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.
Aim for once or twice a week to keep engagement high without overwhelming members.
Absolutely. Feel free to tailor them to your community's interests or current topics.
Tag a few active members or share your own answer to start the conversation and encourage participation.
Yes, the prompts are designed to be appropriate for all ages and experience levels in non-fiction writing.
Rotate between different themes and aspects of writing to keep the prompts fresh and varied.
Yes, these templates work well in digital spaces and as conversation starters at live events.
Yes, asking for reasoning behind their answers leads to richer discussions and deeper community connections.