few topics for creative writing

50 Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing prompts introduction.

Below is a list of original, innovative creative writing prompts to help inspire stories, poems and all other forms of writing. The prompts are written by authors, for authors.

Whether you want to get rid of writers block or just want to find some new inspirational ideas, this list is designed to help.

At the bottom of the page, you will find links to other lists of creative writing prompts, meaning there are actually thousands for you to look through, not just the 50 listed on this page.

Many of the creative writing prompts and ideas on this page have been provided by other authors. Those prompts are credited to them, below the prompt title.

If you would like to suggest a creative writing prompt to be added to the page, please leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or contact me by email . Over time, the idea is to build this into a large resource. I think having a list of creative writing prompts from lots of different writers gives more variety / value to the reader.

I decided to create this resource after a conversation with my friend Pauly who is a teacher at Becket Primary School in the UK. Sorry, I should probably refer to him as Mr Davis for the sake of his teaching reputation, but he will always be Pauly to me 🙂

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was looking for creative ideas to share with his class as part of their home learning. I shared some writing prompts that I'd originally written for Daily Prompt (a writing app) with him, and the writing challenges I run on my website.

I thought it would be useful to share the prompts with my website users and invite contributions to make the resource more useful to Pauly Mr Davis and everyone else. So that is why this page exists.

A List of Inspirational Creative Writing Prompts

4x4 challenge.

Creative writing prompt by Chris Fielden

Take the 4th book from your bookshelf.

Open it on page 4.

Find the 4th sentence on the page and start a story using its first 4 words.

Optional word limits:

Flash fiction: 444 words
Short Story: 4,444 words
Longer stories (novellas / novels etc.): 44,444 words

The children of Becket Primary School have used the '4x4 challenge' writing prompt as a school competition. You can see the results and read their stories here .

Creative writing prompt by Dave Langdale

A – A holiday you went on
B – An object in your bedroom
C – An eccentric character in your life

A is the murder location. B is the murder weapon. C is your detective.

Acting On Impulse

Creative writing prompt by J. L. Harland

The estate agent's leaflet said it was 'an ideal first home'. Who is looking for a first home? Why are they likely to act on impulse when buying?

Write the estate agent's blurb and then a true description of the property using all your senses.

You now have your characters, motivation and setting.

Animal Encounter

Creative writing prompt by Sarah Doyle

Write a poem about an encounter that you have had with an animal (or animals), whether mammals, birds, insects, or fish.

Use sensory language to evoke the animal(s) in your poem – such as colour, smell, touch and texture, and sound. Think about small physical details – did the animal have eyelashes, what colour was the bird’s beak, was the insect shiny, was the fox’s fur sleek or rough, etc.?

If you didn’t get close enough to touch or smell the animal(s), imagine what that would have been like. How did the encounter make you feel, either about yourself or about humans in general? How do you think the animal(s) might have felt?

If you prefer, your poem can be about an imaginary encounter with an animal that you might or might not want to meet in real life.

After falling into a coma, you wake 1,000 years in the future. Someone has written a message on your arm in marker pen. It reads:

Find the Augury – she will help you.

Bad Hair Day

Creative writing prompt by Jude Higgins

Write down a memory of your worst haircut / style. And people's reaction to it. 10 mins, fast.

Now write a fiction where you give this haircut / style to a character of the opposite sex to you and twenty years older or younger. Make their life change drastically because of the change to their hair.

Creative writing prompt by Lesley Truchet

You have lived with your domineering mother for years, caring for her in her old age. She recently passed away, leaving you with mixed emotions and more time for yourself.

You have little experience with love, but you are about to go on a blind date.

Creative writing prompt by Mary Fielden

You wake in the night to see a figure standing in front to your bookcase at the foot of your bed. Alarmed, you shout out and the figure shatters into fragments and transforms into the books on your shelf.

Who or what is the mysterious presence and what happens next?

Cast A Cloud

Creative writing prompt by Chris Deliso

Master character creation techniques by practicing on a random fictional character. Cast a cloud of the descriptors that immediately come to mind when thinking of a known character, then repeat the same method to a fictional character you are creating.

Example: Hercule Poirot

Cloud: precise, perturbed, quizzical; disparagingly, balding, cross.

Deep Sea Adventure

Creative writing prompt by Annette Taylor

A billionaire buys a personal submarine and hires your character/s for a secret mission.

A couple of years ago, you found a baby demon and decided to rear it.

Now it's fully grown, it's started causing you 'problems'.

Desert Island Disaster

Creative writing prompt by Mel Ciavucco

What would happen if you were stuck on a desert island with your family?

Consider making this a group exercise by asking all of your family to contribute ideas.

Did You Sleep Well?

You wake up after an afternoon nap and hear the question, "Did you sleep well?"

You live alone, so spin around quickly and see your pet, looking at you questioningly.

Different Perspectives

Creative writing prompt by Danny Shilling from Daily Prompt

Write a story from three different perspectives:

An old person
A family pet

Each new paragraph / stanza should change the perspective.

Creative writing prompt by Mark Rutterford

E is in trouble – you decide what kind of trouble.

The combined efforts of M and C save E. Tell that story on one page.

Every Picture...

Creative writing prompt by K. J. Watson

Look at a favourite painting. Create a story by considering:

How did the people or things in the painting arrive where they are now?
What are they going to do next?

If you need a painting to spark your imagination, Google the name of an artist such as Salvador Dali, René Magritte and Leonora Carrington. Their work is often fun, weird and inspirational.

Fantastical Correspondence

Write a letter to a mythical creature:

Invent your own mythical creature to write to

First Lines

Creative writing prompt by Alex Anderson

Use one of the following lines to start a piece of creative writing and just go with the creative flow:

I smiled and offered my hand...
He looked so mean and hungry...
"I see you," the dragon said...
I wasn't expecting mail, but there it is...
"My lord, how may I serve you?"...
"Why me, I'm just an ordinary Joe..."
"OK, the hole's dug, now what?"
"Think. What's really wanted here?"...

Start typing a question into Google and see what suggestions come up. Use one of the suggestions to inspire a story. Here are a few example questions to get you started:

Why does my...
When did...
Where was...
Who made...

You can also add each letter of the alphabet to the question opening to get more ideas. For example:

Why does my a...
Why does my b...

The fact that these are the results most searched for on Google for questions starting 'why does' says a lot about the priorities of the human race and also explains why we don't have enough scientists... needless to say, this prompt is likely to waste a lot of your time and make you laugh 🙂

He Said, She Said - Dialogue Only

Creative writing prompt by Penelope Hester

Write a short story in no more than 1,000 words using ONLY dialogue.

And NO speech tags, like 'he said menacingly'. Make the dialogue indicate the characters attitudes. If time has to pass, find a way to do this with the conversation.

If The Cap Fits

Creative writing prompt by John Wheway

Find an unusual hat, or a hat substitute such as a waste paper basket, a pair of trousers, a lamb chop, something of that kind.

Write a 300 word story in the voice of a character who has always wanted to be seen in town wearing this item on his/her/their head.

I’m Not Eating That

You or your character develop a sudden dislike for a certain type of food and join a support group for adult picky eaters.

Your character has been unable to sleep for 2 days, leading them to make a terrible mistake.

Your favourite food isn't manufactured. It's either:

Mined from the ground
Flown in by owls
Squeezed out of the clouds
Something else...

You're in charge of production. Write about it.

Creative writing prompt by Mike Scott Thomson

Write a short story (as long as it needs to be) where a jigsaw puzzle is solved, but the final picture is not what was on the box. It could be a case of:

A message from beyond the grave, scrawled across the picture, leading to a mystery which needs untangling
A strange person (who is it?)
A strange place (where is it?)
The picture is almost the same, but featuring a ghostly apparition...
Or your own idea!

Last Night, A DJ Saved My Writers’ Block

Creative writing prompt by Neil Renton

Take a note of the next three songs that you listen to, then use those songs for inspiration.

You can be inspired by the lyrics, the song titles or a feeling the music gives you. This can trigger ideas for characters, settings or dialogue. Then develop those ideas into scenes or short stories.

Consider using music streaming services and random shuffles to keep you on your writing toes.

Leap Day Penalty

In some parts of the world, a man is expected to pay a penalty if he refuses a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day.

Write a story about a man who receives a proposal on Leap Day from a woman he doesn't want to marry.

Creative writing prompt by John Holland

Write about an obsession. It can be anything at all, so long as it's out of control.

If you don't know enough about your chosen subject, research it and note down amusing, scary or inspiring things about it.

Don't just write about how it affects your main character. Also write about how it impacts others.

Olympic Gold

The Olympics includes a new sport. You're about to go for gold in... what?

Dog walking?
Synchronised texting?

Will all your training pay off?

One Word: Today

Creative writing prompt by Michael Rumsey

Your story starts with one word: Today.

But what happened today?

Today at work, I...
Today, for the first time ever...
Today, my mother rang to say...
Today, something unusual...

A crew cleans out the garage of a deceased loner and discover a stash of:

something else...

Property Purge

Write an advert to sell an unusual property:

A lair located in an extinct volcano
A museum, filled with historical artefacts
A space station

Reach For The Stars

Creative writing prompt by Allen Ashley

Imagine that you are running a futuristic travel agency and are drumming up some business. Where can you take your clients? What delights might you offer?

Here are some examples or starters:

Ever wanted to surf the rings of Saturn or stare Jupiter right in its red spot? Solar Tours has special offers on all flights right now…
Aldebaran, Sirius and Proxima Centauri are all much closer than you think. Contact Wormhole Travel for further details…
Like drawing in the dust? Think you’re the Space Picasso? Join us for the Sea of Tranquillity Lunar Art Festival this May…

Now sell me your own space holiday!

Reverse Chronology

Write a story backwards. Start with the final paragraph and work your way towards the beginning, by going back in time with each paragraph you write.

Script By Six

Below you will find 3 different options of varying difficulty, all regarding the number 6.

(Easy) Write a story in 6 short chapters
(Hard) Each chapter should contain 6 paragraphs comprising 6 sentences
(Difficult) Each sentence should be 6 words long

Secret Santa

Someone has left a large package on your doorstep. You open it and find...

Sense Outside

Creative writing prompt by Mark Fielden

You're told to stay indoors during a pandemic. That means there's no one around; few vehicles to pollute with noise and fumes, so you can see, hear and smell a lot more.

Go into your garden, onto your balcony; stand in your doorway or by an open window.

What can you hear?
What can you smell?
What can you see?

Look up, look down, look from side to side.

Let your senses absorb our quieter world.

What's that rustling over there?
What's that creature high in the sky?
What's that scent on the breeze?
What is it doing?
Where is it going?
Why is it there?

Sounds Like Greek To Me

Your main character recovers from a head injury and is diagnosed with Foreign Accent Syndrome.

Spitting Image

Write about an art lover who visits a museum and becomes fascinated by a portrait of an Italian noble they resemble.

Superpowers

You wake up to find you have a superpower.

At first it seems useless, but as the day progresses, you realise its potential.

Tantalising Tune Titles

Creative writing prompt by Ville Nummenpää

Pick a song title and write a story based on it. Never mind the lyrics, let the title fuel your imagination.

So much to choose from... here are a few ideas to start you off:

'Crazy Horses'
'Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap'
'Hot Stuff'
'I Can't Get No Satisfaction'
'Killed By Death'
'No Woman, No Cry'
'Seek And Destroy'
'Smells Like Teen Spirit'
'Take Me Home, Country Roads'
'Tiger Feet'
'Who Let The Dogs Out'

Teashop Trio

Creative writing prompt by Sue Johnson

Choose a character from three different fairytales or nursery rhymes.

Have them meet for afternoon tea:

What do they order?
Why are they meeting?
What happens next?

Think Outside The Box... By Thinking What's In The Box

Creative writing prompt by Lynda Nash

Susie receives a parcel. Write a list of 20 possible things that could be inside it.

Don't be afraid to be absurd. Read through your list and discard all the 'normal' or clichéd suggestions, leaving the more unusual items. Choose one.

Now consider these questions:

Did Susie expect this parcel or was it a surprise?
What is her reaction to the item inside?
What will Suzie do next?
Susie can be anyone you want her/him to be and any age
What if two different people got the same parcel... would their reactions be the same?

Unbelievable Statements

Creative writing prompt by A.H. Creed

There is no such thing as colour (as unbelievable as it seems, this is true).

Create your own unbelievable statement. Then create a character who believes it or a world in which it could be true.

What if things were different and not as we expect them to be?

Take something normal from everyday life and apply some 'what if' imagination to it.

For example, what if...

all the colours of the rainbow changed
dogs could talk
Santa Claus over slept
snow was warm
the chicken did not cross the road
time reversed itself
two plus two did not equal four
we could see atoms
we did not have to sleep
you could make a phone call to your favourite fictional character
you could visit anywhere in the universe
you were appointed head teacher of your local school for one day only
you were gifted with ESP

Where Did It Go?

Write a complaint to your local town council because a local landmark has disappeared.

Wish You Were Here

Creative writing prompt by Steph Minns

Do a search for images of postcards on the internet.

Look for postcards with people on them. Use one of these people to inspire a character who goes on an adventure.

Look for postcards of places. Set a story in this location.

You’ve Always Been Here

You're interviewing for a new job. Walking into the boardroom, you're greeted by the manager.

You mention how nice it is to be there and the manager looks at you with a puzzled expression. 'What do you mean?' they say. 'You've always been here.'

You’ve Been Sentenced to 100

Write a story that comprises 1 sentence that is exactly 100 words in length.

ZY Challenge

Write about a character whose names ends in 'zy'. It could be their real name, or not:

Izzy could be a nickname
Stormzy could be a pen name
Wheezy could be a stage name

How did your character get this name? What is its significance on their life?

Other Lists of Writing Prompts

Below you will find details of other websites that provide lists of inspirational creative writing prompts:

Daily Prompt is an app that, as you probably guessed from the name, sends you a new creative writing prompt every day - users also have access to every prompt that has been posted in the app since day 1, so hundreds of them
Reedsy supply a list of thousands of creative writing prompts
The Self-Publishing School supply a list of over 400 creative writing prompts
Think Written supply a list of over 365 creative writing prompts; one for each day of the year

Suggest Creative Writing Prompts

Do you have any creative writing prompts that you think might inspire other writers? If so, please contact me or fill in the comment form below.

Please be sure to include:

A title for your prompt
The prompt itself (concise prompts preferred please)

If your prompt is published as part of the list above, you will be credited for thinking it up 🙂

No more than 5 creative writing prompts per author please. This is just to help keep the ideas shared on this page as varied as possible.

More Writing Advice

I hope you found this "Creative Writing Prompts" article helpful. You can find lots of other writing tips and advice in the Advice section of this website.

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:

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

Is a Degree in Creative Writing Worth it?

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100+ Creative Writing Prompts to Hone Your Skills

How do you become a better athlete, musician, scholar—or anything?

You run drills, play scales, review flashcards, whatever it takes.

So how do you become a better writer?

Speaking only for myself, I feel I get better by exercising my writing muscles. In other words, I write.

Many of my colleagues swear by using writing prompts, believing these can help sharpen their skills and get their creative juices flowing.

Full disclosure: I’ve never felt the need for writing prompts. I don’t need to be prompted to write by anything but my ideas for stories or nonfiction subjects.

But, as I say, I know many writers who love using prompts, and you may be one of the many who have asked my team and me about them.

Which is why we’ve put together this guide to writing prompts, organized by genre.

Writing prompts usually consist of a one- or two-sentence idea to jumpstart you into getting words onto the page.

Some say they inspire creativity, help you practice writing in different genres, develop your writing voice, and hone a particular skill like showing instead of telling or writing captivating dialogue.

How to Use Writing Prompts – A Word of Warning

Writing prompts should be used as only an exercise, not as the basis of your novel or nonfiction book.

Why? Because they don’t come directly from you .

The best book ideas (the ones that actually last) are your own. That’s what makes us authors—our ideas, our unique take on something. If you need help with this, take a look at my blog post on how to develop a great story idea.

But if you see value in a writing prompt to get your juices flowing, here’s what we’ve come up with:

112 Creative Writing Prompts

General Fiction

1. While at summer camp over a decade ago, five teenagers’ lives became irrevocably intertwined. Now their paths have crossed again, and they must all come to terms with what happened that summer. Write one page in first person from the perspective of one of the teens.

2. One kid in a big city is bored during the summer and needs some action. Write one page on the solution.

3. On the first day of school, two best friends discover a frightening secret about one of their new teachers. Write one page on what they discovered, and how they discovered it.

4. Some stories rhyme. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is an example. Shakespeare often used rhyme in his plays. Try writing a one-page story that rhymes.

5. It’s a cold, rainy night. A man and woman stand beside a car outside a convenience store, arguing. One of them pulls out a gun. Write one page from the perspective of a witness.

6. An elderly couple traveling through the desert spends an evening stargazing and sharing memories of their lives. Write one page of dialogue between them.

7. Write one page in third person about someone who walks away from the life they know and the people they love and why they did this.

8. A small team of graduate students is conducting research at sea when they are overtaken by a wild storm. Write one page in third person about how each reacts.

9. A single mother leaves her two teenage children home alone for the summer. Write one page on what the mother thinks her children are doing, and one page on what they’re actually doing.

10. Write a forged letter from a celebrity, a fictional character, a historical figure, or even your mother-in-law. Inhabit their perspective and voice.

11. Choose a line from a favorite book and use it as the opening sentence for one page of writing.

12. A long-standing feud erupts during a funeral or a wedding. Write a page from the perspective of a witness trying to understand what’s happening.

13. A plane missing for years lands at a major airport. Write a page from the perspective of one of the passenger’s loved ones.

14. You find a wallet on the street and notice a strange picture inside. Write a page about what happens next, and engage all five senses.

15. The floor trembles and the walls shake, and there is only one way to survive. Write one page on how.

16. As you ride your motorcycle into the sunset, you see something unexpected on the horizon. Write about what you see.

17. By the time this party is finished, three people’s lives will be changed forever. Who are they and what happens?

18. You scramble to your first university class and find no one there but you and the professor. Write two pages of dialogue between the two of you.

19. Two friends who have not seen each other in ten years meet at a high school reunion. Write what they talk about beyond the typical bringing each other up to date.

20. Write a one- or two-page story set during the Prohibition era in the US.

21. “I’d like a plane ticket to your farthest destination today,” you tell the airline employee. Write a page of dialogue in which you dance around what you’re escaping from.

22. A former party animal in a retirement home decides it’s time for one last bash. Write a page detailing the scene a staff member walks in on.

23. Write about a graduation day prank a group of university seniors has been planning all year.

24. Write about an obsessive search for an office worker’s favorite coffee mug.

25. You notice the same person in the background of every photo in a family album. Write about who it might be.

26. You overhear a secret phone call. Write a page about your reaction, but don’t reveal the secret until the end.

27. Write about waking from a coma to discover someone who wished you’d remained unconscious.

28. Practice describing emotions by writing about the different kinds of farewells you might witness at an airport— bittersweet, tragic, happy, etc.

29. You’re working in your garden when someone says, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but…” Write two pages of dialogue between you and them.

30. Someone sitting across from you on a train is crying. Write one page in which you find out they’re crying tears of sadness, and one page in which they’re weeping from joy.

31. Write about parting with someone who causes you to breathe a huge sigh of relief the moment you walk away.

32. You stare at the 67-story building that has owned your life for 10 years. Write one page of how you think your last day there will go, and one page of how it actually goes.

33. A farewell: bitter for one person, sweet for the other. Write one page from the perspective of each.

34. Some relationships can’t be classified as wholly toxic or healthy. Write one page about a complex relationship between two characters.

35. Neither wants to marry a stranger, but theirs was an arranged marriage. Write what happens when they are first alone together, from one of their perspectives.

36. A high society engagement is jeopardized when one of the betrothed falls in love with an outsider. Write about what happens in first person from the perspective of one of the mothers.

37. Write one page on something terrifying and unimaginable lurking in the water at the beach.

38. Create a classic monster and write a one-page story about it.

39. Your protagonist’s house has mysteriously changed—furniture, decor, all different. Write two pages on how and why this happened.

40. As the sun sets, a desert wasteland glows an eerie red. In third person, describe, in detail, where this is.

41. A blizzard has closed the roads, and your nearest neighbor is miles away. Write a page about who shows up at the door.

42. You’re lost in the woods when you see the glow of a campfire nearby. What happens when you approach? Write a page on the best scenario, and a page on the worst.

43. “Savor this sunset, folks. It might be the last one we ever see.” Use this as the opening or closing sentence of a one-page narrative.

Sci-Fi / Fantasy

44. Friends discover a cave containing human skeletons, a computer from the 1980s, a gas mask, and a strange orb that emits a glowing blue light. Write one page in first person from the perspective of one of the friends.

45. Write one page on the location of a portal to another world you’ve discovered.

46. Every day you are delivered a newspaper that accurately predicts what will happen in the next 24 hours. Write about the day you decide to change your fate.

47. A group of villains go on a team-building retreat. Write a journal entry from one, detailing their activities. Include how they felt about each of the other villains.

48. Emotional baggage must now be checked in at the airport. Write two pages of dialogue between a baggage handler and a passenger whose baggage exceeds the weight limit.

49. The world awakes to find the Easter Island heads facing the opposite direction. Write a short newspaper article describing the phenomenon, including statements from researchers.

50. An old flip phone is found inside an Egyptian tomb. Write the last voicemail recorded on it.

51. You’re on a boat that should have reached undiscovered land days ago, but there is no land in sight. Use all five senses to describe your surroundings.

52. You are an astronaut spending your last few hours on Earth before a journey into space. Write a letter to your family detailing what you hope to discover, and what you’ll miss about home.

53. You find out you’re the product of a DNA experiment combining as many recessive genes into one person as possible—that’s why you’ve always felt so different from everyone else. Write two pages describing seemingly-ordinary things in your life that, in hindsight, should’ve tipped you off.

54. A man travels to another dimension only to find that everything he was trying to get away from, he’s brought with him. Write two pages in third person describing his reaction.

55. A marathon runner illegally trains on a planet with stronger-than-Earth gravity to gain an advantage over his competition in the inter-universe Olympics. Write a page that convinces the reader to root for him.

56. “It’s not really a fly. If you swat it, they’ll just fine you and send two more.” Write a page describing whoever sends the “flies.”

57. A woman disappears for three years and returns with psychic powers. She doesn’t reveal her secret to anyone. Describe how she reacts to loved ones who don’t know her secret.

58. The solar system is an ecologically closed spacecraft hurtling mankind toward its ultimate destiny. Describe who is in charge of this spacecraft and why they chose to do this.

59. A man who lives in a smart house—where everything is done for him—pines for the Wild West, where men had to fend for themselves. Describe his fantasy life, but remember that he has no experience doing things for himself.

60. There wasn’t just a ghost in her house. There was an entire colony. Write why they’re haunting her and how they feel about her.

61. “I learned to stop time traveling today. I was doing it just to hurt myself.” Write two pages from the perspective of a character who says this.

62. She spent her entire life in the orphanage without any knowledge of her parents until she finds an album full of pictures of a family—and she is in all of them. Write a page of her thoughts.

63. An old woman kills one of the alien soldiers she’s forced to house. Write her thoughts from just after she’s taken their life.

64. A scientist dupes the public into believing that a meteor is on a collision course with Earth. When he discovers his fake meteor is actually real, no one believes him. Write a page describing why, from the first-person perspective of his colleague.

65. On a post-apocalyptic planet, there has been a strict curfew at 10:00 every night for over 80 years. Two friends break the curfew. Write two pages on how they do it and what consequences lie ahead.

66. Each child a woman births is a vote for that world’s continuation. Write a page from her diary about why this system is in place.

67. A girl dreams of her brother who passed away years ago and believes he is giving her information about the afterlife. Write a scene in which she finally believes him.

68. A failing physics student accidentally discovers faster-than-light-speed travel, but his professor doesn’t believe him. Write a scene in which he proves his findings.

69. One of the planets in our solar system has crystals that contain healing powers. A young boy is determined to get these crystals for his dying mother. Describe his plan to accomplish this.

70. A group of teenagers finds an abandoned shack that proves to be a portal to another universe. Write two pages of conversation in which they debate whether or not to enter.

71. A man driven mad by a ringing in his ears discovers it’s an alien signal. Write a scene in which he tries to determine whether anyone else can hear it.

72. A boy’s grandparents regale him with stories about “the Earth that was.” Write two pages on how they describe our current Earth to a child in the distant future.

73. Global warming prompts rapid mutations in the human species. Write as a future anthropologist studying these changes.

74. New technology allows humans to communicate with animals. Write one page from the perspective of an animal, and one from the perspective of a butcher.

75. Humans undergo creative surgical modifications that include extra limbs and cartoon-like features. Write a page from the perspective of someone who regrets their decision.

76. Breeding modern humans with Neanderthal DNA leads to disaster. Write a newspaper article describing what happened because of this experiment.

77. Write a conversation between a history teacher and her class in an alternate dimension where Napoleon never lost at Waterloo, France took control of Europe, and World Wars I and II never happened.

78. A human and alien fall in love, causing an interplanetary crisis. Write a love letter from one to the other.

79. An astronaut returns to earth after years in the space station, having developed mutations. Write a scene in which these manifest themselves.

80. High-speed robotic horses become an alternative to cars and weave through heavy traffic with ease. Write an advertisement for these new steeds.

81. Birds and butterflies navigate long migrations due to proteins in their bodies that align with the Earth’s magnetic fields. Scientists put these proteins to use in humans. Write the diary entry of a young girl on her first migration.

82. An entertainment company creates a TV show that’s dangerously addictive. Write a conversation between an avid fan and someone who refuses to watch.

83. An attempt to save the honeybees has surprising consequences. Write a journal entry from a researcher explaining what happens.

84. Online bullying is made a felony. Write a speech from a man defending himself against this charge.

85. At a new underwater amusement park, guests face a greater depth than ever before. Write a series of intercom announcements the park uses to minimize the threat and convince guests to stay.

86. Without their consent, the government implants a device in the retinas of students in order to spy on other countries. Write a page from the perspective of a joyful student and one from a government worker analyzing the data.

87. Anyone can now travel anywhere at the speed of light. Write a page from the perspective of someone who hates this new ability.

88. It becomes easy to track any person at any time. Write two pages from the perspective of someone who uses this nefariously.

89. New fitness devices track your movements and everything you eat. In a page, describe how you would fool this device.

90. A new device tracks mood levels and emotions, helping people avoid what makes them unhappy. Write a page from the perspective of someone whose job is to sell as many devices as they can.

91. People get implants that make them change color with their moods. Write two pages of a conversation between a married couple in which the wife confronts her husband about his infidelity.

92. Criminals and dissidents undergo illegal genetic therapy to change their DNA so the government has no record of them. Write a journal entry from a detective who finds another way to catch his prey.

93. Research a rebellion in your country’s history and write two pages describing how a modern coup could be accomplished.

94. Guests at a surprise party are startled when the ashes of the birthday boy are delivered with a note from his killer. Write a character description of each guest, including reasons that could make each the killer.

95. A scientific research study goes awry, leaving all the subjects dead except one. Write a journal entry from the survivor in which they piece together the evidence.

96. As guests arrive for a funeral, they find the casket empty and the supposed decedent hosting the ceremony. Write his speech.

97. In the middle of the school year, a new student arrives, but no one can figure out where he came from or who he is. Write two pages of conversation among other students guessing his origin.

98. Your character wakes up by the side of a freeway she’s never seen before, in a new state, with a phone number written on her wrist. Write two pages of dialogue between her and whoever picks up the phone.

99. Your character receives letters from his parents, who died four years ago. Write a scene in which your character tries to explain this.

100. Your character finds her name in the obituary column. Write what she reads and how she reacts.

101. Backpacking around Europe, two friends run into trouble they never expected. Write two pages of dialogue between them.

102. A travel blogger thought moving across the country would solve all her problems, but they seemed to follow her. Write two of her blog posts—one from the beginning of her journey and one from the end.

103. Banks in multiple states are all broken into at the same time. All the money was stolen except for $37 left on the floor of each safe. Write a newspaper article about this phenomenon, including experts’ theories.

104. Someone reading about a recent string of crimes knows who committed them. Write one page on how they know and what they decide to do.

105. You believe the person writing the daily crossword puzzle in your newspaper is trying to send an encoded message. In the first person, write a convincing argument of your belief.

106. You find an old chessboard in the attic. Absent-mindedly, you move a piece. The next day, an opposing piece has been moved. Write a page in first person detailing what’s going on.

Nonfiction / Memoir

107. Complete: “If you really knew me…”

108. What harmful beliefs were you raised with? Write one page reflecting on how they affected you, and one on how you overcame them.

109. Write a letter from a burning building you will not be able to escape.

110. Write the commencement speech you would deliver if asked.

111. Write about a view that you hold so strongly it makes you emotional. Next, write from the perspective of someone who holds the opposite stance.

112. Write a letter of love and support to an elder. Tell them stories about your life and ask them to tell you theirs.

How to Use Writing Prompts - A Word of Warning

Faith-Based Words and Phrases

What You and I Can Learn From Patricia Raybon

A Guest Blog from Stephen King—Yes, that Stephen King

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