Why the Simplest Prompts Unlock the Deepest Stories

When I welcome new Mothertelling Academy members, one of the first prompts I give them is just one word:

ANIMAL.

That’s it. Nothing fancy. But here’s what happens, stories start tumbling out. Childhood pets, trips to the zoo, near misses with raccoons. Even when someone says, “I don’t have any stories,” that single word usually cracks something open.

Last week, my dog Maple got sprayed by a skunk. Again. Third time this year. And as ridiculous as it sounds, it reminded me exactly why simple prompts work.

Simple words like “animal,” “home,” or “morning” bypass our overthinking brain. They don’t demand the perfect story; they invite a memory. And memory is where story begins.

I’ve seen this happen hundreds of times in the Academy: someone starts with one word and ends up uncovering a defining moment. These prompts work because they lower the stakes and make storytelling playful again.

Try it: Write down the first three animal memories that come to mind. Don’t judge them. Choose one and write a short paragraph. You might surprise yourself with what surfaces.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, consider this your nudge. Join the Academy .