Prompt Play: The Word Garden Exercise

This evening, I went looking for a writing prompt and stumbled across a few that caught my attention. One that stood out was the Word Garden Exercise—a short, timed challenge where you’re given three random words to incorporate into a single piece of writing.

The words I got from the generator were:

• Mirror

• Thread

• Rain

I set a timer for 20 minutes and wrote freely, just following the thread of the story as it unfolded. When the timer went off, I gave myself an extra 10 minutes to lightly edit and polish it.

It turned out to be a really enjoyable exercise—and I’m happy with the story that came out of it. I’ll definitely try this kind of prompt again, maybe as a warm-up on days when I need a bit of inspiration to get going. Sometimes the hardest part of writing is simply starting, and this gave me an easy, creative entry point.

I’ve shared the piece I wrote below. I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment or share your own take on the exercise if you try it too.

Inez could barely see an inch in front of her. Water poured steadily into her eyes, and she had long given up trying to shield her face with her hands. She must have been walking for thirty minutes by now, but she wasn’t sure if she was in the right place.

The last time she came to this spot was the first time they told her about the crossover and what they would need to do. It was during the day—the sun was out, and she had been carrying far less in her backpack. That was so long ago. She was younger then, and he had been there with her. They were supposed to be doing this together. She had paid attention to what they were told, but she never thought she would have to do it alone.

Having him there that day made what they had to do seem less treacherous. His presence had always been a great comfort.

She took a deep breath in.

Slow your breath down, Inez, she could hear him remind her.

She was shivering now, but she focused on her breathing and remembered his voice: Once you feel the grass, you’ll know you’re almost there. Stay the course.

A flash of lightning split the sky, and for a brief moment, she could see through the pouring rain. She shuddered. Although it was harder to navigate in the dark, she preferred not seeing what was out there.

The surface beneath her feet changed—from hard gravel to something softer.

Grass.

Just a couple more steps, and she should be by the silk cotton tree.

Blam!

She walked straight into something and fell backward onto the ground. She stayed there for a moment, not seeing anything.

It had to be the Tree.

Still on the ground, she slipped off her backpack and rummaged inside until she found the small oval mirror, encrusted with amethysts on one side. They had told them the precious stones would be needed once they crossed over.

She reached out, pulled herself up using the tree for balance, her hands searching for an oval indentation. Another flash of lightning.

She saw it.

Then—

A loud noise behind her.Voices, growing closer.

She placed the mirror into the space and pushed. Nothing happened.

Torchlight flickered in the distance. The voices were louder now.

She pushed again, trying to keep her composure, just as they had been told.

Suddenly, a soft glow appeared in front of the tree. The oval shimmering light grew until it was her height. She knew she had to walk through quickly.

She gathered her dress in her hands.

"Do not let one thread be left behind!" her mother had warned.

She stepped into the light, holding her bag and dress tightly. As she pulled the amethyst mirror from the tree, the portal closed.

She stood still. It was dark.

No one knew what came next, so she had no idea what to expect.

Suddenly—brightness.

She was standing in what seemed to be the same place she had just left, but it was daytime. It was as beautiful as she remembered.

“Inez!”

She looked up—and gasped.