Lit Mags with Writing Prompts

If you have writer's block or just need fresh inspiration, the four literary magazines outlined below (Camera Obscura, On The Premises, The First Line and With Painted Words) may give you the creative jolt you need, as well as a chance for publication and payment. Many magazines and writing contests have themes, but these literary magazines have specific unique prompts for each issue that can inspire you to write something new, with deadlines to get you moving. Read on for a brief outline of each literary magazine and writing prompt.

Camera Obscura (www.obscurajournal.com/bridge-the-gap)
About the Writing Prompt: Several times per year, Camera Obscura posts a picture set called "Bridge the Gap" and asks writers to create a story inspired by the two pictures. Word count is limited to 1000 words.
If They Publish You: Camera Obscura offers $50 and publication on their website to the best "Bridge the Gap" entry for each photo set.
If They Don't: Revise and submit somewhere else!

On The Premises (www.onthepremises.com)
About the Writing Prompt: Three times per year, On The Premises posts a writing prompt and asks writers to submit 1000 to 5000 word stories using that prompt. Additionally, On The Premises posts Mini-Contests, often limited to under 100 words, that use a different writing prompt.
If They Publish You: On The Premises offers several cash prizes for the best stories using their writing prompt, ranging from $40 to $180. Editors will also give your story a thorough edit (with your approval) before publishing it on their website. Mini-Contests offer publication on their website and cash prizes ranging from $10 to $20.
If They Don't: You may receive a free critique of your story if you made it to their final round. If not, you can request a critique for only $10.

The First Line (www.thefirstline.com)
About the Writing Prompt: Four times per year, The First Line posts a sentence that writers must use as the first line of the story they submit for that issue. Acceptable word count is 300 to 3000 words. All four lines are posted at the beginning of the year, and they occasionally accept four-part stories that use all four first lines.
If They Publish You: The First Line offers $20, publication in their quarterly print magazine and a free copy of the issue where your story appears.
If They Don't: The First Line asks that you wait until after the issue is out before submitting a story using that first line to other publications.

With Painted Words (www.withpaintedwords.com)
About the Writing Prompt: Each month, With Painted Words posts a new picture, and writers have up to 1000 words to write a story or poem inspired by that image.
If They Publish You: With Painted Words offers $3 and publication on their website for the top 4 to 5 stories or poems based on the inspirational image.
If They Don't: Revise and submit somewhere else!

Know of another literary magazine or writing contest that uses a writing prompt? Leave a comment to share the information!