Current events as writing prompts

So easy, you won't even need me anymore (sob)

Go to a news source you like. Pick a current story. Write an essay using it as a news hook.

That’s doesn’t mean write a story about that story. In fact, do not write a story about that story. Use the topic of that story to make something you want to say time-relevant. It’ll go something like this: “Upon hearing the news of a group of folks being snowed in at a remote U.K. bar with an Oasis cover band, it made me take an uncomfortable inventory of my own cover band and come to the realization that we really, really suck.”

The Oasis cover band story is true, but I only wish I were a member of a band. But, you get the idea. Take a topical story, and use it to connect your message. The easiest way to do it is to think, “gee, what story have I read recently that reminded me of something in my life?” There’s your story. Let’s go.