or self-publishing for full control?' Invite members to share pros and cons, focusing on experiences and lessons learned, rather than self-advertising books or services.
Create posts that invite members to compare subgenres by writing style, research demands, or audience expectations—such as 'Do you find memoir or investigative journalism offers more creative freedom?' These targeted prompts help members reflect on their own work and gain insights from peers who write in different non-fiction areas.
For divisive prompts, set ground rules for civil discourse and model constructive engagement. Acknowledge that both advocacy and neutrality are valued in non-fiction, and encourage members to share their rationale respectfully. If discussions get heated, gently steer the conversation back to writing craft and professional best practices, focusing on learning from different perspectives.
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