From Blank Page to 10 Ideas in 10 Minutes (Repeatable Prompt System)
Writer’s block is a systems problem. Fix the system and ideas flow. This method uses three repeatable prompts and a small set of modifiers to generate 10 relevant ideas in 10 minutes, then turns the best three into outline‑level drafts.
Key Takeaways
- Use Pillar → Pattern → Proof prompts for fast idea volume.
- Apply role/industry/goal modifiers for relevance.
- Turn the top 3 ideas into hook + outline immediately.
What Is an Idea Prompt System?
Definition: An idea prompt system is a repeatable set of prompts that turns pillars into specific post ideas.
When to use: Weekly planning or when you’re staring at a blank page.
Quick steps: pick 3 pillars → run the 3 prompts → add modifiers → select top 3 → outline.
Pros: Speed and focus.
Cons: Without proof, ideas can sound generic—always add evidence.
The Three Core Prompts
- Lesson Prompt: “Give 5 lessons we learned about customer retention that surprised us.”
- Case Prompt: “Give 5 mini‑case ideas showing a measurable change in retention.”
- POV Prompt: “Give 5 respectful contrarian opinions about common retention advice.”
15 Concrete Ideas (10 Founder • SaaS churn, 5 Recruiter)
Sample list of ideas for two audiences to demonstrate breadth and specificity.
Turn the Best 3 into Outlines
Example outlines for three chosen ideas showing hook, context, insights, CTA.
Spreadsheet‑Ready Planning Table (CSV)
Date,Time,Pillar,Idea,Hook,CTA,Asset
2025-09-02,09:30,Retention,Delete power feature,We deleted a “power feature”…,What feature would you delete?,Chart
2025-09-04,13:30,Retention,3-line email,The 3-line email that revived 11%…,Want the template?,Screenshot
2025-09-06,10:00,Retention,Ask to save,We added an “ask to save”…,What’s your #1 save prompt?,Checklist
Save your ideas and schedule in features for consistency.
Why This Beats Brainstorming
Constraints produce ideas. By forcing “pillar → pattern → proof,” your brain searches specifics, not slogans. Modifiers prevent generic filler and pull you toward examples and metrics your audience cares about.
Time‑box the sprint. Ten minutes is enough if you avoid editing. Set a timer; clean up later.
Modifiers Menu (mix & match)
- Role: founder, PM, recruiter, SDR
- Industry: fintech, health, devtools
- Goal: activation, retention, hiring
- Format: POV, lesson, case, checklist
- Proof: number, artifact, quote
Example: 10 Ideas in 10 Minutes (Founder → Retention)
- Delete a “power feature” case (7→3 min first‑run).
- Day‑3 check‑in lesson.
- “One aha path” POV.
- Support tickets as roadmap input.
- Ask to save experiment.
- Short trial with success calls.
- Autosave during signup.
- Chart: first‑run funnel before/after.
- Teardown: form field deletions.
- FAQ: “Do we need more features?”
Outline the Top 3 (don’t overthink)
For each idea, write: Hook, Context (1–2 lines), 3 insights, CTA. Schedule now; add screenshots later.
Keep a Lightweight Ideas CRM
Spreadsheet with columns: date, pillar, idea, hook, asset, status, results. Review Fridays: keep winners, replace weakest.
Batching for Efficiency
Run the prompts once per week, not daily. Generate 30 ideas in 30 minutes, then schedule the best 12 across a month. This prevents decision fatigue and gives you a buffer for busy weeks.
Run the 3 Prompts Now Schedule your top 3 for next week