Running out of ways to get your non-fiction writing community talking? Would You Rather prompts offer a playful way to spark creativity and lively discussions, so you never have to worry about awkward silences again.
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Would You Rather questions tap into our natural curiosity and desire to share opinions. By presenting two intriguing scenarios, these prompts encourage members to think creatively and reflect on their writing preferences or habits. This approach makes it easy for everyone, from shy lurkers to top contributors, to join in and share their thoughts without feeling pressured.
For non-fiction writers, these questions provide a low-stakes way to discuss process, challenges, and inspiration. They can reveal surprising similarities or differences between members, building community bonds. The playful format also helps shift the focus from self-promotion to genuine connection and insight.
Would you rather write a memoir about your own life or a biography of someone else? Tell us why.
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a memoir about your own life or a biography of someone else? Tell us why."
Would you rather research in libraries or conduct interviews for your next non-fiction book?
💡 Example: "Would you rather research in libraries or conduct interviews for your next non-fiction book?"
Would you rather write about a historical event or a current issue? Share your choice.
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about a historical event or a current issue? Share your choice."
Would you rather spend months outlining or jump straight into writing with a loose plan?
💡 Example: "Would you rather spend months outlining or jump straight into writing with a loose plan?"
Would you rather write early in the morning or late at night? Why does that time work for you?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write early in the morning or late at night? Why does that time work for you?"
Would you rather write with background music or in complete silence?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write with background music or in complete silence?"
Would you rather write longhand in a notebook or type everything on a computer?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write longhand in a notebook or type everything on a computer?"
Would you rather write a book that educates or a book that inspires? Share your reasoning.
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a book that educates or a book that inspires? Share your reasoning."
Would you rather write about a topic you know well or explore a brand new subject?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about a topic you know well or explore a brand new subject?"
Would you rather publish traditionally or self-publish your non-fiction work? Why?
💡 Example: "Would you rather publish traditionally or self-publish your non-fiction work? Why?"
Would you rather write a single in-depth book or a series of shorter works?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a single in-depth book or a series of shorter works?"
Would you rather have unlimited research time or unlimited writing time?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have unlimited research time or unlimited writing time?"
Would you rather co-author with an expert or write solo with full creative control? Why?
💡 Example: "Would you rather co-author with an expert or write solo with full creative control? Why?"
Would you rather write about controversial issues or stick with safe topics?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about controversial issues or stick with safe topics?"
Would you rather write for adults or young readers? What draws you to that audience?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write for adults or young readers? What draws you to that audience?"
Would you rather have your book adapted into a documentary or a podcast?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have your book adapted into a documentary or a podcast?"
Would you rather write every day in short bursts or once a week for hours?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write every day in short bursts or once a week for hours?"
Would you rather get feedback from peers or from professional editors first?
💡 Example: "Would you rather get feedback from peers or from professional editors first?"
Would you rather tackle writer's block by taking a break or pushing through it?
💡 Example: "Would you rather tackle writer's block by taking a break or pushing through it?"
Would you rather write about your biggest mistake or your greatest achievement? Share why.
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about your biggest mistake or your greatest achievement? Share why."
Would you rather write a how-to guide or a collection of essays?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a how-to guide or a collection of essays?"
Would you rather focus on detailed facts or big-picture ideas in your writing?
💡 Example: "Would you rather focus on detailed facts or big-picture ideas in your writing?"
Would you rather write with a strict outline or let the story unfold as you go?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write with a strict outline or let the story unfold as you go?"
Would you rather edit as you write or finish a draft before editing?
💡 Example: "Would you rather edit as you write or finish a draft before editing?"
Would you rather write about your local community or a faraway place?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about your local community or a faraway place?"
Would you rather write about science or about history? What interests you more?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about science or about history? What interests you more?"
Would you rather have a bestseller or win a prestigious writing award?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have a bestseller or win a prestigious writing award?"
Would you rather write for print magazines or online publications?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write for print magazines or online publications?"
Would you rather write about your own experiences or report on others' stories?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about your own experiences or report on others' stories?"
Would you rather write with a cup of coffee or a cup of tea next to you?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write with a cup of coffee or a cup of tea next to you?"
Would you rather publish under your real name or use a pen name? Why?
💡 Example: "Would you rather publish under your real name or use a pen name? Why?"
Would you rather your book be praised for its style or its substance?
💡 Example: "Would you rather your book be praised for its style or its substance?"
Would you rather write non-fiction for adults or for children?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write non-fiction for adults or for children?"
Would you rather tackle a broad subject or zoom in on a niche topic?
💡 Example: "Would you rather tackle a broad subject or zoom in on a niche topic?"
Would you rather write a travelogue or a self-help book?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a travelogue or a self-help book?"
Would you rather write about success stories or about failures and lessons learned?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about success stories or about failures and lessons learned?"
Would you rather have your book reviewed by critics or by everyday readers?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have your book reviewed by critics or by everyday readers?"
Would you rather write about technology or about culture?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write about technology or about culture?"
Would you rather interview a famous person or an unsung hero?
💡 Example: "Would you rather interview a famous person or an unsung hero?"
Would you rather write in a busy cafe or a quiet home office? Why?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write in a busy cafe or a quiet home office? Why?"
Post a Would You Rather question as a new thread or conversation starter. Select scenarios relevant to non-fiction writing to keep it on-brand. Invite members to explain their choice to encourage deeper discussion. Rotate prompts regularly to maintain interest and highlight different aspects of the writing journey.
For all platforms, use concise language and clear formatting so prompts are easy to read on any device. Add a direct question and a gentle nudge for members to reply. Pin or highlight popular threads to encourage newcomers to join in.
To engage your nonfiction writing community around common challenges, use prompts like 'Would you rather overcome writer’s block by freewriting or by outlining?' or 'Would you rather spend an extra hour fact-checking or editing for narrative flow?' These scenarios prompt members to reflect on real-world nonfiction writing dilemmas, fostering meaningful discussion and peer learning.
Both approaches are effective for sparking discussion among nonfiction writers. Subgenre-based prompts like 'Would you rather write a memoir or a true crime exposé?' appeal to members’ interests, while process-focused questions like 'Would you rather spend your morning researching primary sources or crafting your first draft?' address everyday workflow choices. Mixing both types keeps engagement high and conversations relevant.
Incorporate ethical scenarios directly into your prompts. Examples include 'Would you rather publish a compelling story without full verification or delay publication to confirm every fact?' or 'Would you rather anonymize a sensitive source or seek their explicit permission for attribution?' These questions prompt nuanced debate about real nonfiction writing issues, encouraging members to share best practices.
Craft prompts that span both spheres, such as 'Would you rather publish in a peer-reviewed journal or release a trade nonfiction book?' or 'Would you rather prioritize technical accuracy or reader accessibility in your writing?' These questions allow academic and trade nonfiction writers to share perspectives, broadening the value of your discussions.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate them directly into prompts, such as 'Would you rather experiment with narrative nonfiction techniques or stick to traditional expository style?' or 'Would you rather write a longform investigative piece or a data-driven report?' This keeps your community engaged with contemporary nonfiction writing practices and encourages professional growth.
Absolutely! Use scenario-based questions specific to nonfiction publishing, for example: 'Would you rather self-publish your nonfiction book for creative control or pursue a traditional publishing deal for broader distribution?' These prompts help members share real experiences, advice, and lessons learned about the nonfiction publishing landscape.
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