30 Days Of Marriage Prompts

Author: Alyice Edrich

Creative Writing Prompts For How-To Articles

Take an idea below, modify it, change, it, or expand on it. But whatever you do, don’t stop until you turn it into a 500 to 1,000 word how-to article for a relationship or woman's magazine. (Remember to cite your sources.)

Why should couples thinking of marriage take premarital classes?
What’s the least stressful way to plan a wedding?
What’s the best time for renewing one’s wedding vows?
How can couples save up, plan, and enjoy the second honeymoon they’ve always dreamed of?
How does a couple know if they need outside help—marital counseling?
How can a couple pick a counselor who will help and not hurt their marriage?
How can a couple save their marriage after the loss of a child?
How can a couple save their marriage after infidelity takes place?
How can a couple save their marriage after a major illness takes place?
Should couples immediately divorce when there’s verbal or physical abuse? Or can the marriage be saved?
How can a couple work together to raise children of faith when both parents attend different churches?
How can a couple with two totally different backgrounds or cultural difference make their marriage work?
How can a couple get back the romance in their marriage?
How can a couple change their hurtful behaviors without losing their selves in the process?
How can a couple learn to say, “I’m sorry” in a way that feels truthful and offers real healing?
How can a couple learn to discuss sensitive issues without getting defensive?
What makes a couple a “happily married couple”?
How can couples grow closer without thinking “s-e-x” is the answer?
How can couples choose words that lift up their spouses instead of knocking them down?
How can a couple learn to let go of the simple things that bring constant aggravation to the other spouse? (i.e. toilet seat is always left up and the wife’s always falling in, chewing with mouth wide open and food falling out, etc.)
How can a couple plan a family vacation that leaves them with a little “alone time” without jeopardizing the safety of their children?
How can a couple plan a romantic vacation when each spouse has a different idea of romantic?
How can a couple successfully deal with the stress in their lives; stress that is causing strain on their marriage?
How can families help marriages survive?
How can families hurt marriages?
When is it time to walk away from a friendship that is destroying your marriage?
Should a married man ever be left in the room or on the phone or in a chat room alone with another woman—married or not? Why not?
What’s the success story behind marriages that have lasted 10, 20, 50, or 60 years? Are these couples truly happy or too afraid to be alone?
What does God say about marriage and the uniting of two people?
What does society say about marriage and the uniting of two people?

Bonus Round:

Practice interviewing. Call a few colleagues, friends, or family members and ask questions related to the theme of your choice. Then weave the article around the quotes.
Talk to a marriage counselor, priest, or wedding planner and let him/her know that you don’t have an assignment yet, but you will pitch the article to target-appropriate magazines.