On page 193 in This Boy’s Life, in the paragraph toward the bottom of the page, the writer explains the reasons he chose the name "Thomas Findon." Use the passage as the basis for an introduction to an essay on the book's major theme.

Fiction and Non Fiction Story Starters

Need to get started?


Need to keep going? Develop character!


Need structure? Here are ideas on point of view and plot development.

Writers Notebook, vol xiv

1. Write a Letter to the Editor

2. Write a short essay based on your favorite song, like some of these.

3. Write an Open Letter To Those Unlikely to Respond

4. Write a persuasive essay that uses examples, cases, and logic.

5. Write a Hemingway parody

6. Letter to yourself at age 12: Write a letter to yourself at age 12. What will you tell yourself? What advice do you have in facing the next six years? Explain to yourself what the world you yourself at 12 are about to enter will be like.

Mental Floss

Tolle brings Katy Neymon's blog to the table, featuring off-beat, risk-type essay questions.

One Hundred College Application Essay Prompts

What do Elvis, Dennis Rodman, William S. Buroughs and YOU have in common?

They will all appear on this list of a hundred prompts. What more do you need?

Thanks, AP for posting!