creative writing prompt ideas

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365 Creative Writing Prompts

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to help inspire you to write every single day! Use them for journaling, story starters, poetry, and more!

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If you want to become a better writer, the best thing you can do is practice writing every single day. Writing prompts are useful because we know sometimes it can be hard to think of what to write about!

To help you brainstorm, we put together this list of 365 creative writing prompts to give you something to write about daily.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire:

Whether you write short stories, poems, or like to keep a journal – these will stretch your imagination and give you some ideas for topics to write about!

1. Outside the Window : What’s the weather outside your window doing right now? If that’s not inspiring, what’s the weather like somewhere you wish you could be?

2. The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?

3. The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

4. Dancing: Who’s dancing and why are they tapping those toes?

5. Food: What’s for breakfast? Dinner? Lunch? Or maybe you could write a poem about that time you met a friend at a cafe.

6. Eye Contact: Write about two people seeing each other for the first time.

7. The Rocket-ship: Write about a rocket-ship on its way to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far, away.

8. Dream-catcher : Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.

9. Animals: Choose an animal. Write about it!

10. Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.

11. Dragon : Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

12. Greeting : Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello” or another greeting.

13. The Letter: Write a poem or story using words from a famous letter or inspired by a letter someone sent you.

14. The Found Poem : Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines.

15. Eavesdropper : Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you’ve overheard.

16. Addict: Everyone’s addicted to something in some shape or form. What are things you can’t go without?

17. Dictionary Definition : Open up a dictionary to a random word. Define what that word means to you.

18. Cleaning: Hey, even writers and creative artists have to do housework sometimes. Write about doing laundry, dishes, and other cleaning activities.

19. Great Minds: Write  about someone you admire and you thought to have had a beautiful mind.

20. Missed Connections: If you go to Craigslist, there is a “Missed Connections” section where you can find some interesting storylines to inspire your writing.

21. Foreclosure : Write a poem or short story about someone who has lost or is about to lose their home.

22. Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

23. Sugar: Write something so sweet, it makes your teeth hurt.

24. Numbers:  Write a poem or journal entry about numbers that have special meaning to you.

25. Dread: Write about doing something you don’t want to do.

26. Fear: What scares you a little? What do you feel when scared? How do you react?

27. Closed Doors: What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

28. Shadow: Imagine you are someone’s shadow for a day.

29. Good Vibes: What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

30. Shopping:  Write about your shopping wishlist and how you like to spend money.

31. The Professor: Write about a teacher that has influenced you.

32. Rewrite : Take any poem or short story you enjoy. Rewrite it in your own words.

33. Jewelry: Write about a piece of jewelry. Who does it belong to?

34. Sounds : Sit outside for about an hour. Write down the sounds you hear.

35. War and Peace: Write about a recent conflict that you dealt with in your life.

36. Frame It: Write a poem or some phrases that would make for good wall art in your home.

37. Puzzle: Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles.

38. Fire-starters: Write about building a fire.

39. Coffee & Tea: Surely you drink one or the other or know someone who does- write about it!

40. Car Keys: Write about someone getting their driver’s license for the first time.

41. What You Don’t Know: Write about a secret you’ve kept from someone else or how you feel when you know someone is keeping a secret from you.

42. Warehouse : Write about being inside an old abandoned warehouse.

43. The Sound of Silence: Write about staying quiet when you feel like shouting.

44. Insult: Write about being insulted. How do you feel? Why do you think the other person insulted you?

45. Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you? What might the mirror say?

46. Dirty: Write a poem about getting covered in mud.

47. Light Switch : Write about coming out of the dark and seeing the light.

48. The Stars : Take inspiration from a night sky. Or, write about a time when “the stars aligned” in your horoscope.

49. Joke Poem : What did the wall say to the other wall? Meet you at the corner! Write something inspired by a favorite joke.

50. Just Say No : Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.

51: Sunrise/Sunset : The sun comes up, the sun goes down. It goes round and round. Write something inspiring about the sunrise or sunset.

52. Memory Lane : What does Memory Lane look like? How do you get there?

53. Tear-Jerker : Watch a movie that makes you cry. Write about that scene in the movie.

54. Dear Diary: Write a poem or short story about a diary entry you’ve read or imagined.

55. Holding Hands : The first time you held someone’s hand.

56. Photograph : Write a story or journal entry influenced by a photograph you see online or in a magazine.

57. Alarm Clock: Write about waking up.

58. Darkness: Write a poem or journal entry inspired by what you can’t see.

59. Refreshed: Write a poem about a time you really felt refreshed and renewed. Maybe it was a dip into a pool on a hot summer day, a drink of lemonade, or other situation that helped you relax and start again.

60. Handle With Care : Write about a very fragile or delicate object.

61. Drama: Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other.

62. Slip Up: Write about making mistakes.

63. Spice: Write about flavors and tastes or a favorite spice of yours.

64. Sing a New Song: Take a popular song off the radio and rewrite it as a poem in your own words.

65. Telephone: Write about a phone call you recently received.

66. Name: Write a poem or short story using your name in some way or form.

67. Dollhouse: Write a poem or short story from the viewpoint of someone living in a doll house.

68. Random Wikipedia Article : Go to Wikipedia and click on Random Article . Write about whatever the page you get.

69. Silly Sports: Write about an extreme or silly sport. If none inspire you, make up the rules for your own game.

70. Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, such as a feeling.

71. Famous Artwork: Choose a famous painting and write about it.

72. Where That Place Used to Be : Think of a place you went to when you were younger but it now no longer there or is something else. Capture your feelings about this in your writing.

73. Last Person You Talked to: Write a quick little poem or story about the last person you spoke with.

74. Caught Red-Handed: Write about being caught doing something embarrassing.

75. Interview: Write a list of questions you have for someone you would like to interview, real or fictional.

76. Missing You: Write about someone you miss dearly.

77. Geography: Pick a state or country you’ve never visited. Write about why you would or would not like to visit that place.

78. Random Song: Turn on the radio, use the shuffle feature on your music collection or your favorite streaming music service. Write something inspired by the first song you hear.

79. Hero: Write a tribute to someone you regard as a hero.

80. Ode to Strangers: Go people watching and write an ode to a stranger you see on the street.

81. Advertisement: Advertisements are everywhere, aren’t they? Write using the slogan or line from an ad.

82. Book Inspired: Think of your favorite book. Now write a poem that sums up the entire story in 10 lines.

83. Magic : Imagine you have a touch of magic, and can make impossible things happen. What would you do?

84. Fanciest Pen: Get out your favorite pen, pencils, or even colored markers and write using them!

85. A Day in the Life: Write about your daily habits and routine.

86. Your Muse: Write about your muse – what do they look like? What does your muse do to inspire you?

87. Convenience Store : Write about an experience you’ve had at a gas station or convenience store.

88. Natural Wonders of the World: Choose one of the natural wonders of the world. Write about it.

89. Status Update: Write a poem using the words from your latest status update or a friend’s status update. If you don’t use sites like Facebook or Twitter, you can often search online for some funny ones to use as inspiration.

90. Green Thumb: Write about growing something.

91. Family Heirloom: Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family.

92. Bug Catcher: Write about insects.

93. Potion: Write about a magic potion. What is it made of? What does it do? What is the antidote?

94. Swinging & Sliding: Write something inspired by a playground or treehouse.

95. Adjectives: Make a list of the first 5 adjectives that pop into your head. Use these 5 words in your story, poem, or journal entry.

96. Fairy Tales: Rewrite a fairy tale. Give it a new ending or make it modern or write as a poem.

97. Whispers: Write about someone who has to whisper a secret to someone else.

98. Smile: Write a poem about the things that make you smile.

99. Seasonal: Write about your favorite season.

100.  Normal: What does normal mean to you? Is it good or bad to be normal?

101. Recycle : Take something you’ve written in the past and rewrite it into a completely different piece.

102. Wardrobe: Write about a fashion model or what’s currently in your closet or drawers.

103. Secret Message : Write something with a secret message hidden in between the words. For example, you could make an acrostic poem using the last letters of the word or use secret code words in the poem.

104. Vacation: Write about a vacation you took.

105. Heat: Write about being overheated and sweltering.

106. Spellbinding: Write a magic spell.

107. Collection : Write about collecting something, such as salt shakers, sea shells, or stamps.

108. Taking Chances: Everyone takes a risk at some point in their life. Write about a time when you took a chance and what the result was.

109. Carnival: Write a poem or story or journal entry inspired by a carnival or street fair.

110. Country Mouse: Write about someone who grew up in the country visiting the city for the first time.

111: Questions: Write about questions you have for the universe. Optional: include an answer key.

112. Rushing: Write about moving quickly and doing things fast.

113. Staircase : Use a photo of a staircase or the stairs in your home or a building you love to inspire you.

114. Neighbors: Make up a story or poem about your next door neighbor.

115. Black and Blue: Write about a time you’ve been physically hurt.

116. All Saints: Choose a saint and create a poem about his or her life.

117. Beach Inspired: What’s not to write about the beach?

118. Shoes: What kind of shoes do you wear? Where do they lead your feet?

119. The Ex: Write a poem to someone who is estranged from you.

120. My Point of View: Write in the first person point of view.

121. Stray Animal: Think of the life of a stray cat or dog and write about that.

122. Stop and Stare : Create a poem or story about something you could watch forever.

123. Your Bed: Describe where you sleep each night.

124. Fireworks : Do they inspire you or do you not like the noise and commotion? Write about it.

125. Frozen: Write about a moment in your life you wish you could freeze and preserve.

126. Alone : Do you like to be alone or do you like having company?

127. Know-it-all: Write about something you are very knowledgeable about, for example a favorite hobby or passion of yours.

128. The Promise: Write about a promise you’ve made to someone. Did you keep that promise?

129. Commotion: Write about being overstimulated by a lot of chaos.

130. Read the News Today : Construct a poem or story using a news headline for your first line.

131. Macro: Write a description of an object close-up.

132. Transportation : Write about taking your favorite (or least-favorite) form of transportation.

133. Gadgets: If you could invent a gadget, what would it do? Are there any gadgets that make your life easier?

134: Bring on the Cheese: Write a tacky love poem that is so cheesy, it belongs on top of a pizza.

135. Ladders: Write a story or poem that uses ladders as a symbol.

136. Bizarre Holiday : There is a bizarre holiday for any date! Look up a holiday for today’s date and create a poem in greeting card fashion or write a short story about the holiday to celebrate.

137. Blog-o-sphere : Visit your favorite blog or your feedreader and craft a story, journal entry, or poem based on the latest blog post you read.

138. Mailbox: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry based on a recent item of mail you’ve received.

139. Sharing : Write about sharing something with someone else.

140. Cactus: Write from the viewpoint of a cactus. What’s it like to live in the desert or have a prickly personality?

141. It’s a Sign : Have you seen any interesting road signs lately?

142. Furniture: Write about a piece of furniture in your home.

143. Failure: Write about a time you failed at something. Did you try again or give up completely?

144. Mystical Creatures: Angels or other mystical creatures – use them as inspiration.

145. Flying: Write about having wings and what you would do.

146. Clear and Transparent: Write a poem about being able to see-through something.

147. Break the Silence : Record yourself speaking, then write down what you spoke and revise into a short story or poem.

148. Beat: Listen to music with a strong rhythm or listen to drum loops. Write something that goes along with the beat you feel and hear.

149. Color Palette: Search online for color palettes and be inspired to write by one you resonate with.

150. Magazine: Randomly flip to a page in a magazine and write using the first few words you see as an opening line.

151. The Grass is Greener : Write about switching the place with someone or going to where it seems the “grass is greener”.

152. Mind & Body: Write something that would motivate others to workout and exercise.

153. Shaping Up : Write something that makes a shape on the page…ie: a circle, a heart, a square, etc.

154. Twenty-One: Write about your 21st birthday.

155. Aromatherapy: Write about scents you just absolutely love.

156. Swish, Buzz, Pop : Create a poem that uses Onomatopoeia .

157. What Time is It? Write about the time of day it is right now. What are people doing? What do you usually do at this time each day?

158. Party Animal: Have you ever gone to a party you didn’t want to leave? Or do you hate parties? Write about it!

159: Miss Manners : Use the words “please” and “thank you” in your writing.

160. Cliche: Choose a common cliche, then write something that says the same thing but without using the catch phrase.

161. Eco-friendly : Write about going green or an environmental concern you have.

162. Missing You: Write about someone you miss.

163. Set it Free: Think of a time when you had to let someone or something go to be free…did they come back?

164: Left Out : Write about a time when you’ve felt left out or you’ve noticed someone else feeling as if they didn’t belong.

165. Suitcase: Write about packing for a trip or unpacking from when you arrive home.

166. Fantasy : Write about fairies, gnomes, elves, or other mythical creatures.

167. Give and Receive : Write about giving and receiving.

168. Baker’s Dozen: Imagine the scents and sights of a bakery and write.

169. Treehouse: Write about your own secret treehouse hideaway.

170.  Risk: Write about taking a gamble on something.

171. Acrostic : Choose a word and write an acrostic poem where every line starts with a letter from the word.

172. Crossword Puzzle: Open up the newspaper or find a crossword puzzle online and choose one of the clues to use as inspiration for your writing.

173. Silver Lining : Write about the good that happens in a bad situation.

174. Gloves: Write about a pair of gloves – what kind of gloves are they? Who wears them and why?

175. All that Glitters: Write about a shiny object.

176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

178. Jury Duty : Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

181. Discovery: Think of something you’ve recently discovered and use it as inspiration.

182. Complain:  Write about your complaints about something.

183. Gratitude: Write a poem or journal entry that is all about things you are thankful for.

184. Chemistry: Choose an element and write a poem or story that uses that word in one of the lines.

185. Applause: Write about giving someone a standing ovation.

186. Old Endings Into New Beginnings:  Take an old poem, story, or journal entry of yours and use the last line and make it the first line of your writing today.

187. Longing: Write  about something you very much want to do.

188. I Am: Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

189. Rainbow : What is at the end of a rainbow? Or, take a cue from Kermit the Frog, and ask yourself, why are there so many songs about rainbows?

190. Museum: Take some time to visit a nearby museum with your journal. Write about one of the pieces that speaks to you.

191. Cartoon: Think of your favorite cartoon or comic. Write a poem or story that takes place in that setting.

192. Copycat: Borrow a line from a famous public domain poem to craft your own.

193. From the Roof-tops:  Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and broadcast a message to everyone below – what would you say?

194. Time Travel: If there was a time period you could visit for a day, where would you go? Write about traveling back in time to that day.

195. Changing Places: Imagine living the day as someone else.

196. Neighborhood: Write about your favorite place in your neighborhood to visit and hang out at.

197. Pirates: Write about a pirate ship.

198. Interview : Write based on a recent interview you’ve read or seen on TV or heard on the radio.

199.  Hiding Spaces : Write about places you like to hide things at. What was a favorite hiding spot for you as a child playing hide-and-seek?

200. Extreme Makeover: Imagine how life might be different if you could change your hair color or clothing into something completely opposite from your current style.

201. Empathy: Write about your feelings of empathy or compassion for another person.

202. Opposites: Write a poem or story that ties in together two opposites.

203. Boredom: Write about being bored or make a list of different ways to entertain yourself.

204. Strength : Think of a time when you’ve been physically or emotionally strong and use that as inspiration.

205. Hunger: Write from the perspective of someone with no money to buy food.

206. Greed: Write about someone who always wants more – whether it be money, power, etc. etc.

207. Volcano: Write about an eruption of a volcano.

208. Video Inspiration : Go to Vimeo.com or YouTube.com and watch one of the videos featured on the homepage. Write something based on what you watch.

209. Sneeze: Write about things that make you sneeze.

210. Footsteps on the Moon:  Write about the possibility of life in outer-space.

211: Star-crossed: Write a short modern version of the story of Romeo and Juliet or think of real-life examples of lovers who are not allowed to be together to use as inspiration for your writing.

212. Font-tastic: Choose a unique font and type out a poem, story or journal entry using that font.

213. Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and use the schedule for inspiration in writing.

214. Grandparents: Write about a moment in your grandparent’s life.

215. Collage: Go through a magazine and cut out words that grab your attention. Use these words to construct a poem or as a story starter or inspiration for your journal.

216. Oh so Lonely: Write a poem about what you do when you are alone – do you feel lonely or do you enjoy your own company?

217. Waterfall: Think of a waterfall you’ve seen in person or spend some time browsing photos of waterfalls online. Write about the movement, flow, and energy.

218. First Kiss: Write about your first kiss.

219. So Ironic: Write about an ironic situation you’ve been in throughout your life.

220. Limerick: Write a limerick today.

221. Grocery Shopping: Write about an experience at the grocery store.

222. Fashion : Go through a fashion magazine or browse fashion websites online and write about a style you love.

223. So Close: Write about coming close to reaching a goal.

224. Drinks on Me: Write a poem or short story that takes place at a bar.

225. Online Friends: Write an ode to someone online you’ve met and become friends with.

226. Admiration: Is there someone you admire? Write about those feelings.

227. Trash Day: Write from the perspective of a garbage collector.

228. Mailbox: Open your mailbox and write something inspired by one of the pieces of mail you received.

229. Fresh & Clean: Write about how you feel after you take a shower.

230. Energized: Write about how you feel when you’re either at a high or low energy level for the day.

231. Rhyme & No Reason: Make up a silly rhyming poem using made up words.

232. Tech Support: Use computers or a conversation with tech support you’ve had as inspiration.

233. Hotel: Write from the perspective of someone who works at a hotel or staying at a hotel.

234. Underwater: Write about sea creatures and under water life. What’s under the surface of the ocean? What adventures might be waiting?

235. Breathing: Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing relaxation techniques. Once your mind is clear, just write the first few things that you think of.

236. Liar, Liar: Make up a poem or story of complete lies about yourself or someone else.

237. Obituaries: Look at the recent obituaries online or in the newspaper and imagine the life of someone and write about that person.

238. Pocket: Rummage through your pockets and write about what you keep or find in your pockets.

239. Cinquain: Write a cinquain poem, which consists of 5 lines that do not rhyme.

240. Alphabetical: Write a poem that has every letter of the alphabet in it.

241.  Comedy Club: Write something inspired by a comedian.

242. Cheater: Write about someone who is unfaithful.

243. Sestina: Give a try to writing a sestina poem.

244. Fight: Write about witnessing two people get in an argument with each other.

245. Social Network : Visit your favorite Social Networking website (ie: Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, etc.) and write a about a post you see there.

246. Peaceful: Write about something peaceful and serene.

247. In the Clouds: Go cloud watching for the day and write about what you imagine in the clouds.

248. At the Park: Take some time to sit on a park bench and write about the sights, scenes, and senses and emotions you experience.

249. Sonnet: Write a sonnet today.

250. Should, Would, And Could: Write a poem or story using the words should, would, and could.

251. How to: Write directions on how to do something.

252. Alliteration: Use alliteration in your poem or in a sentence in a story.

253. Poker Face: Write about playing a card game.

254. Timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about it making sense or being perfect.

255. Dance: Write about a dancer or a time you remember dancing.

256. Write for a Cause: Write a poem or essay that raises awareness for a cause you support.

257. Magic : Write about a magician or magic trick.

258. Out of the Box: Imagine finding a box. Write about opening it and what’s inside.

259. Under the Influence: What is something has impacted you positively in your life?

260. Forgotten Toy : Write from the perspective a forgotten or lost toy.

261. Rocks and Gems: Write about a rock or gemstone meaning.

262. Remote Control: Imagine you can fast forward and rewind your life with a remote control.

263. Symbolism: Think of objects, animals, etc. that have symbolic meaning to you. Write about it.

264. Light at the End of the Tunnel: Write about a time when you saw hope when it seemed like a hopeless situation.

265. Smoke and Fire : “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Use this saying as inspiration to write!

266. Railroad: Write about a train and its cargo or passengers.

267. Clipboard: Write about words you imagine on an office clipboard.

268. Shipwrecked: Write about being stranded somewhere – an island, a bus stop, etc.

269. Quotable: Use a popular quote from a speaker and use it as inspiration for your writing.

270. Mind   Map it Out: Create a mind map of words, phrases, and ideas that pop into your head or spend some time browsing the many mind maps online. Write a poem, story, or journal entry inspired by the mind map.

271. Patterns : Write about repeating patterns that occur in life.

272. Scrapbook : Write about finding a scrapbook and the memories it contains.

273. Cure: Write about finding a cure for an illness.

274. Email Subject Lines: Read your email today and look for subject lines that may be good starters for writing inspiration.

275. Wishful Thinking: Write about a wish you have.

276. Doodle : Spend some time today doodling for about 5-10 minutes. Write about the thoughts you had while doodling or create something inspired by your finished doodle.

277. Chalkboard: Imagine you are in a classroom. What does it say on the chalkboard?

278. Sticky: Imagine a situation that’s very sticky, maybe even covered in maple syrup, tape or glue. Write about it!

279. Flashlight : Imagine going somewhere very dark with only a flashlight to guide you.

280. A Far Away Place : Envision yourself traveling to a fictional place, what do you experience in your imaginary journey?

281. On the Farm : Write about being in a country or rural setting.

282. Promise to Yourself: Write about a promise you want to make to yourself and keep.

283. Brick Wall : Write a poem that is about a brick wall – whether literal or figurative.

284. Making a Choice: Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

285.  Repeat: Write about a time when you’ve had to repeat yourself or a time when it felt like no one was listening.

286. Outcast : Write about someone who is not accepted by their peers. (for example, the Ugly Ducking)

287. Scary Monsters: Write about a scary (or not-so-scary) monster in your closet or under the bed.

288. Sacrifice: Write about something you’ve sacrificed doing to do something else or help another person.

289. Imperfection: Create a poem that highlights the beauty in being flawed.

290. Birthday Poem: Write a poem inspired by birthdays.

291. Title First : Make a list of potential poem or story titles and choose one to write from.

292. Job Interview : Write about going on a job interview.

293. Get Well : Write a poem that will help someone who is sick feel better quick!

294. Lost in the Crowd: Write about feeling lost in the crowd.

295. Apple a Day: Write about a health topic that interests you.

296. Cravings: Write about craving something.

297. Phobia: Research some common phobias, choose one, and write about it.

298. In the Moment: Write about living in the present moment.

299. Concrete : Write about walking down a sidewalk and what you see and experience.

300. Battle: Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative.

301. This Old House : Write about an old house that is abandoned or being renovated.

302. Clutter: Is there a cluttered spot in your home? Go through some of that clutter today and write about what you find or the process of organizing.

303. Go Fly a Kite: Write about flying a kite.

304. On the TV: Flip to a random TV channel and write about the first thing that comes on – even if it is an infomercial!

305. Fruit: Write an ode to your favorite fruit.

306. Long Distance Love: Write about a couple that is separated by distance.

307. Glasses: Write about a pair of eyeglasses or someone wearing glasses.

308. Robotic : Write about a robot.

309. Cute as a Button: Write about something you think is just adorable.

310. Movie Conversation: Use a memorable conversation from a favorite movie to inspire your writing.

311. Easy-Peasy : Write  about doing something effortlessly.

312. Idiom: Choose from a list of idioms one that speaks to you and create a poem around that saying or phrase. (Ie: It is raining cats and dogs)

313. Playground: Whether it is the swings or the sandbox or the sliding boards, write about your memories of being on a playground.

314. Romance: Write about romantic things partners can do for each other.

315. Rock Star: Imagine you are a famous rock star. Write about the experience.

316. Come to Life: Imagine ordinary objects have come to life. Write about what they do and say.

317. Airplane: Write about meeting someone on an airplane and a conversation you might have.

318. Health & Beauty: Take some time to peruse your medicine cabinet or the health and beauty aisles at a local store. Write a poem, short story, or journal entry inspired by a product label.

319. Determination: Write about not giving up.

320. Instrumental Inspiration: Listen to some instrumental music and write a poem that matches the mood, beat, and style of the music.

321. Wait Your Turn: Write about having to wait in line.

322. Personality Type : Do you know your personality type? (There are many free quizzes online) – write about what type of personality traits you have.

323. Decade: Choose a favorite decade and write about it. (IE: 1980’s or 1950’s for example)

324. I Believe: Write your personal credo of things you believe in.

325. Lost and Found: Write about a lost object.

326. Say it: Write a poem or story that uses dialogue between two people.

327. The Unsent Letter: Write about a letter that never made it to its recipient.

328. The Windows of the Soul: Write a poem about the story that is told through someone’s eyes.

329. Trial and Error: Write about something you learned the hard way.

330. Escape : Write about where you like to go to escape from it all.

331. What’s Cooking: Write something inspired a favorite food or recipe.

332. Records : Go through your file box and pull out old receipts or records…write something inspired by what you find!

333. Banking: Write about visiting the bank.

334. Sweet Talk: Write about trying to convince someone of something.

335. Serendipity: Write about something that happened by chance in a positive way.

336. Distractions: Write about how it feels when you can’t focus.

337. Corporation: Write about big business.

338. Word of the Day: Go to a dictionary website that has a word of the day and use it in a poem, story or journal entry you write.

339. Pick Me Up:  What do you do when you need a pick me up?

340. Unfinished: Write about a project you started but never completed.

341. Forgiveness: Write about a time when someone forgave you or you forgave someone.

342. Weakness: Write about your greatest weakness.

343. Starting: Write about starting a project.

344. Mechanical: Think of gears, moving parts, machines.

345. Random Act of Kindness : Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone or someone has done for you, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed.

346. Underground: Imagine living in a home underground and use that as inspiration for writing.

347. Classic Rock: Pick a classic rock love ballad and rewrite it into a story or poem with a similar theme.

348. Night Owl : Write about staying up late at night.

349. Magnetic : Write about attraction to something or someone.

350. Teamwork: Write about working with a team towards a common goal.

351. Roller-coaster : Write about the ups and downs in life.

352. Motivational Poster: Look at some motivational posters online and write a poem or journal entry inspired by your favorite one.

353. Games: Write about the games people play – figuratively or literally.

354. Turning Point: Write about a point in life where things turned for the better or worse.

355. Spellbound: Write about a witch’s spell.

356. Anniversary: Write about the anniversary of a special date.

357. Gamble:  Be inspired by a casino or lottery ticket.

358. Picnic: Write about going on a picnic.

359. Garage: Write about some random item you might find in a garage.

360. Review: Review your week, month, or year in a journal entry or poem format.

361. Detective: Write about a detective searching for clues or solving a mystery.

362. Camera: Take your camera for a walk and write based on one of the photographs you take.

363. Visiting : Write about visiting a family member or friend.

364. Trust: Write about putting trust in someone.

365. Congratulations : Did you write a poem, short story, or journal entry every day for a whole year? Write about what you’ve learned and celebrate your achievement!

We hope you enjoy these creative writing prompts! And of course, if you write anything using these prompts, we’d love to know about it! Tell us how you’ll use these everyday creative writing prompts in the comments section below!

And of course, if you’d like the printable ad-free version of these prompts to reference again and again or to use in your classroom, you can find them at our Etsy shop !

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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Writing Prompts & Exercises

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The Time Is Now offers three new and original writing prompts each week to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. We also curate a list of essential books on writing —both the newly published and the classics—that we recommend for guidance and inspiration. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, looking for a fresh topic, or just starting to write, our archive of writing prompts has what you need. Need a starter pack? Check out our Writing Prompts for Beginners.

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How do best pals become worst enemies? In the television fantasy drama series House of the Dragon , created by Ryan Condal and George R. R. Martin, childhood best friends Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower become mortal enemies, each at the head of a household vying for the power to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Compose a personal essay that ruminates on a complicated friendship or relationship you’ve had that has transformed significantly over time. Was there one catalyzing incident or many gradual shifts that caused your relationship to change direction? Consider the ways in which the relationship changed in parallel, or in contradiction, to how each of you have evolved as individuals.

The Act of Resistance

In the documentary Yintah , directors Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, and Michael Toledano chronicle how Wet’suwet’en First Nation have been fighting to protect their unceded territory in northern British Columbia for decades, most recently in protests and blockades against pipeline developments. The film spanning more than a decade of conflict captures the spirit of Wet’suwet’en resistance in the face of Canadian government policies and police invasions, and their fight for the survival of the land itself. Write a short story that revolves around a group of people who are beset upon by unjust policies, and explore the values and priorities of each side. How do strengths, weaknesses, advantages, and disadvantages play out?

Cry About It

In the 1960s, a string of songs about crying hit the air waves, from Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” to “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons, to Lesley Gore’s song that begins with, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.” Crying has carried on as a theme in popular songs throughout the decades with Prince’s 1984 ballad “When Doves Cry,” Aerosmith’s 1993 hit “Cryin’” and The Weeknd’s 2020 song “Save Your Tears.” This week, take a cue from tunes about shedding tears and write a poem that incorporates crying in some way, whether about sorrow or joy, letting the waterworks flow or attempting to hold them back. Consider using unique diction or imagery to put a fresh spin on conventional tropes. What can you say about crying that hasn’t been said before?

In Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind , published by W. W. Norton in June, author and journalist Annalee Newitz chronicles the ways storytelling can be wielded as a manipulative tool to further political agendas and steer cultural perspective, through advertising, influence campaigns, and mass media. In the first chapter Newitz discusses how Sigmund Freud’s theories help sell products: “Advertisers began to study psychology to figure out ways to manipulate the unconscious minds of consumers,” she writes. “They would lure consumers in with emotional appeals or by associating a product with some political ideal like freedom.” Write a personal essay about a time when you were persuaded by a narrative—whether it be a story told to you by a friend, foe, colleague, family member, or even an advertisement. Were you able to separate from your unconscious mind and gain a fuller perspective on the situation?

Tense Future

Is it science fiction or simply the state of advanced, contemporary science? Hiromi Kawakami’s latest novel, Under the Eye of the Big Bird , forthcoming from Soft Skull Press in September and translated from the Japanese by Asa Yoneda, takes place thousands of years in the future when humans are near extinction. Children are created in factories from the cells of animals including cows, dolphins, horses, and mice. Kawakami’s magical realism blends scientific advancements with real-life phenomena such as population aging, as well as the existing technologies of cloning and xenotransplantation. Using an idea or a concept derived from scientific studies or your own research, write a speculative fiction story that builds on existing technology to achieve the fantastic. In your invented future what fundamental issues of ethics, traditions, and mortality arise?

William Carlos Williams’s multi-volume, mid-twentieth-century poem Paterson is purportedly inspired by the works of his contemporaries: James Joyce’s Ulysses , Ezra Pound’s The Cantos , T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land , and Hart Crane’s The Bridge . Through his subject—the former mill town of Paterson, New Jersey—Williams provides a voice for American industrial communities. A launching pad for other artists’ work, the book inspired Jim Jarmusch’s 2016 film Paterson , about a bus driver and poet named Paterson in the city of the same name, and Robert Fitterman’s book Creve Coeur (Winter Editions, 2024), set in the segregated suburbs of his eponymous Missouri hometown—an illustration of contemporary America that mirrors the structure of Williams’s postwar epic. Write a poem that draws on specific observations of your neighborhood to express a wider perspective on life in the twenty-first century. Incorporate street names, local landmarks, and history as well as tidbits of everyday conversation.

Appearances

When you picture sea otters, you might think immediately of the many photos and videos of fuzzy otters holding hands while floating in the water, but do these images of cuddly creatures represent their true character? In a 2013 Slate article titled “Sea Otters Are Jerks. So Are Dolphins, Penguins, and Other Adorable Animals,” the violent behavior of these animals and their instinctive modes in the wild are described in detail and contradict the cute and cuddly depictions humans often project onto them. Write a personal essay that explores the theme of deceptive appearances, perhaps drawing on experiences you’ve had in which you misjudged someone and found your first impression contradicted other facts. Or you might think back to a time when someone else made assumptions about you based on superficial traits. What social conditions or cultural expectations contributed to those first impressions?

Convergence

In Michael Ondaatje’s 1992 Booker Prize–winning novel, The English Patient , four main characters—a young Canadian army nurse, an Indian Sikh working as a British military engineer, a thief, and the eponymous patient—find themselves at a bombed-out Italian villa toward the end of World War II. Through a convergence of sections that weave in and out of time, between the past and present, and told through the characters’ various points of view, the story comes into focus. Write a short story that takes place in a vivid locale where a small group of characters has converged. Experiment with telling the story from multiple perspectives, and alternating chronology. In Ondaatje’s novel, the nonlinear storytelling reflects the effects of war trauma—how might time in your story work on a thematic level?

Growing a Garden

“In colonial times, gardens were utilitarian. A cross between a grocery store and a pharmacy. In the gilded age, they became an entrance to high society, a place of conspicuous display,” narrates the main character in Paul Schrader’s 2022 film Master Gardener , a man with a secret past who works as the horticulturalist of an estate owned by a wealthy dowager. This week write a poem about a garden, perhaps a large and well-known one visited by tourists, a seasonal garden tended by family members that you frequented as a child, or one you pass occasionally on a neighborhood walk. You might explore the functions of the garden; list colors, shapes, textures, and smells; or make conjectures about its guiding aesthetics. What can a garden reveal about its gardener and the space in which it resides?

Intensity of Feeling

“When I say I have written from the beginning, I mean that all real writers write from the beginning, that the vocation, the obsession, is already there, and that the obsession derives from an intensity of feeling which normal life cannot accommodate,” said the late Irish author Edna O’Brien in a 1984 interview for the Paris Review ’s Art of Fiction series. O’Brien, who died last Saturday at the age of ninety-three, was the author of a series of novels beginning with The Country Girls , which were internationally acclaimed but banned in Ireland. Her work included memoirs, biographies, and plays, many of which revolved around intimate stories of women’s experiences of love and loss. Write a lyric essay that responds to O’Brien’s sentiment about being drawn to writing from “an intensity of feeling.” Does writing serve in some sense as an outlet for expressing something that seemingly can’t fit into the strictures of normal life?

In 1996, scientists created the first clone of a mammal, a sheep named Dolly. Since 2015, a company based in Texas called ViaGen Pets has cloned hundreds of dogs, cats, and horses for tens of thousands of dollars each. Scientists have warned of the ethical issues of cloning—both in the ways in which the process requires the use of multiple animals (an egg donor and a surrogate carrier), and in the precedence it sets for humans. Write a short story in which a cloned animal plays an integral role in a plot twist. Is the animal’s cloned history kept hidden for some reason? What made this animal so exceptional to be cloned? Consider the complexity and emotions involved with your characters’ values and ethics in this decision.

In Divya Victor’s poem “Blood / Soil,” which appears in her collection Curb (Nightboat Books, 2021), she writes about Sureshbhai Patel, a man who had traveled from India to visit his son and infant grandson in Alabama and was assaulted by police for alleged suspicious behavior while taking a neighborhood stroll. As she describes the physical encounter, Victor includes Newton’s laws of motion and experiments with the visuals of typography and spacing in her incorporation of quotations to draw attention to movement and a sense of confrontation between bodies and language. Write a poem inspired by a news incident that feels resonant to you and provokes a strong emotion. Consider adding bits of science, research, or reported dialogue that might help create a more expansive, interpretive angle.

Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Annie Baker, who made her feature film directorial debut with the coming-of-age drama Janet Planet , recently shared her inspirations for the film with the New York Times through a mood board. The artistic influences included fin-de-siècle painter Édouard Vuillard’s portraits of his mother; Maurice Pialat’s 1968 film about a foster child, L’enfance Nue ; literature by Thomas Mann and Rainer Maria Rilke; and an album by Canadian jazz musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Write a lyric essay composed of short descriptions of creative works—perhaps similarly spanning visual and performing arts, music, and literature—that have served as inspiration to you over the years. What is special about each one, and what are the elements that draw them together?

The Spirit of Competition

This week, in preparation for the upcoming opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, consider the Olympic creed: “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.” Write a short story that revolves around a competition of some sort—whether between friends, enemies, strangers, or within a liminal relationship of some kind. Decide between a contest of mental or physical abilities, or a battle of wills. Are there high stakes or is the contest seemingly inconsequential? Does all go as planned or is there a surprising upset? Think about your characters’ respective perspectives on the spirit of competition, and what constitutes as fighting fairly.

In the twentieth anniversary edition of Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric , Claudia Rankine writes in the preface about her use of the first-person voice “to bear witness to the witness” and provide emotion while maintaining an intimacy within the text. “Anybody could embody the first person and be our guide through the text,” writes Rankine. “For me, at the time, this was a liberating mechanism for getting at the ineffable affective disorder of the moment without disconnecting from the people affected by it.” Write a poem about an event currently unfolding in the world, either locally or on a global scale. Deploy the first-person “I” as a tool to guide the reader through what’s being witnessed. Are there multiple emotional truths at play? How can you give them shape?

Seeing Yourself

“I have known brilliant writers who could size people up in minutes with alarming accuracy.... And yet for all their ability to understand people, to see them, to capture them as characters, these writers could not see themselves,” writes Literary Hub editor-in-chief Jonny Diamond in a piece reflecting on a recent op-ed written by the daughter of Nobel laureate Alice Munro, Andrea Skinner, about her mother’s failure to protect her from sexual abuse by her stepfather. Write a personal essay that traces your self-awareness through several phases of your life, contemplating on how your understanding and perception of yourself has transformed through the years. Can you reconcile the differing points of view that various people in your life hold about you? Are there blind spots that, even if you can’t or don’t want to articulate, you wish to acknowledge?

Ghost Story

Ghosting, the social practice of suddenly cutting off communication without explanation by no longer accepting or responding to calls or messages, is often associated with dating but can also extend to other arenas of interpersonal communication and socializing, such as the interview process for a new job or with friends and family. Write a short story that revolves around two people, one of whom ghosts the other. What are the dynamics of communication that lead up to the ghosting, and what is the fallout? Are excuses made or is hindsight twenty-twenty? Consider how much of each party’s point of view to reveal prior to and after the ghosting.

States of Matter

In medieval European cathedrals, some of the panes of the beautiful stained glass windows are thicker at the bottom than at the top, creating misconceptions that the seemingly solid glass has melted over time. According to an article published in Scientific American , glass is an amorphous solid, a state that is neither solid nor liquid but something in between disproving the theory of melted glass. The differences in thickness of old glass windows is merely a product of the manufacturing process, giving them a melted look. This week write a poem inspired by the idea of something, or even someone, existing in an in-between state. Consider playing with the line breaks and white space of your page to mirror or contrast with your chosen subject.

Social Sacrifices

In “The Bear IRL: My Manic Day in a Michelin-Starred Kitchen,” Vice writer Nick Thompson visits a Michelin-starred restaurant in London for a day to capture a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of a high-level kitchen, like the ones portrayed on the popular TV series The Bear . Thompson speaks to one chef who echoes the repercussions of sacrificing a social life that are depicted in the award-winning show, mentioning missing out on birthdays and special occasions because of long hours and weekend work schedules. “It’s more like a sports team, where you’re trying to achieve something. That’s what drives you forward,” says the chef. Write an essay about a time in your past when you had to make a sacrifice in your personal life because of your job. Was there a payoff? What were the factors that ultimately pushed you to choose your job over your social life?

Swimming Pools

The Swimmer , a group exhibition of around one hundred works by dozens of artists at the Flag Art Foundation in New York City, is inspired by John Cheever’s short story of the same name, published in the New Yorker in 1964, in which his protagonist ventures to return home by swimming across his affluent neighbors’ backyard pools on a summer day. Curator Jonathan Rider selected and arranged the artworks to reflect the story’s themes of idealism, identity, class, failure and loss, and the instability of time and reality. This week write a short story that incorporates a swimming pool in some way. Whether an integral part of the plot or seen somewhere in the periphery, spend a bit of time describing its visual imagery, colors, light, and texture. Does it feel static or dynamic, vacant or crowded? Are there multiple interpretations for what functions the pool could serve?

In the 2023 film Past Lives , writer and director Celine Song explores the concept of inyeon through the main character Nora, a Korean American woman who navigates her relationships with two loves, her husband and her childhood best friend. “There is a word in Korean— inyeon . It means providence or fate. But it’s specifically about relationships between people,” says Nora to her husband when first meeting him. “It’s an inyeon if two strangers even walk by each other on the street and their clothes accidentally brush. Because it means there must have been something between them in their past lives. If two people get married, they say it’s because there have been 8,000 layers of inyeon over 8,000 lifetimes.” Write a poem that contemplates a connection of this type, a fated or destined encounter with another person, whether brief or long-lasting. What might you have meant to each other in a past life?

Counterfactual

In an interview by Margaret Ross for the Art of Nonfiction series published in the Summer 2024 issue of the Paris Review , author and Harvard University professor Elaine Scarry says, “I see my writing on imagination and on war as continuous. Or rather, the two subjects are essentially locked in combat, because the act of inflicting injury or pain is really a willful aping of imagination, turning it upside down and appropriating it.” Write a lyric essay that braids together two subjects: Use the imagination or the artistic process as one topic, and then choose another subject that may seem “locked in combat” with your ideas around creativity, perhaps one more adjacent to pain or distress. What kind of truth can be coaxed to the surface when you think about the connections between them?

Story Within a Story

In the new horror film The Exorcism directed and cowritten by Joshua John Miller, Russell Crowe plays an actor who stars as a priest in a horror film, one that largely resembles the 1973 classic film The Exorcist , whose young priest was played by Miller’s father. This week take a page from this jumble of connections and nested narratives, and write a short story that contains within it another short story. The nested story could be something one of your characters is writing, or perhaps a story one of your characters comes across in a book. Decide whether to include some or all of the text of the nested story inside your larger story. You may want to play around with oppositional genres, such as humor and tragedy, or make use of similar plot points for an eerie effect.

A Wild Life

Zillow Gone Wild is a popular Instagram account, and new HGTV reality TV show, that highlights particularly strange, curious, extreme, or otherwise unusual homes listed on the real estate website Zillow. Even for those who are not actively looking to buy or sell a home, the descriptions and photographs on these listings can serve as an inspiring portal, sparking a curiosity about how others express themselves through their homes, and how one’s own life could be different in a new environment with an idiosyncratic character of its own. Browse through some wild real estate listings online and write a persona poem from the point of view of an imagined inhabitant of the home of your choice. Consider what kind of assumptions or preconceived notions you might be bringing to the persona, and how you can upend expectations.

Are you shoe obsessed? Do you prioritize fashion over comfort, seeking out the latest trends, or do you hold tight to a long-held personal style? This week, look through old photos and your closet to jot down notes about the shoes you’ve worn over the years—sneakers, slip-ons, boots, flats, heels, flip-flops—and how the elements of texture, color, and function have impacted your choices. Write a personal essay that traces how your shoe priorities have evolved over the years, perhaps connecting some favorite past pairs to certain phases of your life—places you’ve lived, fads you’ve endured, jobs or hobbies you’ve had. Unpack the specific memories associated with how you were shoed.

About Our Writing Prompts

What is a writing prompt and how do you use one? Whether you find yourself in front of a blank page or stuck in a work-in-progress, writing prompts can offer a spark that ignites your creative thinking and can lead to new writing. Prompts offer guidance, fresh ideas, and direction for writers of all levels of experience. First, choose a prompt for the genre in which you’d like to write, then carefully read it and consider what it is asking you to think about. It could be a specific setting, a writing technique, or an element of an imagined character; a specific poem, story, essay, song, book, or film from which you might take inspiration; or a current event or a topical theme. A writing prompt is filled with endless possibilities—and there is no wrong way to use one to generate new writing!

What makes our writing prompts unique? We have an archive of over 2,000 prompts, all original and offered here and in our weekly newsletter . You’ll find a variety of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction prompts—some inspired by recent and classic literature and other forms of art, current events, and writing practices, and others that offer guidance for a particular form, including sonnets, erasure poetry, flash fiction, lyric essays, and more. For more than fifty years, Poets & Writers has supported creative writers with trustworthy information and inspiration, and our weekly prompts provide a regular dose of encouragement and motivation.

What are the benefits of using writing prompts? Writing prompts can help you get unstuck if you’re in a rut and the ideas aren’t flowing. But even if you’re not experiencing writer’s block, writing prompts can offer a fresh take or a new approach to a work-in-progress. Writing prompts can also provide the motivation to experiment with a new form, try out a new genre, or learn about other writing techniques. And writing prompts are an invaluable tool for teachers who want to encourage and inspire their writing students.

What is this list of Best Books? Best Books for Writers is a list of essential books for creative writers that we curate to support your writing practice. Every week, we add a book (whether new or a classic) with a synopsis and highlights. Included are books on the writing life, anthologies of craft essays, collections of lectures, practical guides with writing exercises, and more.

Poetry writing prompts Every Tuesday we post a new poetry prompt to guide you in your practice. Get to know the work of contemporary and classic poets, as well as a variety of poetic forms.

Fiction writing prompts Every Wednesday we post a new fiction prompt to spark your imagination. Take inspiration from recently published short stories and novels, and of course, the classics.

Creative nonfiction writing prompts Every Thursday we post a new creative nonfiction prompt to help your exploration of this ever-changing genre. These prompts include information and inspiration for a variety of essays as well as memoirs. Discover new writers and their craft, and fresh ways to generate writing inspired by your life.

Need a starter pack? Check out our Writing Prompts for Beginners .

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100 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Writing

With this list, you’ll never run out of story ideas again!

By Natasha Khullar Relph

Starting a new project feels like stepping into a world of endless possibilities, yet it can also be like staring into the abyss of the unknown. While the battle between a writer and their blank page is well documented, you don’t have to go to war with your creative self just to get some words on a page.

Creative writing prompts can be the answer to a blocked writer’s prayers, offering story starters and writing ideas to jumpstart your creative thinking. To aid in your efforts, we’ve put together a curated collection of 100 creative writing prompts. From thought-provoking scenarios to whimsical adventures, these prompts are guaranteed to jumpstart your writing, transport you to new worlds, and breathe life into your stories.

What is a writing prompt?

A writing prompt is a specific, often short, phrase, question, or statement designed to stimulate and inspire creative writing. Writing prompts can help you overcome writer’s block , generate new ideas, or simply get your creative juices flowing. You can use them in various forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, journaling, and essay writing, and they vary widely in their content and purpose. Some prompts are open-ended, encouraging writers to explore their thoughts and emotions freely, while others may be more specific, asking you to write about a particular topic or scenario.

Writing prompts serve as creative triggers, helping you to explore new story ideas , develop characters, or practice different writing styles. They can be a valuable tool for both beginners who need writing inspiration and more experienced writers looking to build a writing habit or become better writers through a regular writing practice .

100 creative writing prompts for writers

Fiction writing prompts.

Whether you’re writing adult novels or children’s books, these fiction and short story writing prompts will inspire new worlds and scenarios for your characters to play in as you write your first draft .

• Write a modern-day fairy tale set in a bustling metropolis . Your story should feature a main character who stumbles upon a hidden, magical world within the city. Explore how this discovery changes their life and the challenges they face as they navigate between the ordinary and the extraordinary in the heart of the urban jungle.
• Write a story in which the main character discovers a superpower , but it comes with a mysterious and unexpected side effect. Explore the challenges they face in harnessing their newfound ability while dealing with the consequences of the side effect. How do they adapt and ultimately use their power for good or ill?
• Imagine you stumble upon an ancient, dusty time traveler’s journal in an antique shop. As you flip through its pages, you realize it contains detailed accounts of the past, present, and future. Write a story about the discoveries you make within the journal and how they shape your life and decisions.
• In a post-apocalyptic society, a group of survivors discover a hidden library containing books from every era. Describe their journey to preserve knowledge, as they grapple not only with the challenge of safeguarding these precious texts but also with the moral dilemmas and conflicts that arise when they must decide who has access to this invaluable resource in a world defined by scarcity.
• In a world where people’s dreams become real, a person with chronic nightmares suddenly possesses unimaginable power , forcing them to confront the fine line between their inner demons and the extraordinary possibilities that now lie at their fingertips.
• Write a story set in a future where civilians can take vacations to outer space . Describe the adventures, challenges, and experiences of a family or group of friends as they embark on a journey beyond the earth’s atmosphere for the first time.
• Craft a science fiction tale set in a world where technology has reached unimaginable heights , but human emotions and relationships remain unchanged. Explore how advanced AI, virtual reality, and futuristic inventions impact the characters’ lives, love, and the essence of what it means to be human.
• Write a story that begins with a group of childhood friends building a secret treehouse in the woods. Years later, they reunite as adults to discover that their beloved hideaway holds a mysterious and enchanting secret that will change their lives forever.
• Write a story set in a small American town during the 1950s, capturing the essence of post-war America and the lives of its diverse residents as they navigate love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
• Imagine a future where Earth faces an impending catastrophic event, and humanity has initiated a mission to colonize a distant planet . Write a story from the perspective of one astronaut on this interstellar journey, capturing the emotions, challenges, and sense of hope as they leave behind their home planet and embark on a journey into the unknown.
• Your favorite book has always been a cherished escape, but one day, as you open its pages, you find yourself transported into the world within . Write a story about your adventures in the world of your favorite book, exploring the characters, places, and challenges you encounter along the way.
• Imagine a world where everyone knows the exact date of their last day on Earth . Write a story about a person living through their last day, exploring how they choose to spend it and the emotions, reflections, and last moments they experience as they prepare to say their farewells.
• Set your story in a future where a society of advanced learners, equipped with a unique ability to acquire new skills and knowledge rapidly , faces a mysterious threat. Write about their quest to unravel the enigma, the extraordinary challenges they encounter, and how their insatiable thirst for learning becomes their greatest asset in this high-stakes adventure.
• Write a story in which each chapter shifts between the first-person point of view of two characters who have drastically different perspectives on the same events. Explore how their contrasting viewpoints shape the narrative and challenge the reader’s understanding of the story’s central conflict.
• Imagine a world where gods exist but are not all-powerful . Write a story about a god who, despite their divine status, faces a unique and formidable challenge that forces them to confront their limitations and question the very nature of godhood.
• Write a story set in a world where time travel is possible but limited to a single day . Describe the adventures and dilemmas of a character who can only revisit or change events in their life within the confines of that single day. What choices do they make, and how does it impact their future and the world around them?
• In a near-future world, video games have evolved to become the primary form of communication and competition . Write a story where a skilled gamer is recruited for a high-stakes mission within a virtual reality game, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. Explore the challenges, alliances, and ethical dilemmas they face as they navigate this immersive and unpredictable gaming landscape.
• Imagine a writer who discovers an ancient, enchanted book that can bring its characters to life and grant them free will. Write a new story in which the writer and the characters they create must work together to navigate the challenges and consequences of their shared existence, blurring the lines between creator and creation.
• Imagine a character whose favorite things are slowly disappearing from their life one by one . Write a story about their journey to hold on to the essence of what they love most, the challenges they face in preserving their cherished favorites, and the unexpected discoveries they make along the way.
• Two strangers find themselves washed ashore on a deserted island after a shipwreck . They have no memory of their past lives and must work together to survive. Write a story about their journey of discovery, resilience, and the bond that forms as they navigate the challenges of the deserted island.
• Your favorite holiday has always been a time of joy and celebration, but this year, it’s under threat of cancellation. Write a story about the determined efforts of a group of individuals who come together to save and rekindle the spirit of their favorite holiday , facing unexpected challenges and finding new meaning in the process.
• Write a story set in a quaint English village, where an eccentric resident claims to have discovered a hidden portal to another dimension in their garden shed . As rumors spread and curiosity grows, explore the adventures and mysteries that unfold when the villagers decide to investigate this bizarre claim and step into the unknown.
• Your favorite Tumblr blog suddenly starts posting cryptic messages that seem to predict events in your life . Write a story about the growing intrigue and obsession as you try to uncover the identity of the blog’s enigmatic author and the source of their uncanny knowledge.
• Your favorite season has always been winter, but this year, it never ends . Write a story about the challenges, wonders, and unexpected consequences that arise as your world becomes perpetually blanketed in snow and ice, and you must navigate the eternal winter that now defines your life.
• Write a story about a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious diary hidden in the school library . The diary seems to contain entries from a former student who experienced extraordinary and supernatural events during their time at the school. As the current student reads the diary, they begin to notice strange occurrences happening around them, blurring the line between reality and the paranormal.

Nonfiction writing prompts

Here’s a selection of nonfiction writing prompts to help you delve into your own experiences , share your expertise, and craft powerful narratives rooted in the world around us.

• Explore the concept of “utopia” and “dystopia.” Write an analytical essay comparing and contrasting two fictional utopian or dystopian worlds from literature, film, or popular culture, and discuss their societal ideals, flaws, and relevance to contemporary society.
• Consider a unique or unusual skill or hobby you possess , such as extreme knitting or competitive tree climbing. Write a how-to guide or tutorial that explains the fundamentals and intricacies of this skill, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to inspire others to explore it.
• Take a nature walk or visit a local park, and choose a specific tree as your subject . Write a detailed and poetic nature essay that describes the tree’s appearance, its role in the ecosystem, and the stories it could tell if it could speak.
• Choose an everyday object that holds special significance to you , such as a childhood toy or a family heirloom. Write a detailed essay exploring the memories, emotions, and stories connected to this object, and how it has shaped your identity.
• Imagine you have the opportunity to interview your future self 10 years from now . Draft a list of thought-provoking questions you would ask to gain insights into your future experiences, decisions, and reflections.
• Select a word from a language other than your own that encapsulates a feeling or concept you find intriguing but that has no direct translation in your language. Write an essay exploring the word’s meaning, cultural context, and the emotions it evokes, reflecting on the beauty of language and its ability to convey complex ideas.
• Imagine you are given the chance to host a dinner party with five historical figures , living or deceased, from any time period. Create a detailed guest list, describe the menu, and write an essay outlining the topics of conversation you would explore with your eclectic group of guests.
• Write a personal essay about a specific sound or noise that holds deep meaning to you . Explain why this sound resonates with you, its significance in your life, and the emotions or memories it triggers.
• Consider a peculiar or unusual museum exhibit you’ve encountered or would like to visit . Write an engaging review or critique of the exhibit, examining its historical, artistic, or cultural value, and sharing your insights and reactions as a visitor.
• Think about an unsolved mystery, conspiracy theory, or urban legend that has always intrigued you . Write an investigative essay delving into the facts, theories, and speculations surrounding this enigma, presenting your own analysis and conclusions.
• Explore the concept of “lost cities” or “hidden civilizations.” Write an investigative essay about a real or legendary lost city, such as Atlantis, discussing the historical evidence, theories, and mysteries surrounding its existence and disappearance.
• Imagine you have the ability to witness and document a day in the life of a famous historical figure or celebrity of your choice. Write a detailed and immersive diary entry that captures their experiences, thoughts, and emotions on this hypothetical day.
• Reflect on the idea of “space tourism” becoming a reality in the near future . Write an opinion piece discussing the ethical, environmental, and cultural implications of commercial space travel and colonization.
• Select an everyday object or phenomenon, such as rain, a traffic light, or a pencil , and write an in-depth exploration of its history, evolution, and societal impact. Share surprising facts and anecdotes that shed new light on this seemingly ordinary subject.
• Write an i n-depth profile of a local unsung hero or community leader who has made a significant impact on your town or neighborhood. Share their story, accomplishments, and the lasting effects of their work.
• Explore the concept of “found family.” Write a personal essay reflecting on the importance of the friendships and relationships you’ve built with individuals who may not be biologically related but have become like family to you.
• Consider the phenomenon of life hacks and practical tips shared on the internet. Write a guide or compilation of your favorite life hacks, along with personal anecdotes of how they’ve improved your daily life.
• Reflect on the concept of digital nostalgia. Write an essay about the emotional connections people form with digital content, such as video games, social media, or online communities, and how it shapes their sense of identity and belonging.
• Explore the world of extreme sports or unconventional hobbies. Write a feature article about individuals who engage in activities like base jumping, extreme ironing, or underwater pumpkin carving, and delve into their motivations and experiences.
• Imagine you have the opportunity to curate an art exhibition featuring the work of artists from different time periods and backgrounds . Describe the themes, connections, and narratives that tie these diverse artworks together.
• Write a reflective essay about your personal journey with mental health , highlighting a specific turning point or moment of insight that led to a deeper understanding of your own well-being. Discuss the strategies, resources, or support systems that have helped you on this path and how your experience might offer inspiration or guidance to others facing similar challenges.
• Explore the cultural and personal significance of your favorite food . Write an essay that delves into the history, traditions, and memories associated with this dish, and how it has become a symbol of comfort, celebration, or connection in your life.
• Create a comprehensive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document for your own life , highlighting the questions people often ask you about your experiences, beliefs, or expertise. Write detailed and thoughtful responses to these questions, providing insights into your unique perspective and experiences. Reflect on how compiling this FAQ helps you understand the common themes and curiosities that surround your life and the impact they have on your relationships and identity.
• Explore the concept of “first days” in human history . Write a historical analysis that delves into the pivotal first days of significant events, discoveries, or eras, such as the first day humans walked on the moon, the first day of the Industrial Revolution, or the first day a groundbreaking scientific theory was proposed.
• Imagine you have the ability to observe and document the everyday life of an individual from a completely different culture or time period. Write a descriptive essay that vividly portrays the daily rituals, customs, and experiences of this person, highlighting the contrasts and similarities between their everyday life and your own.

Journal prompts

These prompts are designed to encourage self-discovery, mindfulness, and the art of capturing the essence of your life’s moments on paper. Use them for directed journaling or as part of your Morning Pages practice .

• Choose an object in your immediate environment, such as a book, a plant, or a piece of artwork. Write a journal entry from the perspective of that object , describing its history, observations, and the emotions it might feel as it silently witnesses your life.
• Create a gratitude journal entry in the form of a letter to your past self, expressing appreciation for the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped you into the person you are today. Reflect on how these past moments have contributed to your growth.
• Imagine you’re given the opportunity to have a conversation with your future self 20 years from now . Write a journal entry in which you ask your future self three questions about your life, dreams, and accomplishments, and then respond as you believe your future self would.
• Imagine you have a “time capsule” journal in which you can write messages to your future descendants . Write a journal entry addressing your great-great-grandchildren, sharing personal stories, values, and advice you would want them to know about your life and the world you lived in.
• Write a journal entry as if you were a detective or investigator documenting your own life’s mysteries and unsolved questions . Explore the enigmas, unanswered questions, or unresolved situations you’ve encountered, and brainstorm potential solutions or paths for exploration.
• Create a reverse bucket list in your journal —a list of experiences, achievements, and moments from your life that you’re proud of and grateful for. Reflect on each item and the significance it holds for you.
• Write a journal entry as if you were a traveler from the future, visiting the present day . Describe your observations of contemporary life, technology, culture, and the changes that have occurred since your time.
• Imagine you possess a magic journal that can answer any question you pose to it . Write a series of questions about life, the universe, or personal dilemmas, and then provide detailed answers as if the journal responded.
• Select a word from a foreign language that has no direct translation in your native language. Write a journal entry exploring the word’s meaning, cultural context, and the emotions or concepts it represents. Reflect on how this word might enrich your understanding of life.
• Create a journal entry capturing your ideal day from start to finish . Describe the perfect morning routine, activities, interactions, and moments of joy you would like to experience. Reflect on what elements of this ideal day you can incorporate into your current life.
• Imagine you have a “memory map” in your mind that marks the locations of significant moments from your life . Write a journal entry where you choose a location on this map and describe the memories associated with it, delving into the emotions, people, and events that make it special.
• Write a journal entry from the perspective of your favorite fictional character . Imagine their thoughts, experiences, and feelings in a specific moment from their story, and explore how their perspective might differ from your own.
• Create a “ soundtrack of your life” journal entry . List songs or pieces of music that have been significant at different stages of your life, and describe the memories and emotions each song evokes.
• Imagine you have the ability to visit parallel universes and experience different versions of your life . Write a journal entry about a day in the life of an alternate “you” in a parallel universe, describing the choices and outcomes that diverged from your current reality.
• Reflect on the idea of “unfinished stories” in your life —those moments or relationships that you wish you could revisit or complete. Write a journal entry exploring these unfinished stories and consider what closure or resolution might mean to you.
• Reflect on a cherished memory with your best friend that you haven’t shared before . Write a journal entry describing the moment—the sights, sounds, and emotions that made it special. Consider how this memory has shaped your friendship and what it reveals about the unique bond you share.
• Choose a family member whose life story or experiences you find intriguing . Write a journal entry where you explore their perspective, challenges, and defining moments from their point of view. Consider how understanding their journey can deepen your connection and appreciation for the complexities of family dynamics.
• Imagine your favorite place, whether it’s a bustling city square, a tranquil beach, or a cozy corner of your home . Write a journal entry that transports yourself and your readers to this cherished spot. Describe the sights, sounds, and sensations that make it your favorite place, and reflect on why it holds such a special space in your heart.
• Select a random word from a dictionary and let it guide your journal entry today. Write about the first memories, emotions, or thoughts that come to mind when you encounter this word. Explore its connections to your life, experiences, or the world around you, and see where this unexpected word takes your reflections.
• Recall your earliest memory, no matter how faint or fragmentary it may be. Write a journal entry that delves into the details of this memory—what you saw, felt, or experienced. Reflect on how this seemingly distant moment may have shaped your perceptions, fears, or interests as you grew older, and consider what hidden treasures might lie within your earliest recollections.
• Think about your favorite story from childhood , whether it’s a fairy tale, a classic novel, or a bedtime fable. Write a journal entry that explores why this particular story resonated with you so deeply and how its themes, characters, or lessons continue to influence your life and perspective.
• Imagine planning the ultimate road trip of a lifetime with no constraints or limitations. Write a journal entry detailing the destinations you would visit, the people you’d travel with (or not), and the experiences you’d seek along the way.
• Describe a recent dream or vivid daydream in detail. Dive into the symbolism, emotions, and hidden meanings behind the dream’s elements. Consider how this dream might relate to your current thoughts, fears, or aspirations.
• Reflect on a memorable encounter with a stranger that left a lasting impression on you . Write a journal entry describing the details of this encounter, the emotions it stirred, and any insights or lessons you gained from the brief connection.
• Create a life garden in your journal, where each flower or plant represents a person, experience, or aspect of your life . Write a journal entry about the state of your life garden—which plants are thriving, which need nurturing, and the symbolic meaning behind each one.

Fun writing prompts

Here are some fun writing prompts that will take you on whimsical journeys, tickle your funny bone, and remind you that writing can be as joyful as it is expressive.

• Write a story where the characters have the ability to swap bodies with one another, but they can only do it for one day. Explore the humorous and chaotic situations that arise as they navigate each other’s lives and personalities.
• Imagine a world where all forms of transportation, from bicycles to rocket ships, are powered by something unexpected , like laughter, music, or compliments. Write a whimsical tale set in this world, where the power of positive emotions fuels extraordinary journeys.
• Write a dialogue between a superhero and their arch-nemesis as they meet for coffee on their day off. Explore the dynamics of their relationship when they’re not in the midst of battling each other and consider the unexpected topics they might discuss.
• Create a story set in a magical library where the books come to life at night . Write about the adventures of the librarian and their bookish companions as they go on quests within the pages of the books, encountering characters and worlds from classic literature.
• Imagine a future where humans can communicate with animals through a universal translator . Write a humorous narrative from the perspective of a pet who has overheard some surprising conversations and secrets among their human family members.
• Write a story set in a world where time moves backward for one hour each day . Explore the consequences and comedic situations that arise as people try to navigate a daily rewind hour.
• Imagine a future where robots have taken over mundane household tasks, but they’ve also developed quirky personalities . Write a series of humorous vignettes about the misadventures of a family and their eccentric robot helpers.
• Create a story where the characters discover a magical paintbrush that brings anything they draw to life . Explore the imaginative creations and unexpected challenges that arise as they wield this extraordinary tool.
• Write a dialogue between a famous historical figure and a modern-day teenager who accidentally time-traveled to the past. Explore the clash of perspectives, cultural differences, and humorous misunderstandings that occur during their conversation.
• Imagine a world where dreams are physical objects that can be collected, traded, and even stolen. Write a thrilling heist story where a group of dream thieves plans to steal the most valuable dream ever recorded.
• Write a story in which the main character has a time-traveling pet —a dog or cat that can transport them to different time periods by touching specific objects. Explore the adventures and challenges they face together as they navigate history.
• Imagine a world where everyone’s dreams become real, but only for 24 hours. Write about the chaos and hilarity that ensue as people try to make the most of their dream days. What unusual dreams and desires come to life?
• Create a story set in a town where every resident has a superpower, but each power comes with an unusual and often comical drawback . Explore the everyday challenges and humorous situations that arise in this extraordinary community.
• Write a tale about a character who discovers a magic book that allows them to rewrite one event from their past. Explore the consequences, both intended and unintended, of altering a pivotal moment in their life.
• Imagine a reality where technology allows people to swap personalities for a day. Write a story about two individuals who decide to exchange lives, exploring the comedic and thought-provoking results of their temporary personality swap.
• Write a story set in a world where every time someone tells a lie, a colorful tattoo appears on their skin, revealing the nature of the falsehood. Explore the adventures and misadventures of a charismatic con artist in this truth-telling society.
• Imagine a reality where people can communicate with objects, from talking to their toaster to negotiating with their car. Write a humorous tale about the challenges and comedic situations that arise when inanimate objects have opinions and demands.
• Create a story about a group of time-traveling tourists who accidentally land in a pivotal historical event. How do they handle being unexpected witnesses to history, and what comical twists and turns result from their presence?
• Write a narrative in which a group of misfit superheroes forms a support group to discuss their quirky and seemingly useless powers. Explore their camaraderie and how they come together to solve a surprisingly mundane problem.
• Imagine a town where each day is themed differently , from “Pirate Day” to “Outer Space Day.” Write a day-in-the-life story of a resident navigating the zany challenges and adventures that come with living in a town of perpetual themed days.
• Write a story in which a middle school’s annual talent show becomes a time-traveling extravaganza . Students’ talents inadvertently transport them to different historical eras. Describe the hilarious and surprising adventures as they try to make their way back to the present, using their unique talents to navigate history.
• Imagine attending a summer camp where everything is topsy-turvy! Campers become the counselors, and counselors become campers. Write a story about the humorous and unexpected challenges, pranks, and adventures that unfold when kids are in charge of running the camp, from organizing activities to dealing with the chaos that ensues.
• Create a story about an unusual camping trip where the characters discover their campsite is a portal to a fantasy realm . Write about the magical creatures, enchanted forests, and unexpected challenges they encounter while trying to enjoy a traditional camping experience with a fantastical twist.
• Write a story about a quirky character who believes they have the power to predict when things will happen for the last time . Explore the humorous and imaginative ways in which they navigate everyday life, from savoring last time moments like the last scoop of ice cream in the tub to the last raindrop before a storm.
• Imagine a world where the word “finish” holds the power to complete any task or goal instantly. Write a story about a protagonist who stumbles upon this word’s magical ability and the humorous and unexpected situations that unfold as they navigate life with the ultimate shortcut at their disposal.

(You can also download this prompts list as a printable pdf sheet and sign up to the Wordling’s weekly newsletter for more writing and publishing tips.)

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25 Creative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Creativity

Creative writing is a vast and dynamic field that offers a platform for individuals to express their ideas, emotions, and stories in an imaginative and original way.

It plays a crucial role in enhancing communication skills, fostering empathy, and also promoting a deep understanding of the human experience. If you’re not sure how to get started, consider these helpful writing prompts – let’s get creative!

The Importance of Creative Writing

In the realm of literature and beyond, creative writing holds a pivotal role. It not only allows for personal expression but also:

• fosters critical thinking
• enhances vocabulary
• improves writing skills
• conveys complex ideas and emotions
• serves as a therapeutic medium
• enhances empathy

From short stories and poetry to novels and screenplays, creative writing spans a wide array of genres and styles, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and expression.

In the professional realm, creative writing skills are highly valued. They can lead to various creative writing jobs in fields like publishing, advertising, journalism, and content creation. For those interested in pursuing higher education in this field, you might want to explore whether a degree in creative writing is worth it .

Understanding Creative Writing Prompts

When it comes to igniting creativity and fostering unique ideas, creative writing prompts play an invaluable role. They provide a starting point, a spark that can lead to a flame of inspiration for writers.

How Prompts Can Ignite Creativity

While creative writing is an exciting field, it can sometimes be challenging to kickstart the creative process. This is where creative writing prompts come into play. These prompts are designed to ignite the imagination and inspire writers to create original and compelling pieces.

They help to overcome writer’s block , encourage experimentation with different styles and genres. So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, creative writing prompts can be an invaluable tool to spark creativity and enhance your writing skills.

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Creative writing prompts are essentially ideas, questions, or topics that are designed to inspire and stimulate the creative writing process. They serve as a catalyst, helping to ignite the writer’s imagination and encourage them to explore new themes, concepts, or perspectives.

These prompts can take a myriad of forms. They might be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or even an image. Remember, regardless of the format, the goal of a creative writing prompt is to trigger thought and also encourage writers to delve deeper into their creative psyche, producing unique and compelling pieces of writing.

For more understanding of what creative writing entails, read our article on what is creative writing .

Types of Creative Writing Prompts

There are various types of creative writing prompts, each tailored to stimulate different forms of writing, cater to various genres, or inspire certain ideas. For example, you might encounter:

• Fiction Writing Prompts : These prompts are designed to inspire stories. They might provide a setting, a character, a conflict, or a plot point to kick-start the writer’s imagination.
• Non-Fiction Writing Prompts : These prompts are geared towards non-fiction writing, such as essays, memoirs, or journalistic pieces. They might pose a question, present a topic, or propose a perspective for the writer to explore.
• Poetry Writing Prompts : These prompts are tailored for writing poetry. They could suggest a theme, a form, a line, or a poetic device to be used in the poem.
• Dialogue Writing Prompts : These prompts focus on conversations and are designed to inspire dialogue-driven pieces. They generally provide a line or a snippet of conversation to act as a starting point.
• Story Starter Writing Prompts : These prompts serve as the opening line or the first paragraph of a story. The writer’s task is to continue the narrative from there.

Understanding the different types of creative writing prompts is essential to making the most of them. For example, when you choose the right type of prompt, you target specific writing skills , push boundaries of creativity, and provide the necessary spark to bring your ideas to life.

25 Creative Writing Prompts

Using creative writing prompts is a great way to jumpstart your creativity and get the ideas flowing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, these prompts can help inspire your next piece. Here, we’ve broken down 25 prompts into five categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dialogue, and story starters.

Fiction Writing Prompts

Fiction allows writers to flex their imaginative muscles. The following prompts can help to stir up new ideas for a unique storyline:

• Write a story where the main character finds an old, mysterious letter in the attic.
• Imagine a world where animals can talk.
• Create a tale where a character discovers they have a superpower.
• Write about a character who wakes up in a different era.
• Write a story set in a world where money doesn’t exist.

Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

Non-fiction writing can help you explore real-life experiences and lessons. Here are some prompts to get you started:

• Write about a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it.
• Describe the most influential person in your life.
• Share a moment when you learned a valuable lesson.
• Write about an unforgettable trip.
• Discuss a current event that has impacted you personally.

Poetry Writing Prompts

Poetry allows for artistic expression through words. These prompts can inspire new verses:

• Write a poem about a dream you can’t forget.
• Create a sonnet about the changing seasons.
• Write about an emotion without naming it directly.
• Craft a poem inspired by a piece of art.
• Pen a haiku about nature’s power.

Dialogue Writing Prompts

Dialogue writing can help you improve your dialogue creation skills. Try these prompts:

• Write a conversation between two people stuck in an elevator.
• Describe a heated argument between a character and their best friend.
• Create a dialogue where a character reveals a deep secret.
• Write an exchange between a detective and a suspect.
• Craft a conversation between two people who speak different languages.

Story Starter Writing Prompts

Story starters are great for sparking an idea for a story. Here are some to try:

• “When she opened the door, she couldn’t believe her eyes…”
• “He’d waited his whole life for this moment, and now…”
• “It was a town like no other, because…”
• “She was the last person on earth, or so she thought…”
• “The letter arrived, marked with a seal she didn’t recognize…”

These creative writing prompts are designed to challenge you and spark your creativity. Remember, the goal is not to create a perfect piece of writing but to ignite your imagination and hone your writing skills. Also, don’t forget, you can always revise and refine your work later .

For more on the art of writing, check out our article on what is creative writing .

Making the Most of Your Creative Writing Prompts

Now that you have a list of creative writing prompts at your disposal, it’s important to understand how to utilize them effectively. The value of a prompt lies not just in the initial idea it provides, but also in how it can be expanded and developed into a full-blown piece of writing.

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts Effectively

Using creative writing prompts effectively requires an open mind and a willingness to explore. Here are some strategies to make the most of your prompts:

• Brainstorming: Allow yourself to brainstorm ideas after reading the prompt. Jot down whatever comes to mind without self-judgment or censorship.
• Freedom: Give yourself the freedom to interpret the prompt in your own way. Remember, prompts are starting points, not rigid guidelines.
• Experimentation: Experiment with different genres, perspectives, and writing styles. A prompt can be turned into a poem, a short story, or even a script for a play.
• Consistency: Try to write regularly. Whether you choose to do this daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, consistency can help develop your writing skills.
• Reflection: Finally, reflect on the prompt and your writing. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and also what you would like to improve in your next piece.

In addition to this, check out our article on what is creative writing .

Tips to Expand on a Prompt

Expanding on a prompt involves transforming a simple idea into a fully developed narrative. Here are a few tips:

• Character Development: Flesh out your characters. Give them backgrounds, motivations, and flaws to make them more relatable and interesting.
• Plot Building: Develop a coherent plot. Consider the key events, conflicts, and resolutions that will drive your story forward.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Show the reader what’s happening through vivid descriptions and actions rather than simply telling them.
• Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal character traits and advance the plot. Make sure it’s natural and adds value to your story.
• Editing: Finally review and revise your work. Look for areas where you can improve clarity, tighten your prose, and also eliminate any inconsistencies or errors.

Editor’s Note : Don’t get rid of old ideas or unfinished works – you never know when looking back over these might spark inspiration or two ideas might mesh to form something cohesive and new!

The Right Prompts Grow Your Skills

By using these strategies, you can take full advantage of creative writing prompts and improve your writing skills. So, whether you’re pursuing a career in creative writing or just looking for a new hobby, these tips can help you unlock your full creative potential.

For more insights on creative writing, check out our articles on creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree and how to teach creative writing .

Also, don’t miss our master list of more than 250 journal prompts .

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

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2,500 Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Creativity

Grab your pen, stretch those fingers, and get ready to unleash your creativity.

We’ve assembled a collection of writing prompts that range from wild adventures to deep reflections. Whether you’re writing for fun, working on your next masterpiece, or just looking for a quick creative boost, these prompts will give you the inspiration you need.

Writing Prompts for Adults

Table of Contents

Sometimes, grown-ups need a little nudge to get the words flowing. These prompts are perfect for adult writers looking to explore deeper themes or simply enjoy the act of writing.

• Write about a secret you’ve kept for years.
• Imagine you meet your childhood self—what advice do you give?
• Describe the last time you felt completely at peace.
• Write about a time you questioned your beliefs.
• Explore the concept of home—what does it mean to you?
• Write a letter to someone who has wronged you.
• Imagine a world where lying is impossible. How would society change?
• Describe your perfect day from start to finish.
• Write about a moment that changed your life forever.
• What would you do if you knew you only had a year to live?
• Talk about a time when you had to make a tough call.
• Imagine you’re a detective. What’s the most bizarre case you’ve solved?
• Write about the relationship that has taught you the most.
• What does success mean to you? Has that definition changed over time?
• Imagine you wake up one day with a superpower—what is it, and how do you use it?
• Describe a place you’ve never been but feel drawn to.
• Write about a time you were completely honest, even though it was difficult.
• Explore the concept of fate—do you believe in it?
• Imagine you could relive one day of your life—what would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you felt completely out of control.
• What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Why?
• Pen a note to your future self, five years down the road.
• Reflect on someone who has had a major impact on your personal journey.
• Imagine you could speak to your ancestors—what would you ask them?
• Write about a time you had to confront a fear.
• What would you do if you found out you had a twin you never knew about?
• Describe the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen.
• Write about a time when you felt truly alone.
• Imagine you’re given the chance to start your life over—what would you do differently?
• Describe a moment when you felt a strong connection to someone or something.
• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life so far?
• Imagine a world where money doesn’t exist—how would you live?
• Write about a time when you felt completely free.
• What’s something you wish you could change about yourself?
• Share a moment when you had to part ways with someone or something meaningful.
• Imagine you’re given a second chance at something—what is it, and how do you approach it differently?
• Write about a time when you felt misunderstood.
• What’s something you wish more people got about who you are?
• Imagine you’re in a room with your biggest fear—how do you react?
• Write about a time when you had to be brave.
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
• Describe a time when you felt truly content.
• Imagine you’re the last person on Earth—what do you do?
• Write about a time when you had to let go of something or someone.
• What’s something you’ve learned to accept about yourself?
• Imagine you’re on a road trip—where are you going, and who are you with?
• Write about a time when you had to make a sacrifice.
• What’s a topic or hobby you’ve always been interested in but haven’t pursued?
• Describe a time when you felt like you belonged.
• Imagine you’re given the chance to meet anyone from history—who do you choose, and why?

Cool Writing Prompts

These prompts are for those who want to write something with a bit of edge. They’re designed to inspire cool, creative, and out-of-the-box thinking.

• Write about a world where everyone has a unique superpower, but only one person can have it at a time.
• Imagine you discover a new color—how do you describe it, and what does it symbolize?
• Write about a heist gone wrong in the most unexpected way.
• Describe a society where everyone communicates through music.
• Imagine you’re a ghost haunting a modern-day city—what’s your unfinished business?
• Write about a futuristic city built on the clouds.
• Describe a fashion trend that becomes dangerously popular.
• Imagine you find a notebook that predicts the future—what do you do with it?
• Write about a world where emotions are sold as commodities.
• Describe a scenario where technology allows people to swap bodies.
• Imagine you’re an inventor in the year 2100—what’s your most groundbreaking invention?
• Write about a secret society with a surprising mission.
• Describe a reality show with a twist that no one saw coming.
• Imagine you’re a hacker who uncovers the biggest secret in the world.
• Write about a world where people can travel into their dreams.
• Describe a superhero who doesn’t want to save the world.
• Imagine you’re a time traveler stuck in a loop—how do you break free?
• Write about a world where animals can talk, but only to a chosen few.
• Describe a conspiracy theory that turns out to be true.
• Imagine you’re a detective who solves crimes using virtual reality.
• Write about a world where everyone has a digital twin.
• Describe a futuristic sport that becomes the most popular event on the planet.
• Imagine you’re an astronaut who discovers something unbelievable on Mars.
• Write about a musician who can literally change the world with their songs.
• Describe a world where dreams are a form of currency.
• Imagine you’re a spy with the ability to change your appearance at will.
• Write about a society where art is forbidden, but a group of rebels keeps it alive.
• Describe a world where books are banned, and only oral storytelling remains.
• Imagine you’re a scientist who discovers a parallel universe—what’s it like?
• Write about a world where memories can be bought and sold.
• Describe a city where every building has a mind of its own.
• Imagine you’re a writer whose stories come to life.
• Write about a world where people are born with the knowledge of their death date.
• Describe a mysterious island that appears on no maps.
• Imagine you’re a pilot flying the first spaceship to another galaxy.
• Write about a world where everyone’s life is a reality show without their knowledge.
• Describe a technology that allows people to live in a virtual paradise.
• Imagine you’re a journalist uncovering the story of the century in a dystopian world.
• Write about a city where the weather is controlled by a secret organization.
• Describe a society where everyone wears masks, and no one knows why.
• Imagine you’re an artist who can paint the future.
• Write about a world where robots have emotions and demand equal rights.
• Describe a world where humans and aliens coexist peacefully—until a shocking event changes everything.
• Imagine you’re a bounty hunter tracking down the most dangerous criminal in the galaxy.
• Write about a world where people can live forever, but at a cost.
• Describe a society where everyone’s life is controlled by a single corporation.
• Imagine you’re a scientist who discovers a way to bring extinct species back to life.
• Write about a world where people can communicate with the dead.
• Describe a mysterious artifact that holds the key to humanity’s future.
• Imagine you’re a detective solving crimes in a world where everyone has a unique ability.

Opinion Writing Prompts

Opinions can be powerful, and these prompts are designed to get you thinking critically and expressing your unique point of view on a variety of topics.

• Should schools prioritize creativity over standardized testing? Why or why not?
• Is social media doing more harm than good? Defend your position.
• Should governments regulate the use of artificial intelligence? Explain your reasoning.
• What’s more important: privacy or security? Why?
• Do celebrities have a responsibility to be role models? Share your thoughts.
• Should college education be free for everyone? Argue your stance.
• Is climate change the most pressing issue of our time? Why or why not?
• Should people be allowed to own exotic pets? Discuss the pros and cons.
• Is the current education system outdated? Explain your view.
• Should art be separated from the artist’s personal life? Why or why not?
• Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research? Defend your opinion.
• Should voting be mandatory? Argue your position.
• Is online dating changing relationships for better or worse? Explain.
• Should there be limits on free speech? Why or why not?
• Is the death penalty an effective deterrent? Share your thoughts.
• Should athletes be paid as much as they are? Defend your stance.
• Is technology making us more or less connected? Why?
• Should the government control the media? Argue your point.
• Is space exploration worth the investment? Explain your reasoning.
• Should people be allowed to genetically modify their children? Discuss the ethics.
• Is capitalism the best economic system? Why or why not?
• Should the voting age be lowered? Defend your position.
• Is it better to live in a small town or a big city? Explain your choice.
• Should the use of plastic be banned? Argue your point of view.
• Is it better to be honest or kind? Discuss the balance between the two.
• Should the government provide universal basic income? Defend your opinion.
• Is censorship ever justified? Explain your reasoning.
• Should the rich be taxed more heavily? Share your thoughts.
• Is digital privacy a basic human right? Argue your stance.
• Should schools teach financial literacy? Explain why or why not.
• Is war ever justified? Discuss your perspective.
• Should healthcare be considered a human right? Defend your position.
• Is the pursuit of happiness a realistic goal? Explain your view.
• Should public transportation be free? Argue your stance.
• Is it better to be feared or loved as a leader? Discuss your thoughts.
• Should people have the right to die with dignity? Explain your reasoning.
• Is nationalism a positive or negative force? Share your opinion.
• Should parents be held accountable for their children’s actions? Defend your position.
• Is the internet making us smarter or dumber? Explain your perspective.
• Should the government intervene in the economy? Argue your point of view.
• Is art a necessary part of society? Defend your stance.
• Should the use of drones in warfare be banned? Share your opinion.
• Is the American Dream still achievable? Discuss your thoughts.
• Should companies be responsible for their employees’ mental health? Argue your stance.
• Is it better to be an optimist or a realist? Explain your reasoning.
• Should social media platforms be responsible for the content they host? Defend your position.
• Is fame worth the price? Share your thoughts.
• Should there be a universal language? Argue your point of view.
• Is it better to follow your passion or pursue a stable career? Explain your choice.
• Should history be rewritten to reflect modern values? Discuss your perspective.

Writing Prompts for College

College is a time of exploration, both academically and personally. These prompts are designed to challenge college students to think critically, creatively, and reflectively.

• Write about a time when you challenged your own beliefs. What happened?
• Describe your ideal career and how you plan to achieve it.
• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in college so far?
• Imagine you could go back in time and give your freshman self one piece of advice—what would it be?
• Write about a moment in your life when you felt like you were on the right path.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision—how did you handle it?
• What does success look like to you? Has that definition changed over time?
• Imagine you’re giving a TED Talk—what’s your topic, and why?
• Write about a time when you failed at something—what did you learn from it?
• Describe your biggest academic challenge and how you overcame it.
• What’s one thing you wish more people understood about you?
• Imagine you’re a professor for a day—what’s your lecture about?
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for something you believed in.
• Describe a situation where you had to step outside your comfort zone.
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in college? How has it impacted you?
• Imagine you could redesign your college experience—what would you change?
• Write about a time when you had to balance multiple responsibilities—how did you manage?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly inspired—what sparked that inspiration?
• What’s something you’ve learned outside of the classroom that has had a significant impact on you?
• Imagine you could spend a semester studying anything, anywhere—what would you choose, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to overcome a significant obstacle—what did you learn?
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself—what led to that feeling?
• What’s something you wish you had done differently in college? Why?
• Imagine you’re writing a letter to your future self—what do you say?
• Write about a time when you had to collaborate with others—how did you handle it?
• Describe your biggest personal growth during college—what caused it?
• What’s one thing you hope to accomplish before you graduate? How will you do it?
• Imagine you’re starting your own college—what’s the focus, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to deal with failure—how did it shape you?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly understood—who was involved, and what happened?
• What’s the most challenging course you’ve taken in college? How did you get through it?
• Imagine you could change one thing about the world—what would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to make a tough decision—how did it affect you?
• Describe a situation where you had to be a leader—how did you approach it?
• What’s one thing you’ve learned in college that has changed your perspective?
• Imagine you’re writing a commencement speech—what’s your message to the graduates?
• Write about a time when you felt lost—how did you find your way back?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly grateful—what were the circumstances?
• What’s something you wish you had known before starting college? Why?
• Imagine you could meet any historical figure—who would it be, and what would you discuss?
• Write about a time when you had to adapt to a new situation—how did you manage?
• Describe a moment when you felt like giving up—what kept you going?
• What’s the most important skill you’ve developed in college? How do you plan to use it?
• Imagine you’re writing a memoir—what’s the title, and what’s the central theme?
• Write about a time when you had to confront a difficult truth—how did you handle it?
• Describe your biggest accomplishment in college so far—how did it come about?
• What’s something you’re passionate about, and how do you incorporate it into your life?
• Imagine you could study abroad—where would you go, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to navigate a complex situation—how did you approach it?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly content—what contributed to that feeling?

Writing Prompts for High School

High school is a time of growth, discovery, and learning who you are.

These prompts are designed to help high school students explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in creative ways.

• Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice between two friends.
• Describe a moment when you felt truly proud of yourself—what led up to that?
• Imagine you’re given the chance to live in any time period—when do you choose, and why?
• Write about a time when you were surprised by someone’s kindness.
• Describe a situation where you had to stand up for something you believed in.
• What’s one thing you’ve learned in high school that you think will stick with you for life?
• Imagine you’re writing a letter to your future self—what advice would you give?
• Write about a time when you felt out of place—how did you handle it?
• Describe your biggest challenge in high school so far—how did you overcome it?
• What’s something you wish adults understood about being a teenager today?
• Imagine you could swap lives with anyone for a day—who do you choose, and why?
• Write about a moment when you realized you had changed in some way.
• Describe a time when you were really scared—what happened?
• What’s something you’ve learned about yourself in high school that surprised you?
• Imagine you’re creating your own high school—what would you do differently?
• Write about a time when you had to work with a group to achieve something—how did it go?
• Describe a person who has had a significant impact on your life—how have they influenced you?
• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from a mistake?
• Imagine you could travel anywhere in the world—where would you go, and why?
• Write about a time when you felt like an outsider—how did you deal with it?
• Describe your dream job—what makes it appealing to you?
• What’s one thing you wish you could change about your high school experience?
• Imagine you could talk to your past self—what would you say?
• Write about a time when you felt like you didn’t belong—how did you cope?
• Describe your favorite high school memory—why is it so special to you?
• What’s something you’re really passionate about—how do you pursue it?
• Imagine you’re in charge of planning the perfect day—what do you do?
• Write about a time when you had to overcome a fear—how did you do it?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly happy—what was happening around you?
• What’s something you’ve learned in high school that you think is valuable?
• Imagine you’re writing a letter to a teacher who has made a difference in your life—what do you say?
• Write about a time when you felt really disappointed—how did you handle it?
• Describe your ideal high school—what would it be like?
• What’s something you’re looking forward to after high school? Why?
• Imagine you could create your own subject to study in school—what would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to deal with peer pressure—how did you respond?
• Describe a moment when you felt really proud of something you accomplished.
• What’s something you wish you had done differently in high school?
• Imagine you’re giving a speech at your high school graduation—what’s your message to your classmates?
• Write about a time when you had to apologize to someone—what happened?
• Describe your favorite place to go when you need to think—what makes it special?
• What’s something you’re really excited about for the future?
• Imagine you could have any job for a day—what would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you learned something important outside of school.
• Describe a moment when you felt really grateful—what were the circumstances?
• What’s something you’ve struggled with in high school, and how have you dealt with it?
• Imagine you could live anywhere in the world—where would you choose, and why?
• Write about a time when you felt really nervous—how did you overcome it?
• Describe your biggest achievement in high school so far—what did it take to get there?
• What’s something you wish you could go back and tell your younger self?

Writing Prompts for Middle School

Middle school is full of new experiences and changes. These prompts are designed to help middle school students explore their thoughts and ideas while developing their writing skills.

• Write about a time when you made a new friend—how did it happen?
• Describe your favorite hobby—why do you enjoy it so much?
• Imagine you could have any pet in the world—what would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you felt really proud of something you did.
• Describe a moment when you felt really scared—what happened?
• What’s your favorite memory from elementary school? Why is it so special?
• Imagine you could go anywhere on vacation—where would you go, and what would you do?
• Write about a time when you helped someone—how did it make you feel?
• Describe your favorite book or movie—what do you like about it?
• What’s something you’ve learned in middle school that surprised you?
• Imagine you could be a superhero—what would your powers be, and how would you use them?
• Write about a time when you felt really excited—what was happening?
• Describe a person you admire—what makes them special to you?
• What’s something you’re really good at—how did you get so good at it?
• Imagine you could create your own video game—what would it be like?
• Write about a time when you had to do something difficult—how did you handle it?
• Describe your favorite subject in school—why do you like it?
• What’s something you wish you could learn more about? Why?
• Imagine you could live in any time period—when would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you felt really disappointed—what happened?
• What’s something you’ve done that you’re really proud of?
• Imagine you could switch places with anyone for a day—who would it be, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to work with a team—how did it go?
• Describe your favorite place to go when you need some time alone—what makes it special?
• What’s something you’re looking forward to in the future? Why?
• Imagine you could have any talent or skill—what would it be, and how would you use it?
• Write about a time when you felt really happy—what was happening around you?
• Describe a moment when you had to solve a problem—what did you do?
• What’s something you’ve learned in middle school that has changed the way you think?
• Imagine you could invent something—what would it be, and how would it work?
• Write about a time when you had to make a tough decision—how did you make your choice?
• Describe a person who has made a big difference in your life—what did they do?
• What’s something you wish you could change about the world? Why?
• Imagine you could live in any book or movie—where would you go, and what would you do?
• Describe your favorite holiday—what makes it so special to you?
• What’s something you’re really passionate about? How do you pursue it?
• Imagine you could have three wishes—what would you wish for, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to overcome a fear—what did you do?
• Describe your favorite way to spend a weekend—what do you enjoy about it?
• What’s something you’ve learned from a mistake? How did it help you grow?
• Imagine you could be famous for a day—what would you do, and why?
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in—how did it go?
• Describe your favorite food—why do you like it so much?
• What’s something you’re really looking forward to? Why?
• Imagine you could meet anyone from history—who would it be, and what would you talk about?
• Write about a time when you felt really grateful—what were the circumstances?
• Describe your favorite activity after school—why do you enjoy it?
• What’s something you wish you could do differently? How would you change it?

Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Third graders are full of imagination and curiosity.

These prompts are designed to help them explore their creativity and develop their writing skills in a fun and engaging way.

• Imagine you could talk to animals—what would you say to your favorite animal?
• Write about a time when you felt really happy—what made you so happy?
• If you could possess any superpower, what would it be and what makes you want it?
• Describe your favorite game to play with friends—what makes it so much fun?
• Imagine you could live in a treehouse—what would it look like?
• Write a story about a day when everything went wrong—how did you fix it?
• What’s your favorite thing to do at recess? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you found a magic lamp—what are your three wishes?
• Write about your favorite holiday—what do you like most about it?
• Describe your favorite animal—what makes it special to you?
• If you had the chance to go anywhere, where would it be and why?
• Write a story about a talking pet—what adventures do you have together?
• What’s your favorite book or movie? Why do you like it?
• Imagine you could fly—where would you go and what would you see?
• Describe your favorite food—what do you like about it?
• Imagine you could be any character from a book—who would you be and why?
• Write a story about finding a secret treasure—what do you do with it?
• What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could invent something—what would it be and how would it work?
• Write about a time when you were really excited—what was happening?
• Describe your dream house—what makes it special?
• Imagine you could create your own holiday—what would it be like?
• Write a story about a day at the beach—what fun things do you do?
• What’s your favorite subject in school? Why do you like it?
• Imagine you could be invisible for a day—what would you do?
• Write about a time when you were really proud of yourself—what did you do?
• Describe your favorite toy—why do you like it so much?
• Imagine you could meet a famous person—who would it be and what would you ask them?
• Write a story about an adventure in space—what do you discover?
• What’s your favorite thing to do with your family? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could be a superhero—what would your powers be?
• Write about a time when you were really brave—what happened?
• Describe your favorite season—what do you like most about it?
• Imagine you found a door to a magical world—what do you find on the other side?
• Write a story about a birthday party—what fun things do you do?
• What’s your favorite animal to see at the zoo? Why do you like it?
• Imagine you could create a new ice cream flavor—what would it be?
• Write about a time when you learned something new—what was it?
• Describe your favorite place to visit—what makes it special to you?
• Imagine you could be a famous athlete—what sport would you play?
• Write a story about a day when your toys came to life—what do they do?
• What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could live underwater—what would your life be like?
• Write about a time when you did something kind for someone—what happened?
• Describe your favorite thing to draw or paint—why do you like it?
• Imagine you could be the teacher for a day—what would you teach?
• Write a story about a mystery you have to solve—how do you figure it out?
• What’s your favorite thing about school? Why do you like it?

Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

Fourth graders are beginning to develop more complex thoughts and ideas.

These prompts are designed to encourage them to explore their creativity and express their growing understanding of the world.

• Imagine you could travel back in time—where would you go and what would you do?
• Write about a time when you felt really proud of something you accomplished.
• If you could create your own video game, what would it be like?
• Describe your favorite place in nature—what makes it special to you?
• Write a story about a day when you became a superhero—what powers do you have?
• What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could meet any historical figure—who would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you had to work really hard to achieve something.
• Describe your favorite book—what do you like most about it?
• Imagine you could invent something to help people—what would it be and how would it work?
• Write a story about finding a hidden world—what do you discover there?
• Imagine you could be an animal for a day—what animal would you choose and why?
• Write about a time when you had to make a tough decision—how did you handle it?
• Describe your dream vacation—where would you go and what would you do?
• Imagine you could be invisible for a day—what would you do with this power?
• Write a story about a mysterious object you find—what is it and what does it do?
• What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could create your own country—what would it be like?
• Write about a time when you were really excited about something—what happened?
• Describe your favorite holiday tradition—why is it special to you?
• Imagine you could talk to your favorite character from a book or movie—what would you say?
• Write a story about an adventure in the jungle—what challenges do you face?
• What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Why do you like it?
• Imagine you could have any job in the world—what would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you felt really scared—what happened and how did you overcome it?
• Describe your perfect day—what would you do from start to finish?
• Imagine you could visit another planet—what would it be like?
• Write a story about a treasure hunt—what do you find at the end?
• What’s your favorite thing to eat? Why do you like it so much?
• Imagine you could switch places with someone for a day—who would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you had to solve a problem—how did you do it?
• Describe your favorite hobby—why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could be a famous artist—what kind of art would you create?
• Write a story about a magical tree—what powers does it have?
• Imagine you could live in a castle—what would your life be like?
• Write about a time when you did something kind for someone—how did it make you feel?
• Describe your favorite memory from when you were younger—what makes it special?
• Imagine you could speak any language—what would you do with this ability?
• What’s your favorite season? Why do you like it?
• Imagine you could create your own superhero team—who would be on it and what would they do?
• Write about a time when you learned something new—how did it change you?
• Describe your favorite thing to do with your family—why is it special to you?
• Imagine you could visit any place in the world—where would you go and why?
• What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? Why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could live anywhere—where would you choose and what would it be like?
• Write about a time when you had to be really brave—what happened and how did you handle it?

Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

Fifth graders are ready to tackle more complex ideas and stories. These prompts are designed to inspire them to think critically and creatively, pushing their writing skills to the next level.

• Imagine you could time travel to any event in history—where would you go and what would you do?
• Write about a time when you had to help a friend through a difficult situation—how did you support them?
• Describe your dream school—what subjects would be taught and what would the classrooms be like?
• Imagine you found a mysterious map—where does it lead and what do you discover?
• Write a story about a day when you had to make an important decision—how did you choose what to do?
• What’s something new you’ve realized about yourself over the last year? How has it changed you?
• Imagine you could talk to someone from the future—what would you ask them?
• Write about a time when you had to work really hard to achieve a goal—how did you stay motivated?
• Describe your favorite place to relax—what makes it your go-to spot?
• Imagine you could design your own theme park—what rides and attractions would it have?
• Write a story about a secret club you started with your friends—what’s the club’s mission?
• What’s something you wish you could change about the world? How would you make it happen?
• Imagine you could switch lives with someone famous for a day—who would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you had to overcome a challenge—what did you learn from the experience?
• Describe your perfect birthday party—what would you do to celebrate?
• Imagine you discovered a new planet—what is it like and who lives there?
• Write a story about a magical book that brings the characters to life—what happens next?
• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in school so far? How did you learn it?
• Imagine you could invent something to make life easier—what would it be and how would it work?
• Write about a time when you had to be a leader—how did you handle the responsibility?
• Describe your favorite family tradition—why is it meaningful to you?
• Imagine you could spend a day in your favorite book—what adventures would you have?
• Write a story about a time when you discovered something unexpected—what was it and how did it change your life?
• What’s something you’ve done that you’re really proud of? Why is it important to you?
• Imagine you could live in any time period—where would you go and what would your life be like?
• Write about a time when you made a new friend—how did you connect with them?
• Describe your favorite outdoor activity—what do you enjoy most about it?
• Imagine you could be an expert in any subject—what would it be and why?
• Write a story about a day when you found a hidden door—where does it lead and what do you find?
• What’s something you’re really looking forward to in the next year? Why?
• Imagine you could talk to animals—what conversations would you have with your favorite animal?
• Write about a time when you had to solve a mystery—how did you figure it out?
• Describe your favorite way to spend time with your friends—why do you enjoy it?
• Imagine you could be a character in your favorite movie—who would you be and what would you do?
• Write a story about a day when you invented something amazing—what happens when people start using it?
• What’s something you’ve learned from your family? How has it shaped who you are?
• Write about a time when you had to make a sacrifice—what did you give up and why?
• Describe your ideal weekend—what would you do and who would you spend it with?
• Imagine you could be a detective for a day—what case would you solve and how would you do it?
• Write a story about a time when you found a lost treasure—what was it and what did you do with it?
• What’s something you wish you could learn more about? How would you go about learning it?
• Imagine you could be a superhero—what would your powers be and how would you use them to help others?
• Write about a time when you faced a fear—how did you overcome it?
• Describe your favorite memory with your best friend—why is it so special to you?
• Imagine you could create a new holiday—what would it celebrate and how would people observe it?
• Write a story about a time when you had to be brave—what was the situation and how did you handle it?
• What’s something you’ve achieved that you never thought you could? How did you do it?
• Imagine you could speak any language fluently—what would you do with this ability?
• Write about a time when you helped someone in need—how did it make you feel?

Writing Prompts for Work

Work can be challenging, but it’s also full of opportunities for growth and creativity.

These prompts are designed to help you think about your work life in new and interesting ways.

• Write about a time when you had to handle a difficult project at work—how did you manage it?
• Imagine you could design your dream job—what would it involve and why?
• What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a colleague? How did it change your approach to work?
• Write a story about a day when everything went wrong at work—how did you fix the situation?
• Describe your ideal workspace—what does it look like and how does it make you feel?
• Imagine you could start your own business—what would it be and how would you run it?
• Write about a time when you had to collaborate with a difficult team member—how did you handle it?
• What’s something you’ve achieved at work that you’re really proud of? Why is it meaningful to you?
• Imagine you could change one thing about your current job—what would it be and how would it improve your work life?
• Write about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly—how did you approach the challenge?
• Describe a time when you felt truly satisfied with your work—what contributed to that feeling?
• Write a story about a day when you solved a big problem at work—what was the problem and how did you solve it?
• What’s the most important skill you’ve developed in your career? How did you master it?
• Imagine you could take a year off work—what would you do and how would it benefit your career?
• Write about a time when you had to give a presentation—how did you prepare and how did it go?
• Describe a moment when you received recognition for your work—what did it mean to you?
• Imagine you could mentor someone in your field—what advice would you give them?
• Write about a time when you had to deal with a challenging client or customer—how did you handle the situation?
• What’s something you’ve learned from a mistake at work? How has it improved the way you work?
• Imagine you could work anywhere in the world—where would you choose and why?
• Write about a time when you had to lead a team—how did you ensure everyone was working well together?
• Describe your favorite project that you’ve worked on—why was it so rewarding?
• Imagine you could change careers completely—what would you do and why?
• Write about a time when you had to manage your time effectively—what strategies did you use?
• What’s something you wish more people understood about your job? Why is it important?
• Imagine you could create a new product or service—what would it be and how would it help people?
• Write about a time when you had to make a tough decision at work—how did you come to your conclusion?
• Describe a work environment where you feel most productive—what makes it conducive to good work?
• Imagine you could eliminate one task from your job—what would it be and how would it affect your workday?
• Write about a time when you had to overcome a setback at work—how did you bounce back?
• What’s the most impactful career advice you’ve been given? How has it impacted your professional life?
• Imagine you’re the CEO of a company for a day—what changes would you make?
• Write about a time when you had to navigate office politics—how did you manage it?
• Describe a moment when you felt really inspired at work—what sparked that inspiration?
• Imagine you could create your ideal work-life balance—what would it look like?
• Write about a time when you had to negotiate something at work—how did you approach it and what was the outcome?
• What’s something you’ve done to improve your work skills? How has it benefited your career?
• Imagine you could work with any team or company in the world—who would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you had to manage stress at work—what strategies did you use to stay calm and focused?
• Describe your dream project—what would you create and how would you go about it?
• Imagine you could redesign the way your company operates—what changes would you make deadline—how did you manage your time and stay focused?
• What’s something you’ve done to build better relationships with your colleagues? How has it improved your work environment?
• Imagine you could introduce a new policy at your workplace—what would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you had to take on a leadership role unexpectedly—how did you handle the responsibility?
• Describe a moment when you felt truly challenged at work—what did you do to overcome it?
• Imagine you could automate one aspect of your job—what would it be and how would it change your workday?
• Write about a time when you had to give constructive feedback—how did you ensure it was well-received?
• What’s something you’ve done at work that you believe made a difference? How did it impact your team or company?
• A person is tasked with managing a high-stakes project that could make or break their career—how do they handle the mounting pressure and navigate the complex dynamics of their team to achieve success?

Holiday Writing Prompts

The holidays are a time of joy, reflection, and sometimes stress.

These prompts are designed to help you capture the spirit of the season in your writing, whether it’s a heartwarming story or a reflective piece.

• Write about your favorite holiday tradition—why is it so meaningful to you?
• Describe a memorable holiday experience—what made it stand out?
• Write a story about a holiday that doesn’t go as planned—how do the characters make the best of it?
• What’s your favorite holiday food? Write about the memories associated with it.
• Imagine you could spend the holidays in any place in the world—where would you go and why?
• Write about a time when you gave or received a meaningful gift—what made it special?
• Describe your perfect holiday season—what activities and traditions would you include?
• Imagine you could invite any three people, living or dead, to your holiday dinner—who would they be and why?
• Write a story about a holiday miracle—what happens and how does it change the characters’ lives?
• What’s the most unusual holiday you’ve ever celebrated? Write about the experience.
• Imagine you’re a character in a holiday movie—what’s your role and how does the story unfold?
• Write about a time when you spent the holidays away from home—how did you make it special?
• Describe a holiday celebration from a different culture—what traditions and customs are observed?
• Imagine you could go back in time to any holiday in your life—what year would you choose and why?
• Write a story about a holiday romance—how do the characters meet and what challenges do they face?
• What’s your favorite holiday memory from childhood? Write about it in detail.
• Imagine you’re responsible for organizing a big holiday event—what would you plan and how would it go?
• Write about a time when the holidays were difficult for you—how did you cope?
• Describe the sights, sounds, and smells of your favorite holiday—how do they make you feel?
• Imagine you could experience the holidays through the eyes of a child—what would you notice?
• Write a story about a character who dreads the holidays—what changes their perspective?
• What’s the most memorable holiday gift you’ve ever received? Write about the story behind it.
• Imagine you’re writing a letter to Santa as an adult—what would you ask for and why?
• Write about a time when you had to create new holiday traditions—what did you do and how did it turn out?
• Describe the perfect winter day—what activities do you do and who do you spend it with?
• Imagine you could relive a past holiday—what would you do differently?
• Write a story about a holiday surprise—what happens and how do the characters react?
• What’s the most challenging part of the holiday season for you? Write about how you manage it.
• Imagine you’re a holiday character (like an elf or reindeer)—what’s your role and what adventures do you have?
• Write about a time when you had to travel during the holidays—what was the journey like?
• Describe the perfect holiday meal—what’s on the menu and who’s at the table?
• Imagine you’re decorating for the holidays—what theme or style do you choose and why?
• Write a story about a character who gets an unexpected visitor during the holidays—how does it change their plans?
• What’s your favorite holiday movie or book? Write about why it resonates with you.
• Imagine you could give one gift to the world—what would it be and how would it impact people?
• Write about a holiday tradition you’d like to start—what is it and why is it important to you?
• Describe the feeling of waking up on a holiday morning—what emotions do you experience?
• Imagine you’re hosting a holiday party—who do you invite and what happens at the party?
• Write a story about a holiday adventure—what challenges do the characters face and how do they overcome them?
• What’s the best holiday advice you’ve ever received? Write about how it’s helped you.
• Imagine you could celebrate the holidays in a different time period—when and where would you choose?
• Write about a holiday memory that always makes you smile—what happened and why is it special?
• Describe your ideal holiday gift—what makes it perfect for you?
• Imagine you’re spending the holidays in a remote location—how do you make it festive?
• Write a story about a character who’s trying to recreate a holiday from their past—what challenges do they face?
• What’s your favorite holiday decoration? Write about the memories associated with it.
• Imagine you could create a holiday playlist—what songs would be on it and why?
• Write about a time when the holidays didn’t turn out as expected—how did you make the best of it?
• Describe the perfect holiday evening—what do you do, who are you with, and how does it end?

Bizarre Writing Prompts

Sometimes, the strangest ideas lead to the most creative stories.

These bizarre prompts are designed to stretch your imagination and take your writing to unexpected places.

• Write about a world where gravity suddenly reverses every 24 hours.
• Imagine you wake up one day with the ability to speak in animal languages—what conversations do you have?
• Write a story where all the clocks in the world stop at the same time—what happens next?
• Imagine a town where people spontaneously switch bodies with each other every full moon.
• Write about a day when everyone in the world forgets their name.
• Imagine you’re a detective solving a crime in a town where everyone is invisible.
• Write a story where your reflection in the mirror starts talking back to you.
• Imagine you live in a world where people can only tell the truth on Wednesdays.
• Write about a time when you found a door that leads to a different dimension.
• Imagine a world where every time you sneeze, you teleport to a random location.
• Write a story where all the plants in your garden start growing at an alarming rate overnight.
• Imagine you discover that your shadow has a mind of its own.
• Write about a town where the weather changes based on people’s moods.
• Imagine you’re the last person on Earth, but you start receiving mysterious messages.
• Write a story where every animal you see is actually a shape-shifting human.
• Imagine you find a book that predicts everything you’ll do in the next 24 hours.
• Write about a world where people can only communicate through drawings.
• Imagine you wake up one morning and everything you touch turns to gold—but there’s a catch.
• Write a story where everyone around you starts speaking in riddles.
• Imagine you find a pair of glasses that let you see people’s deepest secrets.
• Write about a city where all the buildings are made of jelly.
• Imagine you discover a portal in your closet that leads to a parallel universe.
• Write a story where everyone’s pets suddenly gain the ability to talk—but they have a lot to say.
• Imagine you live in a world where everyone must sing their thoughts out loud.
• Write about a day when all the colors in the world disappear.
• Imagine you find a notebook that, when you write in it, makes the events happen in real life.
• Write a story where gravity only works in certain parts of your house.
• Imagine you’re in a world where people age backwards—how does life work?
• Write about a time when you woke up to find that the sun had turned green.
• Imagine you’re a superhero with the most unusual power—what is it and how do you use it?
• Write a story where everyone in your town has a twin, but they’re all hiding a big secret.
• Imagine you discover that the stars in the sky are actually the souls of past civilizations.
• Write about a day when all technology suddenly stops working—how do people react?
• Imagine you find out that every door in your house leads to a different place each time you open it.
• Write a story where everyone can fly, but only for five minutes at a time.
• Imagine you’re in a world where people can only eat one specific food item—what is it and why?
• Write about a town where no one is allowed to laugh, but you just can’t stop giggling.
• Imagine you wake up one day and everyone you know has been replaced by exact lookalikes.
• Write a story where people’s emotions control the weather—what happens on a particularly bad day?
• Imagine you’re in a world where everyone has a secret superpower, but no one knows their own power.
• Write about a time when you discovered a hidden room in your house that defies the laws of physics.
• Imagine you live in a city where time doesn’t pass unless someone is watching the clock.
• Write a story where everyone you meet is a character from a different fairy tale.
• Imagine you’re the only person in the world who can see invisible creatures that are everywhere.
• Write about a day when gravity disappears and everything starts floating away.
• Imagine you find a mirror that shows you a different version of yourself every time you look into it.
• Write a story where every word you speak appears in the air in front of you.
• Imagine you wake up one day to find that you’ve been turned into a cartoon character.
• Write about a world where people are born with a set of wings, but they only appear on their 18th birthday.
• Imagine you live in a world where people must trade their memories in exchange for knowledge.

Nature Writing Prompts

Nature is a source of endless inspiration.

These prompts are designed to help you explore the beauty, power, and mysteries of the natural world in your writing.

• Write about a time when you got lost in the wilderness—how did you find your way back?
• Imagine you could communicate with trees—what would they tell you about the world?
• Write a story about a river that flows backwards and the secrets it holds.
• Describe the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen—what made it so unforgettable?
• Imagine you’re an animal living in the forest—what challenges do you face each day?
• Write about a time when you were caught in a powerful storm—how did it make you feel?
• Imagine you discover a hidden waterfall in the middle of a dense forest—what do you find there?
• Write a story where the ocean suddenly starts rising and what people do to survive.
• Describe the experience of walking through a field of flowers in full bloom—what do you see, smell, and feel?
• Imagine you could live in any natural environment—where would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you witnessed a natural disaster—how did it impact you?
• Imagine you discover a new species of plant—what does it look like and what are its properties?
• Write a story where the animals of the forest must band together to save their home.
• Describe a night spent under the stars—what thoughts come to your mind as you gaze at the sky?
• Imagine you’re a bird migrating thousands of miles—what do you see and experience on your journey?
• Write about a day when the sun didn’t rise—how does the world react?
• Imagine you find a hidden cave deep in the mountains—what mysteries does it hold?
• Write a story where the seasons start changing unpredictably—how does it affect life on Earth?
• Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on a sandy beach—what sensations do you experience?
• Imagine you’re a tree watching over the same spot for hundreds of years—what changes do you witness?
• Write about a time when you felt a deep connection to nature—what brought it on and how did it affect you?
• Imagine you could control the weather for a day—what would you do and why?
• Write a story about a garden that grows only at night—what plants and creatures thrive there?
• Describe the most peaceful place in nature you’ve ever visited—what made it so serene?
• Imagine you’re an explorer discovering an uncharted island—what do you find there?
• Write about a time when you watched the first snowfall of the season—what emotions did it evoke?
• Imagine you’re a flower blooming in a desert—how do you survive and what challenges do you face?
• Write a story about a forest where the trees can move and communicate with each other.
• Describe the experience of walking through a dense fog—what can you see, hear, and feel?
• Imagine you’re a fish living in a coral reef—what dangers and beauties do you encounter each day?
• Write about a time when you climbed to the top of a mountain—what did you feel when you reached the summit?
• Imagine you could transform into any animal for a day—what would you choose and what would you do?
• Write a story where the natural world starts reclaiming abandoned cities—how does it happen and what does it look like?
• Describe the sensation of standing in a pouring rain—what thoughts go through your mind?
• Imagine you discover a hidden grove where time stands still—what secrets does it hold?
• Write about a time when you encountered a wild animal—how did it affect you?
• Imagine you could plant a tree that grows something unusual—what would it be and why?
• Write a story about a lake that grants wishes—but only to those who truly believe.
• Describe the feeling of walking through a snowy landscape—what sounds and sights do you notice?
• Imagine you’re a butterfly emerging from a cocoon—what is your first flight like?
• Write about a time when you camped in the wilderness—what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Imagine you find a natural hot spring in the middle of a cold, snowy forest—what do you do?
• Write a story where the moon suddenly disappears—how does it affect the natural world?
• Describe the experience of hiking through a rainforest—what do you see, hear, and feel?
• Imagine you could communicate with the ocean—what would it tell you about the world?
• Write about a time when you watched the sunset over the mountains—what emotions did it evoke?
• Imagine you find a treehouse high in the branches of an ancient tree—what adventures do you have there?
• Write a story about a drought that lasts for years—how do people and animals survive?
• Imagine you’re in a world where flowers bloom in patterns that tell stories—what tales do they reveal?
• Write about a time when you spent the entire day outdoors—what did you do, and how did it affect you?

Romance Writing Prompts

Love is a powerful theme that can inspire a wide range of stories.

These prompts are designed to explore the many facets of romance, from the sweet and tender to the complex and challenging.

• Write about a chance meeting that leads to an unexpected romance—how do the characters connect?
• Imagine two people who have been friends for years suddenly realize they’re in love—how do they navigate this new dynamic?
• Write a story about a love that defies the odds—what obstacles do the characters face?
• Imagine a couple that’s been together for decades—what’s their secret to staying in love?
• Write about a romance that begins with a misunderstanding—how do they eventually come together?
• Imagine two characters who meet in an unusual place—how does their romance develop?
• Write a story about a long-distance relationship—how do the characters keep their love alive?
• Imagine a love story set in a fantasy world—what challenges do the characters face in their quest for love?
• Write about a couple who fall in love at first sight—how does their relationship unfold?
• Imagine a romance that blooms in the midst of a conflict—how do the characters navigate their feelings in such a setting?
• Write a story where two people who dislike each other are forced to work together—how does their relationship evolve into love?
• Imagine a couple that communicates primarily through letters—what do their letters reveal about their love?
• Write about a character who falls in love with someone they can’t have—how do they cope with their feelings?
• Imagine a love triangle—how do the characters deal with their complicated emotions?
• Write a story about a romance that begins with a simple act of kindness—how does it grow from there?
• Imagine a couple who are reunited after many years apart—what brought them back together?
• Write about a character who falls in love with someone from a different world or culture—how do they bridge their differences?
• Imagine a romance that develops during a shared adventure—what bonds the characters together?
• Write a story where a character must choose between two loves—how do they make their decision?
• Imagine a couple that meets under extraordinary circumstances—how does their relationship progress?
• Write about a love that is kept secret—what are the reasons, and how do they navigate their hidden romance?
• Imagine two people who fall in love despite their very different personalities—how do they make it work?
• Write a story about a romance that begins with a lie—how do the characters move past the deception?
• Imagine a couple that faces a major life change—how does it affect their relationship?
• Write about a love that starts with a shared passion—how does their common interest bring them closer?
• Imagine a romance set in the future—how does technology play a role in their relationship?
• Write a story where a character must win back the love of their life—how do they go about it?
• Imagine a love story that takes place in a small town—how does the setting influence their romance?
• Write about a character who is afraid to fall in love—what happens when they meet someone who changes their mind?
• Imagine a romance that begins with a serendipitous encounter—how do they realize they’re meant to be together?
• Write a story where love is tested by time—how do the characters keep their bond strong?
• Imagine a couple that discovers a hidden secret about each other—how does it affect their relationship?
• Write about a love that blossoms in an unexpected place—how do the characters navigate their unusual situation?
• Imagine a romance that is interrupted by an unexpected event—how do the characters find their way back to each other?
• Write a story where a character falls in love with someone who doesn’t speak the same language—how do they communicate their feelings?
• Imagine a love story set in a historical time period—how do the characters navigate the social norms of their era?
• Write about a couple who are brought together by a shared loss—how do they find comfort in each other?
• Imagine a romance that starts with a bet—how do the characters realize their feelings are real?
• Write a story where a character must choose between love and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—what do they decide?
• Imagine a love story that spans across different lifetimes—how do the characters keep finding each other?
• Write about a romance that develops through a series of dreams—how do the characters connect in the waking world?
• Imagine a couple who must keep their love a secret because of a dangerous situation—how do they protect each other?
• Write a story where a character falls in love with their best friend—how do they navigate their new feelings?
• Imagine a romance that begins with a rescue—how does the situation bring the characters together?
• Write about a love that is challenged by external forces—how do the characters fight to stay together?
• Imagine a couple who reconnect after many years apart—what has changed, and how do they rekindle their love?
• Write a story where love blooms between two characters who are complete opposites—how do they complement each other?
• Imagine a romance that is sparked by a shared secret—how do the characters navigate their hidden bond?
• Write about a love that is forbidden—how do the characters cope with the challenges they face?
• Imagine a couple that finds love through a series of seemingly random events—how do they realize they were meant to be together?

History Writing Prompts

History is rich with stories waiting to be told.

These prompts are designed to help you explore different time periods, significant events, and the lives of people who shaped the world.

• Write about a day in the life of a soldier during World War I—what challenges do they face?
• Imagine you are a servant in a medieval castle—what is your daily routine and what secrets do you uncover?
• Write a story about a young woman involved in the suffragette movement—what motivates her to fight for women’s rights?
• Imagine you are a journalist covering the signing of the Declaration of Independence—what do you witness and how do you feel about it?
• Write about a family trying to survive during the Great Depression—what struggles do they encounter?
• Imagine you are an explorer during the Age of Discovery—what new lands do you find and what challenges do you face?
• Write a story about a child growing up in ancient Egypt—what is their life like and what role does religion play?
• Imagine you are a spy during the Cold War—what mission are you on and what risks do you take?
• Write about a day in the life of a Roman gladiator—what drives them to fight and how do they prepare?
• Imagine you are a passenger on the Titanic—how do you react when the ship begins to sink?
• Write a story about an artist during the Renaissance—what inspires your work and how do you navigate the political climate?
• Imagine you are a leader during the French Revolution—what decisions do you make and what impact do they have?
• Write about a slave escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad—what challenges do you face on your journey?
• Imagine you are a knight during the Crusades—what motivates you to fight and what do you encounter along the way?
• Write a story about a scientist during the Industrial Revolution—what new invention are you working on and how does it change the world?
• Imagine you are a Native American witnessing the arrival of European settlers—what do you think and how do you respond?
• Write about a family living through the Dust Bowl—how do they survive and what choices do they make?
• Imagine you are a pioneer traveling westward on the Oregon Trail—what struggles do you experience, and how do you work through them?
• Write a story about a sailor on one of Christopher Columbus’s voyages—what do you discover and how do you feel about it?
• Imagine you are a soldier during the Civil War—what battles do you fight and how do they affect you?
• Write about a child living in ancient Greece—what is your life like and how do you participate in your city’s culture?
• Imagine you are a survivor of Pompeii’s eruption—how do you escape and what do you see?
• Write a story about a woman working in a factory during World War II—what challenges do you face and how do you contribute to the war effort?
• Imagine you are a Viking setting sail for new lands—what do you encounter and how do you adapt?
• Write about a day in the life of a samurai in feudal Japan—what is your role and what do you value most?
• Imagine you are a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition—what discoveries do you make and how do they impact the group?
• Write a story about a musician in 1920s Harlem—how do you contribute to the Harlem Renaissance and what challenges do you face?
• Imagine you are a prisoner in the Tower of London during the Tudor era—why are you there and what is your fate?
• Write about a family trying to survive the Black Death in medieval Europe—how do they cope with the fear and loss?
• Imagine you are an archaeologist uncovering a lost civilization—what do you find and what does it reveal about history?
• Write a story about a monk living in a monastery during the Middle Ages—what is your daily life like and what secrets do you guard?
• Imagine you are a worker building the Great Wall of China—what is the experience like and how do you feel about the project?
• Write about a sailor navigating the treacherous waters of the Cape of Good Hope during the Age of Exploration—what challenges do you face?
• Imagine you are a witness to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln—how do you react and what happens next?
• Write a story about a child growing up in the ancient Mayan civilization—what is your life like and what do you learn from your elders?
• Imagine you are a nurse on the front lines during World War I—what challenges do you face and how do you help the soldiers?
• Write about a day in the life of a merchant in ancient Mesopotamia—what goods do you trade and how do you navigate the marketplace?
• Imagine you are a Native American leader negotiating with European settlers—what are your goals and how do you achieve them?
• Write a story about a Roman senator during the fall of the Roman Empire—how do you react to the changing political landscape?
• Imagine you are a witness to the signing of the Magna Carta—what is the atmosphere like and what do you think about the document?
• Write about a day in the life of a blacksmith in medieval Europe—what is your craft and how do you interact with your community?
• Imagine you are a witness to the construction of the pyramids in ancient Egypt—what do you see and how do you feel about the project?
• Write a story about a family living in East Berlin during the Cold War—how do they cope with the division of their city?
• Imagine you are a member of the Inca Empire witnessing the arrival of Spanish conquistadors—how do you react and what do you do?
• Write about a day in the life of a sailor on a pirate ship in the Caribbean—what adventures do you have and how do you survive?
• Imagine you are a witness to the Boston Tea Party—what do you see and how do you feel about the protest?
• Write a story about a scholar in ancient China—what knowledge do you seek and how do you contribute to your society?
• Imagine you are a soldier fighting in the trenches during World War I—what is the experience like and how do you cope?
• Write about a day in the life of a medieval peasant—what challenges do you face and how do you survive?
• Imagine you are an abolitionist helping slaves escape to freedom in the 19th century—what risks do you take and what drives you to help?

Faith-Based Writing Prompts

Faith is a powerful force that shapes lives and communities.

These prompts are designed to help you explore spiritual themes, personal beliefs, and the ways faith impacts the world.

• Write about a moment when you felt your faith was tested—how did you respond and what did you learn?
• Imagine you’re a traveler who stumbles upon a hidden temple—what do you find inside and how does it affect your beliefs?
• Write a story about a person who experiences a miracle—how does it change their life and their faith?
• Imagine you’re a pilgrim on a sacred journey—what challenges do you face and how do they strengthen your faith?
• Write about a time when you had to rely on your faith during a difficult situation—what gave you strength?
• Imagine you’re a monk living in a remote monastery—what is your daily routine and how do you find spiritual fulfillment?
• Write a story about a person who loses their faith and then finds it again—what leads to their transformation?
• Imagine you’re in a world where prayers are answered immediately—how does it change the way people live?
• Write about a community that comes together to build a place of worship—how does the process bring them closer?
• Imagine you’re a spiritual leader guiding others through a time of crisis—how do you offer comfort and hope?
• Write a story where a character discovers an ancient religious text—how does it impact their beliefs and their life?
• Imagine you’re a person of faith living in a society that opposes your beliefs—how do you stay true to your convictions?
• Write about a time when you witnessed an act of kindness inspired by faith—how did it affect you?
• Imagine you’re in a world where faith is measured in physical strength—how do people practice their beliefs?
• Write a story about a person who receives a divine message—how do they interpret it and what do they do?
• Imagine you’re a missionary in a foreign land—what challenges do you face and how do you share your faith?
• Write about a time when you felt a deep connection to something greater than yourself—how did it shape your perspective?
• Imagine you’re a person struggling with doubt—how do you find your way back to faith?
• Write a story about a community that practices a unique form of worship—how does it bring them together?
• Imagine you’re a guardian angel tasked with protecting someone—how do you guide them without revealing yourself?
• Write about a moment when you felt your prayers were answered—what impact did it have on your life?
• Imagine you’re in a world where faith can be seen as a visible light around people—how does it change interactions?
• Write a story about a person who discovers they have the ability to heal others—how does it affect their faith?
• Imagine you’re a spiritual seeker exploring different religions—what do you learn and how does it influence your beliefs?
• Write about a time when your faith helped you forgive someone—what was the situation and how did you find peace?
• Imagine you’re in a world where people’s destinies are written in the stars—how do people interpret their faith in relation to their predestined paths?
• Write a story about a person who finds a sacred artifact—how does it change their faith and the lives of those around them?
• Imagine you’re a member of a religious community living in isolation—how do you maintain your spiritual practices?
• Write about a time when your faith helped you overcome a significant obstacle—what role did belief play in your success?
• Imagine you’re in a world where everyone receives a vision of their future—how does it shape their faith and actions?
• Write a story about a person who must choose between following their faith and protecting their loved ones—how do they make their decision?
• Imagine you’re a spiritual guide leading others through a sacred ritual—what do you teach and how do the participants react?
• Write about a person who experiences a crisis of faith after a personal tragedy—how do they find solace?
• Imagine you’re in a society where different faiths coexist peacefully—what challenges arise and how are they resolved?
• Write a story about a person who hears a voice guiding them on a spiritual quest—how do they interpret the message?
• Imagine you’re a religious scholar uncovering a lost chapter of a sacred text—how does it change the understanding of your faith?
• Write about a time when your faith brought you comfort during a time of fear or uncertainty—how did it help you cope?
• Imagine you’re in a world where faith is tied to the elements—how do people express their beliefs through nature?
• Write a story about a person who must reconcile their faith with scientific discoveries—how do they balance belief and reason?
• Imagine you’re a member of a faith community preparing for a significant spiritual event—how do you contribute and what does it mean to you?
• Write about a person who finds unexpected faith in the midst of chaos—what leads them to this realization?
• Imagine you’re in a world where people’s faith is reflected in the colors they wear—how does this affect society?
• Write a story about a person who feels disconnected from their faith and goes on a journey to rediscover it—what do they learn?
• Imagine you’re a spiritual leader faced with a moral dilemma—how do you guide your community through it?
• Write about a time when you saw someone else’s faith inspire a positive change—what happened and how did it affect you?
• Imagine you’re in a world where people can physically see the results of their prayers—how does it impact their beliefs and actions?
• Write a story about a person who creates a new form of worship—how is it received and what impact does it have?
• Imagine you’re a pilgrim traveling to a holy site—what challenges do you face on your journey and how does it strengthen your faith?
• Write about a time when you questioned your faith and found new meaning in it—what caused the doubt and how did you resolve it?
• Imagine you’re in a world where faith can be exchanged like currency—how do people value and trade their beliefs?

Animal Writing Prompts

Animals can inspire stories of loyalty, adventure, and the wild unknown.

These prompts are designed to explore the bonds between humans and animals, as well as the mysteries of the animal kingdom.

• Write a story about a stray dog that befriends a lonely child—how do they help each other?
• Imagine you could talk to your pet—what would they say about their life with you?
• Write about a day in the life of a wild animal—what challenges do they face in their natural habitat?
• Write a story about a zoo animal that dreams of escaping—what happens when they finally get the chance?
• Imagine you discover a secret society of animals living in your city—how do they interact with humans?
• Write about a cat that seems to have nine lives—what adventures do they experience?
• Imagine you’re a wildlife photographer who discovers a new species—what do you do with this discovery?
• Write a story where animals start communicating with humans—how does this change the world?
• Imagine you’re a horse in the Wild West—what is your relationship with your rider?
• Write about a person who turns into an animal for a day—how do they see the world differently?
• Imagine you’re a marine biologist studying dolphins—what surprising behavior do you observe?
• Write a story about an animal that helps solve a mystery—how do they assist the humans involved?
• Imagine you’re an animal living in a magical forest—what powers do you possess and how do you use them?
• Write about a child who discovers they can understand what birds are singing—how do they use this ability?
• Write a story where a group of animals must work together to overcome a natural disaster—how do they succeed?
• Imagine you find a journal written by a wolf—what stories do they tell?
• Write about a person who has a deep connection with animals—how does this affect their life?
• Imagine you’re a veterinarian who discovers that all animals have a hidden intelligence—how do you handle this secret?
• Write a story where a dog’s loyalty saves their owner from danger—what do they do?
• Imagine you’re an explorer who finds an island inhabited by unknown animal species—what do you discover?
• Write about a day in the life of a domesticated animal—how do they view their human family?
• Imagine you’re a bird flying over a city—what do you see and how do you interact with the people below?
• Write a story where animals and humans switch roles for a day—how do they adapt to their new lives?
• Imagine you’re a lion leading your pride in the savannah—what challenges do you face?
• Write about a person who rescues injured wildlife—what motivates them and what challenges do they encounter?
• Imagine you’re a fish in the ocean—what dangers do you face and how do you survive?
• Write a story about a stray cat that changes the life of the person who adopts them—how do they form a bond?
• Imagine you’re a turtle living in a pond—what is your daily life like and what other creatures do you encounter?
• Write about a person who discovers they can shapeshift into any animal—how do they use this power?
• Imagine you’re an animal living in the Arctic—what do you do to survive the harsh conditions?
• Write a story where animals in a shelter plot to find homes for each other—how do they succeed?
• Imagine you’re an eagle soaring above the mountains—what do you see and how does it make you feel?
• Write about a person who dedicates their life to protecting endangered species—what drives them and what obstacles do they face?
• Imagine you’re a dog that can sense when someone is in danger—how do you use this ability?
• Write a story about a wild animal that becomes a legend in its community—what makes them so special?
• Imagine you’re a bird building a nest—what materials do you use and why?
• Write about a person who discovers a hidden talent for communicating with animals—how do they use this gift?
• Imagine you’re a fox living in a dense forest—how do you outsmart your predators?
• Write a story where an animal teaches a human an important life lesson—what do they learn?
• Imagine you’re a whale navigating the deep ocean—what do you encounter on your journey?
• Write about a person who spends a year living in the wild with animals—how do they adapt and what do they learn?
• Imagine you’re a cat with nine lives—what adventures do you experience and how do you use each life?
• Write a story about a person who forms an unbreakable bond with a wild animal—how do they communicate and what challenges do they face?
• Imagine you’re a rabbit living in a meadow—what dangers do you face and how do you stay safe?
• Write about a person who becomes an advocate for animal rights—what inspires them and how do they make a difference?
• Imagine you’re a monkey in the jungle—what mischief do you get into and how do you interact with other animals?
• Write a story where animals start helping humans with their daily tasks—how does this change society?
• Imagine you’re a bear preparing for hibernation—what do you do to get ready and what do you dream about?

Poetry Writing Prompts

Poetry is an art form that allows for deep expression and creativity.

These prompts are designed to help you explore emotions, images, and ideas through verse.

• Write a poem about the first moment you fell in love—capture the emotions and sensations.
• Imagine a world where colors have feelings—write a poem from the perspective of your favorite color.
• Write a poem about a time when you felt completely at peace—what brought on this feeling?
• Imagine you are a tree standing in a forest—write a poem about the changes you witness through the seasons.
• Write a poem that describes the sound of rain—how does it make you feel and what memories does it evoke?
• Imagine you are a butterfly fluttering through a garden—write a poem about your journey from flower to flower.
• Write a poem that captures the essence of a city at night—what do you see, hear, and feel?
• Imagine you are a star in the night sky—write a poem about your view of the universe.
• Write a poem about a time when you experienced loss—how did it change you?
• Imagine you are a wave in the ocean—write a poem about your rise, fall, and return to the sea.
• Write a poem that explores the concept of time—how does it move, and what does it mean to you?
• Imagine you are a bird soaring above the clouds—write a poem about your flight and freedom.
• Write a poem that describes the feeling of nostalgia—what memories come to mind and how do they affect you?
• Imagine you are a shadow following someone through their day—write a poem about what you observe.
• Write a poem that captures the beauty of the morning light—how does it change the world around you?
• Imagine you are a river flowing through the landscape—write a poem about the places you pass and the life you support.
• Write a poem that explores the theme of hope—what keeps you moving forward during difficult times?
• Imagine you are a leaf falling from a tree in autumn—write a poem about your descent and journey to the ground.
• Write a poem that describes the emotions of a storm—what does it rage against and what is left in its wake?
• Imagine you are a piece of music floating through the air—write a poem about how you move and who you touch.
• Write a poem about a moment of stillness—what do you notice when everything is quiet?
• Imagine you are a candle flickering in the dark—write a poem about your light and what you illuminate.
• Write a poem that explores the idea of home—what does it mean to you and how do you find it?
• Imagine you are a whisper traveling through a crowd—write a poem about the secrets you carry.
• Write a poem that captures the feeling of anticipation—what are you waiting for and how does it affect you?
• Imagine you are a mirror reflecting someone’s soul—write a poem about what you see.
• Write a poem that describes the changing of the seasons—how does nature transform and what does it signify?
• Imagine you are a piece of driftwood carried by the waves—write a poem about your journey through the ocean.
• Write a poem that explores the theme of love—what forms does it take and how does it manifest in your life?
• Imagine you are a snowfall blanketing the earth—write a poem about your quiet descent and the world you cover.
• Write a poem that describes the feeling of joy—what brings you happiness and how does it fill your heart?
• Imagine you are a flame dancing in the wind—write a poem about your movement and the warmth you provide.
• Write a poem that captures the essence of a long journey—what do you experience and how does it change you?
• Imagine you are a dream visiting someone in their sleep—write a poem about what you show them and why.
• Write a poem that explores the theme of memory—how do past experiences shape who you are today?
• Imagine you are a tear falling from someone’s eye—write a poem about your journey and what you represent.
• Write a poem that captures the silence of the night—how does the world change when darkness falls?
• Imagine you are the wind moving through the trees—write a poem about your path and the stories you hear.
• Write a poem that explores the theme of resilience—how do you find strength in adversity?
• Imagine you are a forgotten letter hidden in a drawer—write a poem about the message you carry and who it was meant for.
• Write a poem that describes the feeling of longing—what do you yearn for and how does it shape your actions?
• Imagine you are a snowflake drifting through the sky—write a poem about your unique journey to the ground.
• Write a poem that captures the beauty of a full moon—how does its light change the night and your perspective?
• Imagine you are an echo bouncing off a canyon wall—write a poem about what you repeat and how you fade away.
• Write a poem that explores the concept of destiny—how do you perceive the future and your path toward it?
• Imagine you are a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds—write a poem about the hope you bring and the shadows you chase away.
• Write a poem that captures the essence of friendship—what bonds you to others and how does it enrich your life?
• Imagine you are a mountain standing tall through the ages—write a poem about the changes you witness and the strength you embody.
• Write a poem that describes the feeling of being lost—how do you navigate the uncertainty and find your way?
• Imagine you are the first bloom of spring—write a poem about renewal, growth, and the promise of new beginnings.

Biography Writing Prompts

Writing a biography allows you to delve into the life of someone who has made a significant impact on the world.a

These prompts are designed to help you explore the stories, struggles, and achievements of both well-known and lesser-known individuals.

• Write about a person who changed the course of history—what were their key decisions and motivations?
• Imagine you are writing the biography of someone who lived in obscurity but made a profound difference in their community—what was their contribution?
• Write a story about a famous artist’s early years—how did their childhood experiences shape their future work?
• Imagine you’re chronicling the life of a scientist who made a groundbreaking discovery—what challenges did they overcome?
• Write a biography of a person who led a double life—how did they balance their public and private personas?
• Imagine you are writing about a political leader who faced great opposition—how did they navigate their challenges and what was their legacy?
• Write a biography of a musician who struggled with fame—how did their personal life influence their music?
• Imagine you are documenting the life of an explorer—what drove them to seek out new lands, and what did they discover?
• Write about an athlete who overcame significant obstacles to achieve greatness—what was their journey like?
• Imagine you’re telling the story of a humanitarian who worked tirelessly for a cause—what motivated them and what impact did they have?
• Write a biography of a writer who changed the literary world—what inspired their most famous works?
• Imagine you’re chronicling the life of a business mogul—how did they build their empire, and what sacrifices did they make?
• Write about a person who was ahead of their time—how did they influence future generations?
• Imagine you’re documenting the life of an inventor—what was their most significant invention, and how did it change the world?
• Write a biography of a military leader who made crucial decisions during a time of war—what were the consequences of their actions?
• Imagine you are telling the story of a person who lived through a significant historical event—how did it shape their life and worldview?
• Write about a religious leader who inspired millions—what were their core beliefs and how did they spread their message?
• Imagine you’re chronicling the life of an activist who fought for social justice—what challenges did they face, and what were their victories?
• Write a biography of a person who made a significant impact in the field of education—what were their innovations and how did they change the system?
• Imagine you are writing about an environmentalist who dedicated their life to protecting the planet—what drove their passion?
• Write about a person who made a lasting impact in the world of entertainment—how did they shape their industry?
• Imagine you are documenting the life of a person who lived through extreme adversity—how did they persevere and what legacy did they leave behind?
• Write a biography of a famous inventor who failed multiple times before achieving success—what kept them going?
• Imagine you’re telling the story of a person who dedicated their life to public service—what were their most significant contributions?
• Write about a person who became a symbol of hope during a difficult time—how did they inspire others?
• Imagine you are chronicling the life of a person who played a key role in a major movement—what was their strategy and what impact did they have?
• Write a biography of a person who revolutionized their field—how did they innovate, and what challenges did they face?
• Imagine you’re documenting the life of a person who made a significant contribution to science but was overlooked—what was their discovery?
• Write about a person who broke barriers in their profession—how did they pave the way for others?
• Imagine you are telling the story of a person who faced persecution for their beliefs—how did they stay true to their principles?
• Write a biography of a person who was a trailblazer in the world of fashion—how did they influence trends and culture?
• Imagine you’re chronicling the life of a person who survived a major disaster—how did they rebuild their life and help others?
• Write about a person who led a quiet but impactful life—how did their actions make a difference in the lives of those around them?
• Imagine you are writing about a person who was both loved and hated by the public—what were the reasons for these divided opinions?
• Write a biography of a person who made a significant impact on technology—how did their work change the way we live?
• Imagine you’re telling the story of a person who was a mentor to many—how did they guide and inspire others?
• Write about a person who sacrificed their own success for the greater good—what were the consequences of their choices?
• Imagine you are chronicling the life of a person who fought for their country—how did their experiences shape them?
• Write a biography of a person who was a pioneer in the field of medicine—what were their breakthroughs and how did they save lives?
• Imagine you’re telling the story of a person who lived a life of adventure—what were their most daring exploits?
• Write about a person who became a symbol of resilience in the face of hardship—how did they overcome their struggles?
• Imagine you are documenting the life of a person who lived during a time of great change—how did they adapt and influence others?
• Write a biography of a person who dedicated their life to art—what were their most significant works and how did they influence the art world?
• Imagine you’re chronicling the life of a person who was a visionary in their field—how did their ideas change the course of history?
• Write about a person who made a significant impact on human rights—what were their key contributions and how are they remembered?
• Imagine you are telling the story of a person who lived a life of secrecy—what were their hidden motives and how did they affect their legacy?
• Write a biography of a person who was known for their kindness and generosity—how did their actions touch the lives of others?
• Imagine you are documenting the life of a person who faced immense personal challenges—how did they rise above them and what did they achieve?
• Write about a person who was instrumental in the development of a new art form—how did they innovate and inspire others?
• Imagine you’re telling the story of a person who made a lasting impact on the world, but whose story has been forgotten—how do you bring their legacy to light?

Sci-Fi Writing Prompts

Science fiction offers limitless possibilities for exploring the future, technology, and the unknown.

These prompts are designed to spark your imagination and take you on a journey to other worlds and realities.

• Write a story about a world where humans can upload their consciousness into a digital afterlife—what challenges arise?
• Imagine a future where space travel is as common as air travel—what adventures do you embark on?
• Write about a robot that develops emotions—how does it navigate its new experiences?
• Imagine you’re living on a distant planet where the environment is constantly changing—how do you adapt?
• Write a story about a society where everyone is born with a barcode that determines their fate—how do people challenge this system?
• Imagine a world where time travel is possible, but with severe consequences—what happens when someone breaks the rules?
• Write about a future where humans communicate telepathically—what complications arise?
• Imagine you discover an alien species living on Earth in secret—how do you react and what do you do?
• Write a story about a world where people can relive their past lives—how does this affect their current life choices?
• Imagine a future where artificial intelligence controls all aspects of life—what happens when the AI starts to malfunction?
• Write about a society where people are genetically engineered for specific roles—how do individuals rebel against their predetermined paths?
• Imagine you’re a scientist who discovers a parallel universe—what differences do you find and how do you interact with it?
• Write a story about a world where humans have colonized the moon—what conflicts arise between Earth and lunar inhabitants?
• Imagine a future where climate change has drastically altered the planet—how do people survive in this new world?
• Write about a character who wakes up to find themselves in a world where all technology has disappeared—how do they cope?
• Imagine a world where people can erase unwanted memories—what are the consequences of this ability?
• Write a story about a spaceship crew on a mission to explore the farthest reaches of the galaxy—what do they discover?
• Imagine a future where virtual reality has replaced real-life interactions—how do people form meaningful relationships?
• Write about a world where people can live forever—what challenges and ethical dilemmas arise?
• Imagine you’re an astronaut who encounters a mysterious signal from deep space—what do you find when you follow it?
• Write a story about a society where everyone’s thoughts are broadcast for all to hear—how do people adapt to this lack of privacy?
• Imagine a world where humans have developed the ability to teleport—what new problems and opportunities does this create?
• Write about a future where robots have taken over most jobs—how do humans find purpose in this new world?
• Imagine you’re a time traveler who accidentally alters a crucial event in history—what are the repercussions?
• Write a story about a world where people can transfer their consciousness into different bodies—how do they choose who to be?
• Imagine a future where humans have developed a cure for aging—how does society change as a result?
• Write about a character who discovers they are actually a clone—how do they come to terms with their identity?
• Imagine a world where humans have colonized the oceans—what new civilizations emerge beneath the waves?
• Write a story about a dystopian future where books are banned, but a group of rebels fights to preserve knowledge—how do they operate in secret?
• Imagine you’re a scientist who discovers a way to communicate with extraterrestrial beings—what do you learn from them?
• Write about a society where emotions are controlled by technology—what happens when someone’s device malfunctions?
• Imagine a future where the government monitors every aspect of life through implanted chips—how do people resist this control?
• Write a story about a world where people can swap their lives with others for a day—what complications arise?
• Imagine you’re on a mission to terraform a new planet—what unexpected challenges do you face?
• Write about a future where genetic modifications are the norm—how do people who refuse to be modified live in this society?
• Imagine a world where virtual reality has become indistinguishable from real life—how do people differentiate between the two?
• Write a story about a time traveler who must prevent a future catastrophe—what sacrifices do they make to succeed?
• Imagine you’re living in a city controlled by an all-knowing AI—how do you find a way to outsmart it?
• Write about a society where people can transfer their memories to others—how does this ability impact relationships and trust?
• Imagine a future where humans have colonized multiple planets, but an ancient alien race threatens their existence—how do people respond?
• Write a story about a world where people can communicate with animals—how does this change the relationship between humans and nature?
• Imagine you’re a member of a space crew that discovers a long-lost civilization—what secrets do they uncover?
• Write about a dystopian future where creativity is outlawed—how do artists and writers keep their work alive?
• Imagine a world where people are born with a limited amount of energy that they must manage throughout their lives—how do they spend it?
• Write a story about a scientist who discovers a way to reverse time—what ethical dilemmas do they face?
• Imagine a future where people can download skills directly into their brains—how does this change the way people learn and live?
• Write about a society where everyone lives in massive skyscrapers and never sees the ground—what happens when someone decides to explore below?
• Imagine you’re an explorer sent to investigate a black hole—what do you find on the other side?
• Write a story about a world where all diseases have been eradicated, but a new, mysterious illness begins to spread—how do people react?
• Imagine a future where humanity has achieved immortality, but at a cost—what is the price, and is it worth it?

Mystery Writing Prompts

Mysteries are all about suspense, intrigue, and the thrill of the unknown.

These prompts are designed to get your mind whirring as you create stories filled with twists, turns, and surprises.

• Write a story about a detective who discovers a secret room in their own house—what clues do they find inside?
• Imagine you receive an anonymous letter with a cryptic message—what does it mean and who sent it?
• Write about a character who wakes up in a different place every morning—how do they figure out what’s happening?
• Imagine a small town where people start disappearing one by one—what’s causing it, and how is it stopped?
• Write a story where someone discovers an old, unsolved case file in their attic—how do they decide to investigate it themselves?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a hidden superpower—but someone is stealing them—how do they find the thief?
• Write about a character who finds an old, locked diary—when they finally open it, what shocking secrets do they uncover?
• Imagine you are a detective investigating a crime with no apparent motive or clues—how do you crack the case?
• Write a story where every piece of evidence in a crime scene points to different suspects—how does the detective untangle the truth?
• Imagine you find a hidden passage in a historic building—what does it lead to, and what mystery does it reveal?
• Write about a character who starts receiving strange, coded messages—what do they mean, and who is sending them?
• Imagine a town where everyone seems to know a dark secret, but no one will talk about it—what happens when an outsider tries to uncover the truth?
• Write a story where a seemingly simple object holds the key to a decades-old mystery—how is it discovered?
• Imagine a detective who solves crimes by entering the dreams of suspects—what happens when they enter the wrong dream?
• Write about a group of friends who find an abandoned mansion—what mysteries do they uncover inside?
• Imagine a character who loses their memory but retains one vivid, disturbing image—how do they unravel the mystery of their past?
• Write a story where a series of seemingly unrelated events are all connected by one mysterious person—who are they, and what’s their motive?
• Imagine you’re in a city where no one has ever gone missing—until now—what secrets start to unravel?
• Write about a detective who must solve a crime that hasn’t happened yet—how do they prevent it?
• Imagine you receive a package with no return address, containing an object that connects to a mystery in your past—what is it and how do you respond?
• Write a story where a character discovers a hidden journal that predicts future events—how do they use this information?
• Imagine a town where everyone is pretending to be someone else—why, and who’s behind it?
• Write about a character who uncovers a series of paintings that seem to depict future crimes—what do they do with this knowledge?
• Imagine you’re a private investigator hired to find a missing person—only to discover the person never existed—how do you solve this paradox?
• Write a story where the clues to a mystery are hidden in a series of classic books—how does the protagonist decipher them?
• Imagine a world where everyone forgets the events of one specific day—what happened, and why is it erased from memory?
• Write about a character who discovers a map leading to a treasure—but the map itself is a puzzle that needs to be solved first.
• Imagine you’re investigating a series of crimes that seem to be committed by the same person, but in different time periods—how is this possible?
• Write a story where the only witness to a crime is an animal—how does the detective use this to solve the case?
• Imagine a character who discovers that their entire life has been a lie—what happens when they start uncovering the truth?
• Write about a town where a mysterious fog rolls in every night, and with it, people’s memories begin to change—how does this affect them?
• Imagine a detective who solves cases by studying people’s social media accounts—what happens when they stumble upon something that shouldn’t exist?
• Write a story where a character finds a series of photographs that reveal a hidden truth about their family—what do they uncover?
• Imagine you’re a detective who can hear the last thoughts of the deceased—what do you learn during your latest case?
• Write about a character who is convinced they’ve seen someone who was reported missing years ago—how do they prove it?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a doppelgänger, and one day they all start disappearing—why, and who’s behind it?
• Write a story where a character receives a strange, recurring dream that seems to guide them to a hidden truth—what is it?
• Imagine a detective who is hired to solve a mystery that takes place in an alternate reality—how do they navigate the unfamiliar world?
• Write about a character who discovers that they’ve been living the same day over and over—how do they break the cycle?
• Imagine you’re investigating a crime scene where everything is perfectly normal—except for one tiny, out-of-place detail—what is it, and how does it lead to solving the case?
• Write a story where a character finds a letter that wasn’t meant for them—what do they do when they realize it contains details of a crime?
• Imagine a world where people can erase memories—but someone is using this technology to cover up a crime—how do you uncover the truth?
• Write about a character who discovers an underground network of tunnels beneath their city—what do they find there?
• Imagine you’re a detective in a future where people can live in virtual worlds—what happens when a crime is committed in the digital realm?
• Write a story where a character wakes up in a strange place with no memory of how they got there—how do they piece together what happened?
• Imagine a world where everyone’s actions are recorded, but one day, all the records go missing—how does society react?
• Write about a detective who specializes in solving cold cases—what happens when they take on a case that’s decades old?
• Imagine you find a hidden room in your home that wasn’t there before—what do you discover inside, and how does it lead to a mystery?
• Write a story where a character uncovers a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top—how do they gather evidence and expose the truth?
• Imagine a town where everyone is hiding a secret, and it’s up to one person to uncover the truth—how do they do it, and what do they find?

Dialogue-Only Writing Prompts

Dialogue-only stories rely on the power of conversation to reveal character, plot, and emotion.

These prompts are designed to help you craft compelling narratives using nothing but dialogue.

• “You’re late again. What’s your excuse this time?”
• “I found this in your drawer. Care to explain?”
• “Are you telling me you’ve never heard of that legend?”
• “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”
• “Tell me the truth—do you really believe that?”
• “So, you’re saying this whole thing was a setup?”
• “I’ve been keeping a secret, and it’s time you knew.”
• “You won’t believe what happened at the party last night.”
• “If you walk out that door, don’t bother coming back.”
• “How could you possibly know that? I never told anyone.”
• “What do you mean, you’ve never been in love?”
• “This is all a misunderstanding, I swear!”
• “I’m leaving tonight, and I don’t know if I’m coming back.”
• “You were right all along, and I hate that.”
• “Is it true what they’re saying about you?”
• “You’re not the person I thought you were.”
• “We need to talk about what happened last night.”
• “I’m not who you think I am.”
• “You didn’t seriously think you could get away with it, did you?”
• “What are you hiding from me?”
• “I had the strangest dream last night, and you were in it.”
• “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
• “You’re going to regret this, mark my words.”
• “Why do you always do this to yourself?”
• “I saw you with them. Care to explain?”
• “This isn’t just about you, you know.”
• “What would you do if I said yes?”
• “You can’t just walk away from this.”
• “I never thought I’d see you again.”
• “You’ve changed. And not for the better.”
• “What’s the worst that could happen?”
• “Let’s pretend this conversation never happened.”
• “Are you sure you want to know the truth?”
• “I have a confession to make.”
• “What’s your greatest fear?”
• “I don’t believe in coincidences.”
• “You’re going to want to sit down for this.”
• “Do you ever think about what might have been?”
• “What if I told you I’ve been lying to you?”
• “This is the last time I’m going to say this.”
• “What were you thinking when you did it?”
• “You can’t handle the truth.”
• “Let me get this straight—you want me to do what?”
• “If you don’t tell me now, I’ll find out on my own.”
• “This isn’t just about us anymore.”
• “Why do you always make everything so complicated?”
• “You think this is a joke? Think again.”
• “We both know you’re not telling the whole story.”
• “What’s the real reason you came here?”
• “I never thought it would end like this.”

First-Person Writing Prompts

Writing in the first person allows you to dive deep into a character’s thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. These prompts are designed to help you explore storytelling from a highly personal perspective.

• I never thought I’d find myself standing on the edge of this cliff, staring down at the waves crashing below.
• The letter I found tucked into my old notebook changed everything I thought I knew about my life.
• I couldn’t believe it when I saw my reflection in the mirror—it wasn’t me staring back.
• The day I decided to leave my old life behind was the day everything started to make sense.
• I have a secret that no one knows, and it’s tearing me apart inside.
• It wasn’t until I moved into the old house at the end of the street that the nightmares began.
• I always thought I was just an ordinary person until the day I discovered my unique ability.
• The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew my life was about to change forever.
• I never expected to meet someone like them in a place like this.
• Every time I walk past that old tree, I remember the promise I made so many years ago.
• I’m the only one who knows what really happened that night, but no one would believe me if I told them.
• I had always been afraid of the dark, but I never knew why—until now.
• The old journal I found in the attic seemed to be written just for me, even though it was decades old.
• I never believed in ghosts until I started seeing them everywhere I went.
• The last thing I remember before everything went black was the sound of someone whispering my name.
• I’ve always been drawn to the sea, but I never knew it was calling me home.
• I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but what I heard changed everything.
• The map led me to a place I never knew existed, hidden right in the middle of my hometown.
• I used to think my dreams were just that—dreams—until they started coming true.
• I never realized how much I had taken my family for granted until it was too late.
• The first time I saw them, I felt an instant connection, like we had known each other in another life.
• I’ve always had a talent for finding things that were lost, but this time, I’m the one who’s lost.
• I knew I shouldn’t open the box, but curiosity got the better of me.
• My heart raced as I stepped into the abandoned building, unsure of what I would find inside.
• I’ve always been a skeptic, but after what happened, I can’t deny the truth anymore.
• The moment I touched the ancient artifact, I knew I was in for more than I had bargained for.
• I thought I was going crazy when I started hearing voices, but now I know they were real.
• I’ve been running from my past for years, but it’s finally caught up with me.
• The photograph I found in the old drawer showed me something I wasn’t supposed to see.
• I never thought I’d end up in this place, surrounded by people I barely knew.
• The first time I saw the strange symbol, I knew it was important, but I didn’t know why.
• I’ve always had a bad feeling about that place, and now I know I was right.
• I didn’t mean to find out the truth, but now that I know, I can’t go back to the way things were.
• I thought I was just imagining things, but the evidence is too real to ignore.
• I’ve spent my whole life searching for something, but I didn’t know what it was until now.
• The dream I had last night felt so real, and now I’m seeing signs of it everywhere I go.
• I’ve been keeping this journal for years, but I never expected anyone else to read it.
• The first time I met them, I felt like I was meeting a part of myself I didn’t know existed.
• I’ve always been afraid of change, but now I know it’s the only way forward.
• I thought I was the only one who knew the truth, but it turns out I’m not alone.
• The old man in the park told me a story I’ll never forget, and now it’s my turn to continue it.
• I’ve always been good at solving puzzles, but this one has me completely stumped.
• I didn’t realize how much my life would change when I agreed to help them.
• The first time I saw the stars, I knew there was more to the universe than I could ever imagine.
• I’ve been following the same routine for years, but today, everything feels different.
• The letter arrived without a return address, but I knew exactly who it was from.
• I’ve always been able to blend in, but now I need to stand out.
• The secret I’ve been keeping is starting to weigh on me, and I don’t know how much longer I can carry it.
• I thought I was safe in my small town, but now I realize there’s no such thing as safe.
• I’ve always been the one people come to for advice, but now I’m the one who needs help.

Dystopian Writing Prompts

Dystopian worlds explore the dark sides of society, control, and survival.

These prompts are designed to help you create narratives that delve into the complexities of life in a broken world.

• Write about a society where books are illegal, and knowledge is controlled by the government—how do people resist?
• Imagine a world where people are divided by the color of their eyes, with each color assigned a specific role—what happens when someone tries to break the rules?
• Write a story where technology monitors every aspect of life, and one person decides to fight back—how do they find freedom?
• Imagine a future where emotions are regulated by pills—what happens when someone decides to stop taking them?
• Write about a society where food is strictly rationed, and one family discovers a secret supply—what do they do?
• Imagine a world where people are assigned numbers instead of names—how does one person rediscover their identity?
• Write a story where the government controls who people can marry—what happens when two people defy the law?
• Imagine a city where the air is toxic, and everyone lives underground—how does one person find a way to the surface?
• Write about a society where dreams are monitored and controlled—what happens when someone starts dreaming outside the rules?
• Imagine a world where people must earn the right to have children—how do two people fight for their future family?
• Write a story where all art and creativity are banned—how does an underground movement keep it alive?
• Imagine a society where everyone is required to wear masks that change their appearance—what happens when someone refuses?
• Write about a world where people are only allowed to live until a certain age—how does one person try to extend their life?
• Imagine a future where the government decides every aspect of life, from jobs to relationships—what happens when someone rebels?
• Write a story where the world is ruled by corporations, and one employee decides to expose the truth—how do they gather evidence?
• Imagine a society where the weather is controlled, but one day, it starts behaving unpredictably—how do people react?
• Write about a world where everyone is connected to a central network, and one person decides to disconnect—what happens next?
• Imagine a future where history is rewritten daily—how does one person uncover the real past?
• Write a story where love is forbidden, and two people must hide their relationship—what risks do they take to stay together?
• Imagine a society where people are ranked by their usefulness—what happens when someone refuses to be ranked?
• Write about a world where nature has been eradicated, and one person discovers a hidden forest—how do they protect it?
• Imagine a future where freedom of speech is outlawed—how do people communicate their thoughts and ideas?
• Write a story where the rich live in luxury while the poor are confined to the slums—how does one person cross the divide?
• Imagine a society where individuality is discouraged, and everyone must conform—what happens when someone refuses to fit in?
• Write about a world where education is controlled by the state, and one teacher decides to teach the truth—how do they do it in secret?
• Imagine a future where people are genetically modified for specific roles—what happens when someone tries to change their destiny?
• Write a story where the government monitors every word people say—how does one person find a way to speak freely?
• Imagine a society where travel is restricted, and one person embarks on a forbidden journey—what do they discover?
• Write about a world where all religions are banned—how do people continue to practice their faith in secret?
• Imagine a future where robots control every aspect of life—what happens when someone discovers a flaw in the system?
• Write a story where people are only allowed to remember certain events—how does someone uncover the truth about the past?
• Imagine a society where every action is judged and scored—what happens when someone starts receiving negative points?
• Write about a world where people are cloned to perform specific tasks—what happens when a clone develops its own consciousness?
• Imagine a future where nature has reclaimed the cities—how do people survive in this new world?
• Write a story where every decision is made by an all-powerful AI—what happens when someone decides to defy the AI’s orders?
• Imagine a society where emotions are considered dangerous and are suppressed—how does one person rediscover their feelings?
• Write about a world where all communication is monitored, and a group of rebels finds a way to communicate in secret—how do they do it?
• Imagine a future where memories can be bought and sold—what happens when someone buys a memory that reveals a dangerous truth?
• Write a story where the government assigns people their jobs at birth—how does one person fight for a different path?
• Imagine a society where everyone is born with a bar code that tracks their every move—what happens when someone’s code malfunctions?
• Write about a world where people are forced to live their lives according to a strict schedule—what happens when someone starts breaking the routine?
• Imagine a future where water is the most precious resource, and one person discovers a hidden supply—how do they protect it?
• Write a story where the government controls the population through propaganda—how does one person uncover the truth?
• Imagine a society where people are punished for their thoughts—what happens when someone finds a way to think freely?
• Write about a world where the environment has been destroyed, and one person finds a way to restore it—how do they convince others to help?
• Imagine a future where people live in virtual reality most of the time—what happens when someone decides to live in the real world?
• Write a story where people are divided into castes, and one person tries to break free from their assigned role—what challenges do they face?
• Imagine a society where all entertainment is government-approved—how does an underground group create art that challenges the status quo?
• Write about a world where everyone must wear a device that controls their behavior—what happens when someone finds a way to remove it?
• Imagine a future where people must earn the right to have their own thoughts—how does one person fight to keep their mind free?

Flash Fiction Writing Prompts

Flash fiction challenges you to tell a complete story in a very short amount of words.

These prompts are designed to inspire concise, impactful narratives that leave a lasting impression.

• Write about a stranger who leaves a mysterious package on your doorstep—what’s inside and why was it left there?
• Imagine you find an old photograph that changes everything you thought you knew about your family.
• Write a story that begins with someone knocking on the wrong door—how does this mistake alter their life?
• A character wakes up in a place they’ve never been before, with no memory of how they got there—what happens next?
• Write about a chance encounter that turns out to be anything but coincidental.
• A child discovers something extraordinary in their backyard—what is it and what do they do?
• Write a story where the main character is faced with an impossible choice—what do they decide?
• A letter arrives in the mail, addressed to someone who no longer lives there—what does it say?
• Write about a character who is hiding something in plain sight—what is it and why are they hiding it?
• A conversation overheard in a café changes the course of someone’s day—what did they hear?
• Write a story where a character must say goodbye without using the words “goodbye” or “farewell.”
• A person finds a key that doesn’t open any door they know of—what does it unlock?
• Write about a character who receives a phone call from someone they thought was gone forever.
• A woman finds a note in her pocket that she didn’t put there—what does it say and who put it there?
• Write a story where a character accidentally discovers a secret about their best friend.
• A man finds a wallet on the street—what does he do with it, and what does he discover?
• Write about a character who wakes up with a single memory they can’t explain.
• A package arrives with no return address—inside is something that changes everything.
• Write a story that begins with the words, “It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.”
• A character finds themselves in a room with no doors or windows—how did they get there and how do they escape?
• Write about a person who realizes they are being followed—what do they do?
• A child’s drawing predicts the future—how does the family react?
• Write a story where a character hears a voice that no one else can hear.
• A character discovers an old letter that was never sent—what does it say and why was it hidden?
• Write about a character who makes a promise they know they can’t keep.
• A person finds a strange object in a second-hand store—what is its significance?
• Write a story where a character must solve a riddle to avoid a catastrophe.
• A character sees their own obituary in the newspaper—what do they do?
• Write about a chance meeting that brings back a flood of memories.
• A character wakes up in a world where no one recognizes them—how do they prove who they are?
• Write a story where a character receives a message from their future self.
• A character finds a hidden compartment in their home—what’s inside and how does it change their life?
• Write about a character who is faced with a decision that could change everything—what do they choose?
• A person receives a gift with no note—what is it and who sent it?
• Write a story that takes place entirely during a conversation on a train.
• A character finds a book that contains their own life story—what do they do when they read the last chapter?
• Write about a character who discovers something shocking about their past.
• A person wakes up in a city that has been abandoned—what do they find?
• Write a story where a character must keep a secret that could save or destroy their life.
• A character receives a letter from someone they thought they’d never hear from again.
• Write about a character who finds a note hidden in a library book—what does it say and what do they do?
• A person returns to a place they vowed never to go back to—why did they return and what happens?
• Write a story where a character has five minutes to make a life-changing decision.
• A character hears a knock on their door late at night—who is it and what do they want?
• Write about a character who finds themselves in a situation where time seems to stop.
• A person discovers a hidden talent that they’ve had all along—what is it and how do they use it?
• Write a story where a character receives an anonymous tip that leads them on an unexpected adventure.
• A character wakes up with no memory of the last 24 hours—what do they do to piece together the missing time?
• Write about a character who receives a mysterious invitation—where does it lead and what do they find?
• A person finds a message written in a place where it shouldn’t be—what does it say and who left it?

Character-Driven Writing Prompts

Character-driven stories focus on the development, growth, and challenges of the people in your story.

These prompts are designed to help you create deep, nuanced characters and explore their journeys.

• Write about a character who has to confront their biggest fear—how do they change as a result?
• A character receives life-changing news—how do they react, and how does it shape their future?
• Write a story where a character’s greatest strength becomes their greatest weakness—how do they cope with the fallout?
• A character is forced to choose between loyalty to a friend and doing what’s right—what do they decide?
• Write about a character who discovers a hidden talent that changes their life—how do they handle the newfound attention?
• A character’s life is turned upside down when they receive an unexpected inheritance—how do they deal with it?
• Write a story where a character is given a second chance at something they thought they’d lost forever—how do they approach it differently?
• A character who is always in control suddenly finds themselves in a situation where they have no control—how do they adapt?
• Write about a character who must overcome a deep-seated prejudice—how do they grow and change in the process?
• A character who has always been a loner is suddenly thrust into a leadership role—how do they handle the responsibility?
• Write a story where a character’s biggest dream comes true, but it’s not what they expected—how do they adjust?
• A character is forced to reconcile with someone from their past—what do they learn about themselves?
• Write about a character who must make a sacrifice for someone they love—how does it change their relationship?
• A character faces a moral dilemma that challenges their beliefs—what do they decide and why?
• Write a story where a character must choose between following their head or their heart—how does it affect their future?
• A character who has always lived by the rules is tempted to break them for the first time—do they give in?
• Write about a character who is confronted with a truth they’ve been avoiding—how do they face it?
• A character discovers that their closest friend has been keeping a secret—how do they react?
• Write a story where a character’s life is changed by a single moment—how do they adapt?
• A character who has always been afraid of failure decides to take a big risk—what happens?
• Write about a character who must navigate a difficult relationship—how do they grow from the experience?
• A character who has everything they’ve ever wanted starts to question if it’s enough—what do they do?
• Write a story where a character must confront the consequences of a decision they made long ago—how do they handle it?
• A character who prides themselves on their independence finds themselves needing help—how do they accept it?
• Write about a character who must let go of something or someone they’ve been holding onto for too long—how do they find peace?
• A character who has always been a follower is forced to take charge—how do they rise to the challenge?
• Write a story where a character faces an unexpected betrayal—how do they recover from it?
• A character is given a choice between their dream job and their personal life—what do they choose and why?
• Write about a character who must come to terms with a mistake they made—how do they seek redemption?
• A character who has always been certain of their beliefs starts to question everything—how do they find their way?
• Write a story where a character’s past catches up with them—how do they face it and move forward?
• A character who has been running from their problems is forced to confront them—what happens?
• Write about a character who must forgive someone who hurt them deeply—how do they find the strength?
• A character who has always been a people-pleaser decides to stand up for themselves—how does it change their relationships?
• Write a story where a character’s biggest fear comes true—how do they survive and what do they learn?
• A character who has always relied on others must learn to rely on themselves—how do they grow?
• Write about a character who has to start over from scratch—how do they rebuild their life?
• A character who has always been focused on their career is faced with a personal crisis—how do they balance their priorities?
• Write a story where a character must confront a difficult truth about themselves—how do they change as a result?
• A character who has always been an outsider finds a place where they belong—how does it change them?
• Write about a character who must make amends with someone they wronged in the past—how do they seek forgiveness?
• A character who has lived a sheltered life is suddenly exposed to the harsh realities of the world—how do they adapt?
• Write a story where a character is forced to confront their greatest regret—how do they find closure?
• A character who has always been a perfectionist learns to accept their flaws—how does it change their outlook on life?
• Write about a character who discovers a hidden strength they didn’t know they had—how do they use it to overcome a challenge?
• A character who has been living a lie decides to come clean—what happens when the truth is revealed?
• Write a story where a character has to choose between two paths—one safe and familiar, the other risky and unknown—what do they choose and why?
• A character who has always been defined by their past decides to reinvent themselves—how do they go about it?
• Write about a character who must let go of a dream they’ve held onto for years—how do they find new purpose?
• A character who has been afraid to trust others finally opens up—how does it change their relationships and their life?

Food-Related Writing Prompts

Food is more than just sustenance; it’s culture, memory, and emotion. These prompts are designed to help you explore the rich and flavorful stories that can be told through food.

• Write about a character who opens a restaurant with a menu inspired by their grandmother’s recipes—how do the dishes connect them to their past?
• Imagine a world where people communicate their emotions through the meals they prepare—what stories unfold at the dinner table?
• Write a story where a character discovers a secret ingredient that transforms their cooking—how does it change their life?
• A family recipe book is passed down through generations—write about the significance of one particular recipe and its impact on each family member.
• Imagine a character who starts a food truck that becomes the talk of the town—what unique dish are they known for, and how do they handle the fame?
• Write about a character who travels the world in search of the perfect meal—what do they find, and how does it change them?
• A baker wakes up one morning with the ability to create pastries that evoke specific memories—how do they use this gift?
• Imagine a town where every year, the community comes together for a grand feast—what happens when someone introduces a controversial dish?
• Write a story where a character judges a high-stakes cooking competition—how do they decide the winner, and what personal biases come into play?
• A character who has always hated cooking is forced to prepare a meal for someone they care about—how do they manage, and what does it mean to them?
• Imagine a character who writes a food blog that suddenly gains a massive following—how do they handle the pressure, and what stories do they share?
• Write about a character who runs a failing restaurant until they discover a forgotten recipe that brings customers flooding in—what is the story behind the recipe?
• A character finds an old cookbook in a second-hand store—when they start cooking from it, they notice strange things happening—what’s the secret of the cookbook?
• Imagine a world where every meal eaten adds or subtracts years from a person’s life—how do people choose what to eat?
• Write about a character who becomes obsessed with recreating a dish they had once but can never seem to get right—what drives their obsession?
• A small town is known for a unique food festival—write about a character who decides to enter the festival’s main event for the first time.
• Imagine a chef who discovers a new spice that becomes the next big thing in cuisine—how does it change the culinary world and their career?
• Write a story where a character’s life changes after they start a food diary—what do they learn about themselves through their eating habits?
• A character finds themselves in a foreign country with no knowledge of the language—how do they navigate the local food culture?
• Imagine a character who cooks as a way to cope with loss—how does the act of preparing food help them heal?
• Write about a character who is a food critic but loses their sense of taste—how do they adapt to their new reality?
• A character discovers a hidden restaurant in an unexpected place—what is the story behind it, and how do they find it?
• Imagine a story where two rival chefs are forced to collaborate on a dish—how do their different styles and personalities clash?
• Write about a character who is trying to recreate their mother’s signature dish but keeps failing—what do they learn in the process?
• A character attends a mysterious dinner party where each course reveals something about their past—what secrets come to light?
• Imagine a character who starts a food blog to document their journey of learning to cook—how do they evolve as both a cook and a writer?
• Write about a character who runs a bakery famous for one particular pastry—what happens when a competitor tries to replicate it?
• A character is invited to a prestigious cooking school but feels out of place—how do they find their own culinary voice?
• Imagine a world where the taste of food can influence people’s emotions—how do chefs wield this power?
• Write about a character who finds a recipe for a dish that was thought to be lost to time—what is the story behind it?
• A character enters a pie-eating contest to win money for a cause close to their heart—what challenges do they face?
• Imagine a character who opens a pop-up restaurant in an unusual location—how do they attract customers, and what makes the experience unique?
• Write about a character who runs a farm-to-table restaurant—what challenges do they face in maintaining the quality and integrity of their food?
• A character who has always been a picky eater decides to try new foods for the first time—how does this journey change them?
• Imagine a food critic who must write a review of the worst meal they’ve ever had—how do they balance honesty with kindness?
• Write about a character who discovers a secret underground dining club—what kind of people are involved, and what do they eat?
• A character is known for their incredible food photography—write about the story behind their most famous shot.
• Imagine a world where food is the currency—how do people trade, and what are the most valuable dishes?
• Write about a character who has to prepare a meal using only ingredients they’ve never used before—how do they tackle the challenge?
• A character inherits a family-owned restaurant that’s been in business for generations—how do they keep the legacy alive while bringing in new ideas?
• Imagine a cooking show where the contestants are everyday people with extraordinary stories—what are the most memorable dishes and moments?
• Write about a character who starts a catering business but quickly finds themselves in over their head—how do they manage?
• A character receives a cookbook as a gift from a mysterious sender—when they start using it, strange things begin to happen.
• Imagine a food market that only appears once a year and offers ingredients no one has ever seen before—what does a character discover there?
• Write about a character who travels back in time and experiences the food of a different era—how does it compare to what they know?
• A character is invited to cook at a celebrity’s home—what happens when the meal doesn’t go as planned?
• Imagine a character who starts a food tour business, taking people to the best hidden spots in their city—what secrets do they uncover?
• Write about a character who finds comfort in cooking for others—how do their meals bring people together?
• A character is tasked with creating a new dish that represents their hometown—what ingredients and flavors do they use?
• Imagine a world where food can reveal a person’s true nature—how do people react when a character serves a dish that exposes their secrets?

Dream-Inspired Writing Prompts

Dreams can be strange, surreal, and symbolic.

These prompts are designed to help you explore the boundaries between reality and the subconscious, crafting stories that blur the lines between waking life and dreams.

• Write about a character who keeps having the same dream every night—what message is the dream trying to convey?
• Imagine a world where people can enter each other’s dreams—what happens when someone starts using this power for their own gain?
• Write a story where a character’s dream comes true, but with unexpected consequences—how do they deal with the fallout?
• A character finds themselves in a dream that feels more real than reality—what do they discover about themselves in this dream world?
• Imagine a character who wakes up from a vivid dream with a strange object in their hand—how did it get there, and what does it mean?
• Write about a character who can’t distinguish between dreams and reality—how do they navigate their increasingly blurred world?
• A character meets someone in their dream who gives them crucial advice—what happens when they follow it in real life?
• Imagine a world where people can choose the dreams they want to have—how does this ability change society?
• Write a story where a character realizes they are a part of someone else’s dream—how do they react, and what do they do?
• A character dreams of a place they’ve never been before, but it feels strangely familiar—what is the significance of this place?
• Imagine a character who can control their dreams, shaping them into whatever they desire—what do they create, and why?
• Write about a character who starts dreaming in another language—what do the dreams reveal, and how do they impact their waking life?
• A character dreams about a person they’ve never met, but who knows everything about them—how do they find this person in real life?
• Imagine a character who begins to experience other people’s dreams—how do they deal with the emotions and stories they encounter?
• Write a story where a character’s dream predicts the future—how do they respond to the events as they start to unfold?
• A character has a dream that reveals a hidden truth about their past—how do they investigate this revelation in the waking world?
• Imagine a character who becomes trapped in a recurring nightmare—how do they escape, and what does the nightmare represent?
• Write about a character who shares a dream with someone else—what does it mean, and how does it affect their relationship?
• A character dreams of an alternate version of their life—how do they reconcile this with their reality?
• Imagine a character who can’t wake up from a dream—they must solve a puzzle within the dream to return to the real world.
• Write a story where a character’s dreams are being manipulated by someone else—what is the manipulator’s motive?
• A character discovers they can enter the dreams of others at will—what do they use this power for, and what consequences do they face?
• Imagine a character who wakes up with memories from their dreams that don’t belong to them—whose memories are they, and what do they do with them?
• Write about a character who dreams of a loved one who has passed away—what message does the loved one have, and how does it impact the character’s life?
• A character starts experiencing dreams where they live different lives in different times—how do these experiences change their perspective?
• Imagine a world where people can be punished for their dreams—what happens when a character is accused of having a forbidden dream?
• Write a story where a character’s dreams start leaking into reality—how do they manage the chaos that ensues?
• A character dreams of a disaster before it happens—how do they try to prevent it, and what challenges do they face?
• Imagine a character who enters a dreamscape where all their fears come to life—how do they confront and overcome them?
• Write about a character who discovers a hidden talent or ability through their dreams—how do they develop and use it in real life?
• A character dreams about a perfect day, only to wake up and find themselves living it—how do they handle the surreal experience?
• Imagine a world where people are required to share their dreams publicly—how does this affect personal privacy and relationships?
• Write a story where a character dreams of meeting their soulmate—what happens when they find this person in real life?
• A character begins dreaming about events from a different time period—how do these dreams connect to their present life?
• Imagine a character who can enter their dreams to escape reality—what do they do when they start preferring the dream world over the real one?
• Write about a character who starts receiving messages in their dreams from an unknown source—how do they decode and respond to these messages?
• A character dreams of a future where the world is very different—how do they prepare for what they believe is coming?
• Imagine a character who can revisit the same dream every night, continuing the story from where they left off—what journey do they embark on?
• Write a story where a character’s dreams reveal a hidden talent that has been suppressed—how do they bring this talent into their waking life?
• A character dreams of a place where they can be their true self—how do they bring aspects of this dream self into reality?
• Imagine a character who finds out that their dreams are being watched and studied by an organization—how do they react?
• Write about a character who begins to dream of someone they’ve never met, but who becomes very important to them—how do they find this person?
• A character dreams of solving a mystery they’ve been struggling with in real life—how does the dream guide them to the truth?
• Imagine a world where people can share dreams with one another—what happens when a character shares a dream that was meant to be private?
• Write a story where a character’s dreams are filled with symbols and clues that lead them to a hidden treasure—how do they interpret these signs?
• A character dreams of their ideal life—what do they do when they wake up and realize how different their reality is?
• Imagine a character who discovers that their dreams are being influenced by an external force—how do they fight to regain control?
• Write about a character who dreams of a long-lost friend—what do they do when they wake up with a strong urge to reconnect?
• A character starts dreaming of events that are happening in real-time to someone else—how do they use this knowledge to help?
• Imagine a character who learns a crucial skill in their dreams—how do they apply it when they wake up, and what challenges do they face?

Self-Reflection Writing Prompts

Self-reflection prompts encourage introspection and personal growth.

These prompts are designed to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, leading to deeper understanding and self-awareness.

• Write about a moment in your life when you felt truly at peace—what brought you to that place, and how did it change you?
• Reflect on a decision you made that significantly altered the course of your life—would you make the same choice again?
• Think about a time when you felt completely misunderstood—how did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?
• Write about a fear you’ve faced—how did you overcome it, and how has it shaped who you are today?
• Remember a time when you experienced a meaningful connection with someone—what made that connection special, and how did it impact you?
• Consider a situation where you had to choose between your head and your heart—what did you decide, and how do you feel about that choice now?
• Write about a time when you felt like a failure—how did you pick yourself up, and what lessons did you take away?
• Reflect on a moment when you felt incredibly proud of yourself—what did you accomplish, and why was it significant to you?
• Think about a time when you were at a crossroads in your life—how did you choose your path, and where has it led you?
• Write about a relationship that taught you an important life lesson—what was the lesson, and how has it influenced your future relationships?
• Reflect on a time when you felt completely lost—how did you find your way back, and what did you discover about yourself in the process?
• Consider a moment when you had to stand up for what you believed in—what was the outcome, and how did it shape your values?
• Write about a dream or goal you’ve had for a long time—how close are you to achieving it, and what has the journey taught you?
• Reflect on a time when you felt truly happy—what were the circumstances, and how can you recreate that feeling in your life today?
• Think about a mistake you made that had significant consequences—how did you handle the aftermath, and what did you learn?
• Write about a moment when you felt completely out of your comfort zone—how did you adapt, and what did you learn about yourself?
• Reflect on a time when you had to forgive someone—how did you find the strength to do it, and how did it affect your relationship?
• Consider a period in your life when you experienced significant change—how did you cope, and how has it influenced who you are today?
• Write about a person who has had a profound impact on your life—what did they teach you, and how have you carried their lessons forward?
• Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life—how did you manage your stress, and what strategies helped you regain control?
• Think about a moment when you had to let go of something or someone important to you—how did you find closure, and what did you learn in the process?
• Write about a challenge you faced that seemed insurmountable—how did you overcome it, and what strengths did you discover in yourself?
• Reflect on a time when you were your own worst critic—how did you learn to be kinder to yourself, and how has it changed your outlook?
• Consider a decision you made that went against the advice of others—how did it turn out, and what did you learn about trusting yourself?
• Write about a time when you felt disconnected from yourself—how did you reconnect, and what did you discover about your needs and desires?
• Reflect on a moment when you experienced a deep sense of gratitude—what were you thankful for, and how has it shaped your perspective?
• Think about a time when you had to be brave—how did you muster the courage, and what was the outcome?
• Write about a period in your life when you felt stuck—how did you get moving again, and what did you learn about perseverance?
• Reflect on a time when you had to admit you were wrong—how did you handle it, and what did you learn about humility?
• Consider a relationship that didn’t work out—what did you learn from the experience, and how has it influenced your approach to relationships?
• Write about a time when you felt incredibly vulnerable—how did you protect yourself, and what did you learn about trust?
• Reflect on a moment when you had to make a difficult decision—what was at stake, and how did you choose?
• Think about a period in your life when you were seeking direction—how did you find your way, and what did you learn about your values and priorities?
• Write about a goal you set for yourself that you haven’t yet achieved—what’s holding you back, and how can you move forward?
• Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant loss—how did you cope, and how has it shaped your perspective on life?
• Consider a moment when you had to take a leap of faith—what was the outcome, and how did it change you?
• Write about a time when you felt truly at peace with yourself—what were the circumstances, and how can you bring that peace into your life today?
• Reflect on a time when you had to confront a difficult truth—how did you face it, and what did you learn about honesty and integrity?
• Think about a period in your life when you were striving for something—what did you achieve, and how did the journey shape you?
• Write about a time when you had to navigate a major life transition—how did you manage the change, and what did you learn about adaptability?
• Reflect on a moment when you felt deeply connected to someone—what created that bond, and how has it influenced your relationships?
• Consider a time when you had to make a sacrifice for someone else—how did it affect your relationship, and what did you learn about selflessness?
• Write about a time when you felt completely content—what brought you to that place, and how can you maintain that sense of contentment in your life?
• Reflect on a moment when you felt like giving up—how did you keep going, and what did you learn about resilience?
• Think about a time when you had to trust someone else completely—how did you manage your fears, and what did you learn about vulnerability?
• Write about a moment when you realized something important about yourself—how did this realization change you?
• Reflect on a time when you had to balance competing priorities—how did you find harmony, and what did you learn about balance?
• Consider a relationship that has grown over time—how has it changed, and what have you learned about growth and commitment?
• Write about a period in your life when you felt out of control—how did you regain your footing, and what did you learn about stability?
• Reflect on a time when you experienced a breakthrough—what led to it, and how has it changed your life?

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts

Historical fiction allows you to step into the past and explore the lives of people in different times and places.

These prompts are designed to help you create rich, immersive stories that blend history with imagination.

• Write about a young girl growing up during the Great Depression—how does she find hope in difficult times?
• Imagine you are a soldier in the trenches during World War I—what do you experience, and how do you cope with the horrors of war?
• Write a story about a woman who becomes a spy during the Cold War—how does she navigate the dangers and intrigue of espionage?
• Imagine you are a merchant on the Silk Road in ancient times—what goods do you trade, and what adventures do you encounter?
• Write about a family living in ancient Rome during the height of the empire—how do they navigate the politics and culture of the time?
• Imagine you are a sailor on one of Christopher Columbus’s voyages—what do you discover, and how do you feel about your journey?
• Write a story about a young apprentice working in a medieval castle—what skills do they learn, and what secrets do they uncover?
• Imagine you are a member of the Underground Railroad helping slaves escape to freedom—what risks do you take, and what motivates you?
• Write about a person living through the Black Death in medieval Europe—how do they survive, and what do they witness?
• Imagine you are a Native American witnessing the arrival of European settlers—how do you respond, and what changes do you foresee?
• Write a story about a woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the American Civil War—what challenges does she face, and how does she manage to keep her secret?
• Imagine you are a child growing up during the Renaissance—how do you experience the art, science, and culture of the time?
• Write about a family living in colonial America—how do they contribute to the community, and what challenges do they face?
• Imagine you are a Viking on a raid in England—what do you experience, and how do you feel about your life as a warrior?
• Write a story about a young woman involved in the suffragette movement—what motivates her, and what obstacles does she overcome?
• Imagine you are a peasant living in a feudal village in medieval Europe—how do you navigate the hardships and struggles of daily life?
• Write about a person living in ancient Egypt during the construction of the pyramids—what is their role, and how do they view the pharaohs and gods?
• Imagine you are a member of the French Resistance during World War II—how do you carry out your missions, and what dangers do you face?
• Write a story about a family trying to survive during the Dust Bowl—how do they cope with the harsh conditions and uncertainty of the time?
• Imagine you are a knight during the Crusades—what motivates you to fight, and what do you encounter on your journey?
• Write about a young artist living in Paris during the Impressionist movement—how do they find inspiration, and what challenges do they face in the art world?
• Imagine you are a sailor on a whaling ship in the 19th century—what dangers do you face at sea, and how do you cope with life on board?
• Write a story about a person who witnesses the signing of the Declaration of Independence—what do they feel about the birth of a new nation?
• Imagine you are an explorer in the Amazon during the age of exploration—what do you discover, and how do you interact with the indigenous peoples?
• Write about a child living in the American South during the Civil Rights Movement—how do they perceive the changes happening around them?
• Imagine you are a member of a royal court in Tudor England—what intrigues and plots do you witness, and how do you navigate the treacherous environment?
• Write a story about a family living in Berlin during the Cold War—how do they cope with the division of their city and the constant threat of conflict?
• Imagine you are a miner during the California Gold Rush—what do you experience in your search for fortune, and what do you learn about the nature of greed and hope?
• Write about a woman who becomes a doctor during the early 20th century—how does she break through the barriers of a male-dominated profession, and what challenges does she face?
• Imagine you are a Native American leader negotiating with European settlers—how do you balance the needs of your people with the pressures of colonization?
• Write a story about a person who lives through the Spanish Inquisition—how do they survive the religious persecution, and what do they witness?
• Imagine you are a journalist covering the Vietnam War—what stories do you tell, and how do you cope with the horrors you see?
• Write about a character who participates in the Boston Tea Party—how do they feel about the rebellion, and what risks do they take?
• Imagine you are a samurai in feudal Japan—what is your code of honor, and how do you navigate the challenges of loyalty and duty?
• Write a story about a person living in Victorian London during the height of the Industrial Revolution—how do they adapt to the rapid changes in society?
• Imagine you are a young woman in ancient Greece attending the first Olympic Games—what do you witness, and how does the experience shape your view of the world?
• Write about a character who is a scientist during the Enlightenment—what discoveries do they make, and how do they challenge the established beliefs of their time?
• Imagine you are a member of a Native American tribe witnessing the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad—how do you feel about the changes it brings?
• Write a story about a person who joins the abolitionist movement—what drives them to fight for the end of slavery, and what risks do they take?
• Imagine you are an immigrant arriving at Ellis Island in the early 20th century—what hopes and fears do you have as you begin your new life in America?
• Write about a person who is a part of the Harlem Renaissance—how do they contribute to the cultural explosion, and what impact does it have on their life?
• Imagine you are a Roman senator during the fall of the Roman Empire—how do you perceive the decline, and what do you do to try to save it?
• Write a story about a person who lives through the Great Fire of London—how do they survive the disaster, and what do they do in its aftermath?
• Imagine you are a member of the women’s suffrage movement in early 20th century England—what challenges do you face, and how do you fight for the right to vote?
• Write about a person who is a soldier in Napoleon’s army—how do they view the conquests of Europe, and what do they experience on the battlefield?
• Imagine you are a child living in ancient China during the construction of the Great Wall—how does this massive project affect your family and community?
• Write a story about a person who participates in the Salem witch trials—how do they view the hysteria, and what role do they play in the events?
• Imagine you are a member of a medieval guild—what is your craft, and how do you navigate the politics and competition within your trade?
• Write about a person who witnesses the fall of the Berlin Wall—how do they feel about the reunification of Germany, and what changes do they experience?
• Imagine you are a nurse during the Crimean War—what do you witness on the battlefield, and how do you care for the wounded soldiers?

Adventure Writing Prompts

Adventure stories are all about thrilling exploits, dangerous journeys, and the pursuit of the unknown. These prompts are designed to inspire tales of daring and exploration.

• Write about a character who discovers a hidden cave while hiking—what do they find inside, and how does it change their life?
• Imagine a group of friends sets out on a cross-country road trip—what unexpected challenges do they face along the way?
• Write a story where a character embarks on a quest to find a legendary treasure—what dangers do they encounter, and what do they learn?
• A character is shipwrecked on a deserted island—how do they survive, and what mysteries do they uncover?
• Imagine you are part of an expedition to climb a previously unconquered mountain—what obstacles do you face, and how do you overcome them?
• Write about a character who sets out to explore an uncharted jungle—what do they discover, and how do they deal with the dangers of the wild?
• A young explorer finds an ancient map—what journey do they embark on, and what do they find at the end?
• Imagine a character who takes a journey to the center of the Earth—what strange worlds and creatures do they encounter?
• Write a story where a character goes on a deep-sea dive and discovers an underwater civilization—how do they interact with the inhabitants?
• A character is sent on a mission to retrieve a stolen artifact—what challenges do they face, and how do they succeed?
• Imagine you’re part of a team exploring a distant planet—what new life forms do you encounter, and what secrets does the planet hold?
• Write about a character who stumbles upon a portal to another dimension—what adventures await them on the other side?
• A character must navigate through a dense, enchanted forest—what magical creatures and obstacles do they encounter?
• Imagine a group of adventurers who are tasked with rescuing a kidnapped royal—how do they plan and execute the daring rescue?
• Write a story where a character is on the run from a powerful enemy—what lengths do they go to in order to stay alive?
• A character discovers a lost city buried beneath the sands of a vast desert—what treasures and dangers do they find?
• Imagine a character who sets sail on a solo voyage across the ocean—what trials do they face, and what do they discover about themselves?
• Write about a character who joins a group of treasure hunters—what is the ultimate prize, and what sacrifices are made along the way?
• A character sets out to find a legendary beast—what do they discover, and how does the journey change them?
• Imagine a world where the oceans are filled with uncharted islands—write about an explorer who maps them out and what they find.
• Write a story where a character must survive a journey through a harsh and unforgiving environment—how do they overcome the elements?
• A character is caught in a race against time to stop a disaster—what do they do, and how do they succeed?
• Imagine a character who uncovers a secret society that controls the world—how do they infiltrate it, and what do they do with the knowledge?
• Write about a character who sets out to find a lost civilization—what do they discover, and how do they protect their findings from those who wish to exploit them?
• A character is thrown into a world of high-stakes adventure when they find themselves in possession of a powerful artifact—what do they do?
• Imagine a character who is the sole survivor of a plane crash in a remote wilderness—how do they survive, and how do they get home?
• Write a story where a character takes part in a dangerous race through treacherous terrain—what motivates them, and how do they overcome the odds?
• A character must cross a vast, unexplored region of the world—what do they find, and how do they survive the journey?
• Imagine a character who is chosen to lead an expedition to the North Pole—what do they encounter in the frozen wasteland?
• Write about a character who is caught in a storm while sailing—how do they survive, and what do they discover when the storm clears?
• A character finds a clue to a long-lost treasure hidden in a famous landmark—what journey do they embark on to uncover it?
• Imagine a group of adventurers who are hired to protect a caravan traveling through dangerous territory—what challenges do they face?
• Write a story where a character goes on a quest to find a mythical object that grants immense power—how do they deal with the temptation it brings?
• A character must navigate a series of deadly traps in order to reach their goal—what drives them to succeed, and what do they learn?
• Imagine a character who is stranded in the wilderness with only their wits and a few supplies—how do they survive, and what dangers do they face?
• Write about a character who is thrust into an adventure when they discover a hidden world beneath their city—what do they find there?
• A character is on the run after stealing a valuable item from a powerful organization—how do they stay one step ahead, and what is their ultimate plan?
• Imagine a character who must journey to the top of a mysterious tower that no one has ever climbed—what do they discover as they ascend?
• Write a story where a character is recruited by a secret organization to go on a mission of global importance—what do they have to do, and how do they succeed?
• A character sets out to find a cure for a deadly disease ravaging their homeland—what challenges do they face, and what sacrifices do they make?
• Imagine a character who must survive a journey through a haunted forest—what supernatural forces do they encounter, and how do they escape?
• Write about a character who discovers an ancient relic that holds the key to a long-forgotten mystery—what do they do with it, and what dangers do they face?
• A character embarks on a dangerous expedition to recover a lost artifact from a remote temple—what trials do they face, and what do they find?
• Imagine a character who must navigate a labyrinth filled with deadly creatures and traps—what drives them to succeed, and how do they survive?
• Write a story where a character is forced to embark on a perilous journey to save a loved one—what do they learn about themselves along the way?
• A character is sent on a mission to explore a mysterious island that has appeared out of nowhere—what do they find, and how does it change them?
• Imagine a character who is caught in a battle between two powerful forces—how do they navigate the conflict, and what role do they play in the outcome?
• Write about a character who is searching for a legendary lost city—what do they discover, and how do they protect its secrets?
• A character must survive a journey through a treacherous mountain pass during a fierce winter storm—how do they make it through?
• Imagine a character who is on a quest to find a mythical creature—what challenges do they face, and what do they learn from the journey?

Alternate Reality Writing Prompts

Alternate realities explore what might have been if the world were different in some fundamental way.

These prompts are designed to help you imagine new versions of reality and explore the consequences of those differences.

• Imagine a world where everyone is born with the ability to read minds—how does this change society, and what challenges arise?
• Write about a reality where technology never advanced beyond the 1800s—how does this affect daily life and global politics?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a predetermined soulmate, but they can only meet under specific circumstances—how do people navigate love and relationships?
• Write a story where history took a different turn—what if the Roman Empire never fell, or if World War II ended differently?
• Imagine a world where people can switch bodies with each other at will—how does this affect identity and relationships?
• Write about a society where emotions are outlawed, and everyone must take medication to remain calm—what happens when someone stops taking their pills?
• Imagine a reality where magic is real and integrated into everyday life—how do people use it, and what are the rules?
• Write a story where humans have colonized space, but Earth is off-limits—what is life like in this new interstellar civilization?
• Imagine a world where everyone’s future is predetermined and known from birth—how do people cope with their destinies?
• Write about an alternate reality where the environment is the central focus of society, and technology is designed to enhance nature rather than exploit it.
• Imagine a world where people can relive any moment of their past whenever they choose—how does this ability affect their lives?
• Write a story where a small change in the past leads to a drastically different present—what is the new world like, and how do people adapt?
• Imagine a reality where dreams are shared experiences that multiple people can participate in—how does this change the way people interact and communicate?
• Write about a world where every decision creates a new parallel universe—how do people navigate the infinite possibilities of their lives?
• Imagine a society where art and creativity are the most valued skills, and everyone is expected to contribute to the cultural wealth—how does this affect personal ambition and competition?
• Write a story where the seasons last for decades instead of months—how does this change the way people live and work?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a personal AI companion that guides their decisions—how does this affect free will and individuality?
• Imagine a world where humans are nocturnal and live by moonlight—how does society function?
• What if everyone was born with a countdown clock on their wrist, showing when they’ll meet their soulmate?
• A world where books are living entities—what stories do they tell themselves?
• Imagine a reality where gravity shifts randomly—how do people cope?
• What if colors were a form of currency—how would the world look?
• A society where all animals can speak—how does this change human behavior?
• What if people aged backwards from old age to infancy?
• Imagine a world where every lie is physically painful—how do people communicate?
• What if everyone’s thoughts were broadcast on a public screen?
• A reality where food provides emotions instead of nutrition—how do people eat?
• Imagine a world where the weather is controlled by a vote—what happens in times of disagreement?
• A world where names change every day—how do people maintain their identity?
• What if the oceans were solid and the land was liquid?
• Imagine a world where music can manipulate time—how is this power used?
• What if everyone had a shadow that acted independently?
• A reality where humans have wings—what does society look like?
• Imagine a world where dreams are taxed—what dreams are worth paying for?
• What if every building could move—how does architecture evolve?
• A society where all emotions are color-coded—how do people express themselves?
• What if the sun never set—how do people sleep?
• Imagine a world where people can trade memories—what memories are most valuable?
• A reality where people are assigned a new personality every year.
• What if people communicated through scents instead of language?
• Imagine a world where all history is forgotten every 50 years—how is knowledge preserved?
• A society where technology is powered by emotions—what happens when someone gets angry?
• What if animals ruled the world and humans were their pets?
• Imagine a reality where everyone has a unique superpower, but they only get it once.
• A world where every person has a different law of physics applied to them.
• What if all plants were sentient and could move—how would farming change?
• Imagine a society where people can choose their own dreams each night—what do they choose?
• A reality where everyone lives in their own separate time zone—how do people interact?
• What if memories could be uploaded and shared like videos?
• Write about a world where emotions are used like currency.

Philosophical Writing Prompts

Now let’s look at some prompts with a philosphical slant.

• What if free will is an illusion—how does society function?
• A world where people live forever—what is the meaning of life?
• What if truth could be measured—how do people handle honesty?
• Imagine a society where everyone knows the exact date of their death—how do they live?
• What if people could exchange parts of their personality—what would be the most valuable traits?
• A world where happiness is mandatory—what happens to those who refuse?
• What if love was a finite resource—how is it distributed?
• Imagine a reality where suffering is seen as the highest form of achievement—how do people pursue it?
• What if justice was determined by an algorithm—how does it change the legal system?
• A world where empathy is a commodity—who controls its distribution?
• What if every action had an immediate visible consequence—how do people behave?
• Imagine a society where individuals are ranked by their moral decisions—what challenges arise?
• What if people could only speak the truth—how would relationships change?
• A reality where everyone can see their future—how do they react?
• What if humans had to renew their life every 10 years—how do they prove their worth?
• Imagine a world where people could choose to live in a utopia, but only at the cost of someone else’s suffering—who makes the choice?
• What if knowledge was considered dangerous—how is it controlled?
• A society where memory is selective—what memories do people choose to keep?
• What if reality could be rewritten by those in power—how do people resist?
• Imagine a world where every decision is made by consensus—how does it affect progress?
• What if guilt could be transferred from one person to another?
• A society where death is celebrated as a new beginning—how is life viewed?
• What if everyone’s purpose was assigned at birth—how do people accept it?
• Imagine a reality where the meaning of life is a known fact—how do people respond?
• What if morality was scientifically proven—how does it affect human behavior?
• A world where every lie reduces your lifespan—how do people communicate?
• What if people could erase their worst memories—would they choose to?
• Imagine a society where pleasure is the ultimate goal—how is it achieved?
• What if every person was born with a specific destiny—how do they fulfill it?
• A reality where every thought is monitored—how does it affect freedom?
• What if people could physically carry their burdens—how do they manage them?
• Imagine a world where knowledge is inherited—what are the implications for education?
• What if reality was a shared dream—how do people influence it?
• A society where death is optional—who chooses to die and why?
• What if people could switch bodies at will—how does it affect identity?
• Imagine a reality where suffering is eliminated—what becomes the purpose of life?
• What if truth is subjective—how do people navigate different realities?
• A world where everyone has a moral compass that can never be ignored—what happens when it conflicts with society’s laws?
• What if time travel was possible, but only to correct mistakes—who gets to decide what to fix?
• Imagine a society where people are judged by their intentions rather than their actions—how does it change justice?
• What if love could be quantified and measured—how does it change relationships?
• A reality where everyone is born knowing the ultimate truth—how do they live their lives?
• What if the pursuit of happiness was illegal—how do people find fulfillment?
• Imagine a world where thoughts create reality—how do people control their minds?
• What if every person could experience the life of another for a day—how does it change their perspective?
• A society where logic and emotion are in constant conflict—how do people find balance?
• What if every action was judged by future generations—how does it affect behavior?
• Imagine a reality where morality is a currency—what happens to those who go bankrupt?
• What if people could trade their virtues—what would be most valuable?
• A world where forgiveness is mandatory—how do people navigate relationships?

Inspirational Writing Prompts

Inspiration comes from many sources—overcoming challenges, finding strength in adversity, or discovering new perspectives.

These prompts are designed to help you craft uplifting and motivational stories.

• Write about a character who turns a personal tragedy into a powerful message of hope.
• Imagine someone who overcomes their biggest fear—how does it change their life?
• A person is inspired by a random act of kindness—what do they do to pay it forward?
• Write about a community that comes together to rebuild after a disaster.
• A character finds their true purpose after a series of failures—what motivates them to keep going?
• Imagine someone who starts a movement for positive change—how do they inspire others?
• Write about a character who transforms their life after a chance encounter with a stranger.
• A person takes a leap of faith and it leads to unexpected success—how do they handle it?
• Write about a mentor who helps a struggling student find their potential.
• Imagine a character who finds strength in a difficult situation and becomes a role model for others.
• A character discovers the power of forgiveness—how does it heal them?
• Write about a person who refuses to give up on their dream, despite overwhelming odds.
• A character finds inspiration in nature—how does it guide their journey?
• Imagine someone who turns their hobby into a successful career—what challenges do they face?
• Write about a person who inspires others by living their truth, even when it’s hard.
• A character overcomes self-doubt and achieves something they never thought possible.
• Imagine a community that unites to protect a cherished tradition—how do they succeed?
• Write about someone who helps others find their inner strength in tough times.
• A person’s positive outlook changes the lives of those around them—how do they spread their joy?
• Imagine a character who rebuilds their life after losing everything—how do they start over?
• Write about a person who turns a simple idea into something that changes the world.
• A character finds hope in the darkest of times—how do they keep going?
• Imagine someone who inspires others through their unwavering dedication to a cause.
• Write about a character who discovers that their biggest weakness is actually their greatest strength.
• A person helps others find beauty in everyday life—how do they spread their message?
• Imagine a character who changes the course of their life after a life-altering event.
• Write about someone who finds the courage to stand up for what they believe in.
• A person uses their talents to bring people together—how do they make a difference?
• Imagine a character who inspires a whole community to work towards a common goal.
• Write about a person who finds peace and fulfillment by following their passion.
• A character overcomes adversity to achieve something extraordinary—how do they inspire others?
• Imagine someone who finds a way to bring joy to others, even in difficult circumstances.
• Write about a person who leads by example, showing others how to live a meaningful life.
• A character turns their life around by focusing on what truly matters—how do they inspire others to do the same?
• Imagine someone who turns their pain into art—how does it impact the world?
• Write about a person who finds hope and purpose through helping others.
• A character discovers the importance of self-love—how do they teach others to value themselves?
• Imagine a community that thrives through cooperation and mutual support—how do they maintain it?
• Write about a person who inspires others to see the good in the world, even when it’s hard to find.
• A character finds their voice and uses it to make a positive change—how do they impact those around them?
• Imagine someone who turns a small act of kindness into a movement that changes lives.
• Write about a person who finds joy in simple things—how do they inspire others to do the same?
• A character’s resilience in the face of hardship inspires a community—how do they lead by example?
• Imagine a person who uses their experiences to mentor others—how do they create lasting change?
• Write about someone who finds happiness by giving back to others—how do they spread their positivity?
• A character overcomes a major obstacle and becomes a beacon of hope for others—how do they inspire change?
• Imagine someone who turns their struggles into a story of triumph—how do they share their journey with the world?
• Write about a person who dedicates their life to helping others find happiness—how do they create a legacy of love?
• A character discovers the power of gratitude—how do they transform their life and those around them?
• Imagine a person who turns their life around through sheer determination—how do they inspire others to do the same?

Humor Writing Prompts

Humor brings lightness to life, turning the mundane into the hilarious and the challenging into the absurd.

These prompts are designed to help you craft stories that make readers laugh out loud.

• Write about a character who has the worst luck—how do they find themselves in one ridiculous situation after another?
• Imagine a world where everyone takes everything literally—what misunderstandings ensue?
• A character tries to impress someone by pretending to be an expert—what happens when they’re asked to prove it?
• Write about a family road trip that goes hilariously wrong at every turn.
• Imagine a character who accidentally becomes a social media star for all the wrong reasons—how do they handle it?
• A person tries to host the perfect dinner party, but everything that can go wrong does—what chaos ensues?
• Write about a character who’s terrible at lying but keeps trying to tell the perfect lie—how does it backfire?
• Imagine a character who gets stuck in the most awkward situations—how do they get out of them?
• A person enters a contest they’re completely unqualified for—what hilarious outcomes follow?
• Write about a character who has to pretend to be someone else for a day—how do they fumble their way through?
• Imagine a world where everyone’s thoughts are spoken out loud—what awkward situations arise?
• A character’s attempts at DIY projects always end in disaster—what’s their latest catastrophe?
• Write about a person who tries to adopt a pet, but the pet turns out to be nothing like they expected.
• Imagine a character who takes on a ridiculous dare—what are the unforeseen consequences?
• A person tries to navigate a fancy event they have no business being at—how do they make a fool of themselves?
• Write about a character who’s always mistaken for someone famous—how do they use this to their advantage (or not)?
• Imagine a world where everyone tells the truth, no matter how embarrassing—what situations arise?
• A character decides to try online dating but ends up on the most bizarre dates—what’s their worst experience?
• Write about someone who takes their hobby way too seriously—what ridiculous lengths do they go to?
• Imagine a character who tries to cook a gourmet meal but ends up with a kitchen disaster—what’s the funniest mishap?
• A person who’s notoriously clumsy has to perform in front of a large audience—what chaos ensues?
• Write about a character who always says the wrong thing at the wrong time—what’s their most cringe-worthy moment?
• Imagine a world where animals can talk, and they have a lot to say about humans—what do they complain about most?
• A character is terrible at keeping secrets but tries to hide something important—how do they accidentally spill the beans?
• Write about someone who’s obsessed with conspiracy theories—what happens when one of their wild ideas turns out to be true?
• Imagine a person who tries to throw a surprise party but keeps accidentally revealing the secret—how do they cover it up?
• A character gets involved in a prank war that spirals out of control—what’s the most absurd prank they pull?
• Write about a person who tries to follow a complicated set of instructions—how do they hilariously misunderstand them?
• Imagine a character who has a reputation for being incredibly unlucky—what’s their unluckiest day ever?
• A person who hates public speaking is forced to give a speech—how do they hilariously stumble through it?
• Write about a character who’s terrible at giving advice but keeps trying—what’s the worst advice they give?
• Imagine a world where people switch bodies every week—what happens when someone ends up in a very unexpected body?
• A character tries to join a group or club they clearly don’t belong in—what are the funny misadventures they experience?
• Write about a person who’s convinced they have a superpower but it’s actually just a series of coincidences—what’s the funniest “superpower” moment?
• Imagine a character who’s always eavesdropping and constantly misinterprets conversations—what’s their biggest misunderstanding?
• A person tries to impress their crush by taking up a new hobby—how do they completely embarrass themselves?
• Write about a character who’s terrible at giving gifts but insists on trying—what’s the most disastrous gift they give?
• Imagine a world where people can communicate with objects—what hilarious conversations do they have with their belongings?
• A character’s attempt to fix something ends up making everything worse—what’s the funniest chain of events that follows?
• Write about someone who tries to live by a self-help book but ends up taking everything too literally—what’s the most absurd advice they follow?
• Imagine a character who tries to keep up with the latest trends but always ends up a step behind.
• Write about a character who takes on a bet they can’t possibly win—what are the funniest consequences?
• Imagine a person who’s convinced they’re cursed—what absurd “evidence” do they find to support this belief?
• A character who’s terrified of technology accidentally becomes famous on the internet—how do they cope with their newfound fame?
• Write about a person who tries to learn a new language but keeps mistranslating everything—what’s their most embarrassing mistake?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a bizarre superpower—what’s the most ridiculous one, and how does it cause chaos?
• A character decides to take a spontaneous road trip but ends up getting lost—what hilariously strange places do they visit?
• Write about someone who’s always trying to outdo their neighbor—what’s the most over-the-top thing they attempt?
• Imagine a character who’s always misplacing things—what’s the most inconvenient or funny item they lose?
• A person who’s known for their terrible sense of direction ends up leading a group on an important mission—how do they hilariously mess it up?

Journalistic Writing Prompts

Journalism is all about uncovering the truth and telling stories that matter.

These prompts are designed to help you explore different angles, ask hard questions, and report on the world around you.

• Write an investigative piece on a local legend—what’s the real story behind it?
• Imagine you’re covering a protest—how do you capture the voices of the people involved?
• Report on a mysterious event that no one can explain—what theories do people have?
• Write a profile on an unsung hero in your community—what makes them special?
• Imagine you’re sent to cover a breaking news story—what details do you focus on to bring it to life?
• Write an exposé on a corrupt politician—how do you uncover the truth?
• Cover a story about a groundbreaking scientific discovery—how do you make the complex information accessible?
• Imagine you’re reporting on a controversial art exhibit—what perspectives do you include?
• Write an in-depth feature on a forgotten historical site—what stories does it hold?
• Report on the rise of a new social trend—what does it say about society?
• Write a story about a person who’s making a big difference with small acts—how do you highlight their impact?
• Imagine you’re reporting from a disaster zone—how do you convey the scale of the tragedy?
• Cover a story about a new technology that’s changing lives—what are the potential benefits and risks?
• Write a piece on the challenges faced by a particular community—how do you give them a voice?
• Imagine you’re investigating a company’s unethical practices—how do you gather evidence and tell the story?
• Report on a cultural festival that’s unknown to the wider world—how do you capture its essence?
• Write an article about the changing landscape of your city—what’s driving the transformation?
• Cover a story about an environmental issue—how do you balance the facts with the human element?
• Imagine you’re writing a piece on the impact of social media on mental health—what angles do you explore?
• Write a story about a unique tradition that’s at risk of dying out—how do you bring attention to it?
• Report on a day in the life of someone with an unusual job—how do you make their work relatable?
• Write an investigative piece on a local conspiracy theory—what’s the truth behind it?
• Imagine you’re covering a trial—how do you present the facts while maintaining neutrality?
• Write a profile on a rising star in an unconventional field—what sets them apart?
• Report on the challenges of a small business in a rapidly changing economy—how do they adapt?
• Write an article about a medical breakthrough—how do you convey its significance?
• Imagine you’re reporting on a new cultural movement—how do you capture its energy and purpose?
• Cover a story about a sports team on an unexpected winning streak—what’s behind their success?
• Write a piece on the history of a local landmark—what stories does it tell?
• Report on a community coming together after a tragedy—how do you show their resilience?
• Write an investigative story on the hidden side of a popular industry—what do people need to know?
• Imagine you’re writing a feature on an artist who’s challenging norms—how do you showcase their work and message?
• Report on the impact of a major event on your community—how do you capture the different perspectives?
• Write an article about the life of a centenarian—what wisdom do they share?
• Cover a story about a local election—how do you present the candidates and their platforms?
• Imagine you’re reporting on a groundbreaking legal case—how do you explain its implications?
• Write a piece on a new educational initiative—how is it changing the way people learn?
• Report on the rise of a new form of entertainment—what’s driving its popularity?
• Write an article about a community project that’s bringing people together—how do you highlight its success?
• Imagine you’re covering an international conflict—how do you provide context and depth?
• Report on a person who’s challenging the status quo in their field—what motivates them?
• Write an investigative piece on the dark side of a seemingly perfect community—what secrets lie beneath the surface?
• Cover a story about a new trend in sustainable living—how are people making a difference?
• Write a profile on someone who’s overcome significant obstacles—what lessons do they offer?
• Imagine you’re reporting on a scientific expedition—how do you convey the excitement and importance of the research?
• Write an article about a cultural tradition that’s making a comeback—why is it resonating with people today?
• Report on the impact of climate change on a specific area—how are people adapting?
• Write a piece on a new social movement—how is it changing conversations and policies?
• Cover a story about the intersection of art and activism—how are artists using their work to create change?
• Imagine you’re investigating a mysterious disappearance—how do you unravel the mystery and tell the story?

Technology-Themed Writing Prompts

Technology shapes our world in profound ways, influencing how we live, work, and connect.

These prompts are designed to inspire stories that explore the impact of technology on society, relationships, and the human experience.

• Write about a future where artificial intelligence governs society—how do people live under AI rule?
• Imagine a world where everyone has a personal robot assistant—what happens when one robot starts acting on its own?
• A character invents a device that can erase specific memories—what are the unintended consequences?
• Write about a society where people can upload their consciousness into a digital world—how does it affect their relationships in the physical world?
• Imagine a future where people can communicate telepathically through implanted chips—how does it change communication?
• A person discovers a flaw in a popular social media platform that exposes users’ private thoughts—what do they do?
• Write about a world where virtual reality is indistinguishable from real life—how do people escape their problems?
• Imagine a character who creates an app that predicts the future—how do they deal with the responsibility?
• A company releases a new wearable that monitors emotions—what happens when the data is hacked?
• Write about a society where drones are used for everything—what happens when they start making decisions on their own?
• Imagine a world where everyone’s dreams are recorded and analyzed—how do people react to having their subconscious exposed?
• A character stumbles upon a forgotten piece of technology that changes their understanding of the world—what do they do with it?
• Write about a person who becomes famous on the internet for something they didn’t intend—how do they handle their unwanted fame?
• Imagine a society where technology can heal any physical injury instantly—how does this change the way people view risk and safety?
• A character invents a machine that can translate animal languages—what do they learn from the animals?
• Write about a world where people can live forever by transferring their consciousness to new bodies—how do they deal with immortality?
• Imagine a future where transportation is entirely automated—what happens when a glitch in the system creates chaos?
• A person discovers that their every move is being tracked by a mysterious app—how do they uncover who’s behind it?
• Write about a society where privacy no longer exists due to advanced surveillance technology—how do people adapt?
• Imagine a world where people can implant memories from other people—what ethical dilemmas arise?
• A character invents a device that allows people to experience other’s emotions—how does it change their relationships?
• Write about a future where humans coexist with androids—how do they navigate the complexities of this relationship?
• Imagine a society where energy is harvested from emotions—how do people deal with the pressure to stay positive?
• A person hacks into a government system and uncovers a conspiracy—how do they decide what to do with the information?
• Write about a character who discovers that their entire life has been a simulation—how do they react?
• Imagine a world where people can edit their genetic code at will—what are the unforeseen consequences?
• A company creates a device that allows people to relive their favorite memories—what happens when someone becomes addicted?
• Write about a character who invents a machine that can bring the dead back to life—how does society react?
• Imagine a future where personal data is the most valuable currency—how do people protect themselves?
• A person creates a virtual world where they can live out their fantasies—what happens when they prefer it to reality?
• Write about a world where technology can predict crimes before they happen—how do people feel about living in such a society?
• Imagine a society where human thoughts can be projected onto screens for everyone to see—how do people handle the loss of privacy?
• A character builds a robot companion to deal with loneliness—what happens when the robot develops feelings?
• Write about a world where artificial intelligence decides who people should marry—how do people feel about having no say in their relationships?
• Imagine a future where medical technology can prevent aging—what societal issues arise from this development?
• A person discovers that their smart home devices are spying on them—how do they fight back?
• Write about a world where time travel is possible but only for the wealthy—how does it create a divide in society?
• Imagine a society where people can upload their dreams to the internet—what are the most popular dreams, and why?
• A character invents a new form of social media that connects people’s emotions—how does it change the way they interact?
• Write about a world where climate change has forced humanity to live underground—how do people adapt to life without sunlight?
• Imagine a society where robots have equal rights as humans—how do they navigate their new status?
• A person discovers a secret government program that uses technology to control the weather—what do they do with this information?
• Write about a future where technology can replicate any object instantly—how does it change the economy and human behavior?
• Imagine a world where people can implant knowledge directly into their brains—how does it affect education and learning?
• A character creates a machine that allows them to travel to alternate dimensions—what do they find?
• Write about a society where people are ranked based on their online reputation—how do people navigate this system?
• Imagine a world where people can live in virtual reality full-time—what are the pros and cons of this lifestyle?
• A person invents a device that allows them to communicate with their past self—how do they use it to change their life?
• Write about a future where space exploration is common, but only for the elite—how do ordinary people feel about being left behind?
• Imagine a society where everyone is connected to a central network that controls all aspects of life—what happens when someone decides to disconnect?

Sensory Detail Writing Prompts

Sensory details bring stories to life by engaging the reader’s senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

These prompts are designed to help you focus on rich, vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in your world.

• Write about the smell of rain on dry earth—how does it affect your character’s mood?
• Describe the taste of a dish that brings back powerful memories for your character—what emotions do they experience?
• Write about the feel of an old, well-worn book in your character’s hands—how does it connect them to the past?
• Describe the sound of footsteps echoing in an empty hallway—what tension does it create?
• Write about the sight of the first snowfall of the season—how does it change the landscape and your character’s perspective?
• Describe the taste of a fruit your character is trying for the first time—how do they react to the unfamiliar flavor?
• Write about the smell of a familiar place from your character’s childhood—what memories does it evoke?
• Describe the sensation of walking barefoot on warm sand—how does it make your character feel?
• Write about the sound of laughter in a quiet room—how does it break the silence and affect the mood?
• Describe the sight of a sunset over the ocean—how does it influence your character’s thoughts?
• Write about the taste of a favorite comfort food—how does it bring your character a sense of peace?
• Describe the smell of a freshly baked loaf of bread—how does it fill the space and affect your character?
• Write about the feel of a cold wind cutting through your character’s clothes—how do they respond to the chill?
• Describe the sound of a busy city street—how does it create a sense of chaos or excitement?
• Write about the sight of a field of wildflowers in bloom—how does it impact your character’s mood?
• Describe the taste of a drink that surprises your character—how do they react to the unexpected flavor?
• Write about the smell of smoke in the air—what memories or fears does it trigger for your character?
• Describe the feel of a soft blanket wrapped around your character—how does it provide them comfort?
• Write about the sound of a distant thunderstorm—how does it affect the atmosphere of your story?
• Describe the sight of the stars on a clear night—how does it make your character feel small or inspired?
• Write about the taste of something bitter that your character eats reluctantly—why do they continue to eat it?
• Describe the smell of fresh-cut grass—how does it signal a change in season or evoke memories for your character?
• Write about the feel of an icy cold drink on a hot day—how does it refresh your character?
• Describe the sound of a crackling fire—how does it create a sense of warmth and safety?
• Write about the sight of a rainbow after a storm—how does it symbolize hope or new beginnings for your character?
• Describe the taste of a sweet dessert your character indulges in—how does it bring them joy or guilt?
• Write about the smell of a blooming flower garden—how does it transport your character to a different time or place?
• Describe the feel of rough, calloused hands—what story do they tell about your character’s life?
• Write about the sound of silence in a moment of reflection—how does it provide clarity or unease for your character?
• Describe the sight of a full moon illuminating the night—how does it set the tone for your story?
• Write about the taste of salt in the air by the sea—how does it connect your character to the ocean?
• Describe the smell of freshly brewed coffee—how does it signal the start of a new day for your character?
• Write about the feel of soft, dewy grass underfoot—how does it ground your character in the present moment?
• Describe the sound of waves crashing against the shore—how does it soothe or unsettle your character?
• Write about the sight of autumn leaves falling—how does it reflect the changes in your character’s life?
• Describe the taste of a spicy dish that takes your character by surprise—how do they handle the heat?
• Write about the smell of an old attic filled with forgotten treasures—what memories does it awaken?
• Describe the feel of a cool breeze on a warm day—how does it bring relief to your character?
• Write about the sound of birds chirping at dawn—how does it signal the start of something new?
• Describe the sight of a candle flickering in the dark—how does it create a sense of mystery or comfort?
• Write about the taste of a foreign cuisine your character tries for the first time—what cultural connections do they make?
• Describe the smell of fresh pine in a forest—how does it connect your character to nature?
• Write about the feel of rain tapping on your character’s skin—how does it cleanse or refresh them?
• Describe the sound of a train passing in the distance—how does it evoke feelings of longing or adventure?
• Write about the sight of a bustling marketplace—how does it overwhelm or excite your character?
• Describe the taste of a bitter drink that your character forces down—why do they continue to drink it?
• Write about the smell of an open fire in the wilderness—how does it make your character feel safe or vulnerable?
• Describe the feel of a rough stone wall under your character’s fingertips—how does it tell a story of the past?
• Write about the sound of leaves crunching underfoot in a quiet forest—how does it amplify your character’s solitude?
• Describe the sight of a storm approaching on the horizon—how does it foreshadow events in your story?

Writing Prompts Based on Art

Art can spark imagination and lead to countless stories.

These prompts are designed to inspire narratives that emerge from visual works, exploring themes, emotions, and hidden meanings.

• Imagine a painting of a lone figure standing on a cliff—what are they looking at, and what are they thinking?
• Write a story inspired by a surrealist painting—how does the strange imagery come to life in your narrative?
• Describe a day in the life of a character in a famous portrait—what is their world like outside the frame?
• A sculpture of a warrior comes to life—what mission drives them, and how do they navigate the modern world?
• Write about a character who steps into a landscape painting and discovers it’s a portal to another world.
• Imagine a mural that depicts a forgotten piece of history—how does your character uncover the truth?
• A character finds an old photograph that changes their understanding of their family—what is the story behind the image?
• Write about a person who becomes obsessed with a painting that seems to change every time they look at it.
• A character visits an art exhibit where the sculptures seem to move—what secret do they uncover?
• Imagine a world where famous paintings hold the key to hidden treasures—what clues does your character find?
• Write a story inspired by a piece of abstract art—how do the shapes and colors influence the narrative?
• A character finds a sketchbook filled with drawings that predict the future—how do they interpret the images?
• Imagine a stained-glass window that tells a different story depending on the time of day—what does your character learn?
• Write about a character who discovers a hidden message in a tapestry—how does it change their life?
• A painting of a cityscape becomes a real place—how does your character navigate this new world?
• Imagine a world where every piece of art has a soul—how do people interact with living paintings and sculptures?
• A character inherits a collection of strange and unsettling art—what dark secrets are hidden within?
• Write about an artist who can paint scenes from other dimensions—what happens when one of their paintings comes to life?
• Imagine a character who sees a reflection of their future in a piece of art—how do they react to what they see?
• A sculpture in a park holds the key to a mystery—how does your character solve it?
• Write about a character who becomes trapped in a painting—how do they escape, and what do they learn?
• Imagine a world where people communicate through murals—what stories are told on the walls?
• A character discovers a lost masterpiece that has been hidden for centuries—what is the significance of the painting?
• Write about a piece of graffiti that comes to life—what message does it bring to the world?
• A character finds a painting that shows a scene from their past they don’t remember—what truth do they uncover?
• Imagine a gallery where the art changes depending on the viewer’s emotions—what does your character see?
• Write about a character who creates art that predicts disasters—how do they use their talent to help others?
• A sculpture is rumored to grant wishes—what happens when your character makes a wish?
• Imagine a painting that shows a different world every time you look at it—how does your character explore these worlds?
• Write about a character who discovers that the figures in a painting are watching them—what happens when they make contact?
• A character receives a piece of art that seems to speak directly to them—what message does it convey?
• Imagine a world where artists have the power to bring their creations to life—how do they use or misuse this power?
• Write about a painting that changes to reflect the future—how does your character react to the changes?
• A character finds a piece of street art that leads them on a treasure hunt—what do they find at the end?
• Imagine a museum where the exhibits tell the stories of their creators—what secrets are revealed?
• Write about a character who discovers a piece of art that only they can see—what is its purpose?
• A painting of a ship at sea becomes a portal to another time—what adventure awaits your character?
• Imagine a character who can communicate with the subjects of a painting—what advice do they receive?
• Write about a mural that tells the history of a forgotten civilization—how does your character bring that history to light?
• A character finds a statue that grants them the ability to see the world through the eyes of the artist—how does this change their perspective?
• Imagine a gallery where each piece of art holds a clue to a larger mystery—how does your character piece it together?
• Write about a character who sees a reflection of their own life in a famous work of art—how do they respond?
• A painting of a mythical creature comes to life—how does your character deal with the consequences?
• Imagine a character who discovers a hidden layer in a painting—what is revealed underneath?
• Write about an artist whose work comes to life only when the viewer is alone—how does this affect those who see it?
• A character finds a piece of art that seems to know their deepest secrets—how do they confront this revelation?
• Imagine a world where art is used as a form of communication—how does your character express themselves?
• Write about a character who can step into any piece of art—what adventures do they experience?
• A character discovers a forgotten piece of art that holds the key to a long-lost treasure—how do they decipher the clues?
• Imagine a painting that changes based on the viewer’s mood—how does it affect your character’s emotions?

Survival Writing Prompts

Survival stories are filled with tension, resilience, and the will to overcome extreme challenges.

These prompts are designed to inspire tales of endurance, resourcefulness, and the struggle to stay alive.

• Write about a character who is stranded in the wilderness with only a few supplies—how do they survive?
• Imagine a group of people trapped in a cave after a collapse—how do they work together to find a way out?
• A character is the sole survivor of a plane crash in a remote area—what steps do they take to stay alive?
• Write about a person lost at sea—how do they manage to survive against the odds?
• A character must find their way out of a dense jungle after getting separated from their group—what dangers do they face?
• Imagine a world where a natural disaster has wiped out most of the population—how does your character survive in the aftermath?
• Write about a person who is hunted by a dangerous predator—how do they outsmart it?
• A character is caught in a snowstorm on a mountain—what do they do to avoid freezing to death?
• Imagine a group of survivors on a deserted island—how do they build a new society?
• Write about a character who must survive in a post-apocalyptic world—what challenges do they face daily?
• A person wakes up in an unfamiliar place with no memory of how they got there—how do they navigate this strange environment?
• Imagine a world where the sun never rises—how does your character survive in eternal darkness?
• Write about a character who is stranded in a desert—how do they find water and shelter?
• A character is trapped in a collapsed building after an earthquake—how do they find a way out?
• Imagine a person who must survive a deadly virus outbreak—how do they protect themselves from infection?
• Write about a character who is lost in a foreign country with no money and no knowledge of the language—how do they survive?
• A character is stranded in the Arctic—how do they find food and warmth in the frozen wasteland?
• Imagine a world where food and water are scarce—how does your character secure the resources they need to live?
• Write about a person who must survive a plane crash in the ocean—how do they find land and stay afloat?
• A character is forced to navigate a labyrinth filled with deadly traps—how do they find their way out?
• Imagine a person who is being chased through a forest by unknown assailants—how do they evade capture?
• Write about a character who must survive after their spaceship malfunctions and leaves them stranded in space—how do they find a way back to Earth?
• A person finds themselves in a city under siege—how do they survive the chaos and violence around them?
• Imagine a character who must survive in a world where technology has failed—how do they adapt to a life without modern conveniences?
• Write about a person who is trapped underwater after a submarine accident—how do they find air and escape?
• A character is stranded on a mountaintop after an avalanche—how do they signal for help and stay alive?
• Imagine a world where the climate has drastically changed—how does your character survive the extreme conditions?
• Write about a character who must escape from a sinking ship—how do they navigate the dangers of the ocean?
• A person is lost in a vast, desolate landscape with no signs of life—how do they find their way home?
• Imagine a character who is being hunted for sport—how do they outwit their pursuers?
• Write about a person who survives a natural disaster, only to face new dangers in its aftermath—how do they keep going?
• A character is trapped in a remote location with no means of communication—how do they signal for help?
• Imagine a person who is forced to survive in a world where society has collapsed—how do they find food, shelter, and safety amidst the chaos?
• Write about a character who must navigate a flooded city—how do they survive the rising waters and find higher ground?
• A person is stranded in a remote desert canyon with no clear way out—how do they find water and escape?
• Imagine a character who must survive a plane crash in a dense rainforest—how do they navigate the unfamiliar terrain?
• Write about a person who is marooned on an iceberg—how do they deal with the cold and isolation?
• A character is caught in a forest fire—how do they escape the flames and find safety?
• Imagine a world where an ice age has returned—how does your character survive in the frozen world?
• Write about a character who is stranded in a small boat in the middle of the ocean—how do they cope with the isolation and find rescue?
• A person is lost in an underground cave system—how do they find light and a way out?
• Imagine a character who is left behind on an alien planet—how do they survive in the hostile environment?
• Write about a person who is forced to survive in a city overrun by dangerous creatures—how do they avoid becoming prey?
• A character finds themselves in the middle of a desert with no supplies—how do they find the will to keep moving?
• Imagine a person who is trapped in a collapsing tunnel—how do they find a way out before it’s too late?
• Write about a character who must cross a treacherous mountain range to reach safety—what obstacles do they face?
• A person is stranded in a jungle after a helicopter crash—how do they survive the wildlife and harsh conditions?
• Imagine a character who is the last survivor of a shipwreck—how do they find land and stay alive?
• Write about a person who must survive a deadly game set up by a group of hunters—how do they outsmart their pursuers and escape?
• A character finds themselves stranded in a remote, abandoned city with no signs of life—how do they navigate the eerily quiet streets, and what hidden dangers do they uncover?

Time-Travel Writing Prompts

Time travel offers endless possibilities for storytelling—whether altering history, meeting historical figures, or exploring future worlds. These prompts are designed to inspire tales that bend the fabric of time.

• Write about a character who accidentally travels back to a pivotal moment in history—how do they navigate the situation without altering the future?
• Imagine a person who uses time travel to correct past mistakes—what unexpected consequences do they face?
• A character travels to the future and sees something they don’t like—how do they change it when they return to the present?
• Write about a person who discovers an old journal that leads them to a time-traveling adventure—what do they learn?
• A character meets a younger version of themselves—how do they guide or warn their younger self?
• Imagine a world where time travel is illegal—what happens when your character is caught breaking the law?
• Write about a character who is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day—how do they break the cycle?
• A person travels back in time to prevent a disaster—what challenges do they face in changing the course of events?
• Imagine a character who can only travel back in time for one hour—how do they use this power?
• Write about a character who travels to a specific moment in history to meet their hero—how does the encounter go?
• A person wakes up in a different time period every morning—how do they find a way back to their original time?
• Imagine a character who uses time travel to steal valuable artifacts—what happens when they get caught?
• Write about a character who travels to the past and accidentally changes their own family history—how do they fix it?
• A person discovers that their best friend is actually a time traveler—how does this revelation change their friendship?
• Imagine a world where people can rent time machines—what happens when your character goes on a time-traveling vacation?
• Write about a character who travels to the future and discovers that they are famous—how do they react?
• A person accidentally brings something from the past into the present—how does it disrupt their life?
• Imagine a character who travels to the past and falls in love—how do they deal with the separation of time?
• Write about a character who witnesses a historical event firsthand—how do they keep themselves from altering history?
• A person is given the chance to relive one day of their life—how do they change their choices?
• Imagine a character who discovers a secret society of time travelers—what is their purpose, and how does your character get involved?
• Write about a person who travels back in time to save a loved one—what are the consequences of their actions?
• A character finds themselves in the body of someone from a different time period—how do they adapt?
• Imagine a world where time travel is used as a form of punishment—how does your character survive their sentence?
• Write about a character who accidentally switches places with someone from the past—how do they return to their own time?
• A person travels to the future and sees the end of the world—how do they prevent it from happening?
• Imagine a character who uses time travel to become a master of every skill—what do they do with their knowledge?
• Write about a character who is sent back in time to gather information for a secret mission—how do they succeed without being discovered?
• A person travels to the past and meets their ancestors—how do they interact, and what do they learn?
• Imagine a character who discovers that their entire life has been influenced by a time traveler—how do they confront this person?
• Write about a person who time travels to investigate a famous mystery—what do they uncover?
• A character is tasked with ensuring that a key event in history happens as it should—how do they keep things on track?
• Imagine a world where time travel is used for tourism—what happens when something goes wrong on a trip?
• Write about a character who travels back in time and accidentally becomes the subject of a famous painting—how do they escape without altering history?
• A person travels to the future and meets their descendants—how do they interact with their future family?
• Imagine a character who uses time travel to escape from danger—how do they ensure they don’t create more problems?
• Write about a person who tries to use time travel to win the lottery—what unexpected complications arise?
• A character discovers that they are a time traveler but have had their memories erased—how do they uncover their past?
• Imagine a world where people can send messages back in time—what happens when your character receives one?
• Write about a character who travels to the past to prevent a tragedy but discovers that the event is necessary for future good.
• A person accidentally brings a famous historical figure into the present—how do they manage the situation?
• Imagine a character who uses time travel to live multiple lives—how do they keep their identities straight?
• Write about a person who discovers a way to pause time—how do they use this ability, and what consequences do they face?
• A character travels to a time when their country is at war—how do they survive and find their way back?
• Imagine a world where time travel is powered by emotions—how does your character harness their feelings to navigate time?
• Write about a person who discovers that their parents are time travelers—how does this revelation change their view of their upbringing?
• A character is given a chance to travel to any point in time—where do they go, and what do they do?
• Imagine a character who uses time travel to solve crimes—how do they gather evidence without being seen?
• Write about a person who travels back in time to warn themselves about a mistake they made—what happens when they don’t listen?
• A character discovers that they have been time traveling in their sleep—how do they control it and what do they learn?

Cultural Writing Prompts

Culture shapes who we are, how we live, and how we interact with the world.

These prompts are designed to explore the richness of cultural experiences, traditions, and the impact of globalization.

• Write about a character who participates in a cultural festival for the first time—how do they experience the traditions?
• Imagine a person who discovers their cultural heritage through a family heirloom—how does it change their identity?
• A character travels to a foreign country and experiences culture shock—how do they adapt?
• Write about a person who is torn between two cultures—how do they reconcile their dual identities?
• Imagine a character who revives an ancient tradition in their community—what challenges do they face?
• A person moves to a new country and struggles to learn the language—how do they communicate and connect with others?
• Write about a character who discovers a lost cultural practice—how do they bring it back to life?
• Imagine a person who marries into a family with a very different cultural background—how do they navigate the differences?
• A character attends a traditional ceremony that changes their perspective—what do they learn?
• Write about a person who teaches others about their culture—what challenges do they face in sharing their traditions?
• Imagine a character who explores the cuisine of a different culture—how do they react to the new flavors and customs?
• A person reconnects with their roots after years of living away—how do they reintegrate into their cultural community?
• Write about a character who creates a fusion of two cultures—how do they blend traditions, and how is it received?
• Imagine a world where cultures are celebrated through a global festival—how does your character participate?
• A person tries to preserve their culture in a rapidly changing world—how do they keep their traditions alive?
• Write about a character who learns about their culture through storytelling—what tales shape their understanding of their heritage?
• Imagine a person who introduces a forgotten cultural practice to a modern audience—how do they bridge the past and present?
• A character moves to a new city and discovers a vibrant cultural community—how do they become a part of it?
• Write about a person who defies cultural norms to follow their dreams—how do they balance tradition and ambition?
• Imagine a character who experiences a cultural ritual that challenges their beliefs—how do they reconcile the experience?
• A person documents the traditions of an endangered culture—how do they capture its essence and why is it important?
• Write about a character who travels the world to learn about different cultures—how do these experiences change them?
• Imagine a person who brings their cultural music to a new audience—how is it received, and what impact does it have?
• A character confronts stereotypes about their culture—how do they challenge and change perceptions?
• Write about a person who discovers a secret about their family’s cultural history—how does it affect their identity?
• Imagine a world where all cultures are blended into one—how does your character navigate this new global culture?
• A person learns about their culture through a unique art form—how does it connect them to their heritage?
• Write about a character who must navigate cultural differences in a relationship—how do they find common ground?
• Imagine a person who participates in a cultural exchange program—what do they learn, and how do they grow?
• A character explores the impact of globalization on their culture—how do they preserve what’s important?
• Write about a person who brings back a cultural practice that was thought to be lost—how does it affect their community?
• Imagine a character who experiences cultural appropriation—how do they respond, and what do they do to educate others?
• Write about a person who learns a new language to connect with their cultural roots—how does this journey change them?
• Imagine a character who is an outsider trying to understand a new culture—how do they earn acceptance?
• A person tries to modernize a traditional cultural practice—how do they balance respect for tradition with innovation?
• Write about a character who participates in a cross-cultural marriage—how do they blend and honor both cultures in their life together?
• Imagine a world where cultural artifacts hold magical powers—how does your character discover and protect them?
• A person who grew up disconnected from their culture is invited to a traditional ceremony—how do they reconnect with their heritage?
• Write about a character who challenges a cultural taboo—how does their community react, and what changes follow?
• Imagine a person who travels back in time to experience their culture’s history firsthand—how do they view their culture differently?
• A character becomes a cultural ambassador, traveling to promote understanding between different societies—what challenges and successes do they encounter?
• Write about a person who creates a documentary about their culture—what stories do they choose to tell, and why?
• Imagine a character who must defend their culture against outside forces—how do they rally their community?
• A person moves to a new place where their culture is misunderstood—how do they educate others and foster understanding?
• Write about a character who discovers that their cultural history has been altered or erased—how do they uncover and restore the truth?
• Imagine a person who uses fashion to express their cultural identity—how do they challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity?
• A character who lives in a multicultural city must navigate different cultural expectations—how do they build a life that honors multiple traditions?
• Write about a person who learns about their culture through food—what dishes connect them to their ancestors?
• Imagine a world where cultural festivals are the most important events of the year—how does your character participate and celebrate?
• A person who has assimilated into a new culture rediscovers their original heritage—how do they integrate both aspects of their identity?

Prompt Mashups (Combining Genres or Themes)

Mashups blend different genres or themes to create unique, unexpected stories.

These prompts are designed to encourage creativity by mixing and matching ideas for new and exciting narratives.

• Write a sci-fi romance set in a dystopian future—how do the characters find love in a broken world?
• Imagine a mystery where the detective is an artist who solves crimes through their paintings—what clues do they uncover?
• A historical fiction story with elements of magical realism—how does magic influence real historical events?
• Write a horror-comedy about a group of friends who accidentally summon a friendly ghost—how do they deal with their new companion?
• A time-travel adventure that turns into a philosophical exploration—what does the character learn about existence?
• Imagine a fantasy world where technology is powered by emotions—how do characters navigate this magical yet scientific world?
• Write a coming-of-age story set in a post-apocalyptic landscape—how does the protagonist grow and adapt?
• A thriller with elements of fairy tales—how do classic fairy tale characters survive in a dangerous, modern world?
• Imagine a crime story that doubles as a commentary on modern social issues—how does the crime reflect societal problems?
• A sci-fi western where cowboys ride robotic horses—how does technology change the Wild West?
• Write a romance set in a world where dreams can be shared—how do the characters connect through their dreamscapes?
• A fantasy adventure that explores deep philosophical questions—what does the hero learn about themselves and the universe?
• Imagine a historical drama with a supernatural twist—how do the characters handle the appearance of ghosts in their lives?
• Write a survival story combined with a mystery—how does the protagonist solve a puzzle while fighting to stay alive?
• A dystopian future where animals have taken over—how do humans survive in a world ruled by intelligent beasts?
• Imagine a comedy set in a haunted house—how do the characters deal with mischievous spirits who just want to have fun?
• Write a sci-fi story that also serves as a critique of modern technology—what are the unintended consequences of innovation?
• A thriller set in a fantasy world—how does magic complicate the investigation of a crime?
• Imagine a romantic comedy where the main characters are from different time periods—how do they navigate their differences?
• Write a horror story with elements of science fiction—how does the horror emerge from futuristic technology?
• A historical romance with a mystery subplot—how do the lovers uncover a long-buried secret from the past?
• Imagine a detective story set in a world where art comes to life—how do the characters solve crimes using living paintings and sculptures?
• Write a fantasy story that explores real-world social issues—how does the magical setting highlight these problems?
• A time-traveling adventure that turns into a romance—how do the characters deal with the challenges of loving someone from another era?
• Imagine a comedy where the characters must survive a series of ridiculous disasters—how do they keep their spirits up?
• Write a mystery set in a dystopian future—how does the bleak setting influence the investigation?
• A sci-fi story with elements of fantasy—how do technology and magic coexist in the world you’ve created?
• Imagine a crime thriller set in a world where everyone has superpowers—how does this complicate the investigation?
• Write a survival story set on an alien planet—how do the characters adapt to the strange environment?
• A romantic drama that includes elements of historical fiction—how do the characters’ past lives influence their present?
• Imagine a horror story set in a seemingly perfect utopia—what dark secrets are hidden beneath the surface?
• Write a fantasy adventure that also serves as a coming-of-age story—how does the protagonist grow through their quest?
• A sci-fi mystery where the detective uses futuristic technology to solve crimes—what challenges do they face?
• Imagine a world where dreams are controlled by a government agency—how do the characters fight for their freedom to dream?
• Write a comedy set during a zombie apocalypse—how do the characters find humor in their dire situation?
• A romance that unfolds in a parallel universe—how do the characters navigate the differences between their worlds?
• Imagine a mystery where the clues are hidden in a series of ancient texts—how do the characters decipher the messages?
• Write a fantasy story that explores the nature of reality—how do the characters question what is real and what is illusion?
• A sci-fi adventure that also deals with themes of identity and self-discovery—how do the characters find themselves while exploring new worlds?
• Imagine a historical drama with elements of time travel—how do the characters’ actions in the past affect the future?
• Write a survival story that takes place in an alternate reality—how do the characters adapt to a world with different rules?
• A romantic comedy set in a world where everyone has a unique superpower—how do the characters’ powers influence their love lives?
• Imagine a crime thriller that doubles as a commentary on the nature of justice—how do the characters grapple with moral dilemmas?
• Write a horror story set in a world where technology has gone horribly wrong—how do the characters survive?
• A fantasy adventure with a mystery at its core—how do the characters uncover the truth while on their quest?
• Imagine a dystopian future where art is banned—how do the characters fight to bring creativity back into the world?
• Write a romantic drama that explores the concept of reincarnation—how do the characters’ past lives influence their love story?
• A sci-fi story that questions the nature of humanity—how do the characters define what it means to be human in a technologically advanced world?
• Imagine a world where everyone’s thoughts are broadcast—how do the characters navigate their relationships in this transparent society?
• Write a mystery set in a fantasy world where the laws of reality are different—how do the characters solve a crime in a world where anything is possible?

Here are some more prompts if you’re writing fantasy:

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a collection of prompts to ignite your imagination and kickstart your writing journey.

For even more specific prompts for fantasy, horror, comic books, and superheroes, check out some of my other articles below.

• 300 Comic Book Ideas [Fuel Your Imagination]
• 300 Book Ideas to Write (Ideas, Titles, & Story Prompts)
• 250 Horror Writing Prompts (Scary Good Ideas)
• 150 Best Fantasy Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity
• 200+ Superhero Ideas for Storytellers (Massive List)

70+ Clever Creative Writing Prompts (& 6 Brainy Bonus Tips)

by Mel Wicks

on Aug 7, 2024

I bet you just asked Google to search for creative writing prompts.

Or was it writing ideas? Short story ideas? Or maybe writers block ?

Boy, are you stuck!

But don’t worry. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through writing a book , sweating over social media posts, or journaling about your own life, all writers get stuck for creative ideas sometimes.

So, it’s great to have you here.

This is your go-to source of story starters, writing prompts, and bonus writing tips guaranteed to improve your writing skills , power up your passion , and get your creative juices flowing.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Writing Prompts Q&A
• 72 Writing Prompts (Broken into Categories)
• 6 Bonus Tips (to Sharpen Your Writing Skills)

We’ll start with a few common questions and answers…

What are Writing Prompts?

A writing prompt can be a phrase, an image, or even a physical object that kick-starts your imagination and motivates you to write . It provides a spark of an idea as a starting point to stimulate a natural flow of writing.

Writing prompts are ideal for any form of writing, like fiction or nonfiction , journaling , copywriting , blogging , or poetry . They usually contain two parts: an idea or a potential topic to write about, and the instructions on what you should do next.

For example, a creative writing prompt for fiction writers might be:

Your main character has a car accident and starts to hear voices while in the hospital. Write a short story about the conflict between the character and the voices and what really happened at the time of the car accident.

While journal prompts tend to focus on topics of self-awareness, such as:

Write about a turning point in your life. How different would things be now if you had made a different decision at the time?

How Do You Use Writing Prompts?

Like all muscle-building exercises, writing prompts are most effective when you make them a daily habit. Over time, with repetition, you’ll find your flow of writing becomes more natural, and your ability to write for longer strengthens.

But don’t feel you have to follow a prompt to the letter. If the prompt suggests you write about romance, but it sparks an idea for a poem, write a poem. Let your imagination guide you through the writing process.

Here are some other hot tips:

• Don’t overthink it. Just start writing.
• Don’t edit as you go.
• If it’s not working for your style of writing , move on to another prompt. Find the prompts that make you want to write.
• The creative writing prompt is a starting point. The finish is up to you. You don’t have to write a complete story, a poem, or an essay. Feel free to discard your work halfway through and move on to something else.
• Adopt the Ernest Hemingway approach: Accept that most of what you write is likely to be crap, and you’re going to toss it. This isn’t about producing ready-to-publish work for your latest freelance writing job . It’s about the practice of writing.

Have fun with it, and remember each prompt is an opportunity to practice and refine your writing craft. Now, let’s explore those creative writing prompts we promised you.

72 Writing Prompts to Help You Kickstart Your Imagination

Fiction writing prompts.

• Fantasy Writing Prompts

Romance Writing Prompts

• Comedy Writing Prompts
• Horror Writing Prompts

Persuasive Copywriting Prompts

Poetry writing prompts, journal writing prompts, blog writing prompts, non-fiction writing prompts, random writing prompts.

• “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Use this famous opening line to start your own novel.
• Rewrite your resume as a short story , either in the first or third person .
• Open the dictionary to any page and select the first word that catches your eye. Write the opening few paragraphs of a thrilling, suspenseful story using your selected word at least three times.
• Write a synopsis of your version of the movie, Groundhog Day . What would your day look like and why?
• Write a short story using these words: Mountainous, parched, field mouse, time travel, and Black Forest Gateau.
• Sit in a café and write a short story about the person or couple at the next table. Take note of their body language and clothing, what they’re eating, or doing. And if you can eavesdrop, let their conversation inspire you too.
• Write about a person who is arrested for committing a crime, but they can’t remember anything about the night the crime occurred. What is the crime, why can’t they remember and what happens next?

Fantasy & Adventure Writing Prompts

• If you could come back to life as any person, animal or thing, what or who would you be and how would you live your second life?
• The world’s oceans dry up. Who or what survives?
• You open the bathroom door and find the room’s disappeared. In its place is another world. Describe what you see and hear, and what you do next?
• You’re sitting at a bar talking to a giraffe. What’s the conversation about?
• You live in a fantasy world where people communicate without talking. Write about an average day in this sci-fi, fairy tale world.
• You are the inventor of a popular video game. One day the main character from your game knocks on your front door. What does he want?
• Write about a character who has a superhuman power. The problem is, they don’t want it. Write about the conflict between the character, his or her power and the everyday life they are forced to lead.
• What is the most romantic season of the year and why?
•  Write a story about love at first sight. It doesn’t have to be about young people, or even about people.
•  “Last Christmas” was a song by George Michael that inspired a movie by the same name in 2019. Think of your favorite romantic song and write a film synopsis for it.
• If you are a woman, write a short love story about the most romantic experience you could imagine, as a man. If you are a man, reverse the exercise.
• The song “Summer Nights”   from Grease  is about the summer romance between two high school students, with their friends begging to hear more. What memory does that evoke for you about the first time you fell in love, and who did you tell?
• Next time you visit a grocery store make a note of the first person you see. What are they wearing, what are they buying, are they alone? Write a description of them as the main character for your next romantic novel.
• Your protagonist is about to marry the man she has been in love with for years. A week before the wedding she meets a stranger and falls madly and hopelessly in love. What does she do?

Funny Writing Prompts

• You are a bartender on a quiet night, listening to man drown his sorrows as he tells you how his wife has recently left him for a neighbor. A second man enters and sits at the other end of the bar. It’s the neighbor. Describe the comedy of errors that happens next.
• What makes you laugh out loud?
• What’s the funniest joke you know? Write the backstory to the main character in the joke.
• What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in real-life? Write it as a stand-up comedy anecdote with lots of observational humor thrown in.
• Your shopping bag rips apart, and all the contents tumble out at the feet of the girl or guy who lives in the apartment below you, who you have fancied for some time. What does your shopping reveal about you and why are you so embarrassed?
• List posts are one of the most popular forms of blogging . Write a funny list post about all the things you are not going to do this year.

Horror Writing Prompts?

• Write the opening chapter to a story that begins: “I stared at my beautiful, evil wife and realized the horror had only just begun.
•  “Terror made me cruel” is a line from Wuthering Heights  by Emily Bronte. Write about a situation where terror might make you cruel.
• You’re walking home alone late one night when you realize several cats are stalking you. Then the streetlights go out. What happens next?
• There’s a locked door at the top of the house you’re staying in. What’s behind it?
• What are you really, really scared of? Put yourself in that situation and describe how it feels.
• Write a horror story set in either a bar or a graveyard (or both). Include a blue-veined hand, a serial killer, and the phrase “all that spit and sweat.”
• Your best friend doesn’t much care for Chinese food. Write down all the reasons why they need to reconsider their opinion and join you tonight at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
• Your mother’s always nagging you to clean your room. Write an account of the last time she nagged you, but from her point of view.
• Have you ever seen a ghost, or sensed a ghostly presence? Write an account of your experience knowing it will be read by a skeptic.
• Talk the Christmas Grinch out of being a Grinch.
• A man finds a letter in a bottle while walking on the beach. Where has the bottle come from, how old is it, and what does the letter say? What does it compel the man to do?
• Think of a cliché and write an argument against it. Here are a few to start you off:

Time heals all wounds It’s better to be safe than sorry Money is the root of all evil Ignorance is bliss

• Open the dictionary at any page and select the first word that catches your eye. Set a timer for 5 minutes and write a list of rhyming words. Now write a poem using as many of those words as you can.
• Write a poem about rhythm. It might be about music, or the flow of a river, or the clattering sound of a train. Weave the rhythm you hear in your head into the tempo of your poem.
• Write a poem about a feast. Describe how it looks, smells and tastes. Use powerful imagery and include the different sensations of spices and flavors, the texture and feel of the dishes and how each one made you feel as you ate more and more.
•  Write a poem about the “Thrilla in Manila.”
• Write about your plans for tomorrow and how you hope they’ll turn out.
• “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. ” This is a famous quote about self-sacrifice from A Tale of Two Cities  by Charles Dickens. Write an honest journal entry about how far you would be prepared to go to sacrifice your wealth, happiness, health, or safety for a person or principle.
• Write about a single day — either the first or last of your life.
• Think about the last time you woke up at 4am, in a cold sweat. What was on your mind and how did you resolve it? Did you feel differently about it in the daylight?
• Write a letter in your journal to each of your family members, telling them what your love (and/or hate) about them.
• What is your personal manifesto? What are the core principles and values that guide everything you do in life?
• Make a list of all the things you’d like to say no to, and then write down the reasons why you don’t — or can’t — say no. Is there a pattern? Is there something you can change?
• Write about the biggest challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.
• Write an open letter to a person or group of people you strongly disagree with and explain why. Use reason not emotion.
• Write about the best writing or weight loss tips you can share.
• Interview your favorite fictional character.
• Describe social media to someone who has never heard of it before. Include advice on which platform might be best for them.
• Think of the 3 most unhealthy habits you indulge in and write about how you might be able to break those habits.
• What are the top 10 style trends you would like to see make a comeback ?
• Write about your views on climate change. Are you a believer or a skeptic? Is the world doing enough? What facts do you know?
• Write about a time you had to swallow your pride and do something that made you uncomfortable, either morally or physically.
• There is no such thing as a truly unselfish deed. Defend this statement.
• If you were to write an autobiography, how would it start?
• Write a fantasy story based on the last dream you had.
• Write about your favorite place and how it makes you feel. Use all the sensory language  you can muster to describe the place.
• If you were a dog, what type would you be and who would own you?
• If you had the opportunity to turn back time what would you change about the course of your life and why?
• What is your favorite thing to eat and what memories does it evoke?
• Write a list of your three most prized possessions (inanimate objects, not people or animals). Imagine you are forced to discard one. Which one would it be and explain the reasons for your choice?
• Write your own eulogy as a diary entry. What would you like people to know and say about you?
• Write 500 words on what financial freedom looks like to you?
• Select a book from your bookshelf and open it to any page. Write out the last sentence of the last complete paragraph on that page and continue writing.
• Think of your favorite book or film. Now rewrite the ending to something completely different.
• If you were to buy a plane ticket today — no expense spared — where would you go and why?

There they are. A compact list of 72 creative prompts. And when you’ve worked your way through these, you might want to move on to the motherlode of creative writing prompts over at Reddit.

Reddit  is part social media platform , part community, part media curator, with 520 million monthly visitors subscribing to message boards across 1.2 million sub-categories. Phew!

One of these subcategories is Writing Prompts , with over 14 million subscribers who have posted years’ worth of prompts, so you’ll never run out of inspiration again.

How Else Can I Improve My Creative Writing Skills?

Improving your skills takes lots of writing practice.

And using creative writing ideas and prompts are the best ways to do just that.

But it’s not the only way.

Here are a few other creative writing exercises you might want to explore:

Freewriting

This is when you write about anything that pops into your head. Take a blank page, set a timer for 30 minutes, and start writing. Write whatever your brain tells you to, and don’t worry if it’s nonsensical.

This writing exercise is great for pushing through writers block  and allowing your mind to head off in spontaneous directions.

The Adjectives Game

List 5 things you like or dislike tasting, and then list 5 adjectives for each item. For example, you might like the taste of cake. The 5 adjectives might be: sweet, gooey, yummy, nutty, and scrumptious. Now do the same for your other senses.

This builds your sensory vocabulary and ability to write with flair and color.

Perspectives

Write about a recent incident you were involved in, from the point of view of someone else who was involved. Empathy is hugely important in writing and this exercise forces you to step into the shoes of another person and understand their point of view.

Writing authentic dialogue is notoriously hard to master, so this writing exercise will help.

Write about 300 words of a conversation between two people without using ‘he said/she said’ tags. Show the difference and relationship between the two speakers only through the words they use. It’s more challenging than it sounds.

Observation

Think of a color. Now go for a walk or a ride on the bus and note down everything you see of that color. When you get home, write up what you remember (take notes as you go to make it easier).

How many different hues of the color did you see? What did the things you saw make you feel? Was there any connection between them?

Think of an anecdote you like to recount. Write it up in less than 500 words. Now rewrite the same story in 100 words. Now in 50 words. And finally, in 25 words or less, if you can achieve it.

This exercise shows how filler words, background, and context can sometimes get in the way of a good story. It will help you choose your words carefully.

If you’ve got the time and energy, here  are a few more creative writing exercises to really help flex those writing muscles.

6 Bonus Writing Tips to Power Up Your Passion and Sharpen Your Skills

Before we let you go…

If you’re looking for creative writing prompts or story ideas, there’s an excellent chance you’re looking for other ways to hone your skills and improve your craft.

Here are 6 bonus writing tips to help you on your journey:

1. Make Time to Write

If you’re not setting aside time to write, you may as well ignore every other piece of advice in this post. Make your writing time sacred and block it off in your calendar. Turn off your phone. Disconnect the internet, close your door, and write.

You can use a daily writing prompt if that helps you get going. 

Creating a solid writing habit is the single best thing you can do if you want to be a writer.

2. Set Writing Goals

We set goals for everything in our life: losing weight, saving for a dream holiday, growing our business, and so on. So, do the same for your writing. Measure your progress.

Start with, say, a 300 or 500 word count in a daily session. Once you consistently reach this goal with ease, up the ante and shoot for more challenging targets. 1,000 words a session; 25,000 words a month, and so on. But make sure your goals are not overwhelming.

Writing goals will help you write faster and with more confidence. Over time you will recognize when you are most productive and can use this to your advantage.

3. Pack Your Writing with a Powerful Punch

Fill your writing with passion from an arsenal of power words . Or supercharge your reader’s imagination with a well-aimed metaphor .

Use these two writing devices to turbocharge your prose and watch the words burst off the page with intention.

4. Harness the Power of Grammar

Grammar reduces confusion and brings clarity and confidence to your writing. It’s a good thing and you need to learn the rules .

But grammar can sometimes get in the way of creativity and turn fluid prose into a turgid swamp of clunky awkwardness.

If you need to ignore your grammar checker and start a sentence with a conjunction that feels right, go for it. If you want to brazenly split an infinitive to avoid mangling a sentence, split away.

So, learn the grammar rules, but then learn how to break them . Effectively.

5. Copy Your Writing Heroes — Literally

Pick a writer you’ve always admired, whether it’s a New York Times best-selling author or an influencer in your blogging niche .

Now, put pen to paper and rewrite exactly what they wrote by hand. Don’t think too hard about it. Just go with it.

As you write out their words, you’ll absorb their writing style, their pace and rhythm, their grammar, their word choice, and their sentence structure.

This is one of the most effective ways to sharpen your writing skills and inspire your own writing voice.

6. Read Your Way to Writing Stardom

Every great writer is a great reader. There are no exceptions.

Read daily.

Read fiction and biographies, or read books, blogs and articles. But read in an active way. Stay alert to what grabs your attention and how the writer has crafted his words. Then consciously apply the best techniques to your own writing process.

A Final Word on Writing Prompts

The purpose of a writing prompt is to kickstart your creativity and spur you into writing something… anything.

Initially, the process may seem a little intimidating. But that’s OK. Most writers draw a blank when they first start with writing prompts.

Keep pushing through, because something thrilling will start to happen.

The more you practice using the prompts in this post, the more your creative juices will flow, and the more words and ideas will start pouring out of you.

So, let yourself go. Abandon yourself to the power of writing prompts and let the magic happen.

Happy writing!

The ultimate toolkit for becoming one of the highest-paid writers online. Premium training. Yours for free.

Written by Mel Wicks

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Do you wish to write but don’t know how to start? If you have writer’s block, this article is for you! This article includes 100 plus creative writing prompts across all genres to kickstart your writing journey. 

From horror writing prompts to fantasy writing prompts, we’ve covered everything for you! Before we see examples of writing prompts, let’s quickly understand the meaning of writing prompts. 

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Learn more

What are writing prompts? 

A writing prompt is a simple topic idea to inspire the writer to get the first words on the page. It can be a picture, a line from a poem, or an imaginary scenario. Writing prompts can be abstract, realistic, evocative, thought-provoking, insightful, or descriptive. 

Dive in to see exciting writing prompts from various genres! These also include many creative writing prompts for adults.

1. Horror writing prompts 

1) A man inside the coffin breaks the coffin and starts walking. 

2) A demonic spirit has entered your friend’s body and she is moving closer to attack you. 

3) You wake up in an empty house and see a ghost. 

4) A doll you brought for a friend suddenly starts speaking. 

5)  You suddenly see a man who was supposed to have died in 1900. 

6) A vampire you saw in your dream kidnaps you in real life. 

7) You are awakened by drops of blood falling on your face. 

8) You have an accident and suddenly see a centaur who has a half-human, half-animal face. 

9)  You are walking in the forest and witness a shocking ritual where people are drinking blood. 

10) You wear an old ring you found after which something terrible keeps happening to you. 

11) An excavator finds an old mummy while digging which tries to grab him. 

Now let’s see some of the best creative writing prompts for adults and kids for journaling, 

2. Journal writing prompts 

1) Describe a childhood memory that always makes you smile. 

2) Write about a dream you had that you can never forget. 

3) Recount your biggest challenge and what you learned from it. 

4) Name three people who inspire you the most and why. 

5) Pen a letter to yourself and describe your accomplishments and future goals. 

6) Explain what would you like to change if you had a chance to go back in time. 

7) Narrate an incident where the kindness of strangers moved you. 

8) Express in detail some of your best memories with school friends. 

9) List five activities you love to do and your efforts to perform those activities. 

10) Tell in detail about your favorite travel destination. 

11) Describe your most challenging times and how you overcame them. 

If you wish to explore writing about mysteries, the following are some creative prompts about mysteries. 

3. Mystery writing prompts 

1) Ten scientists die on the same day and a Scotland Yard detective is assigned to find out why. 

2) A top bureaucrat starts getting anonymous threatening notes and decides to investigate. 

3) A retired police officer decides to play detective and solve the case of his granddaughter’s death. 

4) A private investigator is assigned to find the truth about a journalist who went missing.

5)  A meteor strikes a village after which people start falling sick. 

6) An archaeologist finds a document about a cursed treasure and decides to find out the truth. 

7) A young boy hears screams from a tower and sees torch lights flashing in the dark. 

8) A factory burns and an investigator finds out whether the fire was caused naturally or intentionally. 

9) A girl inquires to understand why her dog was shot and discovers a shocking truth. 

10) A son promises his mother to uncover the reason behind his sister’s suicide. 

11) A police inspector has to solve the murder case of an orphan who was earlier arrested in a drug case. 

4. Romance writing prompts 

1) A girl falls in love with a video gamer she met in college.  

2) A 70-year-old realizes that he has fallen in love with a woman he met at an old age home. 

3) A man meets his childhood crush after years and tries to woo her once more. 

4)  Two best friends decide to experiment and set up a double date. 

5) Give a love story to a person whom everyone assumes to be a villain. 

6) Pen a romance story with the words affair, flirting, infatuation, and fling. 

7) A man who has a phobia of getting married meets a girl with a similar fear. 

8) Write a love story of two people staying in two different countries. 

9) Two employees from rival companies fall in love. 

10) A paramedic falls in love with a spy whose life she saves. She later realizes that he will soon embark on a dangerous mission. 

11) Write a love story of a librarian and a time-traveler. 

Instead of writing about romance, you might be interested in the science fiction genre. Given below are some creative prompts related to science fiction. 

5. Science fiction writing prompts 

1) Two scientists invent a machine that can control and manipulate weather. 

2) An astronaut flies to the planet Jupiter and discovers alien life. 

3) An archaeologist finds an old book about a magical time travel ritual and uses that ritual to go back in time. 

4) A young boy finds a hidden library of science books and is trapped inside the library. 

5) A science teacher decides to take revenge against the government by performing a dangerous science experiment. 

6) A jailed scientist uses science to escape and prove his innocence. 

7) A science geek creates an AI program that can hack the data of government and private organizations without leaving a trace. 

8) A spaceship is pulled into another universe by an unknown force and aliens are planning to invade the Earth. 

9) A scientist designs a robot that looks and talks exactly like the country’s President and plans to kill the real President. 

10) To reduce population, a crazy scientist makes a deadly plan to release a virus into the air. 

11) A chemistry professor creates a dangerous solution that can massively change the genes of animals and humans. 

If science fiction is not your cup of tea and you love fantasy, here are some creative writing prompts about fantasy. 

6. Fantasy writing prompts 

1) An archaeologist enters a magical world of dragons and is unable to return to Earth. 

2) A tribal girl develops fairy wings and she is later assigned the task to save the fairy race from extinction. 

3) A man discovers a magical dream shop where dreams are sold to change reality. 

4) A musician visits a hidden world and finds a magical flute that can hypnotize people and make them stand still. 

5) A boy finds a small dwarf in his garden who shows him the train to travel to parallel universes. 

6) A woman finds the feather of a rare bird, using which she enters the world of lost secrets. 

7) A college student falls in love with a cursed mermaid and travels to her land to free her from the curse. 

8) An excavator opens a door and arrives in the land where destinies are written. 

9) A man unintentionally awakens a sleeping devil who creates a new world and new citizens to destroy the earth. 

10) A girl realizes that she has the power to control stars and is pulled into a world of demons and monsters. 

11) A fairy falls in love with a human and must convince Fairyland to accept her love and let her go. 

You might also have an interest in writing poems about various topics. For poetry lovers, the following are some of the best creative writing prompts. 

7. Poetry writing prompts 

1) Write a poem about your favorite fairy tale as a child. 

2) Describe an unforgettable memory with your first crush in a poem. 

3) Pen a poem about a stray dog who became your best friend. 

4) Craft a poem about the beauty of witnessing fireflies in the dark. 

5) Explore the sadness of losing touch with school classmates in a poem. 

6) Narrate an incident about a memorable dance you saw in a poem. 

7) Write a poem that has the quote “Tough times never last but tough people do”. 

8) Compose a poem on a special gift you received and its importance. 

9) Pen a poem about your favorite cartoon character. 

10) Write a poem about how a person who passed away inspired you in life. 

11) Compose a poem about a magical land where you wish to go. 

If you love to write on light-hearted, funny topics, given below are some of the best writing prompts for you! 

8. Funny writing prompts 

1) Jot down a hilarious conversation between a madman and a witty parrot. 

2) Create a funny story about how a person is forced to communicate with a stranger who doesn’t understand English. 

3) Write a funny dialogue about a person who says something wrong at the most inappropriate time. 

4) Describe a prank where you created a savory dish that looked like chocolate and made your friend taste it. 

5) Write a humorous conversation between a standup comedian and an angry spectator. 

6) Pen a story about a disaster that takes place because a scientist forgot to add a valuable component to an experiment. 

7) Craft a funny story about a brother who takes revenge on his sister for revealing his girlfriend to his parents. 

8) Imagine a funny situation where a friend tries to copy everything you do to irritate you and write about it. 

9) Write about a funny incident when you received a parcel you hadn’t ordered.

10) Narrate an incident about a funny costume party where everyone was dressed up as different animals.  

11) Write about a comic incident where an aunt asked you to take responsibility for her son while she was away. However, the son ends up in prison. 

9. Short story writing prompts 

1) Write a short story about a ship that mysteriously sank in the ocean. 

2) Pen a short story about a girl who has synesthesia and sees colors around people. 

3) Craft a short story about a mountaineer who decides to climb Mount Everest. 

4) Develop a short story about a road trip gone wrong. 

5) Write a short story about what happens when a government official finds out about a dangerous secret. 

6) Create a short story about a detective who disguises himself and is discovered. 

7) Pen a short story about a businessman with a big scar and a twisted lip. 

8) Write a short story about how a boy discovers a magical wishing feather after which his every wish comes true. 

9) Develop a short story about a blind man who takes revenge for an insult. 

10) Craft a short story about an eagle who saves a jungle from being destroyed. 

11) Write a short story about the last living princess who makes a mark on the world. 

If you wish to explore historical fiction instead, here are some of the best writing prompts for you! 

10. Historical fiction writing prompts 

1) A librarian discovers a shocking secret about the Second World War which can change the future of the USA and Russia. 

2) Write a story about a mirror that talks about an ancient era and reveals a secret about that era. 

3) Craft a tale about a poet who wrote about the Red Indians. 

4) A political leader begins a movement to get recognition for a lesser-known historical figure, resulting in controversy. 

5) An excavator finds a valuable artifact from the Mayan civilization that could affect the world’s future. 

6) A girl realizes that she is the last living descendant of a French queen and must protect a family secret at all costs. 

7) A bureaucrat finds a diary about a man who suffered during the Great Depression and resolves to make amends. 

8) A boy has dreams about the First World War and decides to solve the mystery of his dreams. 

9) A tribe decides to get back a valuable historical artifact stolen from them. 

10) A historian finds out about the most dangerous escape of an American soldier. 

11) A girl discovers a magical portal that transports her to the 18th century.  

Now that you’ve understood what are writing prompts, you can use one prompt daily and start writing. The next step after writing is editing. As providers of editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you edit and perfect your writing! 

We realize how writing and editing can be challenging tasks. Here are some resources to enhance your writing: 

• The dynamics of Christian book editing and proofreading
• What Is Developmental Editing? A Self-Editing Checklist
• How to Write a Novel in Past Tense? 3 Steps & Examples

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105 Creative Writing Prompts to Try Out

General Education

The most common advice out there for being a writer is, "if you want to write, write." While this is true (and good advice), it's not always that easy, particularly if you're not writing regularly.

Whether you're looking for help getting started on your next project, or just want to spend 20 minutes being creative, writing prompts are great ways to rev up your imagination. Read on for our list of over 100 creative writing prompts!

feature image credit: r. nial bradshaw /Flickr

10 Short Writing Prompts

If you're looking for a quick boost to get yourself going, these 10 short writing prompts will do the trick.

#1 : Write a scene starting with a regular family ritual that goes awry.

#2 : Describe exactly what you see/smell/hear/etc, right now. Include objects, people, and anything else in your immediate environment.

#3 : Suggest eight possible ways to get a ping pong ball out of a vertical pipe.

#4 : A shoe falls out of the sky. Justify why.

#5 : If your brain were a tangible, physical place, what would it be like?

#6 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "The stage was set."

#7 : You have been asked to write a history of "The Summer of [this past year]." Your publisher wants a table of contents. What events will you submit?

#8 : Write a sympathetic story from the point of view of the "bad guy." (Think fractured fairy tales like Wicked or The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! , although the story doesn't have to be a fairy tale.)

#9 : Look at everyday objects in a new way and write about the stories one of these objects contains.

#10 : One person meets a stranger on a mode of transportation. Write the story that ensues.

11 Writing Prompts for Kids

Any of these prompts can be used by writers of any age, but we chose the following 11 prompts as ones that would be particularly fun for kids to write about. (Most of them I used myself as a young writer, so I can vouch for their working!)

#1 : Include something falling in your writing.

#2 : Write a short poem (or story) with the title, "We don't know when it will be fixed."

#3 : Write from the perspective of someone of a different gender than you.

#4 : Write a dumb internet quiz.

#5 : Finish this thought: "A perfect day in my imagination begins like this:"

#6 : Write a character's inner monologue (what they are thinking as they go about their day).

#7 : Think of a character. Write a paragraph each about:

• An important childhood experience that character had.
• The character's living situation.
• Two hobbies or things the character likes to do.
• The room where the character sleeps.
• An ambition of the character.
• Two physical characteristics of the character.
• What happens when a second person and this character meet.
• Two important defining personal traits of this character.

#8 : Start a story with a quote from a song.

#9 : Begin a story with, "It was the summer of ______ when ______"

#10 : Pretend everyday objects have no names. Think about what you would name them based on what they do, what you can use them for, and what they look like.

#11 : Start a story with the phrases "My grandparents are/were," "My parents are/were," or "My mother/father/parent is/was."

15 Cool Writing Prompts

#1 : List five issues that you're passionate about. Write about them from the opposite point of view (or from the perspective of a character with the opposite point of view).

#2 : Walk around and write down a phrase you hear (or read). Make a story out of it.

#3 : Write using no adjectives or adverbs.

#4 : Write a character's inner dialogue between different aspects of a character's self (rather than an inner monologue).

#5 : Write a true story from your past that involves light or darkness in some way.

#6 : "Saying goodbye awakens us to the true nature of things." Write something in which someone has to say goodbye and has a realization.

#7 : Begin by writing the end of the story.

#8 : Write a recipe for an intangible thing.

#9 : Write a horror story about an ordinary situation (e.g., buying groceries, going to the bank, listening to music).

#10 : Write a story from within a bubble.

#11 : Write down 2-3 short character descriptions and then write the characters in conversation with one another.

#12 : Write a story in second person.

#13 : Write a story that keeps contradicting itself.

#14 : Write about a character with at least three big problems.

#15 : Write something that takes place on a Friday, the 13th (of any month).

15 Funny Writing Prompts

#1 : Write a story which starts with someone eating a pickle and potato sandwich.

#2 : Write a short script where the plot has to do with evil dolls trying to take over something.

#3 : Write about writers' block.

#4 : List five election issues that would be ridiculous to includes as part of your election platform (e.g. outlawing mechanical pencils and clicky pens, mandating every person over the age of 30 must own an emergency last rites kit). Choose one of the ridiculous issues and write a speech in favor of it.

#5 : Write a children's story that is insanely inappropriate but can't use graphic language, curses, or violence.

#6 : List five careers. Write about someone with one of those careers who wants to quit it.

#7 : Write down a list of murder methods. Choose one at random from the list to use in a story.

#8 : Write a romance story in which the hero must have a last name corresponding with a physical characteristic (e.g. Jacques Hairyback or Flora Dimple).

#9 : Come up with 10 different ways to:

• order a pizza
• congratulate someone on a job well done
• return to the store something that's broken

#10 : Search for "random Renaissance painting" (or any other inspirational image search text you can think of) on any online internet image search engine. Picking one image, write half a page each of:

• Statements about this image (e.g. "I meant bring me the BREAD of John the Baptist").
• Questions about this image (e.g. "How many of those cherubs look like their necks are broken?").
• Explanations of this image (e.g. "The painter ran out of blue paint halfway through and had to improvise for the color of the sky").
• Commands said by people in this image or about this image (e.g. "Stop telling me to smile!" or "Bring me some gasoline!").

#11 : Write starting with a word that sounds like "chute" (e.g. "chute," "shoot," "shooed").

#12 : Write about a character named X "The [article of clothing]" Y (e.g. Julie "The Yellow Darted Skirt" Whyte) or simply referred to by their clothing (e.g. "the man in the brown suit" or "the woman in black").

#13 : Write down a paragraph each describing two wildly different settings. Write a story involving both settings.

#14 : Think of a fictional holiday based around some natural event (e.g. the Earth being at its farthest point from the sun, in memory of a volcanic eruption, that time a cloud looked like a rabbit riding a bicycle). Write about how this holiday is celebrated.

#15 : Write a "Just-So" type story about a fictional creature (e.g. "how the dragon got its firebreath" or "how the mudkip got its cheek gills").

54 Other Writing Prompt Ideas

#1 : Borrow a character from some other form of media (or create your own). Write from that character's perspective.

#2 : Write for and against a non-consequential controversy (e.g., salt vs. pepper, Mac vs. PC, best kind of door).

#3 : Choose an ancestor or a person from the past to write about or to.

#4 : Write a pirate story with a twist.

#5 : Have a character talk about another character and their feelings about that other character.

#6 : Pick a season and think about an event in your life that occurred in that season. Write a creative nonfiction piece about that event and that season.

#7 : Think of something very complicated and long. Write a page about it using short sentences.

#8 : Write a story as a dream.

#9 : Describe around a food without ever directly naming it.

#10 : Write a monologue (one character, talking to the audience/reader) (*not* an inner monologue).

#11 : Begin a story with the phrase, "It only took five seconds to..."

#12 : List five strong emotions. Choosing one, write about a character experiencing that emotion, but only use the character's actions to convey how they are feeling (no outright statements).

#13 : Write a chapter of the memoir of your life.

#14 : Look through the (physical) things you're currently carrying with you or wearing. Write about the memories or emotions tied with each of them.

#15 : Go be in nature. Write drawing your story from your surroundings (both physical, social, and mental/emotional).

#16 : Write from the perspective of a bubble (or bubble-like creature).

#17 : A person is jogging along an asphalt road. Write a story.

#18 : Title your story (or poem, or play, etc) "Anti-_____". Fill in the blank and write the story.

#19 : Write something that must include an animal, a mineral, and a vegetable.

#20 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "6 weeks later..."

#21 : List 5-10 office jobs. Pick one of them and describe a person working in that job as if you were a commentator on an Olympic sporting event.

#22 : Practice your poetic imagery: overwrite a description of a character's breakfast routine.

#23 : Write about a character (or group of characters) trying to convince another character to try something they're scared of.

#24 : Keep an eye out in your environment for examples of greengrocer's apostrophes and rogue quotation marks. Pick an example and write about what the misplaced punctuation implies (e.g., we have the "best" meat or we have the best "meat" ).

#25 : Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind: "_______ Riot!" Write a newspaper-style article describing the events that that took place.

#26 : Write from the point of view of your most-loved possession. What does it think of you?

#27 : Think of five common sayings (e.g., "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"). Write a horror story whose plot is one of those common sayings.

#28 : Write a scene in which two characters are finally hashing out a long-standing misunderstanding or disagreement.

#29 : You start receiving text messages from an unknown number. Tell the story of what happens next.

#30 : Write one character bragging to another about the story behind their new tattoo.

#31 : Superheroes save the world...but they also leave a lot of destruction in their wake. Write about a normal person in a superhero's world.

#32 : Sometimes, family is who we are related to; sometimes, family is a group of people we gather around ourselves. Write a story about (some of) a character's found family and relatives meeting for the first time.

#33 : Write a story that begins in the middle of the plot's action ( en media res ).

#34 : Everyone says you can never have too much of a good thing. Write a story where that isn't true.

#35 : What do ghosts do when they're not creating mischief? Write about the secret lives of ghosts.

#36 : Every year, you dread the last week of April. Write a story about why.

#37 : Write a story about what it would be like to have an animal sidekick in real life.

#38 : Heists don't just have to be black-clad thieves stealing into vaults to steal rare art or money. Write about a group of people (adults or children) who commit a heist for something of seemingly little monetary value.

#39 : "Life is like a chooseable-path adventure, except you don't get to see what would have happened if you chose differently." Think of a choice you've made and write about a world where you made a different choice.

#40 : Write a story about a secret room.

#41 : You find a message in a bottle with very specific directions. Write a story about the adventure you embark upon.

#42 : "You'll always be okay as long as you know where your _______ is." Fill in the blank and write a story (either fictional or from your life) illustrating this statement.

#43 : Forcing people into prolonged proximity can change and deepen relationships. Write about characters on a road trip together.

#44 : In music, sonata form includes three main parts: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Write a short story that follows this format.

#45 : Begin writing with a character saying, "I'm afraid this simply can't wait."

#46 : Write a story with a happy ending (either happily-ever-after or happy-for-now).

#47 : Write about a character before and after a tragedy in that character's life.

#48 : Choose an object or concept you encounter in everyday life (e.g. tables, the feeling of hot or cold, oxygen) and write an infomercial about it.

#49 : "Life is a series of quests, whether important or mundane." Write about a quest you've gone on (or would like to go on, or will have to go on).

#50 : List 10 different ways to learn. Choose one (or more) and write a story where a character learns something using that one (or more) method.

#51 : You've been called to the principal's office for bad behavior. You know what you did. Explain and justify yourself.

#52 : A character discovers their sibling owns a cursed object. Write about what happens next.

#53 : Write a character description by writing a list of items that would be on a scavenger hunt about them.

#54 : The slogan for a product or service you're advertising is, "Kid-tested, _____." Fill in the blank and write the copy for a radio or podcast advertisement for your product.

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts

There's no wrong way to use a creative writing prompt (unless it's to harass and hurt someone)—the point of them is to get you writing and your imagination flowing.

To help you get the most out of these writing prompts, however, we've come up with the six tips below. Try them out!

#1: DON'T Limit Yourself to Prose

Unless you're writing for a particular assignment, there's no reason everything you write in response to a writing prompt has to be prose fiction . Instead of writing your response to a prompt as a story, try writing a poem, nonfiction essay, play, screenplay, or some other format entirely.

#2: DON'T Edit as You Write

The purposes of writing prompts is to get you writing, typos and weird grammar and all. Editing comes later, once you've finished writing and have some space from it to come back to what you wrote.

It's OK to fix things that will make it difficult to read what you've written (e.g., a weird autocorrect that changes the meaning of a sentence), but don't worry too much about typos or perfect grammar when you're writing; those are easy enough to fix in edits . You also can always insert asterisks or a short note as you're writing to remind yourself to go back to fix something (for instance, if as you're writing it seems like you want to move around the order of your paragraphs or insert something earlier).

#3: DO Interpret the Prompt Broadly

The point of using a writing prompt is not to write something that best exemplifies the prompt, but something that sparks your own creativity. Again, unless you're writing in response to an assignment with specific directions, feel free to interpret writing prompts as broadly or as narrowly as you want.

For instance, if your prompt is to write a story that begins with "The stage was set," you could write about anything from someone preparing to put a plan into motion to a literal theatre stage constructed out of pieces of old sets (or something else entirely).

If you're using a writing prompt, it doesn't have to be the first sentence of your story or poem, either; you can also use the prompt as a goal to work towards in your writing.

#4: DO Try Switching Up Your Writing Methods

If it's a possibility for you, see if you write differently in different media. Do you write the same kind of stories by hand as you would typing at a computer? What about if you dictate a story and then transcribe it? Or text it to a friend? Varying the method you use to write can affect the stories you're able to tell.

For example, you may find that it's easier for you to tell stories about your life to a voice recorder than to try to write out a personal essay. Or maybe you have trouble writing poetry, but can easily text yourself or a friend a poem. You might even find you like a writing method you've not tried before better than what you've been doing!

#5: DO Mix and Match Prompt Ideas

If you need more inspiration, feel free to combine multiple prompts (but don't overwhelm yourself with too much to write about).

You can also try switching genres from what might be suggested in the prompt. For instance, try writing a prompt that seems funny in a serious and sad way, or finding the humor in something that otherwise seems humorless. The categories we've organized the prompts into are by no means limiters on what you're allowed to write about.

#6: DO Try to Write Regularly

The more regularly you write, the easier it will be to write (with or without writing prompts).

For some people, this means writing daily; for others, it means setting aside time to write each weekend or each month. Set yourself an achievable goal (write 2x a week, write 1000 words a month) and stick to it. You can always start small and then ramp your wordcount or frequency up.

If you do better when you have something outside yourself prompting to write, you may also want to try something like morning pages , which encourages you to write at least 750 words every day, in any format (story, diary entry, social media postings, etc).

What's Next?

Thinking about attending college or grad school for creative writing? Our articles on whether or not you should major in creative writing and the best creative writing programs are there for you! Plus, if you're a high schooler, you should check out these top writing contests .

Creative writing doesn't necessarily have to be fiction. Check out these three examples of narrative writing and our tips for how to write your own narrative stories and essays .

Just as writing prompts can help give form to amorphous creative energy, using specific writing structures or devices can be great starting points for your next story. Read through our discussion of the top 20 poetic devices to know and see if you can work at least one new one into your next writing session.

Still looking for more writing ideas? Try repurposing our 100+ easy drawing ideas for characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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The Only 10 Creative Writing Prompts You Need

by Joe Bunting | 55 comments

Start Your Story TODAY! We’re teaching a new LIVE workshop this week to help you start your next book. Learn more and sign up here.

You get better at any skill through practice. Prompts are a great way to practice writing (as you might imagine, we're really into practice here), and in this post, I have ten of our best creative writing prompts.

Try a few out, and if you're ready to take the next step in your writing, check out our 100 Best Short Story Ideas .

How To Use These Creative Writing Prompts

At the end of every article on The Write Practice , we include a writing prompt so you can put what you just learned to use immediately. And we invite you to share your writing with our community so you can get feedback on your work.

The Write Practice is more than just a writing blog. It's a writing  workbook , and we think it's the best one on the Internet (of course, we're a bit biased).

One of the most important parts of practice is getting feedback, and we want to help YOU get feedback on your writing. To do that, choose one of the prompts, write for 15 minutes, and then copy and paste your practice into the box at the bottom to post your practice in our forum for feedback. You'll be able to read others' practice and give feedback too.

And if you want even more prompts, you can download our workbook,  14 Prompts , for free here (it's normally, $5.99).

Our Most Popular Creative Writing Prompts

Why not try using two or three of these creative writing prompts in your writing today? Who knows, you might even begin something that becomes your next novel to write or short story. It's happened to Write Practicers before!

Enjoy the writing prompts!

My 3 Favorite Writing Prompts

Write about a time you felt out of place, awkward, and uncomfortable. Try not to focus on your feelings, but project your feelings onto the things around you.

Write about a ghost. How do they feel about the world? What do they see and hear? How did they become a ghost?

• Your characters haven’t gotten any sleep. Write about why, and how they respond to being sleepless.

Now, let's look at the rest of our favorite prompts! 

1. Grandfathers

Write about a grandfather, maybe your grandfather or your character's grandfather. What memories do you/does your character associate with him?

See the prompt: Grandfathers

2. Sleepless

Your characters haven’t gotten any sleep. Write about it.

See the prompt: Sleepless

3. Out of Place

See the prompt: Out of Place

Write about longing. How does it feel to go about a normal day when your character wants something else?

See the prompt: Longing

5. Write About Yourself

Write about yourself.

See the writing prompt: Write About Yourself

See the prompt: 3 Reasons to Write About Ghosts

7. Road Trip

Write about a road trip. Is your character escaping something? Is your character looking for something? Hint at the thing without telling us while describing what the character sees.

See the writing prompt: Road Trip

Write about the morning. What are your character's morning routines? What is special about this  morning?

See the prompt: Morning

9. The Beach

Write about the beach. Is your character reflecting on something important that has happened to them? Describe the memory while overlaying the sights, sounds, and smells of the beach onto them.

See the prompt: The Beach

Write about autumn. Natural surroundings can bring up old memories and odd feelings. Describe what your character sees, feels, and most of all does.

See the prompt: Autumn

Do you use writing prompts in your writing? What is your favorite prompt for ideas? Share in the comments .

For today's practice, choose one of these prompts and write for fifteen minutes . When you're finished with your practice, share it in the Pro Practice Workshop . Don't forget to leave feedback for three other writers. Not a community member yet? Join us ! 

Happy writing!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

55 Comments

It usually takes the living to confirm you’re dead. That’s why Saginaw didn’t know for months he’d passed. He was a hermit, had lived alone out in the woods for years. He still isn’t sure how or when he died.

After it happened, he continued to get up every morning and head out to the woodpile. Chopping was his release, his balance, his yoga. The repetitive grabbing and swinging and cracking and discarding brought him harmony.

Until the day he realized nothing was happening.

Like every other morning, he grabbed for the axe handle. This time, he noticed his hand passed right through it.

“What the hell?” he said to himself.

He looked down and saw the log cabin through his body, and knew he was dead. Thinking back, he realized he’d probably been dead for awhile. The familiar weight of the axe was a distant memory. He’d been grabbing and swinging and cracking and discarding nothing. He was going through the motions because they brought him peace.

Saginaw wasn’t sure what a ghost was supposed to do with his free time. He tried strolling through the woods and watching animals. They never spooked like he expected. It was boring.

Within days, he realized how much he missed his chopping. He returned home and tried doing it like a mime – empty hand reaching up and striking down on nothing. But now it made him feel useless.

According to the books he’d read during his life, the dead had the ability to interact with the real world. He practiced, trying to control things with his translucent body. He found that he could create a type of wind with his movements. Grass would sway as he ran by and dandelions would shed their cotton if he swooshed his hand over them.

That was the most he could do; wind would never carry his axe. Ghosts couldn’t shed tears but it didn’t stop Saginaw from crying.

He cried until he was angry. In a rage, he jumped up and, growling, grabbed the axe. It flew up with his hands.

“Oh my God!”

His anger vanished and the axe slipped through his fingers. He tried picking it up again, but it refused. Saginaw grew furious at his futility and kicked at the handle. His foot caught the wood and Saginaw realized what was happening.

His raw anger fueled the power to move objects. The only way to do what calmed him was to lose his calm. A total catch-22.

Sag fell to the ground. He’d never thought much about the afterlife. Glancing at the axe, he wondered, as dread lit fire to his insides, exactly where he was.

I like this piece a lot. It’s like a little story. That line, “Chopping was his release, his balance, his yoga.” is very telling, the yoga bit completing it beautifully. Thanks for sharing.

An interesting take on life after death. What is it? Even when dead, the dead don’t know. A question to be never answered. Adelaide

Brilliant post. I love just starting with a prompt and letting my muse find her way. I could pick any one of these starters and write a series of short pieces. And then voile I have a mini collection to create into a mini e-book. Wow. You’ve just experienced my ‘light-bulb’ moment. I now have an idea for some free giveaways to my potential readers.

After a couple of weeks of dull creative urge, this post has just put a surge of creative current back in my circuit. Thank goodness for that. Thanks Joe for the inspiration.

Thanks so much, Dawn. So glad this got your creative juices flowing! 🙂

I’m book marking this page, what a great post.

Here’s what I wrote.

The beach is empty. On a beautiful, perfect day, with a sky of crystal blue, the beach is empty. You can hear the surf slap against the sand, and the cry of gulls overhead. The white, fine sand stretches before you, so bright you have to squint against it. The day is hot, but not sweltering, and you marvel at the privilege of having the beach all to yourself. There is nothing here but, you, the gulls and the sound of the waves. The coconut smell of the lotion you are applying, the red of the beach towel laid down. You wonder if you should have brought a book, if you ought have left the ipod in the car, but then you sit down, watch the waves ebb and tide against the wet sand, and let the song of the sea lull you. A fleeting thought of awe wanders into your mind, at the quiet, extraordinary way that nature has, going on without human observation. The sea will always lap against the shore. The gulls will nest in the brush and seek their dinner from the sea. Even the fish, unseen, will make their homes and hatch eggs, all without anyone watching. It all continues without human eyes upon them, and it is marvellous. And then, in a moment like this, a perfect bubble in time, you might be allowed to witness it. Watch the gull walk along the rocks, its black shiny eye on you, watch the rhythmical way the waves roll and turn. See the crab burrow out from the sand, crawling along the shore.

And then in an instance, the bubble is broken. The moment shattered as the high voice of a child comes laughing into the sand. A couple follows close behind, their voices low. They make their place a distance away from you, but it is too late. The moment of grace with nature is over, the human world has once again inserted itself and the beach is no longer empty.

I love the beach. And I totally appreciate those moments/ times of immersion into the whole wonder of life at lands edge.

And then being slapped back into the moment by the sound and presence of humans.

Nice writing. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the feedback.

I loved this piece! Your wonderful word choice and clever phrasing helped to create a very vivid image of this gem of a beach, in my mind. It really sucked me in, so much so that I couldn’t help but feel a sharp twinge of sadness and disappointment when the human presence disrupted it all and popped the “perfect bubble in time”. Thank you for sharing such a lovely piece.

Thank you Catherine! That certainly is encouraging, and I appreciate the feedback.

You’re very welcome! I’m glad I could be of some help. Best of luck in all your writing endeavors!

No idea if you will find this a year later.

I was reading this and at first I was like thinking. I have read this before. Crystal blue sky. Generic.

And then I hit the line, “you ought have left the ipod in the car”. And it suddenly became personal.

In Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, the author talks about how children draw symbols. You say draw a person and they draw a stick figure. For an adult it is generic. They don’t actually look at what they are drawing.

The first part of that you write is like that and then suddenly small details, personal details, start to appear and the piece becomes much more powerful. In my opinion you drop out of the generic symbols of a beach and into your personal subjective view point, and the writing gets much better. More visceral.

For me I would encourage you to go back and either drop or rewrite all the generic parts like crystal blue sky, which sounds symbolic, to something personal.

I love this…..

I picked beach.

Soft morning mist Gently rises to kiss Fan of dawn’s rays And slicing through silky southern teal Nullakai’s finger, long dark green Invites me in. Briney effervescence clings To salty diamond necklace Criss-crossing my Summer freckled chest And aquamarine mesmerised My sleepy sea stained eyes Sting to a blur As swollen turquoise curve Breaks this office face Drowning the frown Before it begins I am fresh again fresh This Monday morning.

I’ve been intending to post a comment, but I don’t know much about blank verse or any other poetry other than Japanese short-form poetry such as haiku. What I notice about this poem is that some of the lines read awkwardly because of the lack of an article: a .

“Fan of dawn’s rays,” I think would read better if it were “A fan of dawn’s rays.” Same with “To salty diamond necklace” which would be better as “To a salty diamond necklace.” Again, a missing “a” with “As swollen turquoise curve.” Also, I don’t understand “And aquamarine mesmerised.” .

Otherwise, it’s a beautiful scene and a wonderful way to greet a Monday morning. Adelaide

Thanks Adelaide. Great feedback. Aquamarine should have been two words – aqua marine. I guess I was trying to imply ocean water in a sparklier, gem like way, and taking poetic licence/ freedom by playing with the two words.

Much appreciated. Dawn 🙂

… And I picked ‘morning’.

Dewey pearls lace the graceful dance of understory and spider webs weep fine filaments between sleeping boughs and awakening flowers. In hushed light creamy tones, sun softly shines awake dancing through curls of morning mist. And my body slips into the day, barefoot upon the forest floor.

Early birds sing through the dawning light, their excitement bouncing from leaf to branch. They pause to consider my gaze then flutter on their busy way.

This flesh of mine in autumn beige seeks a deeper walk, into the maze of awakening trees with liquorice trunks black and damp with dew.

Only the forest is talking; the world is yet to yawn and stretch it’s sleepy limbs out of night warmed sheets. I am alone in full company of the promise of a new day.

Strings of purple Hovea buds embrace my passing by, an ephemeral bracelet for one tiny moment, and leave a trace of sparkling silver pearls moist across my wrist. This freshness I bring to my lips. This gift I gently kiss. And I love myself awake.

This sort of reads like a poem, in fact a re-read proves it is! I almost missed that, I was reading too fast. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Giulia It was just a quick 15 minute muse, but yes, now that you’ve pointed it out it does read like poetry. Thanks for that feedback, I can have a play with it and offer it some shape.

Did you like it? Or was it a bit to poetic and slow? I’d appreciate your feedback. Thanks Dawn

Oh, I did like it! I think the structure shape of the poem needs a bit of polish, it might read more smoothly if the lines were shorter. I actually like the languid feel it has, it expresses morning and nature well, how everything seems expanded and slower when you’re really looking at the tiny marvels found in the natural world.

Grandfather.

He’s not a grandfather and I’m terrified he won’t become one. He’s be a great one. I’m positive.

I really shouldn’t be afraid of hospitals. I grew up in one–Dad’s a doctor. I’m familiar with the tile floors and nurses knowing my name and my nickname. But now I’m afraid. He’s not in scrubs but instead in a gown. A nasty butterfly needle is digging into his skin. They always say it’s a small needle and won’t hurt. Don’t believe them. I’ve had nightmares about this. About driving from Mississippi back home because he’s had a heart attack. He’s never had any heart problems so that fear should be irrational. I should have been praying a seemingly ridiculous prayer. It’s a good thing I was praying even though I didn’t know why. Unknown prayer saved his life. As I sat with him on the hospital bed I felt so strange. I felt 7 and still desperately needing my dad. I can’t do anything without him. I don’t know how to be me without him. At the same time I felt grief for my future children. If he’s not better then those make believe kids will only have my stories to go on. They’d never believe me when I told them their grandfather was the greatest man to ever live.

My brothers have stories. Absolutely hilarious stories of my dad that they both recounted on the way to the hospital room. As they did I realized I don’t have stories. I have facts, subjects, events. I have moments.

-Reading Harry Potter together and standing in line for each book release.

-Agatha Christie -Keeping Up Appearances -“I think I’ll go pay that bill.” “You know what I think you should do?” “What?” “Go pay that bill.” “Oh my gosh you’re brilliant!” -We are both left handed.

-How to swing a bat.

-How to replace a door.

-How to drive.

-Telling me his “M.D.” stood for “My Daddy.” -His Martin acoustic guitar -The smell of cedar wood and rain when he made duck calls in the basement.

I don’t have hilarious stories of my dad I just have a lot of lessons. He taught me in every moment we spent together. Those moments were hilarious but I don’t think I could recreate them to become stories.

I want him to be a grandfather because I didn’t know mine. He has to show my children how amazing he is because how could I possibly put that into words? He’s my very best friend. He thinks I can do absolutely anything. I know that I can because a quick phone call to him clears up any questions.

He always has the answers.

I need him to be a grandfather because I need him to keep being my dad.

That was wonderful, simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking. I love it

Thank you!!!

A warm tribute to your father. I hope he got well. adelaide

I really love this piece.

I chose morning as it was a few weeks ago up here in upstate NY.

FROM MY WINDOW

Spring is gearing up. At the far end of the front yard, where it rises to meet the road, crocus splash yellow, white and purple. Stems on the lilac bushes are knobby with green tipped leaf buds. Daffodils, some just poking through the soil, some already at their full height with swollen flower buds ready to burst. Through the open window the breeze is damp,ripe with the fragrance of wet dirt, last year’s leaves and manure from the field around the bend. There are busy calls from unseen birds and announcing honks from another gaggle of geese. There is, in this moment, everything that there is.

coffee brewing the anticipation before the first sip

Lovely. I can almost feel myself standing beside you at the window. Great use of all the senses Adelaide. Thanks for sharing. Dawn

This post is in response to OUT OF PLACE

A sorority beach house. Full of surging hormones and testosterone from the young women and the visiting frat boys who have a house down the road. Some girls have wandered there to see what’s going on. Most likely the same things that are going on here.

It’s Easter Break at Laguna Beach. A week of fun, fun, fun! For some. For most. But not for the dark haired girl trying to play poker with two other girls and three guys. Trying to play because she is new at the game and loses every hand. She also loses at the witty, sexually laced repartee between the other five players. After four games and down to her last 10 pennies, she quits. It is not for her this game. The entire experience is not for her. She looks over the party goers. Beer, kisses and gropes are exchanged in corners. What goes on in the closed bedrooms is better not seen.

She takes a beer, her first, and her cigarettes and goes out to the beach. This is what she came for: the beach, swimming during the day, reading what she didn’t have time for when crushed with class assignments, girl talk with a few friends. Even that is a disappointment as the girl talk usually turns to boys, a topic which is foreign to her experience.

She’ll lie when she goes back to her classes. She’ll say the week was fun, a blast. Yeah. Partying every night. At least, she’ll have a tan to prove she was there.

Lovely demonstration of the odd teen, who out of place cannot even bare to bow to peer pressure. I liked the ending where she decided to lie to fit in.

Can you please tell me what a ‘sorority’ house is exactly. (I’m not from the USA.)

Thanks for sharing Dawn

Many colleges have sororities, a club of sorts to which candidates are invited to be a member. In some colleges they can be very snobbish, at least that was the situation when I was in college. My college, a small woman’s college, was more democratic, in that a student chose the soriety she wanted and was accepted in it. There was no voting on who could come in and who could not. Bigger colleges have special housing for sororities and fraternities (the male equvilent of sororities).I don’t know what other sororities did, but the ones at my college, in addition to organizing teas, parties, picnics, etc., had a commitment to do some social work for the community. Being a Catholic college we gave Catechism lessons to young childdren in poor parishes where there was a shortage of teachers to give these lessons after school

A sororiety beach house is just that: a house at the beach which the sorority rents for a time, the rent being paid for by charging a fee for each girl who wants to spend the week there. Easter week was usually a time of letting loose

I hope this answers your question. Adelaide

Thanks again Joe Due to the inspiration of this post and it’s kickstarting my creative flow (I’ve been editing my first novel), I have decided to do the NaNo July Camp.

Using some of the above prompts I am aiming to complete a collection of short stories, prose and poetic interludes. My goal is only 10,000 words. This will give me time to edit, shape and tease out detail. It’s winter in my part of the world. A cosy time to write beside the fireplace.

A brief synopsis: A collection of short stories, prose and poetic interludes that reflect on the shadows, woods, winds and ocean waves of a south coast winter.

Where nature walks deep into the rhythm of this human’s hibernating season and beckons her into conversation with looming clouds, long shadows and the low breathing reach of winter sun.

That she may see the beauty that dances between the tempest winter weather sweeping the landscape and her quiet resting inner world.

Of course I’ll still be visiting TWP daily. For ongoing inspiration and community to share with. Cheers Dawn 🙂

What a great, stimulating post! I chose the ‘Morning’ prompt.

My eyes slowly creaked open, only to squint in the sun beam that had smacked my face, arousing me from sleep. But I hadn’t been asleep…had I? I couldn’t be sure. As I groggily sat up in bed, a chill ran down my spine as the air conditioning kissed my back-drenched with sweat. The next thing I took notice of was the pounding in my chest. It seemed that my heart had been beating wildly only moments ago, and now it was doing its best to resume normality. Yet that wasn’t all. There was a dull, aching that had come with the wild beating. In my mind’s eye, I could see a face, slowly fading from sight. It’s features were slowly becoming more and more obscure. Who was he? Why did I care? Hardly a minute had passed before the man’s face vanished from my mind entirely. Birds began to chirp cheerily outside my window, and without knowing why- a tear slipped down my face and darkened the baby blue sheets. I struggled to search my mind for the image of his face once more, but there was nothing. There never would be- except for the lone tear that spotted my sheets.

Great start that draws your readers in; beginning of the day, mysterious dream image evoking intense emotion, loved it Catherine!

This is amazing.

I chose the sleepless prompt. I kind of went deeper than I was trying to.

She tossed. She turned. Her eyes wouldn’t stay shut. They would stay open either. She blinked. The dark of the night filled the room, and the smell of dust covered everything. The blankets on the bed were everywhere, and one the pillows had been thrown on the floor. The rest of the bedroom looked neat, beside the dark and glooming aroma.

She had a specific person on her mind. Someone she had been wondering about for awhile. She didn’t have a crush, nor were they enemies. The person was just very… normal. She tried getting her mind on something else, only to be reminded on him somehow. The smell was like him, the smell of the room.

She turned again, thinking of what happened that day. He had asked her a strange question; one that’s wasn’t like trying to know someone. It was just strange. “Do you like country music?” His words echoed in her mind. She had said no, and then he had left, without any sign.

He wasn’t exactly a normal boy, but he wasn’t weird either. He wears black often, but sometimes he’ll wear pink. His hair is often messy, but sometimes, for no reason, it’s perfectly neat. He manly sticks to keeping quiet, but sometimes, he’s the most active in class.

Thank’s, it is very creative! Besides I found this writing prompts tool http://youressayhelper.com/writing-prompt-generator.html very helpful!

Found this post and took a stab at the grandfather prompt.

I never knew my grandfather.

A man walks towards me. Top hat, suit. Black against white mist. He is smiling. He is a handsome man. He does not take a step but if he did they would be long strides. Purposeful, directed. He is tall but does not tower over me. And he is looking at me. Not at me, not through me. At me. At the deep sliver of me before the echoes of memory. And smiling. A smile that reaches from ear to ear. A smile that starts in the gut and ends in the eyes. A smile that leaves me quivering inside my own skin. He knows my secret.

How does he know. What if he tells someone.

He sees me. No, he sees him. The lie of lies. He sees past the lies. He sees the lies I tell myself and he laughs. A laugh from the belly that shakes the mists he reaches out from.

Small lies. Self-pity. Worthlessness. Fear. His eyes move past them, not even bothering to swat them aside.

Something rests on my heart.

I was inspired when I read this post and I immediately made a story. However, I came up with my own prompt: Jealousy.

I keep finding the wrong in her brown capturing eyes, hoping to see the darkness she has yet to reveal. I keep finding the treason in her refined movements, the plan in her bright smile, the sting in her sweet words yet I couldn’t find any. She is the sun, and everyone is flocking around her warmth but I am blinded. My eyes sting and my breath caught within my throat, afraid they will notice the insecurities blowing in and out of my lungs. Afraid to move for they might see the urge to block their words worshiping her, slowly pressing my stomach, burying me into the depths of the dark place I wouldn’t want to be in but I’m still falling, falling, and falling. I have to avoid the mirror and the vision of myself beside her, comparing and losing. I have to refrain from looking as it would pour fuel into the fire and I have to stay away, far away from her. She pleaded why am I keeping distance, as I remember how my stomach churns every time they prefer her, how I’m always in the shadow of her glow, and I retreated leaving her groping in the dark for an answer, like how I’m pathetically groping for salvation. I cry that night chanting apologies; I am lost and I have to find myself, hoping to be stable and solid so my molecules will not easily drown in hers. I am me and she is her as they point my parts apart from her. A heterogeneous system, as one, as sisters, as best friends. But not today. Today I’m lying on the thorns of my selfish inexcusable reasons devoid of any strength to get up. Today, I’m still avoiding the traces of her on my notebook and my map. I’m sorry, you are the best and the worst that has happened to me and for that pitiful reason, today at 10 am in our small warm coffee shop I will not be there. I will be somewhere else, a place cowards run off to, somewhere you wouldn’t have to go.

——-your undeserving best friend: jealousy

I just re-posted a post on my FB page about using images to help you write! https://www.facebook.com/A-Page-A-Day-Lets-all-write-just-one-page-a-day-103970129720405/?fref=ts I used many images to write my novel. El Salvador’s civil war was the most photographed war in history. I bet it still is! Thanks for a great post! Sherrie Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador: http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P11Ch5chkAc

“Morning”

The sun shone through a small gap where the panels of curtains met. Usually the curtains did their job and blacked out any light, but the angle she laid in bed today was the perfect place for the sun to shine right on her face. It beamed like a laser through her eyelids. She turned over in bed attempting to evade the warm light. Her subconscious knew something wasn’t right. She bolted upright and scrambled to find her phone which served as her alarm clock. Dead. What time is it? She ran to the kitchen to look at the clock on the oven. It was blinking 3:38. This can’t be right, the sun is shining bright as noon. The power must have gone off sometime during the night. She hurried back to her room to plug in her phone. It seemed like hours as she waited for it to charge enough to turn on. Panic started to set in. Finally! The iPhone beamed back to life. The clock on the home screen read 7:22. She was late. Late for her first day at her new job.

I really enjoy creative writing and I hope to get better at it. I always have different ideas running through my head but I never actually put them on paper. I chose the “Morning” prompt and I feel like this is actually pretty good! Morning The warm rays of the sun filled the room as Vaughn lay their asleep. It was about 10:45 in the morning, and Vaughn was still exhausted from yesterday’s job searching. He had been fired about three months ago and has been budgeting his money the best he can. Natalie, his girlfriend, has been giving him small amounts of money here and there. Bzzz, Bzzz…his phone starts ringing, causing him to wake up from his deep sleep. His violet eyes scan the screen of the phone. Vaughn sighs, noticing it’s a text from Natalie. He puts the phone back where it was and snuggled back under the warm covers. As soon as his platinum hair hit the pillow- bzzz, bzzz, bzzz…this time it was a call. Vaughn released a sigh of annoyance, noticing it was Natalie again. “Hello”, he answered. “Vaughn I cannot believe you forgot again, you know as much as I help you, you could be a little better at remembering things”, Natalie yelled through the speaker. “What are you talking about, Natalie, we didn’t plan anything today! You said you were tired” Vaughn explained, his patients wearing thin. “I just texted you and said ‘Meet me at the new café’, I’ve been waiting here for thirty minutes and you’re still not here!”, Natalie whined. “Okay, okay, I’m on my way Naty” Vaughn threw the covers off himself and started getting ready. He wouldn’t have heard the end of it if he didn’t go. While he was pacing through his apartment, he knocked down a picture frame. He bent down and froze when he saw the picture it displayed. It was him standing beside a girl with brown hair and tan skin. Her smile was gentle and calming and her violet eyes sparkled with joy. Vaughn gently held the frame and whispered,” Cerene…”. *Flashback to High School* “Will we still talk like we are now, Florida seems like its pretty far”, Vaughn asked nervously. “Of course we will, silly, you’re my best friend!” Cerene Exclaimed. Vaughn and Cerene had been friends since elementary school. They were always together. Unfortunately, Cerene’s family traveled a lot. Her father’s job required them to move from time time. Vaughn didn’t like this at all, sure he had other friends, but they weren’t his best friends like Cerene was. She was always there for him, even when he was sick, she would bring tea, movies, or just sit and talk with him. Everyone at school thought the two liked each other. It was true Vaughn liked Cerene but he never knew how she felt about him. Cerene was leaving a week after graduation. As the day grew closer, Vaughn noticed that Cerene just wasn’t her cheery self anymore. Instead she seemed depressed and disconnected from the world. He’d find her staring off into the distance a lot like she was thinking. Three days before she was supposed to leave, Vaughn got a call from Cerene. “Hey, Cerene, how’s it goin’”, Vaughn answered. “Hey Vanya…I..um..I have some bad news” Cerene explained. Her voice was shaking, Vaughn wondered if she was about to cry. “What is it, Cerene” he asked, worried. “I’m…leaving earlier than I thought”, she said sadly. “But why, what happened to te week after graduation” he pleaded. “I’m sorry, Vanya, I tried to get extra time but my father said we have to leave earlier than expected!” she exclaimed. “Its okay, Cerene, its not your fault, but can I see you before you leave, please”, Vaughn asked with hope. “Of course, silly, you’re my best friend!” Vaughn snapped out of day dream when his phone started vibrating again.

Today was a fresh day, leaves crunching beneath my boots and the sun beams stretching out for a new morning. I usually had these walks by myself, oftenly I’d get looks from my friends of concern and they had always questioned me as to why I never invited them along. But me and the Autumn season are meant to be alone, we’re meant to be one.

My nose was red, and I had an occasional case of the sniffles not that I was really bothered about it. Nevertheless it might not be winter but the whispy breeze, and the coldness of the astomophere was indicating that it was near. I paused at the tree, in the middle of a meadow. A meadow packed with tall soft grass, flowers that were in the process of blooming and the silent birds that peacefully flew on by in the bright clear sky. I parked myself down, my back resting on the bark of the old tree my knees tucked into my chest while my arms rested on top of my knees.

I felt my hair blow with the sudden blast of wind, like waves of an ocean as I felt tears prick in the corners of my eyes. Truth is, Autumn was the sad season. The season where I lost my younger brother, Despite his falling sand the countless times he was called names and picked on by the other children, he always managed to smile and laugh with me, which you wouldn’t expect from a brother and sister. After he passed I always came here, somehow his presence lingered near. My eyelids eventually gave away to the tiredness from my sobs, my throat was sore, so just as I fell asleep, a small murmered whispered in my ear, “Sweet dreams, Sis.” And a small smile creeped onto my face, as well as the last falling tear.

This is lovely. I believe it to be true.

Beach Do you remember the last year when I called you and requested to see me at Clifton beach in the evening. You might have forget that call but tell me have you forgot that last meeting also? You might have forgot that meeting but tell me have you forgot our last dance on the sand. The sun was setting and the sky turned red as if it had not slept since many last nights. Do you remember when your left foot was kissing my right foot and your right my my left. Do you remember when we danced on the music of sew waves. Do you remember when a wave touched our feet took the sand from beneath our feet away with it. Since that day I am hanging in the air. I don’t have anything to place my feet on.

Using the prompt, “Road trip” and this is what I came up with.

11:00 in the morning, my wheelchair is securely locked in the mechanism. I’m semi nervous and excited, watching out the window as the bus pulls away from the depot. Out the corner of my eye, I notice one seat up and over, a young boy is looking back at me. I give him a quick smile before he turns to his mother. She looks back to me then nudges his shoulder. A scolding expression on her face and speaking quietly to him him. I don’t hear what is said but I’m sure I can imagine her words. Parents, how they stifle a child’s curiosity. 2:45 in the afternoon, the lift is shaky as I ride it down off the bus. I’m glad to have all four wheels on the ground. I have a couple of minutes before I have to board the next bus. Just enough time for a quick bathroom break. I’m passing the young boy again. We make eye contact. His mother is busy scrounging through her purse. Oops, I bet she lost her tickets. I pop a wheely as I ride pass the boy and a bright smile lights up his young face as he watches. I turn back around, looking at him and smile. Catching a glimpse of me, his mother grabs his hand and pulls him along toward a customer desk. My eyes are still on the little boy as he looks back to me once more. I quickly give him a thumbs up, then ride off toward the rest room, wheeling on my back tires. 3:00, I’d just exited the bathroom. Time to board. The bus will be leaving in 10 minutes bound for Philadelphia. I see the boy and his mother once more as I wheel myself toward the bus’s lift. Catching the mother’s eye, I remark, “He’s a bright young boy. He’s very inquisitive, nurture him well.” She manages a curt smile and hurriedly walks toward her destination and I can’t help to watch them as the lift raises me up to enter the bus. I can’t help but wonder about the man he’ll grow up to be.

this story really made my day and i would honestly consider you to become an author. I will forever cherish this story as i can relate being wheelchair bound and now have been inspired to “pop a wheely” which i will continue to do in my every day life.You are the reason i wake up in the morning

Robert i take a massive offence to this as i am also “wheelchair bound” and like to “pop a wheely” from time to time and would highly recommend deleting your comment

As a fellow wheeler, I too take great pride in ‘popping wheelies’ whenever free time shows face in my schedule. The W.A. society (wheelers anonymous) are a faction of like minded individuals who all have a great passion for the art that is ‘paralytic parkour’. I come from a long line of wheelers, must be in my genes-sorry future kids L0L! Not a singe soul has stood tall in my family for many of years now, everyday’s a struggle, all worse than the last, but my strong will and high admiration pulls me through with a little grass from my friends if you get what i mean 😉 anyway, maybe we could arrange a date sometime soon, ill send you my details for future reference.

Hey AJ, how you doing? cause im doing swell BUT i couldn’t help wondering about this faction im hearing of, i have some gnarly brain storms about a new stunt wheelchair as ive been having a lot of trouble going down the half pipe at my local skate park, i seem to be falling out my wheelchair every time i go down and cant get back up. approximately 1/3 paralytic parkourers die due to faulty wheelchairs, i hope you take my brain storms into deep consideration.

sincerely Lance.

WOW lance you seem to have caught my attention because this is a everyday common struggle of most wheelers. We wheelers have to stick together and have each others backs even when we are both struggling to find our feet quite literally! the only thing i have to live on is hope and you know what they say about hope ‘breeds eternal misery’ .

I found myself choosing the Grandfather Prompt. I felt my eyelids getting heavier as I placed my head on the car window. It was a quiet day. Even the sound of my mother and Grandmother talking seemed soothing. I was quickly brought back to reality by a voice message on my mother’s phone, from my grandfather. “I need..help…a hospital. Please come..” ,he whispered, then silence. I felt my heart drop to my stomach as his voice echoed in my head. I froze. I didn’t move. I couldn’t move… All I could do was sit there, listening to my mother trying to hold back her tears as she was speeding on a busy street. Only my younger sister shaking my arm snapped me back. “What’s going on? Why are they crying?”, she desperately asked. In that second, it hit me. We might not get there in time. I tried to hold back my tears, I tried to be strong, but I couldn’t. I could hear my heart pounding louder than my thoughts. I felt my temperature rising by the second. My tears sliding down my chin. The only thing I resorted to doing was pray. “Please, not today. I’m not ready. Not this soon, let me hug him one more time. Don’t take him from me yet.”,I prayed in silence. Then the thoughts began to come. What was the last thing I said to him? When is the last time I told him I loved him? My thoughts were interrupted as my mother slammed the breaks on my grandparents driveway. “Stay in the car.” ,my mother snapped as she ran out. The wait seemed endless. Everything felt unreal. I felt helpless. Was he dead? This can’t be how he leaves. I didn’t get to say goodbye. No more fighting over the t.v controller with him again. We would never share a piece of cherry pie again. I’ll never get another poem from him. My attention quickly turned to the door as my sister began to cry, as she realized the situation. My mother and grandmother came out struggling to carry my grandfather. I didn’t know what to think. “Where’s the nearest E.R?” , I hear my grandma yell. We made it on time. There seemed to be a weight off my chest. My grandfathers even SLIGHT breathing, was prayers answered.

After high school graduation we begin our journey, going to college; going here and there on vacations; work and exactly where we’re going isn’t clear. We can see down the road aways, sometime to the next turn, but our destination remains obscure. Often there are intersections and we glare down the different routes and make a choice and we’re off again. Job offers come and we change directions. We meet people and that may take is off in yet other directions. Then we start a family and the road seems to be long and hard. We wonder if we’re going down the right road. Will we get to nice place in the end? Will there be food and shelter waiting for us? Or will we run out of gas and be stranded, walking down the road? But we keep moving. Eventually the kids grow up and are in college and the road seems to open up and the scenery gets better. We start seeing what we think is our destination in the distance and our focus lands there. Are we going to make it – or can’t wait to make it. More intersections seem to keep the goal at bay, but we continue on. Kids are on their own road and we see them taking some of the same roads we travelled. But we make a turn and the goal is in view. We think back about the trip and how frustrating it was at the time and realize that it went by way too quickly. We long to be able to keep the trip going, taking in more sights and doing things that we didn’t stop and bother with previously. But we arrive as the sun sets. Out of gas. Cold. Hungry. Tired. And waiting for us is a huge lodge with a warm fireplace burning. A huge meal has been prepared. There is laughter, music and lots of people, many of whom we’ve known along the trip. It’s been a wonderful experience. And the talk is about the next road trip.

I absolutely love these! I just read a post about the benefits of using creative writing prompts and went looking for some to get started. Thanks so much for these!

Its been days since Ronda landed, maybe tonight she will get some sleep. Jet Lag has been a nightmare. Started the night befor the flight, woke up every 2-3 hours and could not fall back to sleep. Ronka always stresses before trips. Really she stresses before everything. The 13 hours on the plane were completely sleepless as well. Ronka rarely ever can sleep on a plane. She brought a book but did not read. She had some podcasts but didnt listen. Her focus was not good enough for any of those. Not even for random thoughts. She watched a few movies but probably doesnt remember much. At the last 2 hours she found Remi Cube on the airplane entertainment system and thats where she finally found solace. Went into a frenzy of playing until the plane landed. Ronda does most things in a frenzy. Now she’s in her parents home. Day 3 and she hasnt got much sleep. On the surface things are ok. She hasnt spiraled out of control yet. But deep inside she can feel the shift… She is not fully ok. Getting a little more grumpy and restless by the minute. A big total eclipse is happening in a few hours. The energies must be affecting. Ronda is always greatly affected with the universe arround her. The weather, The full Moons, the astrological signs. Ronda needs a good night sleep. A few good night sleeps. She needs to get back on track. She’s been doing relatively good lately.

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25 Creative Writing Prompts

by Melissa Donovan | Oct 23, 2018 | Creative Writing Prompts | 236 comments

Twenty-five creative writing prompts to inspire and motivate you.

Don’t you just hate writer’s block? Some say it’s a disease that only creative workers succumb to. Some say it’s a curse. Others argue that it doesn’t exist at all. But just about everyone has been there–sitting in front of a blank screen, fingers itching to create a masterpiece. And nothing happens.

For me, the most bizarre thing about writer’s block is that it strikes randomly. Most of the time, I’m overwhelmed with more ideas than I can possibly write about. But then I’ll sit down to write and my mind goes blank. Sure, I flip through my notebooks and review all the ideas I’ve stockpiled, but nothing feels right. I want something fresh. I need a new angle.

To help break through this block, I started turning to creative writing prompts. And then I started making up my own prompts. The result:  1200 Creative Writing Prompts ,  a book designed to spark ideas for writers.

Creative Writing Prompts

Today I’d like to share a mash-up of creative writing prompts, all of which come from  1200 Creative Writing Prompts . There are no rules. Write a poem. Write a short story. Write an essay. Aim for a hundred words or aim for a hundred thousand. Just start writing, and have fun.

• The protagonist is digging in the garden and finds a fist-sized nugget of gold. There’s more where that came from in this hilarious story of sudden wealth.
• Write a poem about something ugly—war, fear, hate, or cruelty—but try to find the beauty (silver lining) in it or something good that comes out of it.
• An asteroid and a meteoroid collide near Earth, and fragments rain down onto the planet’s surface, wreaking havoc. Some of those fragments contain surprising elements: fossils that prove life exists elsewhere in the galaxy, for example.
• The story starts when a kid comes out of the school bathroom with toilet paper dangling from his or her waistband. Does someone step forward and whisper a polite word, or do the other kids make fun? What happens in this pivotal moment will drive the story and have a deep impact on the main character.
• Revisit your earliest memories of learning about faith, religion, or spirituality.
• Use all of the following words in a poem: bit, draw, flex, perilous, bubble, corner, rancid, pound, high, open.
• Write a poem about a first romantic (dare I say sexual?) experience or encounter.
• Write a personal essay describing an exotic animal you’d like to have as a pet.
• Silvery flakes drifted downward, glittering in the bright light of the harvest moon. The blackbird soared.
• Write a tongue-in-cheek, satirical tribute. Tell bad drivers, rude customers, and evil dictators how grateful you are for what they’ve done. Do it with a wink and a smile.
• Write a story about a detective solving a crime that was committed against his or her partner or a crime that his or her partner committed.
• Three children are sitting on a log near a stream. One of them looks up at the sky and says…
• There is a magic talisman that allows its keeper to read minds. It falls into the hands of a young politician.
• We’ve seen cute and cuddly dragons, mean and vicious dragons, and noble dragons. Write a story about a different kind of dragon.
• Use all of the following words in a poem: dash, hard, staple, billboard, part, circle, flattened.
• Write a story set in the distant future when humanity is at a fork in the evolutionary road. Some humans are evolving; others are not.
• The kids were raised on the mantra “Family is everything.” What happens when they find out their parents aren’t who they pretended to be? Will the family fall apart?
• Write a poem about one (or both) of your parents. It could be a tribute poem, but it doesn’t have to be.
• Turn ordinary animals into monsters that prey on humans: dog-sized rats, killer rabbits, or a pack of rabid mountain lions. Give the animals intelligence and set them loose.
• A twinkling eye can mean many things. Write a poem about a twinkle in someone’s eye.
• What determines an action or person as good or evil? Who gets to decide what or who is good or evil? Write a personal essay about it.
• Write a poem about your body.
• The protagonist is about to drift off to sleep only to be roused by the spontaneous memory of an embarrassing moment from his or her past.
• Write about the happiest day of your life.
• Use all of the following words in a poem: feast, fire, modify, squash, robbed, forgotten, understated.

Now It’s Your Turn

Did any of these prompts inspire you? Do you ever use creative writing prompts to ignite a writing session? Tell us what gets your pen moving by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

To get more prompts like these, pick up a copy of  1200 Creative Writing Prompts   today.

236 Comments

Melissa, Wow, there’s something about this list that feels like a lightbulb went off! There are times when I feel stuck, like ideas aren’t there. And this list really shines what can be…limitless possibilities!

26. If my life were a cartoon… 27. Pick two crayons at random. What thoughts/feelings do two color stir up in you?

Ah, I love the feeling of a light bulb illuminating my mind! Thanks for adding to the list!

what about… That spark which seemed like a star, when it approached closer, my lips went white and body shivering despite the fact I knew I was placed in a desert – by them- and the sun shone directly above my head. Then at a distance of 1m probably, I got the sight of…

Thanks for sharing these.

If you have children, visualize one of them running the house for a day.

That’s a good one. Kids running the house…how very Dr. Seuss! Cat in the Hat without the cat, hehee.

Ooh, great prompts! Thanks for sharing these!

Thanks! Glad you like them!

A day in the life of a doormat

The adventures of a shooting star

Making friends with my enemy

Ooh, interesting! Thanks, Fouzia.

Hi Melissa,

Bought 3 of your books. 1. 101 Creative Writing Excercises 2.10 Core Practices For Better Writing and 3. 1,200 Creative Writing Prompts.

I decided to start with 1,200 Creative Writing Prompts.

So far, I have written 4 stories from the prompts. I guess I want to enquire as to whether I need to go through each prompt. Thank you

Wow, Kevin, thanks for getting three of my books. I truly appreciate that. You can use the prompts in any way that is comfortable for you. No, you do not have to go through each and every prompt. I encourage you to skip around, flip through book, and find prompts that inspire. I hope you have fun with it! Thanks again.

When I took my creative writing class in college the instructor gave us a really good one to use if we couldn’t think of what to write. She said to write the word Remember 3 times and that would prompt something. The entire class tried it and it worked and I have used it several times since then!

I like the use of remember . There are a lot of words that help people when they can’t think of anything to write about. Maybe I should do a list of single-word prompts. Hmm…

Wow. I was COMPLETELY stuck and this brought back a great story for me to write about, though only faintly attached to any memory of mine. Thanks!

That’s great, Camille! Good luck with your story!

I like to use the question “what would happen if …. ”

What would happen if your husband retired and your kid left home and you’re getting older? -> ” Always Faithful”

What would happen if a person moved back home to care for a relative after decades of living far away? -> “The Way Home”

What would happen if a person who has been divorced and alone for a long time suddenly met the most perfect mate imaginable … but it turns out the person may not be what she appears to be? -> “Baiting and Fishing”

In a way, I think “What Would Happen If…” is my novelist version of my favorite childhood game, “Let’s pretend that…..”

“What if” is the best creative writing prompt ever! You can apply it to just about any situation. Just look at any movie, book, or even real life and start asking, “What if things happened a little differently?” or “What if this person made a different decision?” Asking these questions can take your writing in all kinds of new and interesting directions! It’s great fun.

I love these. Here’s one:

“She was drifting off to sleep when there was a sharp knock at the door . . . “

Ooh, I like that one.

Fabulous list. I’ve been brainstorming all morning with no luck, and so I came online and VOILA, here you are. Loved the list, especially 22.

I’ve created several interesting works using my personal favourite “things to do on a rainy day”. I usually write from the perspective of a child, but rarely myself as a child. This one just opens up so many possibilities for make beleive!

Thanks, Melanie! Glad this list helped you in a time of need. My favorite “things to do on a rainy day” story is The Cat in the Hat . Of course, it’s a “day when mom’s away” rather than a “rainy day,” but it’s pretty much the same idea. Keep writing!

these are very great… i got this one off of True Jackson VP.. spin around and the first thing you see will give you an idea..

i just did this and i saw flowers…

i’m writing about “you are walking through a field with your best friend.. you spot a flower and pick it up.. it gives you super powers…

Ah, a flower that gives one super powers. I love that idea! You should definitely run with it!

I love True Jackson VP! Cool that you got an idea from it! 🙂

You’re suggestion really helped! Im doing imaginative writing for homework and I was so stuck but I’ve found the right one now!!

That’s awesome, Grace! Keep writing.

ooh those are cool… how about: He cradled her, taking in all of her burdens as he swept her hair back from her face and stroked her cheek in a gentle calming motion.

I do creative writing as an A level so it would be cool to know if this starter is ok! ty xoxo

Catherine, I think that’s a great starter line, especially for a romantic story or poem! My only suggestion would be the part “gentle calming motion.” There might be one too many adjectives there. If you keep both adjectives, be sure to add a comma after the first one: “gentle, calming motion.” Nice job!

A young man attempts to pull a robbery of some kind on an older man. Things go drastically wrong for the young man. Either viewpoint!

Either viewpoint, or both, could work!

what if the old man was a retired super spy and the young robber is homeless and broke. he tells this to the old man and the man trains him to be a good spy and lets the young robber live with him. then the old man gets the young robber a job as a spy and then they both find out that the retired spy is the young robbers father and the mother ran away while she was pregnant to go be with some rich guy but the rich guy killed the mother and the young robber has been living on the streets since he was 10.

Heres a gorgeous one! Write a story in the POV of a flower being given from person 2 person.

Interesting!

Wow! These are great, thanks for putting these up. I’m 12 and I really want to be a novelist when I grow up. One of my favourites is: the empty glass. It’s a bit over-used but I think that it’s so versatile, it doesn’t matter if it’s popular because you can take it in so many different directions!

That’s great, Katie! You’re off to an early start. Just stay focused and passionate, and you’ll become a novelist if that’s what you truly want. Good luck to you!

Katie, It is never too young to start living your dreams. Don’t ever let anyone get you down. Keep on writing and believe in yourself that one day you will make it! Best of luck!

I couldn’t agree more, AJ!

I’m 11 and everyone thinks I am a good writer and I love to write so much!

That’s wonderful, Maria. Keep writing!

I’m 16 and i wrote a great alternate ending for an assignment in english, and i wrote a short christmas story on christmas eve, but now i just don’t know what to write about. i have ideas and i have been reading prompts that are good but i just don’t know.

Kristi, give the prompts a try. There are also lots of writing exercises that you can use to spark writing sessions when you’re feeling uninspired. The trick is to write something (anything) rather than sit around waiting for something to write about.

Hi! I am 14 and just wanted to do some creative writing, but could not think of anything to write about. Thank you so much for the ideas! I will definitely be using some.

You’re so welcome! Good luck with your writing!

I’m 14 and writing is my whole life. I recently started a blog with my friend, but she’s not a writer. She just inspires me with ideas and stuff. I love your site, Melissa. I check it almost every day. Your prompts and tips are so completely helpful! Thanks so much!

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.

I’m fourteen, too, and writing is hard to juggle with school and everything else that’s going on. I know – such a teenager-y thing to say…but true nonetheless. I just wanted to say thank you for posting these prompts because they make for quick, satisfying writing that doesn’t end in frustration (at least, mostly). Thanks again!

Writing is hard to juggle at any age. It takes a lot of perseverance, but if you stick with it, you’ll succeed. Good luck to you, and keep on writing!

Im also fourteen and i love to write! i have won a national competition 2 years in a row and i never dreamed i would have won or anything but that just goes to show that youre never too young to write! Just keep believing in yourself and who knows where you might go!

I am thrilled when young people are so passionate about writing (or any craft, really). Congratulations on your success!

One good place to find good story prompts are the obituaries of a large newspaper. One true example: from the Arizona Republic years ago, an elderly gentleman got hit by a motorist one a late, rainy afternoon as he was crossing the street. He had been an immigrant from Norway, and had been a professor at ASU, and was retired and in his 80’s when he died. I have always imagined what his life had been, what he had experienced, etc.

Yes, newspapers are packed with story ideas!

Write a story from the perspective of a sock being separated from its twin in the laundry.

That would make a great children’s story.

a person went to the football stadium and was wearing manu shirt and came out with a barcalona shirt.why???

Well, I have no idea, but this certainly makes a good writing prompt!

I love these!! 😀 Here are a few I made: *Make up your own recipes for your favorite foods *Create your own list of idioms *Write stories of idioms literally happening *Write about something blue *What’s your idea of a perfect vacation? *List what you fear. pick a few and write how they came, why, and when you got the fear first *What would you say to an univited guest at your party *Draw a picture of the setting around you. Now look into your inner being. What do you truly feel? *Write from the point of view of a stack of paper waiting a few inches from the shredder *Her laugh broke the silence…

These are great! Thank you for adding them to the list.

By the way, I’m 11, love writing, and hope to publish fiction teen/children books one day

I wish you the best of luck! You have a head start, being such a young writer. Stick with it!

Lovarsnari,that’s kinda funny because l think the same thing! 🙂 My prob is that l start writing with great ideas,get stuck, and then start a new story/play….

same except that I’m 13 and mix my writing with my guitar playing and music

Well when i get stuck I like to think: What would I do if I were to die in a week? Once I picked everything and it turned quite an interesting story…

That’s a good one!

Hey I’m 14 years old and I love writing but I get writers block often and this really helped me. I love reading the ideas and other people’s ideas they are just very interesting. Number 19 seemed the most interesting to me and I’m almost done with my story. 🙂 thanks so much

Thanks, Violet. I often find that prompts and exercises can be used in different ways. You don’t always have to do the actual exercise. Sometimes, just reading through a book of exercises will generate ideas for a project I’m working on or help me understand a writing concept in a new way. Good luck with your story!

Hi Melissa 🙂 Last year i won junior writer of the year ( I’m 13) and I am entering this year as well and in the process of creating my first draft. I love your site and its wonderful, all-inclusive feel. So, here are my ideas for your list.

26. Post-War oppression & depression ( this was my winning topic last year – i wrote it from the perspective of a scarred war veterans’ emotionally abused child) I also commend you in your point concerning finding hope and light in darkness ( war, death, etc.) and i am going to write about that! Possibly with an Amish girl as the protagonist? thank you again for inspiring me. I also hope to be a great writer some day. Bee

Congratulations, Bee, and thanks for adding to these prompts. I wish you the best of luck in becoming a great writer. You are certainly well on your way!

POV of a toy sitting on a shelf in a toy store, hoping to be purchased.

your pet starts talking to you in perfect english and tells you what he/she really thinks of you…. what does he/she say?

Ha! That could be enlightening indeed!

I actually saw an animated short based on that premise (or something similar to it) and found it quite compelling. A great idea!

My contribution:

“When I look in the mirror, I don’t see what everyone else sees. What I see is…”

Nice! Thanks for adding this prompt, Nick.

My college English teacher gave my class this prompt. First Line: John closed his eyes. Last Line: It was a good day for the yellow crocuses. Anything in between. I easily made five pages with that prompt. Have fun guys.

Thanks for sharing that prompt, Jessy. It’s a good one.

Im a 17 year old living in the most secluded area of Kentucky, unfortunately. lol My dream is to pursue a career in filmmaking, my goal is to help people who are confused or unsure about life and what they want to do with their oppourtunity of life. I want people to think and find happiness in their lives by doing something they love. My idea of doing this came from being in a depressed state from the past few years as a teen and felt strong enough to overcome it without professional help which is progressing for the good. I found setting goals is a great strategy to stay focused and optimistic about life. I appreciate your time for reading this and if there is any advice you could influence me with id appreciate that as well. Thanks

It’s wonderful that you have set your sights on a clear career path at such a young age. Filmmaking is awesome! I sometimes wish I had taken up an interest in film or photography. The best advice I can offer is to never give up, stay focused, and pursue your goals with heart and soul. I would also advise studying film at college, if you can. The film industry is notoriously networked and you’ll benefit greatly by making friends and acquaintances who share your interest. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for taking the time to reply, it’s very much appreciated and yes im going to film school out in LA next year.

Hi! I am 13 and have been writing since I was 7 or younger, and I am in love with writing. I am a very dedicated author and I have finished books in the past (about 11 or 12) but now I can’t seem to get into any longer stories! I write more short stories now, but it’s not satisfying anymore…and then, when I come up with a new idea, it’s useless, and my brain gets all cluttered! Help!

It sounds like you’re having trouble staying focused. The first (and most important) thing that can help with that is to stay healthy: eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. You may also need to break up your writing with other activities. Make sure you read regularly! For the time being, maybe you need to write short stories. I’m not sure you need to fight it.

thank you for the advice! 🙂

You are most welcome!

Hello 🙂 I am 17 and doing my HSC this year. I am attempting (unsuccessfully) to write a creative writing piece as practice for my exams, and thank you so much for these, they’re really helpful 🙂 I am not a writer (and never will be), but these have given me some great ideas that I can hopefully use to increase my writing skills for my exams. So thank you very much 🙂

You are very welcome, Emily, and best of luck on your exams.

I’ve found that this list, and peoples comments/ideas have been quite inspiring. I’m 21 and haven’t been in school for a few years and I have that desire to write, but never knew how to get started. I thank you all for these wonderful ideas and I’m hoping that writing will be a good outlet for me and my struggle with depression.

So really I’m just thanking you all 🙂

You’re welcome, Nicole, and thank you for joining in the discussion. Writing is a great way to work through emotions; I wish you the best of luck!

These are great!!!! My favourite starter would definetly have to be: “Sometimes a girl just has to run. Sometimes our feet take over. This was one of those times”

I think it holds a lot of suspense but it could also be happy and bright, like a sports day or carnival. Thanks for adding these, I am going to try to write a story for each one.

I’m not sure where that starter comes from, but it sounds good to me.

Hi! Thanks so much for these prompts. I especially like number two, because I feel like a little bit of positive thinking can go a long way. 🙂

I have a question, too, if you don’t mind.

What is your opinion on fanfictions? I know some creative writers don’t like them and feel they corrupt a series, while others think it’s a great creative exercise.

Thanks so much!

I think fan fiction is a great way for young and new writers to explore the craft. Some copyright holders are extremely strict about allowing fan fiction to be published. Others will actually develop and publish collections of fan fiction. There are also franchises in which fan fiction is encouraged. One of my all-time favorite writers, TV and film writer Damon Lindelof, said in a recent interview that he started out writing fan fiction. Now he’s writing for Ridley Scott and working on the Star Trek films as a fan-fic professional! It’s definitely an avenue worth pursuing if it interests you.

I’m fifteen and I want to write a book before the end of highschool. The problem is I can’t finish what I’ve started. I always find a “better” idea and write about that and the cycle begins again. Please help me!!!

The only way to finish what you’ve started is to simply finish it. When “better” ideas present themselves, make a note and file those ideas away for a future project. Part of being a writer involves developing self-discipline. I recommend setting up a reward system. For example, you have to work on the novel for 20 minutes before you can call or text your friends after school. Or you have to finish a scene before you go out to see a movie. These are self-imposed rewards, so you have to discipline yourself. Nobody else can do it for you.

You might also look into participating in NaNoWriMo. The timing is great because it starts in just a few weeks. That means you’ll have some time to prepare and check it out. Then you can write your novel in November, leaving plenty of time afterwards for you to clean it up (edit, proof, polish).

Finally, if you’re truly committed to writing, start looking at schools with good creative writing programs and plan to study at college. University instructors are quite helpful in teaching students self-discipline and good writing habits and practices.

Best of luck to you, Art!

Hi! Your prompts and the comments have really helped me! I can’t wait to start some stories from them:) Here are a couple that I’ve come up with: The Bell sounded. Workers froze in their places… Kay frowned as she opened her school locker after school. Down the hall, Alexis and Christine exchanged grins…

That’s great, Alyssa. Keep up the good work!

These are fantastic! I’m also 21 and have been out of school for awhile. I used to write all the time when I was in school but not so much these days. These ideas are really going to help once I get started writing again. I’m attempting to set a goal for myself. An hour a day, just writing whatever I want. Just to get me back in the habit.

Thank you so much!!!

One prompt my creative writing teacher in high school gave the class was “It was a smile that darkness could kill…”

That’s wonderful! An hour a day is enough to produce quite a bit of writing. I wish you the best of luck, Ashlee!

Obviously it is now 2011 haha, but these are great!! I have wanted to write a novel for quite some time but I can’t seem to get the creative juices flowing. So I set out on a quest across the World Wide Web and I am finding some amazing ideas!! Thank you so much for this website I look forward to writing now instead of despairing of that dreaded cursor blinking me to oblivion!!

I hope your quest for inspiration is fruitful! And keep writing!

I’ve just been inspired to start a personal blog full of my own creative writing, with the assistance of some of these wonderful writing prompts (both yours, and the ones left in the comment section). Thank you, thank you, thank you.

That’s wonderful! Blogs have been a boon for writers, and I think more writers should take advantage of the technology. I wish you the best of luck with your blog, Emily.

Hi, I’m 17. I started creative writing when I was about 10 or 11. I found myself writing more and more when I was troubled a few years back, so it was good stress relief for me. But now that I’m busy with college, I realize that I haven’t been writing as much as I used to. I reread some of my old work and I thought “Hey, why not? I’ll give it a try for old times’ sake.”

I was a bit confused with where to start off, but these prompts really got my creative juices flowing. After I post this comment, I think I’ll try one or two of them and see how far it takes me. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂

I’m so glad that these prompts inspired you, Christi. I think many writers go through phases when they drift away from the craft, but when you’re called back to it, that might be a sign. Follow it and keep writing!

In my junior year of high school, we were given a creative writing assignment to expand on this sentence:

“A person walked into the room, looked around, sat down, and ate.”

That’s a great prompt. It would certainly be interesting to see what a whole classroom of people come up with. I imagine each piece of writing would be quite different from the others, even though they are all based on the same premise. Thanks for sharing it, Alli.

Here’s a prompt! Prop open the door. I can actually see my breathe tonight. But that doesnt mean im breathing.

Ooh, sounds like a zombie, robot, or vampire story.

These writing ideas helped a lot thank you. I really want to go to a creative writing school when I get older. One idea which I just came up with is Write from the perspective of your fish.( does each fish have there own personality, how does each fish react to the different members of the house, what is it like to be a fish) 😛 I hope you like I write often mostly stories with a more poetic base, but once in a while i will feel in the mood to write some thing different. Oh also try continuing after this sentence. Its eyes gleamed pitch black death, creeping into imaginary, azure skies. now continue it :3

Thanks for sharing your prompt, Samantha, and good luck to you!

For school, I have to enter a creative writing competition. I have two days and i was really panicking but then i found this website! It really helped! Thankyou Writing Forward!!

Hannah, I’m so glad you found help and inspiration here. Thank you!

Lately I’ve been trying to write a lot like Sarah Dessen! Were doing stories in class and I’m doin one about a girl who runs away, it starts out “I’m on the run! I don’t know where I’m going or where I’ll end up, but I’m not turning back!” 🙂 Do you like it?

I do like your opening line. It certainly grabs the reader’s attention and rouses curiosity. Nice job.

Thank you so much!!!! This got me over my terrible case of writer’s block. But now my muse is back!

Wow, thanks, Maria. That’s awesome!

I just want to say that this list of prompts has inspired me to take on a challenge of using one every day up until xmas on my blog… or at least until the end of the month!

Thanks for the great list 🙂

That’s awesome, Julz. Good luck with your December writing!

I haven’t tried it yet, but I think a fun way to mix these up even more would be to choose one of these, then draw the name of an author out of a hat, then write that prompt in the style of that author. That would really stretch your creativity.

That’s an excellent exercise and would definitely be challenging. You’d have to be deeply familiar with the author’s voice.

I have found these prompts really helpful for the English lessons that I teach.

Many thanks.

That’s great, Cass. I love the idea of these prompts helping students with reading and writing.

i have learnt English as a second language…writing is my passion…this page is REALLY inspiring!thanks for evoking our creative faculties… i want to suggest some topics and the list goes as: 1The beast in me 2Daily journal of a pair of shoes which is in the process of its making 3What the world be if gender roles get changed 4What if i were in the shoes of my English teacher 5How things at the high school are going to be if the concept of beauty gets altered altogether 6It is said that writing is all about pouring your mind on a piece of paper but what it your pen literally starts articulating your thoughts and you end up writing EVERRRRYTHING(What consequences are you going to face)

Thanks for adding your ideas to these prompts!

I haven’t tried the prompts yet but I have always wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old. However ever since graduating and entering the real world I find my muse being choked to death by the responsibility at home. I’ve had to give up my dream of writing for the past two years. I tried taking it up again and was drawing a huge blank, but just by reading a few of these prompts I’ve felt my muse start to breathe. Thank you!

Hi Rochelle. I remember graduating and entering the real world, and I had a similar experience. All of a sudden I just didn’t have the time or inspiration. It took a while, but I adjusted and my creativity returned. I’m so glad you found these prompts helpful!

I found like 5 great writing prompts thank u so much

You are so welcome!

you thought dragoons unicorns and monsters didnt exist? think again! write story of your pet unicorn

That’s a cute idea!

Thank you for these, I am a writer waiting to hear if a publisher is going to publish my novel. Waiting is so hard and my mind has gone blank. These help to stir the jucies again. I’m hand writing them in a note book and taking them with me when I’m out, to write on the go. When I have to wait for a kid to get to the car I can write and not have to figure out how to start a story. So thank you. so much.

That’s awesome. What is it about being in a car or shower that makes us more creative? I always get ideas in those two locations!

thanks sooo much! those were super helfull! you have the most helpfull website ive found! and i’m a picky writer! THANKYOU!!!

Thanks, Anna.

here are some more ideas: you inherit 1 million dollars your backpack grows wings on the way to school a zombie invasion stikes your small/big town a kidnapper captures you … hope these help 🙂

Thanks, Ebony!

Hey! These prompts really helped and I can’t wait to use some 🙂 I have started with the one about twinklling eyes and turned it into a story about creatures similar to werewolves XD

Sounds interesting, Molly! Good luck with your story, and keep writing!

My English teacher says she doesn’t believe in writer’s block. I on the other hand am not so sure. Sometimes I sit in the afternoon and stare out the window, unable to come up with anything good but I find that ideas flow like crazy at two in the morning with a cup of coffee in my left hand. That’s always my best remedy, though writing prompts like these always help me get going. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Some prompts:

10 things I hate about… What’s the recipe for those wonderful _______ muffins you baked last night? (Try filling that blank with ‘unicorn’.)

I believe in writer’s block, but I think that it’s presented as being unable to write whereas usually it’s just a case of needing to work a little harder at writing. Sometimes, we need to stop procrastinating, stop trying to force our ideas, or we just need to allow ourselves to write badly for a while. I believe there are ideas everywhere; the trick is to keep ourselves open to them and be willing to explore them. Having said all that, writer’s block still sucks. I’m like you, Maluly, the ideas flow like crazy at two in the morning (no coffee required!).

i dont believe in writiers block.. i think its more like an exuse to hide what we really want to write or say. Like sometimes peoploe wonder if it will be good enough so they put it off or they dont want people who read it to know something.. its all about the way you look at it i guess. Write what you feel. Write whatever you want. I love writing but i find myself wondering will this be good enough? What would someone think if they read it? Maybe thats just me. no self esteem… but, low selfesteem is what keeps creativity hidden…. my advice.. to everyone is to just go for it. if its not good try again you’ll get better(:

I agree: just go for it.

Thanks for these! I definitely believe in writer’s block!! In fact, I am just emerging from what I like to call writer’s ‘droubt’, since it lasted at least a year. But I don’t think you need to be blocked to use prompts. They are great exercises and get you to try new ways of writing. And sometimes, when I get burned out with the story I’m currently writing, it helps to focus on something completely different for a while, and you can come back to it with fresh eyes. Here are some prompts that I came up with and they helped me out: 1) ‘It all started with the cat…’ 2) ‘Have you ever seen something out of the corner of your eye, but when you turned to look, found nothing there? You dismiss it as an illusion, a trick of the light. You’re wrong…’ 3) Write something from the perspective of a ghost. 4) Write something using the five senses EXCEPT sight (hearing, smell, touch, taste) 5) Instead of using first or third person, write with second person point-of-view (in other words, use ‘you’ instead of ‘he/she’ or ‘I’. Or try writing in present or even future tense, instead of past tense.

Oh yeah, and one more: 6) Write something from the perspective of the BAD guy, instead of the hero

I love when stories do this! Thanks for adding it, CJM.

These are excellent prompts, especially well suited for speculative fiction writers. My favorite is the prompt about seeing something out of the corner of your eye (that happens to me sometimes!). Thanks for adding these.

Here’s one for those of you who have pets What do your pets do when you and other inhabitants of your house are not at home?

Ooh, that’s a good one, Lily. That could be great for a children’s story!

Thank you SO much for these exciting writing prompts! They really inspire me. I have one idea for a prompt: Write about a conversation that you would have if were stuck in an elevator with a celebrity or famous book character.

You’re welcome, Arieda. I love your elevator prompt! You could also do it with characters from your novel as a test to see how each would behave in an elevator with a celebrity. That could tell you a lot about your characters. Good one!

Lovely ideas, both of these! Arieda, that prompt gave me a short story idea, one that I’m pretty excited about, and I’m definitely going to have to do that with all my characters now, Melissa. 🙂 I thought up another twist on this prompt that intrigues me: Your characters get stuck in an elevator with you, their author. How do they react when they discover who you are and that you control their destinies? What sort of conversations would you have? Would you like interacting with your character? Would your character like you?

Hannah, I love your prompt idea. What a fun writing exercise: The Character Meets the Author. That’s quite brilliant!

Thank you so much for these, I’m trying to write a book…and I’ve been at a stand still lately, so this will help me more than ever.

You’re welcome, Alexis. I’m glad you found these prompts helpful.

Hi Ms. Donovan! thank you so much for the writing prompts! i’ve been using them for all my english creative writing assignments. it’s been my dream to be a writer since i was little. although i find it hard to write mysteries. ironically it’s my favorite genre to read though. any advice on how to get started on a good mystery?

I myself haven’t written mysteries, although I have read a few. My suggestion would be to read as many mysteries as you can, and watch mystery films and television shows, so you thoroughly know your genre (you should still read other stuff too!). Study the greats and ideas will come to you!

Wow i have writers block i have my charecter but i dont know what the problem is…… help any good title ideas?

When I’m stuck and can’t come up with a character or a title, I just skip it. The important thing is to keep writing. You can always come back later and add names and titles. Here’s how I do it:

GIRL said that there was no way out but OLD LADY knew otherwise…

I use all caps for characters who don’t have names yet. Many writers use a “working title” as they are developing their project. A working title can be anything. It’s just temporary.

You’ll find that as you work on your project (and if you work around these little setbacks), ideas will come to you. Good luck!

Awesome post:) Thanks so much, really helped! have a great day! Peace-Jeff

Thanks, Jeff!

A prompt could be : She started to fall over and _________( fill in the blank) picked her up.

or : The alien gaze stared from above the fence , and I blushed in embarrassment.

100 words about your favorite animal

a short story about a difficult topic like : war , famine , bullying .etc

a poem about the weather

Hi Melody! Thanks for adding your prompts to this ever-growing list!

Your prompts are definitely creative and helpful, but what I’m most impressed with is how you respond so positively and encouragingly to everyone who replied to this. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of encouragement or approval from even a complete stranger to shift a young writers thought from maybe being able to do something to just doing it. I haven’t written in months, and are still my having any real luck, but I know I will write again someday, and I just thought it should be mentioned that you are a good person for encouraging others to do what they love. Best of luck to you…

Thank you so much, Shannon. Your words mean a lot to me. I try to be an advocate for writers and encourage young and new writers to explore their ideas and find their voices. I believe the world would be a better place if we all followed our passions, and more importantly, encouraged others to do so as well.

“Conundrum”

The little girl cries with a lie on her lips The girl can’t remember her name The little boy’s laugh rings with hollow self-doubt The little girl feels just the same A little dog lost in the thick of the woods A little man sick with dismay A little boy born in the arms of the girl A little life born from a day A little death born from an ignorant choice A little boy crying away And a little God laughs at the sight of it all For this little herd has not a say

Thanks for sharing your poem with us, Conner. Keep writing!

It’s the first time that i’m gonna be doing an inter-school creative writing competition, and i found these prompts really helpful! Thanks a billion!

You’re welcome!

Really like the prompts! It was really helpful! My brother and I are always gonna use this website! I <3 it!

Thanks! I’m glad you like it here 🙂

Thanks Melissa for the writing prompts. I asked my students to develop their writing skill through these useful prompts. By the way, I have published my first fiction ‘Faith No More’. I’d be extremely glad if you could manage to read any of it and provide me with feedback.

Hi Afshin. Thanks for sharing these prompts with your students. Requests for feedback should be sent via email (you can use the “Contact” link at the top of this site).

i have been major struggling with writing my second book and when i found these i just opened up my mind more and i decided not to write a second book it was just fine without one and now i can be on a whole other spectrum thanks so much these has inspired me a lot i put a few of em together to get ideas 🙂 well done 🙂 highly appreciated

That’s awesome. Thanks for letting me know that these prompts helped you. Good luck with your writing projects!

I just got a typewriter at a great market the other day so I came looking for something to help me have fun and get inspired while I was using it. Thanks for the help! I ended up writing a thing about an embarrassing moment that helped me learn how to not sweat it when embarrassing moments happen. This particular one had to do with toilet paper… haha. Cheers!

Embarrassing moments always make for good storytelling. Enjoy your new typewriter!

I’ve been really into playwriting lately, but I’ve been stuck with writers block for the longest time. A couple of these prompts really caught my attention and I’ve already got so many new ideas, I don’t know where to begin! 🙂

That’s awesome. I’m glad you found this piece so helpful.

I have had writers block for months now. This site has helped me so much!

I’m thrilled to hear that! Keep writing!

My favorite way to start up a story is to listen to a song and think about the story of it. Sometimes I use the first part of the song as the first sentence of my story. I hope this helps.

That’s an awesome idea! I love music-literature crossovers.

Hi thank you so much for these ideas i have chosen an idea and i have a perfect picture of my idea . Thank you again and as you will see on all of your comments you have helped a lot of children or adults from this website . Thank you !

You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting.

Great prompts.

I shared #9 with my page for a fun writing exercise about an hour ago. Great response! 🙂

Thanks for sharing one of these prompts with your readers. I hope they have fun with it.

Thanks for the prompts! Reading other people’s ideas always makes me feel more hopeful about initiating my own. I have struggled to put my thoughts down on paper for as long as I can remember- there just seems to be a disconnect between the disorganized chaos of possibilities in my head and that little spot where the ink meets the paper. BUT- I wanted to offer an idea that has often provided many interesting and fun possibilities to me- Think of a time of day ( 7 pm, the sun setting, the day cooling off, night creatures beginning to stir), or a month ( August, the air laden with heat and damp, everything deep and green and vibrant), and then try to think of all the qualities that accompany that period of time ( do most people seem happy then? is it a relaxing time? a tense time? does the weather make life easier or harder?). Once you’ve collected as many descriptions and feelings about this time as you can, then begin to build a world where it is ALWAYS that time- how do people’s lives change? 🙂

Ooh, that’s a great exercise. I wasn’t expecting the twist at all! Love it.

This is awesme. i like these. i like writing prompts, and this is a very helpful website

Thanks! I’m glad you liked these prompts.

omg wow, this helped me so much, thankyou so much!! i love my writing and this just helped me ten fold. xxx

You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it helpful.

I’ve been writing since i was eight, [approximately (obviously – i haven’t been counting!)] but I started to loose it… flame was REIGNITED by my best friend. but despite the burning, I have never actually completed a story. It knaws at me all the time! I’m currently writing a revolutionary/Sci-fi, which is odd for me, I’m more into writing realist novels… but your prompts gave me such a PERFECT plot twist that I had to comment on it! this will give me motivation for at least a few weeks… (meanwhile dancing up and down with sheer joy and attracting VERY weird looks.) Though it IS kind of weird, because non of the prompts have anything to do with it… My, how strangely the mind works…

Yes, the mind works in mysterious ways. I’m glad one of these prompts inspired you. Best of luck with your story (I love sci-fi).

This website is a life saver. My brain just froze and I was trying to do a creative writing story, and my life and my school / collage life depended on it. Thanks to one of your prompts, it won my school a pride. Thanks a lot. 🙂 bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoops I meant prize

That’s awesome, Tierrney! Congrats on winning a prize. Keep writing!

wow great writing promts, ive already decided on the start of my story but I cant think of anything that can happen. I want something to happen. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Try throwing some conflict at your main character. Good luck to you!

Wow!! I tried prompt number one just for fun one day, I have not exercised my creative mind in a long time, and I want to thank you for offering these prompts. I really surprised myself at the poem I wrote. It probably wouldnt go over to well with the grammar police because I used old english and standard english.. but the content just really surprised me. I was like, “where did that come from”? Thank you so much!!!! Blessings and Thanks to you for your website!

Thanks for your kind words, Kathleen. I’m so glad you found inspiration here!

thank you so much i found 3 ideas for a school project i am working on this is going to be one of my most big acomplishments!

You’re welcome! Good luck with your project.

i love this website because it helped me get an A on my project!!! i am soo thankfull to WRITING FORWARD!!! thank you sooo much and i am sooo confident that i will be sure to use this website again….thanX a million luv WRIGHTING FORWARD~~kbb

You’re welcome. Congratulations on getting such a good grade!

Writing comes from the mind and obviously the ideas comes from our real life….The story of mystery novels always comes from the fear we have in our minds and it can come from everything… I can remember the things…when I wrote my first poem ‘Rain’…it was raining in cats and dogs outside…..

I think writing comes from many places. I try not to over-analyze it, but it is interesting to examine our ideas and try to figure out where they came from.

I really like your ideas but I had some of my own that I think you could add to your list. You could add things like:

You’re outside cutting your grass when you come across a large hole in the ground. You’ve never noticed the hole before, but it looks to be some sort of tunnel to another world. You decide to peek through and see where it leads, only it leads you to a pivotal moment in your past—and it’s giving you an opportunity to change it. Write this scene.

A toy, stuffed animal, or game that once meant a lot to me

Why I deserve a larger allowance

The book that got me hooked on reading

This really bugs me.

One thing I want to do by the time I finish 8th grade

I would like to have lived during this time in history.

Thanks for adding these writing prompts, Shreya.

Start your story with: Jessica had no choice. She closed her eyes and jumped.

You might be surprised.

Ah, that’s an interesting prompt.

Here one possibly

What if you woke up one day with no memories in a strange world where nobody was who they said they were?

Wow! I really like this list of prompts! I’ve been looking for inspiration to write a short story and I especially liked the one about dragons! “We’ve all seen cute and cuddly dragons, mean and vicious dragons, and noble dragons write about a different dragon”

Thanks, Meredith! I’m glad you liked these writing prompts.

Anyone considered using visual (photos/paintings) prompts?

A scenic view, a city view, a beach, a hill, a house, a village, a car, a train, a plane, a boat, a castle, a body?

Yes, I’ve used visual prompts, and I’ve included them in my book, 1200 Creative Writing Prompts . The image prompts are described (rather than using images), but they’re a lot of fun.

Hi I’m Hallie I’m 13 years old and I love writing. Just for some reason I can never think of things to write about. I really like fantasy. I look online for writing prompt ideas and I find a lot of good ones but none of them really click. I really want to write something but I don’t know what. What should I do?

Hi Hallie. Thanks for visiting Writing Forward. What you’re experiencing is fairly common among writers. I have experienced it many times — when I want to write but I don’t know what to write and nothing clicks, I will look through prompts and my old notes, and I just don’t get fired up about anything.

I’ve found that in moments like these, the best thing to do is just write anyway. We can’t feel inspired and fired up all the time. And often, when I force myself to just follow some prompt or writing exercise, even when I don’t really feel like it, I start to get into it and eventually, something clicks.

There will be many times when writing is fun or even thrilling. But I’ve found that the people who stick with writing are those who write even when they’re not especially inspired. Sometimes it’s work. Stick with it, and you’ll experience all these highs and lows. Every single one of them is worth it.

Wow! I really like the diversity of your prompts, Mellisa. I’ve been writing a collection of short stories of my childhood experience of the Biafran War in Nigeria and struggled with some troubling memories but you’ve reminded me that I could just write everything as it comes to me and revise later. Also, I love your children stories prompts.

Thank you, Edit. That makes my day. I’m always glad when people find the articles here at Writing Forward useful. Good luck with your stories. That sounds like an important project.

is it weird that when i saw the one on dragons the first thought to my mind is ‘ i counld do one on a gay dragon, right?’ and then when i saw number 4 ( for all the twilight fans, just a heads up), i thought of jasper hale- i’m not calling him ugly- but i saw the fear part and thought to myself how he fears hurting someone/ losing control.

Is it weird? I don’t think it’s weird. The point of the prompts is to engage your imagination, so it seems like they are working, which is great.

I absolutely love these! I have been writing since I was able to talk. I told my dad exactly what to write down on little pieces of paper. Now that I’m fourteen, I was sure I wrote every idea imaginable. But these really gave me a fresh perspective, and for that, I am so grateful! It also inspired me to come up with a prompt of my own: She sprinted through the trees, quickly twisting around thick trunks as she dodged the sheriff’s arrows. Her stomach ached from the laughs that shook her entire body. Foolish sheriff. He thought he could catch a pirate?

I’m glad you enjoyed these writing prompts. Your prompt is awesome. Keep writing! It will take you places that only you can imagine.

I loved these prompts. I had my friends pick a number between 1 and 25 to chose which on to do. I think they improved my writing skills. Thank you!

I’m glad you enjoyed these prompts, Nora. Thanks for your comment.

I am a 13 year old and I love to write. I have a best friend and she always wants to see my writing, but I didn’t want her to see it because I didn’t think it was very good. She insisted on seeing it, and when I showed her the first chapter in a story I was writing just for myself, she thought it was brilliant. She then disguised it as an excerpt from an e-book app and showed it to our English teacher. My friend pretended that it was a real, published book by an actual author and asked for the teacher’s opinion. The teacher loved it and asked for the name of the book. When she discovered it was written by her own pupil, she was shocked and said i should send it to a publisher. Now I am confused. I didn’t think my writing was very good. What should I do now?

Hi Sam. I was your age when I started writing.

There are a few things you might want to do. First, continue working on your book until it’s finished. This will be hard. You will probably lose interest at some point. You’ll get stuck and feel unsure where to take the story. You’ll have other ideas that seem better, and you’ll be tempted to set this story aside. Don’t be deterred. Stick with it.

Do your parents know about your interest in writing? At 13, you would need their involvement in any publishing or submissions that you might want to do. You can also try talking to your teacher. Don’t be shy about this. It’s the job of teachers to guide their students. But keep in mind, not all English teachers are knowledgeable about the publishing industry. See if she can offer some guidance. You might be able to find literary magazine for kids your age and submit your writing so you can start getting some practice in the publishing world.

Beyond that, make sure you read a lot and write as much you can. If you love writing, it’s something that will always be with you. As you get older, you’ll be able to carve out the path you want, whether that’s to make writing a career or continue enjoying it as a hobby.

Best of luck to you!

I am 10 and I have written a few short stories of my own, and I really enjoy creative writing. I was very pleased when I found this website, now I won’t be struggling to think about what to write.

That’s wonderful, Kaiya. We love having young writers around here. Thanks so much!

I’m 12 and I also really like writing. I have always been trying to write short stories since I was six (I started with mostly seven page picture books). Finding how to start a story has always been pretty hard, but these prompts have really helped! I definitely have to explore some more of these prompts. There are so many! Thank you!!

Wow, Naomi, that’s wonderful. I was just a little older than you (13) when I started writing (poetry for me). You have a long and wonderful journey ahead of you, and I hope you enjoy all of it! You’re welcome for these prompts. I’m so glad you found them helpful.

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us.

the one that has the tailsman remids me of “Wings of Fire” because one of the dragons named darkstalker put is animus magic on a scroll and called it his tailsman and he can read minds so it really reminded me of that book

I haven’t read Wings of Fire but it sounds interesting!

oh and it fell into the wrong hands or really talons but ya i just wanted to share that information thank you for this i really got some good ideas like the detective one

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• Writers Block « Sol Searching - [...] Donovan wrote a great article at Writing Forward (http://www.writingforward.com/creative-writing/25-creative-writing-prompts) to help motivate your writing mind. She list 25 creative…
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