easy creative writing ideas

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WEEKLY WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

Showing 2184 prompts

The elephant in the room, set your story in a world where conversation about one particular topic is banned — but there are ways to get around the rule..

LIVE – Dystopian

In a small town, a powerful family have a dark secret that nobody wants to discuss. One day, an outsider arrives, who's not happy to simply drop it.

LIVE – Mystery

Write a story that includes the line, "Is nobody going to say it?".

LIVE – Dialogue

Place your characters in a tough situation, where nobody wants to acknowledge the reality of what's happening.

LIVE – Angst

Write a story about two people who aren't admitting their true feelings for one another, despite it being obvious to outsiders.

LIVE – Romance

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE .

A photographer captures an image of something unexplainable. What happens next?

Start your story with someone who has lost everything but finds solace in photography., write a story where a photograph could change the course of history if it’s delivered to the right (or wrong) person., center your story around two strangers who bond over their shared love of photography., a forgotten photograph tucked away somewhere is the catalyst for an unexpected journey., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Never miss a prompt! Get curated writing inspiration delivered to your inbox each week.

Set your story during rehearsals for a production of a Shakespeare play.

Write a story about a tragic hero., write a story in which a case of mistaken identity plays a pivotal role., write your story in the form of a script, complete with stage directions., write a story named after, and inspired by, one of shakespeare's plays. think modern retellings, metanarratives, subversions, etc., write a story about two sporting rivals having to work together., write about a moment of defeat., write a story about an underdog, or somebody making a comeback., write about someone who has trained all their life for one moment., set your story in the stands at a major sporting event., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #259 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest.

This week's theme: The Elephant in the Room

Prize money

Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - jul 19, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

#258 – Frame of Mind

#257 – Shakespeare

#256 – Going for Gold

#255 – The Five Stages

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

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Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

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Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

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High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

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Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

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Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

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Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

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Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

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Writing Prompts: 52 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration

by Emily Withnall | Nov 1, 2023

If you feel like you are stuck in your writing, writing prompts might be just what you need to get out of your rut.

Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block or you’re tired of your own voice, style or subject-matter, writing prompts can give you a creative jolt to help you begin something new.

In addition to being a writer and editor, I teach writing in public schools and in a nearby detention center. This means I regularly use writing prompts with students of all ages.

Table of contents, what is a writing prompt .

A writing prompt is a brief image or topic that can help writers generate new ideas. Writing prompts can be a great way to inspire ideas in any genre of writing.

They can also take a huge variety of forms. Whether you’re inspired by news headlines, objects, one-word prompts, detailed questions or reading a poem or full work of prose, writing prompts can help you explore a particular topic, engage in a “conversation” with other writers or get through writer’s block.

Writing prompts can also help you make new or unusual connections between things. I was once asked to write an essay that incorporated a dog, a wristwatch and scuba diver. This prompt resulted in an essay that was published in a magazine.

Where to find writing prompts

Writing classes can be wonderful places to encounter interesting prompts, but the internet is also swimming with more prompts than you can ever use.

The following list is a collection of some of the resources that can help you generate new work no matter what genre you’re working in.

While these prompts are grouped in categories, many of the websites offer prompts in multiple genres. Remember that a genre-specific prompt can often be used to generate interesting ideas or connections in other genres, too.

Here’s where to find writing prompts.

Fiction writing prompts and creative writing prompts

1. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

Poets & Writers Magazine publishes a new fiction prompt online every Wednesday. These prompts are typically a paragraph in length and they encourage ideas through a series of questions and suggestions.

2. Self-Publishing School: 400+ Creative Writing Prompts to Find Your Next (Best) Book Idea

These prompts are aimed at inspiring plot and character development and are meant to generate the sparks needed to fuel writing a book. Sets of prompts are grouped into genres of fiction writing such as mystery, dystopian, fantasy, and more. Each group of prompts is also accompanied by a series of tips for how to write in a particular genre.

The Write Life has teamed up with Self-Publishing School to create this presentation, “How to Write & Publish Your Book in 90 Days.” In it, you’ll learn how to finish your book in just 30 minutes per day. To sign up for this free training, click here.

3. 12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts

Nature writing typically brings to mind nonfiction writing, but this list of prompts encourages nature- and place-based storytelling. The prompts contain detailed visual descriptions to help you jump into a particular place or scene.

4. Writer’s Digest Creative Writing Prompts

These prompts are posted weekly and help to generate specific scenes or ideas you can expand on. Most of the prompts are a series of questions to help generate details about plot and character development.

5. 21 Writing Prompts to Help You Finish an Entire Novel This Summer

These short prompts offer a topic, scenario or structure broad enough to build a book around. Each prompt is accompanied by a gif that works as an additional prompt for people who are inspired by visual imagery.

6. Plot Prompts for Fiction: Writer Igniter

This simple but innovative website offers digital flashcards to help writers explore character, situation, prop, and setting. Four specific cards are offered to the writer and when you finish (or if you want a different idea) you can just press the “shuffle” button and get an entirely new combination to write about.

7. Creative Writing Now: Fiction Writing Prompts

The heart of any story often involves a character’s internal or personal journey. These prompts offer a full paragraph to flesh out a particular character and the personal or relational challenges they are facing.

8. Creative Writing Now: 44 Short Story Ideas

Designed for shorter works of fictions, these short story prompts offer brief scenarios for inspiration. Each set of ideas comes with a writing challenge, and you are encouraged to mix and match ideas from each of the prompt lists. There’s even one set of prompts that helps you brainstorm personal fears and habits and helps you fictionalize them.

9. ServiceScape Fiction Writing Prompt Generator

Scroll through a list of fiction sub-genres, such as “utopia,” “space opera,” “science fiction romance,” or many other sub-genres, to pull up a carousel of prompts. Each prompt is about a paragraph long to set the scene and situation—perfect for any fiction writer who just needs a nudge to get them off and running.

10. Fiction Prompts on StoryADay with Julie Duffy

The prompts provided on StoryADay often ask writers to imagine a momentous moment and dive right into the action. These prompts can be great for helping writers craft plot. Each prompt is paired with a photograph, too, which can be another boon for anyone who derives inspiration from imagery.

11. The Writer: Writing Prompts

Writers looking to combine mundane, everyday life with secrets, mysteries, or other strange twists will likely find these prompts intriguing. Paired with colorful and engaging images, these prompts are updated weekly on Fridays.

12. 40 Short Story Prompts You Can Write in a Day

If all you need is a scenario, these prompts should do the trick. Each prompt sets up the situation, and it’s up to you to provide the story!

13. Random Story Prompt Generator

Click a button and receive a few random prompts! These work well for writers who just need a handful of objects and archetypal characters for inspiration to strike. And for even more random story prompts, check out the links to other story generators below the prompt box.

14. Giant Golden Buddha & 364 More 5-Minute Writing Exercises

For fiction writers who need inspiration for how to begin, these prompts are detailed and focused enough to help you zero in on an opening paragraph, a brief scene, or a vivid description of a character.

Flash Fiction Prompts

15. Laurie Stone’s Flash Fiction Prompts

The prompts on this website are creative and include sentence fragments, excerpts of poems, and sentences with fill-in-the blank spots. The variety makes these prompts unusual and great for experimentation.

16. Bookfox: 50 Flash Fiction Prompts

Designed for fiction 1,000 words or under, these prompts will likely spark ideas for short stories or even novels. The prompts are grouped by category and each prompt introduces the main character and the tension for a writer to run with.

17. 62 of the Best Flash Fiction Story Prompts

This list of prompts is perfect for fiction writers who want to try their hand at writing flash fiction. Steph Fraser provides an overview of flash fiction and tips for how to write flash stories successfully. This introduction is followed by prompts which are grouped by sub-genres such as “horror” and “romance.”

18. 99 Days of Flash Fiction Prompts

If you need a little more to go on than a few words, but don’t need a full paragraph, these prompts provide brief dialogue and just enough sensory detail to spark a flash story idea.

19. 100 Days of Fun Flash Fiction Prompts

These brief prompts created by Eva Deverell are designed to keep you writing every day, but can be used at random, too. As a bonus, her website offers a number of other free writing resources, too!

Nonfiction writing prompts

20. Submittable Prompts

Writers who submit work to literary magazines are likely familiar with Submittable — but did you know their blog has an archive of writing prompts? Each blog post is accompanied by an image that relates to the theme of the prompts. There are 8-10 prompts focused on a particular idea or theme. Most of these prompts can easily be used for other genres.

21. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

Poets & Writers Magazine publishes a new nonfiction prompt every Thursday. Writers can also subscribe to the Time is Now weekly e-newsletter to receive prompts for nonfiction as well as fiction and poetry.

22. The New York Times Learning Network: 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

Not only are these prompts grouped in easy-to-navigate categories, but each prompt is linked to background information, a brief summary of someone’s story as it pertains to the topic, and a series of questions aimed at helping a writer think through the various aspects of a particular prompt. This is a great option for writers who need more than one-word prompts!

23. Bad-Ass Writing Prompts to Kick-Start Your Creativity

Each of these prompts lays out a brief scenario and asks a question aimed at self-discovery or introspection. These would be particularly useful for personal essayists or memoirists who are trying to find a way into writing about their bad or regrettable behaviors.

24. 10 Ways to Inspire Personal Writing with The New York Times

Writers with years of expertise and a keen eye for structure and tone will benefit from these advanced writing prompts. Each prompt provides loose guidelines for modeling a piece on the writing published in particular sections of The New York Times. The prompts include links to published work writers might reference as good examples.

25. Creative Nonfiction Prompts

The 50 prompts on this list are pulled from Melissa Donovan’s book, “1200 Creative Writing Prompts.” The list is made up of strings of questions that ask writers to recall various types of memories, or to engage with emotional or intellectual responses to music, art, and media.

26. Bookfox: 50 Creative Nonfiction Prompts Guaranteed to Inspire

Most memoirists and personal essayists explore relationships in their writing and this list of prompts is bound to jog particular kinds of memories. Most of the prompts relate to childhood or family relationships, but some prompts focus on other types of relationships, too.

27. Event: 30 Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

While some people prefer a word or phrase to spark an idea, others benefit from paragraphs and series of questions, and some enjoy reading a full essay or article before beginning to write. This list of prompts offers all three options for each of the 30 ideas. Some prompts suggest a straightforward retelling, but others suggest looser associations and experimental nonfiction writing.

28. 11 Strange Fiction/Nonfiction Prompts

Derived from the quotes of renowned writers, these prompts ask writers to dig deep and consider the connections between small, detailed moments and larger themes or events. The prompts can easily be used for either fiction or nonfiction.

29. 10 Easy Writing Prompts to Get Your Life Story Started

It can be difficult to write about your complex life story in a clear way. Each of these ten prompts provides a frame so that you can dive into one aspect of your life story that will likely illuminate larger themes as you keep writing.

30. Writing Class Radio

Perfect for people who prefer a minimalist approach, Writing Class Radio provides daily prompts of one or two words. The website also hosts a nonfiction writing podcast that features writers sharing work and discussing craft.

31. Writing Our Lives Personal Essay Prompts

Writer Vanessa Martír posts prompts weekly. Each prompt invites writers to reflect deeply on a particular memory or set of memories and most prompts include a quote from a book or movie that connects to the topic. Many of the prompts are focused on reflection and healing.

32. Journal Writing Prompts for Beginners: 119 Journal Prompts

You don’t have to seek publication to be a writer. Writing for yourself counts, too! People who want to journal but aren’t sure where to start or what to write each day (or week) will find this list of prompts to be helpful in sparking ideas for topics.

33. Bernadette Mayer’s List of Journal Ideas

For beginners and advanced journalers and nonfiction writers, this list is divided into categories to give you ideas for themed journals, topic ideas, and quote fragments meant to inspire. There are also longer prompts that encourage experimentation with structure, form, and collaboration.

Flash Nonfiction Prompts

34. Flash Nonfiction Lessons in Concision and Revision

As a writing instructor, Zoë Bossiere has a lot of wisdom to share about the various kinds of flash nonfiction and the elements that make flash writing different than longer types of writing. Although this is essentially a lesson plan on Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies, writers can learn a lot about the four main types of flash nonfiction, and gain inspiration for their own flash pieces from the many examples and resources that Boossiere provides.

35. Documenting Life, Briefly: Flash Nonfiction Prompts

In each of these prompts, the writer is invited to approach the truth of the world or themselves from a different angle, whether it’s a memorable phone call or something from the news you just can’t shake. Some prompts walk you through a series of steps, and others offer just a couple of lines to help you begin.

Poetry writing prompts

36. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

Poets & Writers Magazine releases a new poetry prompt once a week on Tuesdays. You can access these on the website or sign up to receive the prompts in their weekly writing prompt e-newsletter. These prompts are typically in the form of a paragraph with excerpts of poems or quotes accompanied by a series of questions or suggestions.

37. Think Written: 101 Poetry Writing Prompts

If you want to jump right into a poem, these prompts are a great way to start. Each prompt is one short sentence and the list is filled with suggestions that will evoke memories or spark your imagination.

38. Writer’s Relief: 125 of the Best Writing Prompts for Poets

These prompts consist of two words or a short phrase or image meant to evoke life memories. The prompts are grouped in categories like “Momentous Occasions” and “Mysterious Places.”

39. Creative Writing Now: Prompts for Poetry

These short prompts are open-ended and each one might be used repeatedly to produce different kinds of poems. Many of the prompts suggest using a set of specific words. Using words you might not use ordinarily can help you stretch creatively as a writer!

40. Poetry Prompt Generator

Choose the number of words you want to appear on this page, and the number of challenges. Then decide whether you’d like to draw inspiration from an image, and press the “Get Prompt” button. Voila! You now have a set of instructions, a list of words to try to use in your poem, and an image to get your creative juices flowing.

41. The Poetry Writing Society: Poetry Writing Prompts

Each of these prompts involves a series of instructions or steps. For poets who are feeling particularly stuck or benefit from structure, the prompts here just may do the trick.

42. Writing Forward Poetry Prompts

The 25 prompts on this list are pulled from Melissa Donovan’s book, “1200 Creative Writing Prompts.” Books can be great resources for writing prompts and many authors make some of these printed prompts available online. Many of these prompts suggest writing poems that use a specific set of images or sounds.

43. 30 Writing Prompts for National Poetry Month

Take your shoes off, grab the nearest book, or find a recipe: Many of these prompts derive inspiration from the objects and ideas that surround you.

44. CAConrad’s (Soma)tic Poetry Exercises

How do you feel about putting a penny under your tongue before writing? For poets or other creative writers looking for embodied experiences to inspire their writing, these exercises are more than just prompts. Each exercise calls on writers to engage in a particular activity while thinking about particular memories and ideas.

Writing prompts on social media (including Reddit writing prompts)

45. Reddit Writing Prompts

You can find anything on Reddit — including writing prompts. Most of the prompts on Reddit are for fiction writers, but the search bar will turn up other genres, too. Reddit prompts are great for people who want to write and get feedback in an online community.

46. Tumblr Writing Prompts: Story Prompts

Tumblr is a virtual treasure trove of writing prompts of any genre and topic you can imagine. Story Prompts curates prompts from across many different Tumblr accounts, but you can also search for specific blogs or genre types.

47. Facebook Writing Prompts: Windcatchers

Windcatchers is one of many writing prompt Facebook groups and it is run by writer Michelle Labyrinth. Prompts are posted about once a week and other articles and resources for writers are posted, too. The prompts are generally targeted to nonfiction writers.

48. Twitter #Writing Prompts

Hashtags make it easier than ever to find the kind of prompts you are looking for. #writingprompts generates lots of different kinds of prompts, but there are also Twitter accounts you can follow that are devoted to particular kinds of prompts.

49. TikTok Writing Prompts

Obsessed with TikTok? You can find writing prompts there, too! Type “writing prompts” into the search feature and you will find a list of the top accounts posting writing prompts. Some accounts post multiple times a day, and others post less frequently but have an archive of prompts you can scroll through.

50. YouTube Writing Prompts

Do you squander valuable writing time by watching too many cat videos on YouTube? Not to worry—there are tons of writing prompt videos on YouTube. Often, the key to inspiration is looking for it in the places you spend the most time.

51. Instagram #WritingPrompts

Like Twitter, you can easily find any kind of writing prompt by searching for a specific hashtag. However, Instagram is ideal for the image-oriented writer; many prompts are accompanied by an image or background that can provide additional inspiration.

52. Pinterest Writing Prompts

Pinterest is not the first place most writers would think of when searching for prompts, but like Instagram, it has a wealth of image-oriented prompts across all genres. For people who already spend time on Pinterest, this can be a great way to find writing inspiration, too.

Photo via frantic00 / Shutterstock

Prompt Generators

Writing prompt generator.

Overcome writer's block! Get inspired with our AI-powered writing prompt generator for all genres and styles.

Example of Writing Prompt

Open-Ended Generation: Begin a story/piece with a broad theme or idea.

Example: "Write a story about the concept of time."

Specific Generation: Request a piece on a precise topic.

Example: "Describe the process of photosynthesis."

Visual Generation: Describe an image or scene.

Example: "Write a paragraph about a serene sunset by the ocean."

Dialogue Generation: Create a conversation between characters.

Example: "Write a dialogue between a detective and a suspect."

Scenario or What-If Generation: Pose a hypothetical situation.

Example: "What if humans could breathe underwater?"

First Line Generation: Provide an opening sentence.

Example: "Start a story with the sentence: 'The old mansion had secrets.'

Character Generation: Describe a character's attributes.

Example: "Create a character who is a brilliant but socially awkward scientist."

Fantasy or Sci-Fi World-Building Generation: Develop a fictional world.

Example: "Design a futuristic city on a distant planet."

Character Development Generation: Explore character growth.

Example: "Show how a timid child becomes a courageous hero."

Sentence Expansion Generation: Expand a given sentence.

Example: "Expand on the sentence: 'She walked through the forest, listening to the whispering trees.'

Genre-Specific Generation: Specify a literary genre.

Example: "Write a mystery story set in a small, isolated village."

Reflective or Personal Generation: Encourage personal reflection.

Example: "Share a meaningful life lesson you've learned."

Historical or Research-Based Generation: Request a historical or research-based piece.

Example: "Write an essay on the impact of the Industrial Revolution."

Question Generation: Generate thought-provoking questions.

Example: "Pose five questions about the effects of climate change."

Comparative Generation: Compare two or more subjects.

Example: "Compare and contrast the advantages of city life and rural life."

Persuasive or Argumentative Generation: Write a persuasive argument.

Example: "Argue for or against the use of renewable energy sources."

Poetry Generation: Encourage poetic composition.

Example: "Compose a haiku about a blooming cherry blossom."

Daily or Journaling Generation: Prompt daily journaling.

Example: "Write about your most memorable moment from today."

Flash Fiction Generation: Create a very short story.

Example: "Write a 100-word story about a lost key."

Random Word or Object Generation: Include a random word or object.

Example: "Incorporate the word 'umbrella' into your story."

What is Writing Prompt Generator?

Spark creative writing ideas, overcome writer's block instantly, and generate diverse story concepts. Never face a blank page again - inspiration at your fingertips!

How to use Writing Prompt Generator?

Step1. Select a Prompt Type. Step2. Click the Generate Button. Step3. Get the Universal Prompt Structure and add the area [] you want. Step4. Copy the Prompt. Step5. Paste into GPT (Any Chat Bot) and find better results.

Key features of the Writing Prompt Generator?

List of key features for the Writing Prompt Generator.

*Copy Prompt *Edit Prompt *See Examples *Download Customizable Prompts *Find Universal Prompt Structures with Examples (organized by type) *Customizable Prompts *Free to Use

Love To Write? Check Out These 51 Creative Writing Prompts For Adults

An essential part of being a writer is daily practice —even if that practice is only a few minutes.

And even when the results are less inspired than you hoped.

As long as you’re committed to building a writing habit and practicing your craft, you’re a writer—not just an “aspiring” one.

Sometimes, all you need is a generous supply of fun writing prompts for adults to get you started.

We’re happy to help with that.

What Are Some Interesting Writing Prompts?

The best, most effective writing topics for adults are those you enjoy. They should stimulate your memory and imagination and create connections in the mind. All you need to do at that moment is to let the words flow onto the page.

Writing prompts can do this in one or more of the following ways:

Remind you of a significant event in your own life;
Trigger a powerful emotion about a particular event or relationship;
Connect to a meaningful experience you’d like to dwell on for a bit;
Connect to other disjointed details in your memory;
Relate to universal themes you’d like to explore.

How You Can Use Daily Writing Prompts for Adults

Here are a few ideas for using adult writing prompts:

Start a creating writing journal using these as daily prompts ;
Take one prompt and break it down into smaller installments;
Start a creative writing group and share 1-3 prompts per week;
Play music that fits the mood of a particular prompt;
Set a timer and commit to writing for at least five minutes straight.

The best ideas for using the list of prompts below are those you’ll actually use and enjoy.

51 Creative Writing Prompts for Adults

Read through the following list of adult writing prompts and let your imagination respond to each one. Some will get your mind going more quickly than others. Some will have a stronger effect at different times.

You’re welcome to keep this whole list handy or make a smaller list with your favorites.

1. You’ve just been jolted out of a dream you’d give all your worldly possessions to return to. What was it about?

2. Someone you look up to makes an unexpected and hurtful remark about your body. What goes through your head, and how do you respond?

3. You’re alone at night in your apartment in the city, and the doorbell starts ringing repeatedly. You look through the peephole and…

4. You write an anonymous advice column and one day discover the unintended consequences of advice you thought was helpful.

5. By day, you’re a responsible, if reclusive, college student. By night, you fly over your city as a dragon.

6. On the advice of her therapist, you write about a character from her dreams, and they show up at your door.

7. Your significant other interrupts your work one day to say, “I need to tell you something.” What goes through your mind?

8. You don’t really want a pet, but when a friendly stray follows you home, your tender heart wins out and you let it in.

9. You meet someone with whom you feel not only safe but wanted and cherished. One day you catch them with someone else.

10. You wake up in a different place lying next to someone else and, for some reason you feel more at home. But which life is real?

11. You’re a few short hours away from facing your worst nightmare. What is it, and how do you prepare?

12. You wake up with a headache in a coffin-size box and hear voices outside it speaking a different language.

13. What comes to mind with the words, “What were you thinking ?”

14. For some reason, everyone is giving you strange looks and tip-toeing around you.

15. Figures. Just when you get good at coding, the internet shuts down — everywhere.

16. You were digging in your yard when you found it. And you fully intend to keep it secret.

17. You’re comfortable with anonymity, so it’s unsettling when, one day, everyone you meet acts as if they’ve known you all your life.

18. Your spouse thinks you’re leaving for work, but you know the truth. Maybe, one day, you’ll tell them—if you survive today.

19. Someone slips a note underneath your apartment door. You unfold it to find a phone number and a brief, urgent message.

20. Your spouse asks if you’re interested in trying something different with your marriage. And it’s not fantasy role-play.

21. You wake up one day, and everyone seems shocked to see you alive. You look in the mirror and understand why.

22. You wake up in the body of a famous historical figure you’ve been studying. How does your day go?

23. Ever since the accident, you’ve been hearing voices—not all the time but often when it’s least convenient.

24. You show up alone at an old friend’s funeral to pay your respects, but when you reach the coffin, the face you see is your own.

25. You’ve always taken comfort in the presence of your own shadow, but it’s started taking on a life of its own.

26. You have one day to do whatever you want without any consequences. What do you do?

27. You’re visited one night by the disembodied spirit of someone you know (still living). Why do they visit you?

28. You’re on the worst vacation ever. And you’re about to do something crazy to change it for the better.

29. An evil genius hires you as his personal assistant. Your first day on the job is life-changing.

30. Your life is the subject of a favorite TV show. Describe your character and write about an important scene of your own making.

50 Creative Writing Prompts For Adults

Creative writing is a type of art, and it’s something that many adults are somewhat afraid to try. It’s not necessary to be an artist or have artistic talent; all you need is the desire to create. In this post, you’ll find a list of creative writing prompts for adults to help get you started. Each prompt is intended to inspire new creative writing ideas for your next writing project… whether that’s a new work of fiction or a really creative journal entry.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional writer who has published books, or someone who likes to write for fun in your spare time. Creative writing of any kind, including creative journaling exercises , provides an outlet for creativity while also improving your natural skills.

Text creative writing prompts for adults on white background over image of woman with blond hair wearing blue shirt and jeans sitting on towel on stony beach while preparing to write in a journal.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is not to be taken as professional medical or mental health advice. All statements are strictly my personal life observations. You can see my full disclaimer here .

Why Creative Writing Is Important For Adults

Creative writing allows us to express what we’re feeling, explore possibilities, and make sense of the world around us. Creative journaling and writing can help people express their feelings that they may not be able to vocalize. Eventually, that can help people work through problems and find new solutions.

Perhaps one of the most important things about creative writing is that it can be a way of exploring different ideas without any consequences. It allows people to look at things from a new perspective.

Responding to creative writing prompts can also help you be more mindful and appreciative of the wonderful world we live in, even though it has its imperfections.

One of the things I love most about creative writing prompts is how they immediately help you become a part of the stories you write, even if these don’t necessarily reflect your own life. Developing stories and characters is always fun and surprising.

Not always, but often, the stories told from creative writing prompts actually end up being about yourself and your life in a roundabout way. This can help give you the ability to accept different parts of who you are, which helps lessen self-judgement and work through problems that may be holding back your happiness.

Imagination-Inspiring Creative Writing Ideas for Adults

Enjoy these creative writing prompts for adults. Some will be fun while others might get your brain working hard and push you to write more as you develop your stories and thoughts.

1. Write about a time when you were alone and what you found.

2. Imagine the adventures of a woman who could move about between alternate realities.

3. What would happen if you ended up suddenly living in another country?

4. Write about yourself in a world where everyone has superpowers, and how you live your life differently than they do.

5. “What were we thinking?”

6. Write a story where your dog is an important character. Write as though he or she can speak for themselves; not having to use human speech.

7. “I wasn’t sure why my boyfriend said he needed to talk.”

8. Picture what a different life could have led you to.

9. Write about a day when you have to face your worst nightmares in real life.

10. “For some reason, everyone started looking at me differently.”

11. “Something moved in the distance.”

12. What would happen if the Internet was suddenly turned off forever, or what are some interesting scenarios that could lead up to the loss of this service forever?

13. Write a story where you are a horror movie character and you have to survive all the obstacles in your way to escape or defeat the killer.

14. “The next day, I couldn’t stop thinking about what was beneath the surface of the pond.”

Woman with blond hair wearing blue shirt and jeans sitting on towel on stony beach while preparing to write responses to creative writing prompts for adults.

15. Imagine that your favorite video game character’s life was being played out in real life.

16. “I couldn’t look away from my reflection.”

17. “Someone took my hand, pulling me up from the ground.” Who was it and what’s happening?

18. Write about the day you finally became famous and how your life changes afterward.

19. What happens when you try telling somebody that there are aliens living among us right now?

20. Write about what happens in your favorite book after it ends.

>> Loving these prompts? Get a printable copy sent right to your email inbox. <<

21. Create your own villainous character. What makes them evil? How are they different from others in their world?

22. “There were three notes waiting for me on my doorstep.”

23. “It had green fur and looked lonely in the pet store window.”

24. “I had nothing to do, so I decided to go for a walk.”

25. Write about being the character of a historical event you studied in school and how it turned out differently for them.

26. Write about you becoming the leader of your own superhero team based on yourself and your friends.

27. “When I came home, my mother was crying.”

28. “I felt something crawling on my leg.”

29. Write about writing a story that takes place in your closet. All the action has to take place inside the closet or behind the door.

30. “Then I started hearing voices.”

31. Write about a day where you are out for a drive on a long road trip and what interesting things happen along the way.

32. “When she finally spoke, she said…”

33. “I never told anyone why I cried so much those days.”

34. Imagine that you wake up from a coma after being in it for several years. How are things different? How are they the same?

35. “A shadow was standing behind me.”

36. Write about yourself as the new Queen of England.

37. If you could have an unlimited supply of anything for a day, what would it be and what would you do with it?

38. “My family just sat there staring at me.”

39. Write about a situation that you imagine would be the most annoying and irritating thing ever. What’s happening?

40. “Next thing I knew, it was morning.”

41. “We were driving to see my parents that summer when suddenly…”

Woman in white shirt and black jeans sitting on floor with open notebook and preparing to use creative writing prompts.

42. If you could get away with doing anything without any consequences, what would it be?

43. Write about being on the worst vacation ever! Do anything possible to make your vacation better by doing crazy stuff.

44. “I didn’t sleep a wink that night.”

45. Write about a time where something strange happens on your way to work one day. Was it because of aliens, witches, or werewolves?

46. Write about your first day of work for an evil genius in his doomsday factory.

47. Write about your life as if it were a TV show or movie. What genre would it be? How would it be rated and why? Brainstorm some scenes.

48. “I had a strange feeling that I was being followed.”

49. Imagine that you have the ability to read minds. How would life change for you and everyone around you?

50. Write about what would happen if your character went on vacation alone for the very first time.

Yes, you can get a free printable of these prompts! Click here to have them sent right to your email.

How To Use Creative Writing Prompts For Adults

Creative writing prompts are perfect for encouraging adults to write a new story or become more creative. I’ve been using them for years, and the process has helped me rediscover how fun it is to tell stories, write blog posts, and make my dream of writing books finally come true.

I know firsthand how difficult it can be for an adult to find the time, energy, and creativity to start something new. But I can promise that the effort is worthwhile!

The most important thing about using creative ideas for writing is to let them inspire you. Don’t be afraid to use them however you wish! And don’t be afraid of ‘doing it wrong.’ That’s absolutely impossible because your creative writing sessions are your own private world.

You can write anywhere and anytime, but setting aside 15 or 30 minutes once a day and putting it on your schedule really helps turn your intentions into reality. My favorite way is morning creative writing . Find a quiet place or wear earbuds with your favorite music.

To get the most out of your creative process, consider using pen and paper. A paper journal will ensure portability. In addition, the hand-eye coordination needed to write by hand can be an important part of the creative process.

Related: My top 6 picks for the best journals for writing

That’s not to say you shouldn’t use technology! Even though I have a paper journal, there are plenty of times when I prefer to write on the computer. When creative inspiration strikes and you have a desire to get your thoughts out quickly, typing might be the ideal solution. As an added bonus, writing on a computer makes it so easy to edit and proofread your work.

Another way I encourage people who ‘don’t like to write’ or have the mental capacity to multi-task is to use a voice-to-text app for responding to creative writing prompts. My favorite app for this is otter.ai , which syncs across all of my devices and is easy to copy/paste into document form.

More Writing and Journaling Inspiration

27 Powerful Quotes About Journaling That Will Inspire You to Write

5 Daily Creative Writing Exercises You (Probably) Haven’t Seen Before

Quiet Journal: Discover Your Secret Strengths and Unleash Your Inner Power – Susan Cain

Feeling Stuck? Try These 14 Creative Things to Write In a Journal

How to Make Time for Writing: 5 Ways to Find Time to Write Now – ThinkWritten

5 Creative Journal Topics: Ideas to Spark Endless Writing Possibilities

Favorite Writing Supplies

JoyNote A5 Classic Notebook with lined pages

PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Colors

OxAndPine Refillable Personalized Premium Leather Journal with Elastic Closure

Prompt Me Again!: Creative Writing Workbook & Journal

Concluding Thoughts…

Creative writing is an excellent way to engage your imagination. It’s also a great outlet for stress, and it can help you develop communication skills in the process.

If you’re feeling stuck or want to improve your creative writing skills, take some time out of each day to write about what inspires you — it will not only increase creativity but will also help you loosen up your mind.

There are lots of resources available to help with creative writing, but sometimes you just need a little inspiration. There is no limit to what you can write about and these creative writing prompts for adults should help inspire your imagination!

You’ve got this!

Did you enjoy this post? Know someone else who might like it? Please take a moment to share on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media… (Click the sharing buttons at the bottom of the post.) Thank you!

1 thought on “50 Creative Writing Prompts For Adults”

Those are some interesting and thought provoking prompts for sure. Thanks so much for sharing them. #HomeMattersParty

105 Creative Writing Exercises To Get You Writing Again

You know that feeling when you just don’t feel like writing? Sometimes you can’t even get a word down on paper. It’s the most frustrating thing ever to a writer, especially when you’re working towards a deadline. The good news is that we have a list of 105 creative writing exercises to help you get motivated and start writing again!

What are creative writing exercises?

Creative writing exercises are short writing activities (normally around 10 minutes) designed to get you writing. The goal of these exercises is to give you the motivation to put words onto a blank paper. These words don’t need to be logical or meaningful, neither do they need to be grammatically correct or spelt correctly. The whole idea is to just get you writing something, anything. The end result of these quick creative writing exercises is normally a series of notes, bullet points or ramblings that you can, later on, use as inspiration for a bigger piece of writing such as a story or a poem.

Good creative writing exercises are short, quick and easy to complete. You shouldn’t need to think too much about your style of writing or how imaginative your notes are. Just write anything that comes to mind, and you’ll be on the road to improving your creative writing skills and beating writer’s block .

Use the generator below to get a random creative writing exercise idea:

List of 105+ Creative Writing Exercises

Here are over 105 creative writing exercises to give your brain a workout and help those creative juices flow again:

Set a timer for 60 seconds. Now write down as many words or phrases that come to mind at that moment.
Pick any colour you like. Now start your sentence with this colour. For example, Orange, the colour of my favourite top.
Open a book or dictionary on a random page. Pick a random word. You can close your eyes and slowly move your finger across the page. Now, write a paragraph with this random word in it. You can even use an online dictionary to get random words:

Create your own alphabet picture book or list. It can be A to Z of animals, food, monsters or anything else you like!
Using only the sense of smell, describe where you are right now.
Take a snack break. While eating your snack write down the exact taste of that food. The goal of this creative writing exercise is to make your readers savour this food as well.
Pick a random object in your room and write a short paragraph from its point of view. For example, how does your pencil feel? What if your lamp had feelings?
Describe your dream house. Where would you live one day? Is it huge or tiny?
Pick two different TV shows, movies or books that you like. Now swap the main character. What if Supergirl was in Twilight? What if SpongeBob SquarePants was in The Flash? Write a short scene using this character swap as inspiration.
What’s your favourite video game? Write at least 10 tips for playing this game.
Pick your favourite hobby or sport. Now pretend an alien has just landed on Earth and you need to teach it this hobby or sport. Write at least ten tips on how you would teach this alien.
Use a random image generator and write a paragraph about the first picture you see.

Write a letter to your favourite celebrity or character. What inspires you most about them? Can you think of a memorable moment where this person’s life affected yours? We have this helpful guide on writing a letter to your best friend for extra inspiration.
Write down at least 10 benefits of writing. This can help motivate you and beat writer’s block.
Complete this sentence in 10 different ways: Patrick waited for the school bus and…
Pick up a random book from your bookshelf and go to page 9. Find the ninth sentence on that page. Use this sentence as a story starter.
Create a character profile based on all the traits that you hate. It might help to list down all the traits first and then work on describing the character.
What is the scariest or most dangerous situation you have ever been in? Why was this situation scary? How did you cope at that moment?
Pretend that you’re a chat show host and you’re interviewing your favourite celebrity. Write down the script for this conversation.
Using extreme detail, write down what you have been doing for the past one hour today. Think about your thoughts, feelings and actions during this time.
Make a list of potential character names for your next story. You can use a fantasy name generator to help you.
Describe a futuristic setting. What do you think the world would look like in 100 years time?
Think about a recent argument you had with someone. Would you change anything about it? How would you resolve an argument in the future?
Describe a fantasy world. What kind of creatures live in this world? What is the climate like? What everyday challenges would a typical citizen of this world face? You can use this fantasy world name generator for inspiration.
At the flip of a switch, you turn into a dragon. What kind of dragon would you be? Describe your appearance, special abilities, likes and dislikes. You can use a dragon name generator to give yourself a cool dragon name.
Pick your favourite book or a famous story. Now change the point of view. For example, you could rewrite the fairytale , Cinderella. This time around, Prince Charming could be the main character. What do you think Prince Charming was doing, while Cinderella was cleaning the floors and getting ready for the ball?
Pick a random writing prompt and use it to write a short story. Check out this collection of over 300 writing prompts for kids to inspire you.
Write a shopping list for a famous character in history. Imagine if you were Albert Einstein’s assistant, what kind of things would he shop for on a weekly basis?
Create a fake advertisement poster for a random object that is near you right now. Your goal is to convince the reader to buy this object from you.
What is the worst (or most annoying) sound that you can imagine? Describe this sound in great detail, so your reader can understand the pain you feel when hearing this sound.
What is your favourite song at the moment? Pick one line from this song and describe a moment in your life that relates to this line.
You’re hosting an imaginary dinner party at your house. Create a list of people you would invite, and some party invites. Think about the theme of the dinner party, the food you will serve and entertainment for the evening.
You are waiting to see your dentist in the waiting room. Write down every thought you are having at this moment in time.
Make a list of your greatest fears. Try to think of at least three fears. Now write a short story about a character who is forced to confront one of these fears.
Create a ‘Wanted’ poster for a famous villain of your choice. Think about the crimes they have committed, and the reward you will give for having them caught.
Imagine you are a journalist for the ‘Imagine Forest Times’ newspaper. Your task is to get an exclusive interview with the most famous villain of all time. Pick a villain of your choice and interview them for your newspaper article. What questions would you ask them, and what would their responses be?
In a school playground, you see the school bully hurting a new kid. Write three short stories, one from each perspective in this scenario (The bully, the witness and the kid getting bullied).
You just won $10 million dollars. What would you spend this money on?
Pick a random animal, and research at least five interesting facts about this animal. Write a short story centred around one of these interesting facts.
Pick a global issue that you are passionate about. This could be climate change, black lives matters, women’s rights etc. Now create a campaign poster for this global issue.
Write an acrostic poem about an object near you right now (or even your own name). You could use a poetry idea generator to inspire you.
Imagine you are the head chef of a 5-star restaurant. Recently the business has slowed down. Your task is to come up with a brand-new menu to excite customers. Watch this video prompt on YouTube to inspire you.
What is your favourite food of all time? Imagine if this piece of food was alive, what would it say to you?
If life was one big musical, what would you be singing about right now? Write the lyrics of your song.
Create and describe the most ultimate villain of all time. What would their traits be? What would their past look like? Will they have any positive traits?
Complete this sentence in at least 10 different ways: Every time I look out of the window, I…
You have just made it into the local newspaper, but what for? Write down at least five potential newspaper headlines . Here’s an example, Local Boy Survives a Deadly Illness.
If you were a witch or a wizard, what would your specialist area be and why? You might want to use a Harry Potter name generator or a witch name generator for inspiration.
What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday night? Write a short story centred around this activity.
Your main character has just received the following items: A highlighter, a red cap, a teddy bear and a fork. What would your character do with these items? Can you write a story using these items?
Create a timeline of your own life, from birth to this current moment. Think about the key events in your life, such as birthdays, graduations, weddings and so on. After you have done this, you can pick one key event from your life to write a story about.
Think of a famous book or movie you like. Rewrite a scene from this book or movie, where the main character is an outsider. They watch the key events play out, but have no role in the story. What would their actions be? How would they react?
Three very different characters have just won the lottery. Write a script for each character, as they reveal the big news to their best friend.
Write a day in the life story of three different characters. How does each character start their day? What do they do throughout the day? And how does their day end?
Write about the worst experience in your life so far. Think about a time when you were most upset or angry and describe it.
Imagine you’ve found a time machine in your house. What year would you travel to and why?
Describe your own superhero. Think about their appearance, special abilities and their superhero name. Will they have a secret identity? Who is their number one enemy?
What is your favourite country in the world? Research five fun facts about this country and use one to write a short story.
Set yourself at least three writing goals. This could be a good way to motivate yourself to write every day. For example, one goal might be to write at least 150 words a day.
Create a character description based on the one fact, three fiction rule. Think about one fact or truth about yourself. And then add in three fictional or fantasy elements. For example, your character could be the same age as you in real life, this is your one fact. And the three fictional elements could be they have the ability to fly, talk in over 100 different languages and have green skin.
Describe the perfect person. What traits would they have? Think about their appearance, their interests and their dislikes.
Keep a daily journal or diary. This is a great way to keep writing every day. There are lots of things you can write about in your journal, such as you can write about the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of your day. Think about anything that inspired you or anything that upset you, or just write anything that comes to mind at the moment.
Write a book review or a movie review. If you’re lost for inspiration, just watch a random movie or read any book that you can find. Then write a critical review on it. Think about the best parts of the book/movie and the worst parts. How would you improve the book or movie?
Write down a conversation between yourself. You can imagine talking to your younger self or future self (i.e. in 10 years’ time). What would you tell them? Are there any lessons you learned or warnings you need to give? Maybe you could talk about what your life is like now and compare it to their life?
Try writing some quick flash fiction stories . Flash fiction is normally around 500 words long, so try to stay within this limit.
Write a six-word story about something that happened to you today or yesterday. A six-word story is basically an entire story told in just six words. Take for example: “Another football game ruined by me.” or “A dog’s painting sold for millions.” – Six-word stories are similar to writing newspaper headlines. The goal is to summarise your story in just six words.
The most common monsters or creatures used in stories include vampires, werewolves , dragons, the bigfoot, sirens and the loch-ness monster. In a battle of intelligence, who do you think will win and why?
Think about an important event in your life that has happened so far, such as a birthday or the birth of a new sibling. Now using the 5 W’s and 1 H technique describe this event in great detail. The 5 W’s include: What, Who, Where, Why, When and the 1 H is: How. Ask yourself questions about the event, such as what exactly happened on that day? Who was there? Why was this event important? When and where did it happen? And finally, how did it make you feel?
Pretend to be someone else. Think about someone important in your life. Now put yourself into their shoes, and write a day in the life story about being them. What do you think they do on a daily basis? What situations would they encounter? How would they feel?
Complete this sentence in at least 10 different ways: I remember…
Write about your dream holiday. Where would you go? Who would you go with? And what kind of activities would you do?
Which one item in your house do you use the most? Is it the television, computer, mobile phone, the sofa or the microwave? Now write a story of how this item was invented. You might want to do some research online and use these ideas to build up your story.
In exactly 100 words, describe your bedroom. Try not to go over or under this word limit.
Make a top ten list of your favourite animals. Based on this list create your own animal fact file, where you provide fun facts about each animal in your list.
What is your favourite scene from a book or a movie? Write down this scene. Now rewrite the scene in a different genre, such as horror, comedy, drama etc.
Change the main character of a story you recently read into a villain. For example, you could take a popular fairytale such as Jack and the Beanstalk, but this time re-write the story to make Jack the villain of the tale.
Complete the following sentence in at least 10 different ways: Do you ever wonder…
What does your name mean? Research the meaning of your own name, or a name that interests you. Then use this as inspiration for your next story. For example, the name ‘Marty’ means “Servant Of Mars, God Of War”. This could make a good concept for a sci-fi story.
Make a list of three different types of heroes (or main characters) for potential future stories.
If someone gave you $10 dollars, what would you spend it on and why?
Describe the world’s most boring character in at least 100 words.
What is the biggest problem in the world today, and how can you help fix this issue?
Create your own travel brochure for your hometown. Think about why tourists might want to visit your hometown. What is your town’s history? What kind of activities can you do? You could even research some interesting facts.
Make a list of all your favourite moments or memories in your life. Now pick one to write a short story about.
Describe the scariest and ugliest monster you can imagine. You could even draw a picture of this monster with your description.
Write seven haikus, one for each colour of the rainbow. That’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Imagine you are at the supermarket. Write down at least three funny scenarios that could happen to you at the supermarket. Use one for your next short story.
Imagine your main character is at home staring at a photograph. Write the saddest scene possible. Your goal is to make your reader cry when reading this scene.
What is happiness? In at least 150 words describe the feeling of happiness. You could use examples from your own life of when you felt happy.
Think of a recent nightmare you had and write down everything you can remember. Use this nightmare as inspiration for your next story.
Keep a dream journal. Every time you wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning you can quickly jot down things that you remember from your dreams. These notes can then be used as inspiration for a short story.
Your main character is having a really bad day. Describe this bad day and the series of events they experience. What’s the worst thing that could happen to your character?
You find a box on your doorstep. You open this box and see the most amazing thing ever. Describe this amazing thing to your readers.
Make a list of at least five possible settings or locations for future stories. Remember to describe each setting in detail.
Think of something new you recently learned. Write this down. Now write a short story where your main character also learns the same thing.
Describe the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen in your whole life. Your goal is to amaze your readers with its beauty.
Make a list of things that make you happy or cheer you up. Try to think of at least five ideas. Now imagine living in a world where all these things were banned or against the law. Use this as inspiration for your next story.
Would you rather be rich and alone or poor and very popular? Write a story based on the lives of these two characters.
Imagine your main character is a Librarian. Write down at least three dark secrets they might have. Remember, the best secrets are always unexpected.
There’s a history behind everything. Describe the history of your house. How and when was your house built? Think about the land it was built on and the people that may have lived here long before you.
Imagine that you are the king or queen of a beautiful kingdom. Describe your kingdom in great detail. What kind of rules would you have? Would you be a kind ruler or an evil ruler of the kingdom?
Make a wish list of at least three objects you wish you owned right now. Now use these three items in your next story. At least one of them must be the main prop in the story.
Using nothing but the sense of taste, describe a nice Sunday afternoon at your house. Remember you can’t use your other senses (i.e see, hear, smell or touch) in this description.
What’s the worst pain you felt in your life? Describe this pain in great detail, so your readers can also feel it.
If you were lost on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere, what three must-have things would you pack and why?
Particpate in online writing challenges or contests. Here at Imagine Forest, we offer daily writing challenges with a new prompt added every day to inspire you. Check out our challenges section in the menu.

Do you have any more fun creative writing exercises to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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225 Fun & Free Creative Writing Prompts for Kids in All Grade Levels

Two students sit at a desk together working on writing prompts for kids.

Written by Maria Kampen

Prodigy English is here! Get your students playing — and learning — today.

Teacher Resources
Prodigy English
Elementary school writing prompts

Middle school writing prompts

High school writing prompts.

Social emotional learning jounal prompts
Math writing prompts

Writing prompts are meant to unlock creativity. They’re story starters designed to inspire creative thinking. They can take you to places you’ve been or recall an important time in your life.

But mostly, they’re useful tools for teachers to inspire writing growth in students from grade school to high school.

“Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…”

It’s amazing how one simple sentence can send you on a journey to places you’ve never been, filled with untold possibilities.

Reading is great, but you know what’s even better? Giving your students the power to write stories for themselves.

Writing prompts for kids help students:

Express themselves and their creativity
Grasp lifelong literacy skills and concepts
Tell their own stories and build self-confidence
Develop a growth mindset when it comes to their writing skills

Writing is like a muscle — it takes practice to build up skills. Luckily, we put together a list of over 200 writing prompts to help your students get started. We’ve also organized them by middle school, high school and elementary school to help teachers decide whether these prompts are age-appropriate for their students.

Grade school writing prompts

Grade schoolers can definitely begin to address complex ideas when it comes to story writing — but you should seek to keep the prompts simple and straightforward.

Reluctant writers might be intimidated by complicated writing ideas — and this is an age where we should be encouraging creativity.

Creative writing prompts for elementary schoolers

Young child sits at a desk with a notebook and pencil, writing in the notebook.

Whether it’s exploring the furthest reaches of outer space, traveling across the Sahara desert or sticking a little closer to home, these creative writing prompts will have students imagining endless possibilities for their writing.

Write about what your life would be like if you turned into a squirrel. What would you do every day?
A strange spaceship just crashed and landed in your backyard. What happens next?
Make up a story about where thunder comes from.
You find an old notebook hidden in an attic. What does it say? Who did it belong to?
You have a magic garden. What magical plants do you grow? How do you take care of them?
Write a story about running away with the circus when it comes to town.
Rewrite “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” from the perspective of one of the dwarfs (Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy and Bashful).
There once was a little boy who ate nothing but oranges. What happened to him?
Write a story about a magical hat. Where is it from? What does it do? What does it look like?
You’re exploring the rainforest and come across a flower that no one’s ever seen before. Describe it!
Tell me a story about a dinosaur living a long, long time ago.
Tell me a story about an astronaut visiting another planet. Where are they going? How do they get there? What do they take with them?
You discover a magic portal in the park. Where does it lead to?
Pick a partner and write a story together! Start by writing the first sentence, then pass it to your partner to write the second sentence.
You find buried treasure in the park, hidden in a big wooden chest. What kind of treasure is it? Who left it there?
Write a story about a family that can travel in time.
Write a story without using the letter “E”.
Write the funniest story you can think of.
There’s a kangaroo in your classroom. How did it get there? What happens when you find it?
Write a story about an explorer who keeps getting lost. Where are they trying to go? What do they find along the way?
Write a story about a wooden door, a can of soda and a blue shoe.
If there was a magical portal in the back of your closet, where would it lead to?
Finish this story: There was a knock on the door. I opened it to find a dog sitting there, and…
You come home and find that everything in your house is upside down. What happened?
Describe the color “red” without using the word “red”.
There’s an old, abandoned house at the end of your street that’s been empty for years. One day, someone moves in.
Rewrite the story of Cinderella from the perspective of the stepsisters.
Write a backstory for Ed, the orange Prodigy mascot.
You wake up one morning and find a mermaid in your bathtub. How did they get there? What do you do?
Write a story about a monster looking for some friends.
Oh no — your balloon blew away! Write about what happens from the balloon’s perspective.
You and your friends are out for a walk when, out of nowhere, your friends start disappearing! What’s going on?
Once upon a time, an old inventor built a weather machine. It sat undiscovered for years — until you found it. What happens next?
You just ate a cookie that turned you 15 feet tall. What do you do next?

Fun writing prompts for grade schoolers

Young child sits at a table in front of a window while writing on a sheet of paper.

Everyday life is full of great inspiration for writing! Get students thinking with these easy and fun writing prompts.Write about something you are good at.

If you could write a book about anything, what would you write about?
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
Do you have a favorite animal? Tell me all about it! Why do you like it?
What would you do if you woke up one morning and everything was pink — including you?
What food can you not live without? Why?
If you could add any class to your school schedule, what would it be?
Invent a new day of the week. What is it called? When is it? What do people usually do on that day of the week?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
If you could spend a Saturday doing anything you wanted, what adventures would you get up to?
If you could have any wild animal as a pet, what would you choose? Why?
What's your favorite, wacky food?
Where is your favorite place to read? Why?
What was the coolest day of school for you? What made it exciting?
Which of your toys do you wish could talk? What would they say?
If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it look like?
Invent a machine to do a chore for you. What does the machine do? What does it look like?
What's your favorite season? What makes it the best?
What is your favorite math game and why?
Describe your real-life superpower.
Finish the story: When I'm older I want to be an expert in…
If pets could talk to each other, what would they say?
If you were the captain of a ship, what would you call your ship? What would it look like? Where would you go?
If your pet could talk to you, what do you think it would say?
If you were the only person on earth for one day, what would you do?
Plan the perfect birthday party for yourself.
What is your favorite thing to do over summer break?
Describe your ideal birthday cake.
If you could add any type of room to your house, what would it be?
What’s your favorite movie and why?

Persuasive writing prompts for elementary school

Top-down photograph of a girl with braids sitting at a desk next to another student and writing in a notebook.

Are your students’ opinions up for debate? Ask them to flex their critical thinking skills with these persuasive writing prompts. Once they’re done, get class discussion flowing with a spirited debate!

Write a letter convincing your parents to let you get a pet dog. What arguments do you use to persuade them?
Convince your teacher that you should be allowed an extra 15 minutes of recess.
Convince your best friend to read your favorite book.
How would you convince someone to do your chores for you?
Write a commercial for your favorite breakfast food. What would convince someone else to try it?
What flavor of chips is the best? Why?
What would make a better pet — a monkey or a peacock?
Do you think children should be allowed to stay up as late as they want?
What’s your favorite holiday and why should it be everyone’s favorite?
Convince us that your favorite food should be a staple in everyone’s diet.

As students enter middle school, they’re starting to feel like bigger, older kids. They can start writing original short stories and abstract persuasive essays.

It’s best to inspire creativity at this age and encourage them to explore their own voice and different writing styles. These prompts will definitely go a long way in inspiring that.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers

Invent a new type of transportation for the future. Who uses it? Where does it go?
If you had a time machine, where would you visit first — the past or the future? Why?
You get on the bus and find a four-piece jazz band giving a concert. What do you do?
Design and name your own Prodigy pet . What element are they? What’s their special power?
Finish this story: “Something just touched my foot,” they shouted, swimming frantically towards the shore.
Write a silly or scary story to tell around a campfire.
Finish this story: Everything was going so well today — until I tripped and fell, right in front of…
Throughout your adventures as a pirate on the high seas, you’ve seen lots of strange and magical creatures. Which one was the most interesting?
Deep in the heart of a dark and mysterious cave, there lies a magic stone. Write about your quest to find it.
Write an acrostic poem using the word “strawberry.”
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She knit and she baked, but what else did she do?
Finish this story: “One thing I’ll never do again,” she said, “Is go on vacation with an alpaca.”
Make up a new planet and describe it.
Write a story about a family of penguins living on an iceberg.
Write a story about a girl who can walk through walls.
You’ve been invited to a ball at the Queen’s palace! What is it like?
Imagine you’re exploring the Amazon jungle. Write a diary entry about your day.
If you could invent a TV show, what would it be about?
You discovered an underwater kingdom! What is it like there?
A lonely trumpet player makes friends with the dancer who lives next door. What happens next?
You go to the park to fly a kite, but get carried away by the wind! What happens next?
Write a story about a volcano that’s about to erupt.
Write a story about visiting an old lady who lives deep in the woods.
Boom, you’re a superhero! Give yourself an origin story, describe your superpowers and plan what you’ll do to make the world a better place.
Write a story using these six words: calendar, headphones, lipstick, mug, bear.
You wake up to find you’re invisible. How did it happen? What do you do?
There’s been a robbery at the bank, and you’re in charge of finding the culprit. How do you solve the case?
Finish the story: Once upon a time, there was a dragon...
You just joined a super-secret spy organization. What’s your first mission?
Write a story about being cold without using the word “cold.”
You’re a scientist and you’ve just discovered a new type of bug. Describe what it looks like, where it’s from and what you’re going to call it.
Imagine a world where all the birds can talk. What would they say?
Write about what happens after the end of your favorite book or movie.
Finish the story: She sprinted down the driveway to the mailbox. The package was here!
You’re on a hike and a bird starts talking to you. What do you do? What does it say?
Write a story using these five words: bubblegum, stapler, spoon, lightbulb, strawberry.
You ate a magical carrot and your skin turned orange! What happens next?
Write about what it would be like if you had an elephant for a pet.

Fun Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers

If you were in charge of the classroom for a day, what would your class do?
Tell me about the last dream you had.
You’re trapped on a desert island. What three things did you bring with you and why?
What mythical creature would you like to have as a pet? Why?
Invent a new type of pasta. What does it look like? What does it taste like?
If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Make a plan and tell the story of your dream vacation.
Plan the perfect picnic. Where would it be? What food would you have?
If you could decorate your bedroom any way you wanted, what would it look like?
Write a story that sounds loud, using onomatopoeia (words that sound like their meaning, like crash, snort, bang and boom.)
Invent a new type of cookie. What does it taste like?
Invent a new sport. What is it called? What are the rules?
How would you disguise yourself to blend in with a forest?
You just won a special award from the president. What did you do to earn that award?
Do you collect anything? What is it and why? If not, what would you like to collect?
You just found a genie in a bottle. What three things would you wish for? (Remember, no wishing for extra wishes!
Explain how to play your favorite sport or do your favorite hobby. Make it as exciting as possible!
Describe the most beautiful sunrise or sunset you’ve ever seen.
If you could live in any book or movie, which one would you choose and why?
Imagine that you’re going on a camping trip. What do you pack to make sure the trip is fun?
If you could invent a robot to do any chore, what chore would it be? How would the robot do it?
Would you rather it was always raining, or always snowing?
Imagine you’re a toy inventor. What will you create?
Would you rather climb to the top of a mountain or go scuba diving?
Interview a family member about their childhood, then write it as a story.
What was your favorite toy growing up — why was it so special to you?

Persuasive Writing Prompts for Middle School

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
Is it better to read the book before you watch the movie, or watch the movie before you read the book?
Persuade someone to try out your favorite hobby or sport.
What’s the best way to try and persuade a friend to do what you want to do?
When is peer pressure good? When is peer pressure bad?
Is it better to have lots of friends, or just a few really good friends?
Should students be in charge of what they learn in school?

High school students can either be tasked with more complex writing prompts or breathe nuance into simple story ideas. Students can drive these prompts in a million different ways.

So while not necessarily more complicated than middle school, these prompts can be tweaked, either by the student or teacher, to encourage thought-provoking output.

Creative Writing Prompts for High Schoolers

Write a story about someone your age who lives on the other side of the world.
Pick up the nearest book and turn to page 7. Close your eyes and point to a random word on the page, then write a story about that word.
Write a story in ten words or less.
You fell asleep for 100 years. What does the world look like when you wake up?
Finish the story: “This isn’t what I hoped would happen,” she said….
You’re walking down the street when you see someone who looks exactly like you.
Write a story where the main character learns something new about themselves.
Write a story that takes place in the desert.
Write a story about a day where everything seems to go wrong.
Write a poem about the color blue.
How would your life be different if you didn’t have access to a computer, video games or your phone?

Fun writing prompts for high schoolers

You win a million dollars, but there’s a catch — you have to spend it all in 24 hours, or you lose all the money. What do you do?
Write about something you or your family does from the perspective of someone from another country.
If you could make up a new holiday, when would it be and what would it celebrate?
Go out on a nature walk and find a tree. Write the story of that tree, from the time it was a seed until now.
What’s the most boring superpower you can think of? How would it be useful?
If you could pass any law, what would it be?
You meet yourself in the future, as a grown-up at age 35 — what do you talk about?
If you had to show aliens the most important/best things in the world, what would you show them?
Who is your hero and why?
Write about the best surprise you ever got.
What are three good things you can do for the environment? How can you encourage the people around you to do good things for the environment?
What is your earliest memory? Write down as many details as you can remember.
If you could take two people – real or fictional – on a cross-country road trip, who would you take? Where would you go?
If you could have any job in the world tomorrow, what would you do?
What is the best thing about living in your city or neighbourhood?
Write a letter to your 30-year-old self. What do you think you’ll accomplish by then?
Teach me how to make your favorite recipe.
Describe the sound of your favorite song using descriptive words.

Persuasive writing prompts for high school

Should kids be allowed to use social media unsupervised? Why or why not?
Persuade someone to start a healthy habit, or get rid of a bad one.
Should all single-use plastics be outlawed? Why or why not?
Should our school have a dress code? Why or why not?
Is it more important to be right or to not hurt someone else’s feelings?
What important historical figure do you think belongs on the ten-dollar bill?
Do you think you’re born with your personality traits, or do you gain them as you grow up?
Should mobile apps be responsible for protecting your privacy — why or why not?

Social emotional learning journal prompts

Two students sit outside against a brick wall, working in notebooks.

School is about more than just books and quizzes — it’s about preparing students for the rest of their lives. Social emotional learning teaches them how to build good relationships with peers, understand and control their emotions and make healthy life decisions.

Journaling is a great way for students to reflect on their feelings in a safe, private space. Use these journaling prompts as thought starters for more social emotional learning!

Check out our list of the 25 best social emotional learning activities for students here.

Tell me about a tradition you have with your family or friends.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Have you ever found something that you lost? How did you feel when you found it?
What is something you haven’t learned this school year that you’re still wondering about?
What do you do when you’re angry? Write about three ways you calm yourself down.
Where do you feel the safest? Why do you feel safe there?
Write a poem to make a friend happy.
When was the last time you were kind to someone? How can you be kind to someone today?
How are you feeling today? Are you happy, sad, excited or anxious?
If you could give your best friend a present, what would it be?
What are the qualities you look for in a friend? Why is it important to be a good friend?
What does responsibility mean to you?
Who do you talk to when you’re worried about something? How do they make you feel better?
If you could make a card for anyone in your life, who would it be for and what would it say?
What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
Write about a time you had to make a hard decision. How did you make your decision?
What do you do to make yourself happy when you’re sad?
Write about a time you were disappointed.
What are three things that make your best friend awesome?
What do you think empathy means? Why is it important?
How can you cheer up a friend who is sad?
What makes you a good friend? How can you be a better friend?
What’s the best piece of advice a friend, parent or teacher has ever given you?
Write three goals for the rest of the school year. How are you going to accomplish them?
What does responsibility mean to you? What are you responsible for at school and at home?
What person in your life makes you feel confident?
What scares you? How can you overcome your fears?
Tell me about a time when you tried something new. How did it feel? Did you do it again?

Math writing prompts for kids

A student holds an orange with an equation written on it while working on a math writing prompt.

Whether it’s tackling word problems or explaining a new concept, writing is a surprisingly good tool for the math classroom.

A math journal can help you understand what students already know, while giving them space to work through tricky concepts on their own. Use these writing prompts to promote literacy in every subject — and help students avoid math anxiety .

Tell me everything you know about ________.
Explain, in words, how to solve this problem.
What is and isn’t true about this situation?
What is _______?
Explain two different ways to solve this problem. Which one is better?
What did you get correct in this problem?
What mistakes did you make while solving this problem?
What do you not understand about _____?
Write a word problem using the concept we’re learning about.
What did you learn today?
How do you use math in your everyday life?
What is the easiest/hardest part of math class?
What discoveries did you make in math class today?

Final thoughts on writing prompts for kids

Writing prompts aren’t the end of the story — they’re just the beginning. Encourage your students to build a regular writing practice, and soon you’ll see the benefits in every class.

Where will your students’ imaginations take them?

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Quick Writing Prompts: Boost Your Creativity in Minutes

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 3, 2023

Categories Writing

Quick writing prompts are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. They are short, simple, and easy to use, making them perfect for those who want to write but don’t have a lot of time to spare. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, quick writing prompts can help you get started and keep you motivated.

Writing prompts are designed to inspire you and give you ideas for your writing. They can be used for any type of writing, from short stories to essays to poetry. Quick writing prompts are especially useful because they are short and to the point, making them easy to use even when you’re pressed for time. They can be used to warm up your writing muscles, break through writer’s block, or just to have fun with writing.

Using quick writing prompts can be beneficial for writers of all ages and skill levels. They can be tailored to different age groups and genres, making them versatile and adaptable. Whether you’re writing for fun or for a specific purpose, quick writing prompts can help you improve your writing skills and develop your creativity.

Key Takeaways

Quick writing prompts are short, simple, and easy to use, making them perfect for writers who are short on time.
Writing prompts are designed to inspire and give you ideas for your writing, and can be used for any type of writing.
Quick writing prompts are versatile and adaptable, and can be tailored to different age groups and genres.

Understanding Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are essential tools for writers, students, and anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. Writing prompts are questions, statements, or ideas that inspire writing. They can be used for various forms of writing, such as creative writing, reflective writing, and academic writing.

Quick writing prompts are a great way to help writers generate ideas and overcome writer’s block. They are short and straightforward, providing a starting point for writers to develop their ideas. Quick writing prompts can be used in the classroom or for personal writing projects.

Understanding writing prompts is crucial to developing strong writing skills. Decoding what a prompt is asking can be overwhelming, but the sooner you understand a prompt, the sooner you can start writing. Here are some tips to help you understand writing prompts:

Read the prompt carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the prompt. Read it carefully to ensure you know what is being asked.
Identify the key terms: Identify the key terms in the prompt, such as “analyze,” “compare,” or “describe.” These terms will help you understand what is expected of you.
Brainstorm ideas: Once you understand the prompt, brainstorm ideas. Write down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated to the prompt. This will help you develop your ideas and get started on your writing.
Organize your thoughts: After brainstorming, organize your thoughts. Create an outline or mind map to help you structure your writing.
Revise and edit: After writing, revise and edit your work. Make sure it meets the requirements of the prompt and that it is well-written and error-free.

In conclusion, understanding writing prompts is essential for developing strong writing skills. Quick writing prompts are a great way to generate ideas and overcome writer’s block. By following these tips, you can decode writing prompts and develop your writing skills.

Importance of Quick Writing Prompts

Quick writing prompts are an essential tool for improving writing skills. They are short writing exercises that can be completed in a few minutes. These prompts are designed to help students practice writing, improve their imagination, and develop their creativity.

Quick writing prompts are an effective way to help students develop their writing skills. By practicing writing on a regular basis, students can improve their writing skills, which can help them in all areas of their academic and professional lives.

Quick writing prompts can also help students develop their imagination and creativity. By providing students with a writing prompt, they are forced to think creatively and come up with new and interesting ideas. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle with creative writing.

Quick writing prompts can also provide inspiration for students who may be struggling to come up with ideas for their writing assignments. By providing a starting point, students can focus their energy on developing their ideas rather than trying to come up with a topic from scratch.

Overall, quick writing prompts are an important part of the writing process. They can help students develop their skills, improve their imagination and creativity, and provide inspiration for their writing assignments. By incorporating quick writing prompts into their writing practice, students can become more confident and skilled writers.

Quick Writing Prompts for Different Age Groups

Kids have wonderful imaginations, and there are many fun and engaging writing prompts that can help them develop their creativity and writing skills. Here are some quick writing prompts for kids:

Prompt	Description
A Magic Wand	If you had a magic wand, what would you do with it?
My Favorite Animal	Write about your favorite animal and why you like it.
A Day at the Beach	Describe a day at the beach, from the sand between your toes to the waves crashing on the shore.
A Funny Story	Write a funny story about something that happened to you or someone you know.
If I Were President	If you were the president, what would you do?

For Young Writers

Young writers are often looking for writing prompts that are a bit more challenging and thought-provoking. Here are some quick writing prompts for young writers:

Prompt	Description
The Future	Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What do you see?
A Haunted House	Write a story about a haunted house.
A Memorable Vacation	Describe a vacation that you will never forget.
A Letter to Your Future Self	Write a letter to yourself that you will read in 10 years.
A Dream	Write about a dream that you had, and try to make it as vivid and detailed as possible.

Adults may find it challenging to come up with writing prompts that are both interesting and quick. Here are some quick writing prompts for adults:

Prompt	Description
A Childhood Memory	Write about a memory from your childhood.
A Turning Point	Describe a turning point in your life.
A Favorite Place	Write about a place that is special to you.
A Letter to Your Younger Self	Write a letter to your younger self, and offer some advice.
A Personal Challenge	Write about a personal challenge that you have overcome.

No matter what your age, there are quick writing prompts that can help you develop your creativity and writing skills. These prompts can be a great way to get started, and they can be a lot of fun too!

Genre-Specific Quick Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for quick writing prompts that are genre-specific, you’re in luck. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Write a story that begins with the line, “It was a dark and stormy night.”
Write a story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world.
Write a story about a character who can time travel.
Write a story about a character who discovers they have a superpower.
Write about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
Write about a time when you overcame a fear.
Write about a time when you learned an important lesson.
Write a letter to your future self.
Write a letter to someone you admire.
Write a letter to someone who has impacted your life in a positive way.
Write an essay about the importance of education.
Write an essay about the benefits of exercise.
Write an essay about the impact of social media on society.

These prompts are just a starting point. Use them as inspiration to come up with your own ideas, or modify them to fit your specific writing goals. Happy writing!

Using Everyday Objects and Scenarios as Writing Prompts

One of the easiest ways to get started with writing is by using everyday objects and scenarios as writing prompts. By using what’s around you, you can quickly come up with ideas and write about them.

For example, you could write about the cup of tea you’re drinking right now. Describe the taste, the aroma, the temperature, and the color. Write about the memories it brings up or the emotions it evokes.

Another idea is to write about the room you’re in. Describe the furniture, the colors, the lighting, and the decor. Write about the mood it creates or the memories it holds.

Food is another great source of inspiration. Write about the meal you had for lunch or the snack you’re having right now. Describe the flavors, the textures, and the presentation. Write about the culture it represents or the memories it brings up.

A photo is another great writing prompt. Choose a photo from your phone or a magazine and write about it. Describe the colors, the composition, and the emotions it evokes. Write about the story behind the photo or the memories it brings up.

The city you live in or the weather outside can also be great writing prompts. Write about the sights, the sounds, and the smells of the city. Write about how the weather makes you feel or the memories it brings up.

Coffee is another everyday object that can inspire writing. Write about the taste, the aroma, and the temperature. Write about the culture it represents or the memories it brings up.

If you have a garden or a dog, they can also be great sources of inspiration. Write about the colors, the smells, and the sounds. Write about the memories they bring up or the emotions they evoke.

Finally, spring is a great time to find inspiration. Write about the colors, the smells, and the sounds of spring. Write about the new beginnings or the memories it brings up.

Creative Writing Prompts Involving Relationships

Relationships are a fundamental part of human life, and they can be a great source of inspiration for creative writing prompts. Here are some prompts that involve relationships:

Family: Write a story about a family reunion where long-held secrets are revealed.
Siblings: Write a story about two siblings who have grown apart over the years and are forced to spend time together again.
Friendship: Write a story about two friends who have a falling out and then reconcile years later.
Parents: Write a story about a parent who is struggling to connect with their child.
Best Friend: Write a story about a best friend who moves away and the impact it has on the other person.

Relationships can be complicated, and these prompts offer a chance to explore the different dynamics that can exist between people. They can also be a way to examine the emotions that come with these relationships, such as love, jealousy, and anger.

When writing about relationships, it’s important to keep in mind that there are always two sides to every story. Try to explore both perspectives and show how each character is feeling. This will make the story more well-rounded and relatable.

Additionally, relationships can be a great way to explore themes such as forgiveness, loyalty, and betrayal. These themes can add depth and complexity to a story and make it more engaging for readers.

Overall, relationships are a rich and fertile ground for creative writing prompts. By exploring the different dynamics that exist between people, writers can create compelling stories that resonate with readers.

Imaginative Writing Prompts

Imaginative writing prompts are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, these prompts can help you come up with new and exciting ideas for your next writing project.

Here are some imaginative writing prompts to get you started:

Cat : Write a story from the perspective of a cat who can talk. What does the cat have to say about their human family and their daily life?
Ship : Write a story about a group of people who are stranded on a deserted ship in the middle of the ocean. How do they survive and what challenges do they face?
Superpower : Imagine you have a superpower. What is it and how do you use it? Write a story about your adventures as a superhero.
Hero : Write a story about a hero who saves the day. Who is the hero and what do they do to save the day?
Mars : Imagine you are the first person to set foot on Mars. What do you see and what do you do? Write a story about your adventures on the red planet.
Magic : Write a story about a person who discovers they have magical powers. What do they do with their powers and how do they learn to control them?
Rainbow : Write a story about a rainbow that comes to life. What adventures does the rainbow have and who does it meet along the way?

These are just a few examples of imaginative writing prompts that can help you get started on your next writing project. Use your imagination and have fun with these prompts to create something truly unique and exciting.

Emotion-Based Writing Prompts

Writing about emotions can be a powerful tool to help you process and understand your feelings. Here are a few emotion-based writing prompts to get you started:

Write about a time when you felt embarrassed. What happened? How did you react? What did you learn from the experience?
Describe a situation that made you feel afraid or scared. What were the circumstances? How did you cope with your fear? Did you learn anything from the experience?
Write about a time when you felt angry. What triggered your anger? How did you express your anger? Did you resolve the situation? If so, how?
Describe a situation that made you feel jealous. What was the source of your jealousy? How did you react? Did you learn anything from the experience?
Write about a time when you felt overwhelmed with emotion. What was the cause of your emotional state? How did you cope with your feelings? Did you seek help or support? If so, how did that help you?

When writing about emotions, it’s important to be honest with yourself and not judge your feelings. Remember that everyone experiences emotions differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Use these prompts as a starting point to explore your emotions and gain insight into your inner world.

Self-Reflective Writing Prompts

Self-reflection is an essential part of personal growth and development. Writing about your thoughts and experiences can help you gain clarity, understand yourself better, and identify areas for improvement. Here are some self-reflective writing prompts to get you started:

What is your biggest secret, and why have you kept it hidden?
How do you perceive yourself when you look in the mirror, and how does that compare to how others see you?
What is your biggest weakness, and how have you tried to overcome it?
Reflect on a time when you made a mistake. What did you learn from it, and how did it change you?
What are your core values, and how do they influence your decisions and actions?
How do you handle stress, and what coping mechanisms do you use?
Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. What factors did you consider, and how did you ultimately make your choice?
What are your long-term goals, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

Writing about these topics can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By exploring your thoughts and feelings, you may discover new insights about yourself and gain a deeper understanding of your own motivations and behaviors.

When writing about sensitive or personal topics, it’s essential to create a safe and supportive environment for yourself. Consider finding a quiet and private space to write, and set aside dedicated time for reflection. Remember that you don’t have to share your writing with anyone else if you don’t want to.

In conclusion, self-reflective writing prompts can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By exploring your thoughts and experiences, you can gain new insights and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. So why not give it a try and see where your writing takes you?

Writing Prompts for Classroom and Teaching

Writing prompts are an excellent tool for teachers to help their students develop their writing skills. They can be used in a variety of ways, from daily warm-ups to longer writing assignments. Here are some ideas for using writing prompts in the classroom:

Daily Warm-Ups

One way to use writing prompts is as a daily warm-up activity. Set aside a few minutes at the beginning of class for students to respond to a prompt. This can help them get into the writing mindset and prepare them for the day’s lesson.

Brainstorming

Writing prompts can also be used as a brainstorming tool. Give students a prompt and ask them to brainstorm ideas related to the topic. This can be done individually or in groups. Encourage students to think creatively and come up with as many ideas as possible.

Instructional Writing

Writing prompts can also be used to teach specific types of writing. For example, if you are teaching students how to write a persuasive essay, you could give them a prompt that requires them to take a stance on a controversial issue. This will help them practice the skills they need to write a persuasive essay.

Creative Writing

Writing prompts can also be used to encourage students to be more creative in their writing. Give them a prompt that requires them to use their imagination and come up with a story or poem. This can be a fun way to get students excited about writing.

Overall, writing prompts are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to help students develop their writing skills. By incorporating them into your classroom instruction, you can help your students become better writers and thinkers.

Online Writing Prompts

There are numerous websites and blogs that offer a wide range of online writing prompts. These prompts can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and help you overcome writer’s block. Here are some popular sources for online writing prompts:

Many writing blogs offer daily or weekly writing prompts to their readers. These prompts can be a great way to get inspired and start writing. Some popular writing blogs that offer writing prompts include:

The Write Practice
Writer’s Digest

Comments Section

Another great place to find writing prompts is in the comments section of writing blogs and websites. Often, readers will share their own writing prompts or ask for suggestions from other writers. This can be a great way to find unique and interesting writing prompts that you might not have thought of otherwise.

Prompt Generators

If you’re looking for a more random or specific writing prompt, there are also several online prompt generators available. These generators can provide you with a specific character, setting, or scenario to write about. Some popular prompt generators include:

WritingExercises.co.uk
Seventh Sanctum
Writing Prompts

Overall, online writing prompts can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and help you overcome writer’s block. Whether you prefer daily prompts from a blog or more specific prompts from a generator, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

Miscellaneous Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for some quick writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few ideas to consider:

Favorite Food : Write about your favorite food. What makes it so delicious? How does it make you feel when you eat it? Can you describe the taste and texture in detail?
Favorite Season : Describe your favorite season. What do you love about it? What activities do you enjoy during this time of year? How does the weather make you feel?
Favorite Movie : Write a review of your favorite movie. What makes it so great? What are the key themes and messages of the film? How does it make you feel when you watch it?
Least Favorite Chore : Write about your least favorite chore. What makes it so unpleasant? How do you feel when you have to do it? Is there anything you can do to make it more enjoyable?
Best Gift : Describe the best gift you’ve ever received. What was it? Who gave it to you? Why was it so special?
Dream House : Imagine your dream house. What does it look like? Where is it located? What features does it have? Why is it your dream home?
Walk : Take a walk outside and write about what you see, hear, and smell. What kind of plants and animals do you encounter? How does the weather affect your experience?
Green : Write about the color green. What does it symbolize to you? How does it make you feel? What are some of your favorite things that are green?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun and engaging writing prompts for students in middle school.

Middle school students can benefit from writing prompts that are both fun and engaging. Some examples of such prompts include writing about a favorite childhood memory, describing a dream vacation, or creating a story about a superhero with unique powers.

How can quick writing prompts be used as warm-ups in the classroom?

Quick writing prompts can be used as warm-ups in the classroom to help students get into the writing mindset and practice their skills. Teachers can use prompts that are relevant to the lesson or theme of the day, or they can use prompts that are fun and creative to get students excited about writing.

What are some examples of quick write prompts for high school students?

High school students can benefit from quick write prompts that challenge them to think critically and creatively. Some examples of such prompts include writing a letter to their future selves, describing a favorite place in detail, or creating a story about a character who overcomes a difficult challenge.

What are some creative and unique writing prompts for a quick writing exercise?

Creative and unique writing prompts can help students think outside the box and develop their writing skills in new ways. Some examples of such prompts include writing a story from the perspective of an inanimate object, describing a color without using its name, or creating a poem using only five words.

How can quick writing prompts be adapted for different grade levels?

Quick writing prompts can be adapted for different grade levels by adjusting the complexity and length of the prompts. For younger students, prompts may be simpler and shorter, while older students may benefit from more challenging and thought-provoking prompts.

What are some effective strategies for using quick write prompts to improve writing skills?

Some effective strategies for using quick write prompts to improve writing skills include encouraging students to write freely without worrying about mistakes, providing feedback and constructive criticism, and incorporating prompts that challenge students to think critically and creatively.

100+ Fun Creative Writing Prompts for Kids (and Kids at Heart!)

by Sue Weems | 0 comments

One of the best ways you can foster a love of reading and writing in children is to offer lots of low-stakes opportunities to practice. These writing prompts can be used with any group of kids you're working with: elementary school, middle school, or high school writers.

Prompts can help kids break through creative writing idea blocks or boredom. Whether in a slump or starting a new project, try a prompt a day and see what happens.

Keep it as simple as possible: one notebook or document, one location, the same(-ish) time each day, and a timer set for 5, 10, or 15 minutes.

Don’t let yourself edit, reread, or rework anything. Just write. Keep the pen moving across the page. There’s no wrong way to play.

Plus, there's a great note for you, whether you're a parent or teacher or both, at the end.

Give these fun creative writing prompts a try and watch how consistent practice contributes to ideas, confidence, and yes, even stronger writing skills !

20 Journal Writing Prompts

Journal prompts are fun writing prompts that are great for recording your everyday life. It's like taking a snapshot. It's fun to look back in a month, a season, or a year to see how you've grown or changed.

One additional thought that is important to keep in mind when writing a journal writing prompt is that it encourages kids to explore answers beyond one word or sentence. The best way to get them to write more is to ask why they answered a prompt the way they did.

Asking the question why not only encourages children to consider their beliefs, wants, and values, but also pushes them to really explore their voice through creative writing ideas .

Recommended time for each: 5-7 minutes

1. What is your earliest memory? Describe this memory.

2. What is the best part of your week and why?

3. What is your favorite thing to do after school? Why?

4. What is (or was) your favorite toy? Why?

5. Describe your favorite animal or pet. Why is this your favorite? (Fun variation: Describe your favorite pet or animal's perspective of you.)

6. Describe your typical morning as if you are your bathroom mirror or a door in your home.

7. What is your favorite food? If you could choose anything, what would you pick to eat for breakfast? For lunch? For dinner?

8. Describe your last birthday party or celebration. Why is this your favorite?

9. Describe your favorite game or video game as if you are a character in the game. Walk us through it.

10. Who is your favorite person? Describe how you spend your favorite holiday with them.

11. What is your favorite character from a TV show or book and why?

12. If your life was a fairy tale, which one would it most resemble and why?

13. What is your favorite movie and why? Favorite TV show?

14. What was your favorite book to read when you were younger? What is your favorite book now? Why do you love it?

15. What is something grown-ups or family members ask you about? How does it make you feel?

16. What is one thing you are grateful for this week? Why?

17. What would your dream job be? Why?

18. What do you know a lot about that you could talk (or write) about for days?

19. What is your favorite season and why?

20. What is your favorite sport or hobby and why?

Bonus journal prompts !

21. What kind of ice cream or dessert do you love best? Why?

22. What do you hope to accomplish before you grow into an older kid or adult?

23. If you got to spend a whole day with one famous person, who would it be and what would you do?

20 Letter Writing Prompts

Letter writing may feel like a lost art, but it's a terrific way to help kids practice writing skills because it requires an audience and purpose. Letters can be written to send to real family members or best friends. And every person has a different writing style when they write a letter, which makes them unique!

Letters can also be creatively designed to be a part of a story. Or they can just be practice for writing with a fun writing prompt.

Whether or not you use letter writing prompts for students or as a meaningful exercise to strengthen writing skills with your kids at home, or as a method for creative writing practice in school, letters themselves are a timeless art and method of connecting with others.

Letters can also inspire writers to take up a diary. Who knows, maybe they'll even want to use some of these writing prompts for their next diary entry, just for continued practice.

Give these creative writing prompts a try!

Recommended time for each: 10+ minutes

24. Write a letter to the most used piece of furniture in your home.

25. Write a letter to a best friend or good friend about a wild adventure you'd like to take together.

26. Write a letter to your favorite movie star.

27. Write a letter to your favorite wild animal (or your least favorite!) in a zoo or aquarium.

28. Write a letter to a family member about something you learned on your first day of school.

29. Write a letter to your favorite TV show character about what they should do in a future episode.

30. Write a letter to an alien explaining how you do an everyday task like eating or playing.

31. Imagine you can send mail through a time machine. Write a letter to your past or future self.

32. Write a letter to the inventor of your favorite food, toy, or game. Tell them what you love about it.

33. Write a letter to a historical figure you admire.

34. Write a letter to your favorite athlete or musician explaining why you love to see them perform.

35. Write a letter to an inventor of a household object with ideas for its improvement.

36. Write a letter to a parent, teacher, or other grown up to thank them.

37. Write a letter to a person, school, or organization about something that needs to be changed.

38. Write a letter to your favorite childhood cartoon.

39. Write a letter to your favorite author.

40. Write a letter to a pet you wish you had. (This could be a wild animal or a magical creature!)

41. Write a letter to a grandparent, aunt, uncle or other grownup about the best thing they cook or bake for you.

42. Write a letter to a sibling or friend full of as many jokes as you can think of.

43. Write a letter to the sidewalk explaining why everyone walks on them.

Bonus letter writing prompts: postcards!

Postcards require you to condense your message into as few words as possible. Try these!

44. Write about a winter or summer vacation memory.

45. Tell a friend about your last school year.

20 Story Writing Prompts

If you have a little more time, you can try these prompts to write a short story. Sometimes the hardest part about writing a story is coming up with a story idea that can get you or your students and kids started.

This article is here to help everyone get over that slump. It doesn't have to be the funniest story or best story in the world to be a great story. Every writer only gets better with practice.

Don't feel like you have to take any of these upcoming story ideas too seriously. Writing a short story is not a life or death situation. It is something that you can use to explore yourself, your beliefs, and big, unanswered questions—all of which you get to explore through the eyes of a fictional character you create!

Most stories feature a main character who wants something, but conflict gets in the way. And the conflict forces them to make a crucial decision.

How will your hero pursue their goal? Figure this out by writing out your story idea!

Recommended time for each: 15+ minutes

46. Write a new ending or a next chapter for your favorite or a well-known fairy tale.

47. You get a call from your best friend that their favorite item is missing. Write a story where you work together to find it.

48. Imagine your bus or car suddenly turns into a spaceship with a course charted for outer space. What happens next?

49. A classmate or sibling calls for help and disappears before you can react. How will you find out what happened to them?

50. You're watching your favorite TV show when the screen flickers and you're transported into the show. What happens next?

51. A magical bird flies into a house and won't leave. What happens next?

52. A character finds a diary on their way home from school, and it's full of clues to a well-known lost treasure. Follow the clues.

53. You build a robot that is able to solve the world's most pressing problem, but you've lost control of it. What will you do?

54. Rewrite an historical event from the perspective of a kid your age living through it.

55. A character wakes up as the star player for their favorite sports team. The only problem is that they didn't get the skills to match. They have to go to practice to fake it until they find a way to change back.

56. A character discovers that their friend group is having a bash on the beach without them, but they know their family will be in the same area that day. What do they do?

57. A character's parent needs life-saving medicine but they can't afford it. How will the character get help?

58. In the middle of an acting class, an actor gets carried away and admits a life-changing secret. What happens next?

59. Send a dog and an armadillo on an adventure together to save another animal. (Challenge: no animals die.)

60. A first-time thief accidentally breaks into the wrong house and chaos ensues. What happens?

61. A character takes a wrong turn in a basement and gets lost in a series of underground tunnels where they find . . . finish the story.

62. Rewrite your favorite superhero scene or battle from the viewpoint of the villain.

63. A character inadvertently swaps backpacks with someone who is clearly a spy. What happens next?

64. A bookworm gets locked in a haunted library and can only find the way out by solving a ghost's riddles. How will they do it?

65. A couple kids are fishing from their canoe when a whirlpool opens and . . . what happens?

20 Story Setting Prompts

One element that can make or break a short story is the setting. You can have the most exciting story idea in the world, but if the setting falls short, the story probably will, too.

Use these creative writing prompts to play with imaginative settings that you can combine with story idea starters or character conflict that can amaze your friends and family.

Recommended time for each: 5 minutes

66. Describe a drive to town. (Challenge: Before cars were invented.)

67. Describe an underground tunnel in a forest.

68. You've just moved into your dream house when disaster strikes. Describe the scene.

69. Describe standing in the middle of a rushing stream or river.

70. Describe a new planet where an astronaut landed when they took a wrong turn in space.

71. Describe an abandoned skate park or playground.

72. Describe experiencing a storm from inside a car or bus.

73. Describe a world where everyone forgets something all the time.

74. Describe what it feels like in the top bunk of a cabin in the woods at midnight with no electricity.

75. Describe what it feels like to dangle your feet in the water from the edge of a dock.

76. Describe a restaurant with over-the-top decor.

77. Describe climbing through the branches of a tree. (Challenge: a bear is chasing you)

78. Describe how it feels to play hide-and-seek from your favorite real or imagined hiding spot.

79. Describe a fashion show. (Challenge: for puppy clothes)

80. Describe a summer hike on a challenging mountain trail.

81. Describe sitting in the bleachers during a packed event.

82. Describe a classroom or living room with too much stuff in it.

83. Describe getting stuck on a boat in the middle of a large lake or the ocean.

84. Describe the control room of a space ship or space station. (Challenge: add an emergency alarm buzzing)

85. Describe a supervillain's lair. (Challenge: add a stuffed bunny and make us believe it)

20 Character Conflict Writing Prompts

Conflict is what keeps a character from getting what they want. It can be another person (like a villain) or bad luck, a fear or flaw.

As you use this set of writing prompts, focus on making your character act in the face of conflict.

86. You receive a letter that you've been admitted to a high school that builds treehouses, but on the first day, you realize you're afraid of heights. What will you do?

87. You discover you have a superpower only to realize that you can only use it in one small confined space. What will you do?

88. A character spent a month and a lot of money decorating and preparing for an outdoor party when a freak snow storm hits. What will they do?

89. In the middle of a talent show, a performer begins reciting a poem that someone else wrote and had never shared with anyone. Write the confrontation scene.

90. A wilderness guide wanders off track losing a group of kids who have to survive on their wits and teamwork. How will they do it?

91. A singer joins a reality TV show contest when their twin sibling shows up one stage and says they are singing the same song. What happens next?

92. A scientist finds a rare rock formation that opens into another world, but his arch enemy appears as they're inspecting it. What will they do?

93. A bully gets trapped inside their favorite social media app and has to figure out how to make amends with those they have hurt to find their way out. How will they do it?

94. A family who often argues gets snowed into a cabin together one winter. How will they survive the storm and each other?

95. A character's cat goes missing and a week later, they see a grumpy neighbor feeding it on the back porch. How will they get it back?

96. A gamer stumbles into a chat room where other users are planning to shut down the network, and he has to find a way to stop them before it's too late.

97. A character is quietly finishing his work at school when there's a knock at the door and he gets called into the hallway where the frowning principal and another student wait. What happens next?

98. A knight is captured and told they will fight the fiercest creature in the land to the death. When they enter the arena, what do they see and how do they defeat it?

99. A spy on a top secret mission enters an enemy camp and sees their brother who is clearly part of the organization they're spying on. What do they do?

100. An assassin accidentally bumps into their arch enemy . . . at a children’s carnival where they’ve both taken their kids for an outing. What do they do?

101. A dancer gets a job on a video shoot for their favorite band of all time, but when rehearsal begins, they realize something isn't right. What happens and what will they do?

102. A tree crashes down destroying a hiker's only known bridge on the path back to their car, and their cell phone has no service. What will they do?

103. A soccer star is headed into the championship game, but they have been in a scoring slump for the entire series. What will they do to get out of their head and lead their team to victory?

104. Last year's art show winner is given the opportunity to judge this year's contest. They weren't supposed to see any of the entries before the competition, but they accidentally see a small section of the school bully's painting as they dragged it down the hall to display. When the judge arrives to view the show, they realize that the bully's work is really good, but the bully has been so mean to them and their friends. What will they do?

105. A student newspaper editor is stuck and doesn't know what to write, but their story deadline is tomorrow and they were just assigned a book report too! How will they finish on time?

A Special Note for Teachers and Parents of Kid Writers

Teaching kids to write can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t feel confident as a writer yourself. I work from three principles that help me encourage writers:

Writing is hard work whether you are a beginner or a professional. Honor the process and write alongside your kids. It’s magic.
Build on strengths and state explicitly what is working, what is clear, and what is unique about the writer’s voice and work.
Beginning and developing writers cannot address everything at once. Invest in a cycle of deliberate practice, feedback , and application. Repeat.

Overall, writing is an amazing way to empower students by teaching them to use their voice and imaginations. Sometimes all they need is a little help getting started.

These writing prompts are designed for kids of all ages. Pull one or several and use as a great activator for a class—or a fun writing session in general!

It's important to teach children to use their voices, and to stretch their imaginations. Starting with these creative writing prompts for kids might be just what they need to get started, and gain confidence in exploring and sharing their ideas.

What are some of your favorite kids writing prompts? Let us know in the comments .

It's time to use some of these creative writing prompts for kids to practice!

Depending on how much time you'd like to write, choose one of the writing prompts from this article's list. Set a timer for fifteen minutes , or ten or five. Then, write!

Don't worry about editing. Just press start and go for it! When you're done, take it one step further and share what you—or your students—come up with together.

If you're an adult/ kid-at-heart who wrote to a prompt, please share your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop here . And once you've shared, be sure to leave feedback for someone else who has shared their writing!

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

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75 Historical Fiction Writing Prompts to Inspire You

A modern interpretation of a Victorian scene: a woman dressed in a stylish, contemporary dress with subtle Victorian influences, such as lace detailing or a high neckline. She's seated at a sleek, modern writing desk that has the essence of mahogany. In her hand is a stylish fountain pen, and she's surrounded by contemporary reinterpretations of leather-bound books. The room is lit by the warm glow of modern LED candles, complementing the modern-yet-classic aesthetic. There are fresh roses on the desk, with the scene captured in sharp detail to emulate the quality of a high-resolution photograph taken with advanced camera equipment.

Table of Contents

Explore the depths of the past with our list of 75 Historical Fiction Writing Prompts. Ignite your creativity and embark on a journey through time with compelling story ideas that bring history to life. Perfect for writers seeking inspiration for their next historical masterpiece.

Ancient World

Stepping into the realms of the ancient world offers a unique opportunity to weave narratives steeped in the mysteries and marvels of bygone eras. Whether you’re looking to craft tales of pharaohs’ curses, Spartan warriors, the philosophical minds of Athens, or the formidable legions of Rome, the ancient world is ripe with stories waiting to be told. As a writer, you possess the power to resurrect lost civilizations and breathe life into their stories through your words. Below, you’ll find a curated collection of ancient world writing prompts, each a spark to ignite the imagination and transport readers back to the dusty pages of history where legends were born and epic sagas unfolded. So sharpen your quill (or stylus) and prepare to embark on a literary odyssey that transcends time.

The Lost Scroll: A scribe in ancient Alexandria finds a scroll that could change history.
The Gladiator’s Dilemma: A Roman gladiator earns his freedom but at a cost to his honor.
Spartan Secrets: A Spartan warrior’s loyalty is tested on the eve of battle.
Pharaoh’s Shadow: A servant in the Pharaoh’s palace uncovers a plot against the ruler.
The Oracle’s Whisper: An oracle in Delphi receives a prophecy that could start a war.

Medieval Times

The medieval era, a tapestry rich with the chivalric code of knights, the silent whispers of castles, and the tumultuous shifts of power, offers a wellspring of narrative potential for any writer. It is a time where myth intertwines with the harsh truths of life, where dragons could be slain and kingdoms could rise or fall based on the whims of fate. This collection of medieval writing prompts invites you to don your literary armor and charge into the fray of storytelling. From the misty highlands of Scotland to the grand courts of Byzantine emperors, let each prompt guide you through the shadowed forests of history to the very heart of the Middle Ages. Here, amongst the echoes of crusaders’ calls and minstrels’ songs, you might just find the inspiration for your next great tale, one quill stroke at a time.

The Silent Bard: A mute musician witnesses a royal murder in medieval France.
The Alchemist’s Apprentice: An alchemist’s apprentice discovers the secret to turning lead into gold.
The Heretic’s Library: A scholar in the Spanish Inquisition hides forbidden books.
The Crusader’s Vow: A knight on the Crusades questions his faith.
The Plague Healer: A herbalist in a plague-ridden village has a cure that could save or condemn her.

Age of Exploration

As dawn broke over the Age of Exploration, a new chapter in the annals of history was penned, marked by the creak of timber, the billow of sails, and the whisper of the ocean guiding explorers to unknown horizons. This epoch, rife with discovery and peril, is a fertile ground for storytellers drawn to the siren call of adventure and the promise of the uncharted. Our collection of writing prompts beckons you to navigate the high seas of your imagination, to chart a course through tempests and stars, and to recount the tales of intrepid voyagers who sought new lands, treasures, and truths. Embark on a voyage through your prose, and capture the spirit of conquistadors, the ingenuity of cartographers, and the bravery of those who dared to dream beyond the map’s edge. Let these prompts be your astrolabe, guiding you through the storied waters of the Age of Exploration, where every point on the compass leads to narrative possibilities as vast as the Atlantic itself.

The Mapmaker’s Conspiracy: A cartographer in the Age of Exploration finds a map to a new world.
The Stowaway’s Journey: A stowaway on Magellan’s fleet encounters unknown lands.
The Merchant’s Gamble: A spice merchant in Renaissance Venice risks everything on a new trade route.
The Conquistador’s Regret: A conquistador in the New World confronts the consequences of his quest for gold.
The Pirate’s Code: A pirate is torn between the freedom of the sea and the love left behind.

Colonial & Revolutionary Eras

In the shadows of Colonial and Revolutionary times, a fierce wind of change began to stir, a prelude to the thunderous revolution that would shake the foundations of empires and give birth to new nations. This era, a crucible of innovation, ideology, and insurrection, is a goldmine for those who dare to delve into its complex heart through the art of storytelling. Our trove of writing prompts invites you to step onto the cobblestone streets of colonial towns, to eavesdrop on the secret meetings of revolutionaries, and to witness the forging of foundational documents that would forever alter the course of history. As you take pen to paper, let your narratives be infused with the cries for liberty, the smoke of musket fire, and the silent, steely resolve of those who fought in the shadows and in the spotlight for a future they believed in. Through your words, the echoes of the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras can resound anew, telling tales of sacrifice, of unyielding hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom that defined these tumultuous chapters of history.

The Witch’s Advocate: A lawyer in Salem tries to save the accused during the witch trials.
The Rebel’s Message: A spy during the American Revolution carries a message that could turn the tide of war.
The Loyalist’s Dilemma: A British loyalist in America struggles with their allegiance as revolution brews.
The Queen’s Colony: A member of the first colony in Australia uncovers a royal secret.
The Duel’s Witness: A young man witnesses a duel that changes the fate of a nation.

19th Century Intrigue

The 19th century: an era of stark contrasts where the gas-lit streets of progress and the shadows of intrigue walked hand in hand. This was a time when the whispers of revolution still lingered in the air, and the clatter of the Industrial Revolution’s gears heralded a new age of possibility. Our collection of writing prompts dips its quill into the inkwell of a century alive with the undercurrents of political conspiracies, the early cries for social reform, and the elegant, often cutthroat, machinations of high society. Let these prompts guide you through drawing rooms and factories alike, into the lives of inventors, poets, and rebels. Craft narratives that capture the smog and the splendor, the corsets and the coal mines, the locomotives and the literature that characterized this period of ceaseless transformation. In the 19th century’s tapestry, every thread tells a story of discovery and deceit, a personal tale against a backdrop of burgeoning empires and fading aristocracies. Through your storytelling, bring to life the subtle dances of diplomacy and the loud declarations for change, all under the watchful eyes of Victorian propriety and the relentless pursuit of progress.

The Industrialist’s Discovery: An inventor during the Industrial Revolution creates a machine that could alter the course of history.
The Abolitionist’s Mission: An abolitionist in the antebellum South smuggles slaves to freedom.
The Empress’s Assassin: An assassin in the court of Napoleon III has a change of heart.
The Gold Rush’s Hidden Treasure: A prospector in the California Gold Rush finds much more than gold.
The Outlaw’s Honor: An infamous outlaw in the Wild West encounters an old love.

Wars of the 20th Century

The 20th century was a time scarred by the fury of war, an age that witnessed the world in tumult, from the trenches of the Great War to the shattering advances of the atomic age. In this era of conflict, humanity’s greatest tales of heroism and horror unfolded, where every soldier’s story was a chapter, and every battlefield a brutal verse in the saga of the century. Our writing prompts plunge you into the heart of these wars, asking you to chronicle the human spirit amidst the chaos of battle, the silence of a ceasefire, and the bittersweet returns to peace. These prompts encourage you to explore the personal amidst the universal, the individual emotions that played out against the vast canvas of global conflict.

Through your words, traverse the muddy, blood-stained grounds of No Man’s Land, the cryptic corridors of espionage, and the home fronts charged with anxious hope and sacrifice. Your tales can give voice to the unspoken bonds of brotherhood in the trenches, the quiet strength in the face of loss, and the resilience needed to rebuild in war’s wake. As you tell stories of the 20th century’s wars, reflect on the echoes of battle cries and peace songs that shaped our modern world, and remember the countless lives marked by those deafening salvos of change.

The Soldier’s Letter: A soldier in World War I writes a letter home that holds a secret.
The Spy’s Opera: A spy in World War II uses an opera performance as a cover for espionage.
The Refugee’s Journey: A refugee during the Vietnam War seeks a new life in America.
The General’s Decision: A general in the Korean War faces a moral quandary.
The Protester’s Dream: A civil rights activist in the 1960s fights for equality.

Modern Historical Events

In the ever-accelerating rush of modern history, events cascade one after the other, shaping and reshaping the contours of the present. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the digital revolution, the turn of the millennium has been anything but quiet. Your pen stands ready to sketch the stories of this rapidly changing landscape, where every headline has the potential to become a pivotal moment in someone’s life. These writing prompts invite you to explore the personal stories intertwined with public records, to navigate the complexities of a world more connected than ever before.

You have the opportunity to animate the tales of unsung heroes in the wake of natural disasters, to decode the human emotions behind technological breakthroughs, and to paint the picture of global unity in the fight against pandemics. The modern era, with its blend of breakthroughs and breakdowns, its chorus of diverse voices striving for progressamid echoes of past struggles, is your canvas.

Dive into the nuanced layers behind the 24-hour news cycle, where every individual is both an observer and a participant in the march of history. Through your narratives, bring forth the essence of modern historical events — the fear, the hope, the ambition, and the striving for a tomorrow that is always just one day away.

The Wall’s Whisper: A citizen in Berlin during the Cold War hears secrets through the wall.
The Diplomat’s Crisis: A diplomat during the Cuban Missile Crisis navigates treacherous negotiations.
The Journalist’s Scoop: A journalist uncovers a scandal during the Watergate investigation.
The Survivor’s Memory: A survivor of 9/11 copes with the memories and loss.
The Rebel’s Graffiti: An artist during the Arab Spring uses graffiti to spread revolutionary messages.

Future Historical Fiction

The realm of future historical fiction is a paradoxical tapestry, weaving together the threads of tomorrow’s history with the imagination of today. It’s a genre that invites writers to dream up the potential legacies of our time, casting shadows of what might be onto the blank slates of worlds yet to come. These writing prompts beckon you to envision the milestones of the future, from the first colonies on Mars to the deep sea cities of Earth, from the peace treaties signed with artificial intelligence to the cultural revolutions sparked by technologies unborn.

As a chronicler of future histories, you hold the power to mold the narrative of the next century and beyond, to speculate on the outcomes of current global challenges, and to infuse your stories with the hopes, dreams, and fears that define the human condition. Will you tell of the day when climate change was finally reversed? Of the moment when humanity first made contact with another sentient race among the stars? Or perhaps you’ll chart the moral dilemmas faced by our descendants as they blend their biology with machines.

In this uncharted territory, your words become the prophecies and legends of generations yet to be, painting vivid pictures of what might come to pass. Embrace the freedom of future historical fiction, where the facts are yours to create, and history’s yet unwritten pages are waiting for your imagination to bring them to life.

The Colonist’s New World: A colonist on Mars uncovers the ruins of an ancient civilization.
The Time Traveler’s Paradox: A time traveler to the future must ensure their own history remains unchanged.
The Geneticist’s Dilemma: A geneticist creates a cure for aging, but at what cost to society?
The Climate Engineer’s Gamble: A scientist tries to reverse global warming but unleashes a new threat.
The AI’s Awakening: An AI becomes sentient and leads a robot revolution.

Diverse Perspectives & Untold Stories

In the vast expanse of human history, there are countless narratives that have been overshadowed or left untold, whispers of lives and dreams that didn’t find their way into the pages of widely read history books. The genre focusing on diverse perspectives and untold stories seeks to illuminate these hidden corners, offering a voice to the voiceless and shading in the areas that mainstream narratives have left blank. These writing prompts challenge you to step into the shoes of those who walked unseen, to share the tales of individuals and communities that history has overlooked.

As you embark on this storytelling journey, consider the perspectives of those who have historically been marginalized: the stories of women who spurred silent revolutions, the narratives of indigenous peoples preserving their heritage against the tide of colonization, or the personal triumphs and trials of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Imagine the courage of those who fought for equality and recognition in a world that often denied them both.

This is your chance to rewrite the narrative, to bring color and context to the monochrome renditions of our past, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of human diversity. Through your tales, let readers witness the world through the eyes of those who have lived on the periphery, whose every day was a testament to resilience and whose legacies deserve to be remembered and revered. In the unearthing of these untold stories, you can shine a light on the myriad hues of the human experience, fostering empathy and understanding across the boundaries that have divided us.

The Translator’s Secret: A translator for the United Nations uncovers a conspiracy.
The Immigrant’s Keepsake: An immigrant’s journey to Ellis Island with a family heirloom.
The Samurai’s Disgrace: A samurai in feudal Japan is forced to become a ronin.
The Courtesan’s Court: A courtesan in ancient China navigates the deadly politics of the Emperor’s court.
The Freedom Fighter’s Promise: A freedom fighter in apartheid-era South Africa makes a fateful promise.

Romantic Epochs

The Romantic Epochs whisper to us of an age where passion was penned in ink and love was a grand affair, played out against the backdrop of history’s most poignant moments. This genre invites you to unfurl the scrolls of time and inscribe new tales of ardor where the heart’s desires meet the turning points of the past. Your writing prompts are keys to unlock the gilded cages of regal courts, to waltz through the candlelit ballrooms of the Belle Époque, or to steal away into the secret trysts amidst the Renaissance’s rebirth of art and culture.

In crafting narratives of romantic epochs, you are tasked with dressing love in the finest historical garments, be it in the hidden love letters of war-torn lovers or the forbidden glances in the strict societal hierarchies of the Victorian era. The characters you create live and love under the weight of their time’s customs and the expectation of decorum, all while their hearts beat to the timeless rhythms of desire, devotion, and defiance.

Let your prose dance to the music of bygone days, where each romantic entanglement is a reflection of the epoch’s soul, and every whispered promise under the moonlit sky is a thread in the tapestry of history. Your stories are an homage to the lovers of yesteryears, a celebration of how the human heart finds its counterpart in another, transcending the bounds of time and history to tell a tale as old as humanity itself – the tale of love.

The Poet’s Muse: A poet in the Romantic era is inspired by a mysterious muse.
The Heiress’s Rebellion: An heiress during the Gilded Age falls for a man deemed beneath her.
The Soldier’s Return: A World War II soldier returns home to a lover who thought him dead.
The Flapper’s Secret: A flapper in the Roaring Twenties hides a dangerous connection to organized crime.
The Bard’s Lost Play: A playwright in Elizabethan England writes a play that could destroy him.

Cultural Revolution

The term “Cultural Revolution” conjures images of seismic shifts in the social fabric, of eras where the very foundations of society were shaken by the collective yearning for change. Within these tumultuous waves of transformation, lie stories ripe for the telling—stories of upheaval, of radical reimagining, of brave new voices rising up to challenge the status quo. Writing prompts that delve into Cultural Revolutions invite you to portray the fervor and frenzy of these times, the intimate revolutions within public upheavals.

Envision the defiant artist in the midst of a society turning its back on centuries-old traditions, or the solitary thinker whose ideas ignite the flame of change. Picture the streets alive with the spirit of reform, the silent evolution within homes, and the loud declarations in public squares. As you pen tales of cultural metamorphosis, you become a chronicler of change, documenting the struggle between the old guards and the new pioneers, capturing the moment when the zeitgeist shifts and a new era is born.

Your narratives can explore the spectrum of human emotion that accompanies such profound changes: the exhilaration, the fear, the sense of purpose, and the pangs of loss for what is left behind. From the Renaissance to the Roaring Twenties, from the countercultural 1960s to the digital explosion at the turn of the millennium, each epoch provides a playground for stories of individuals and societies forging new identities.

In the throes of a Cultural Revolution, every act is a statement and every day is a page in history. Your writing can breathe life into these pages, inviting readers to experience the rebirth of culture, to feel the pulse of the times, and to witness the drama of humanity redefining its destiny.

The Beatnik’s Road: A beatnik on a cross-country journey in the 50s seeks enlightenment.
The Hippie’s Protest: A hippie during the Summer of Love tries to stay true to their ideals.
The Punk’s Anarchy: A punk in the 70s London grapples with the movement’s growing violence.
The Dancer’s Escape: A dancer in Soviet Russia defects during a cold war tour.
The Activist’s Choice: An environmental activist in the 90s faces a life-altering decision.

Shadows of the Past

In the genre that explores the Shadows of the Past, the whispering echoes of bygone eras become the backdrop for narratives steeped in the mysterious and the overlooked. These writing prompts call upon you to delve into the dim corners of history, to dust off the forgotten, and to cast light upon the secrets that have slumbered through time. Here, the past is a haunting presence, a silent character that influences every twist and turn of your tale.

Imagine the weight of ancestral secrets on the shoulders of a modern protagonist, the discovery of a hidden diary revealing unwritten history, or the unraveling of a legacy that has cast a long shadow over a family’s lineage. Perhaps your story might explore the ruins of an ancient civilization, breathing life into the myths that have lingered like mist through centuries or the excavations that unearth relics that challenge the accepted narratives of our forebears.

These prompts invite you to become an archaeologist of the intangible, excavating not artifacts but stories, not treasures but truths long buried. Your words will dance with the ghosts of the past as you weave narratives that bridge the gap between then and now, showing how the echoes of yesteryear still reverberate in our present, shaping our lives in myriad unseen ways.

Crafting tales within the Shadows of the Past, you offer a rendezvous with history’s enigmas and give a voice to the tales that time has tried to silence. It’s a chance to speculate, to dream, and to ponder the ‘what ifs’ and ‘might have beens,’ all while captivating your readers with a suspenseful tug at the veils of antiquity.

The Healer’s Trial: A medieval healer is accused of witchcraft when the plague comes to her village.
The Maiden’s Voyage: A young woman on the Titanic seeks adventure but finds romance.
The Inventor’s Rivalry: An inventor in the Renaissance competes with a rival, leading to unexpected consequences.
The Miner’s Fortune: A miner during the Klondike gold rush makes a fortune but loses his soul.
The Architect’s Blueprint: An architect in Ancient Rome designs a revolutionary aqueduct.

Turn of the Century

The turn of the century, that pivotal moment where one era’s final pages give way to the fresh chapter of another, is a time ripe with both trepidation and excitement. It is a period that stands at the crossroads of progress and tradition, where the gaslights begin to dim and the electric bulb flickers to life. Your writing prompts beckon you to explore these transitional days, to capture the spirit of an age on the cusp of the modern world.

Imagine the swirl of Victorian skirts giving way to the Roaring Twenties’ flappers, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages overtaken by the chugging of the first automobiles. Picture a society enthralled by the wonders of the World’s Fair, yet clinging to the cobblestone romance of the century’s twilight. This epoch is a banquet for narrative, offering a taste of the old world and the first bite of the new.

In your stories, characters might wrestle with the rapid pace of technological innovation, or they might embrace the burgeoning movements that would define the 20th century—women’s suffrage, labor reform, artistic modernism. The air is thick with change, each day a brush stroke on the canvas of time, painting a picture of an age that looks back for a brief moment only to leap forward into the future.

Crafting tales at the turn of the century, you have the power to encapsulate the magic and the uncertainty of an age that believed in the promise of tomorrow. Your words can reflect the brilliance of innovation as well as the nostalgia for days fading into the shadows, capturing the delicate dance between the dusk of one epoch and the dawn of another.

The Suffragette’s Sacrifice: A suffragette in the early 1900s makes a controversial choice for her cause.
The Conductor’s Symphony: A conductor in 1930s Berlin hides his opposition to the regime through music.
The Farmer’s Struggle: A farmer during the Great Depression fights to keep his land and family together.
The Bootlegger’s Legacy: A bootlegger during Prohibition has a crisis of conscience.
The Aviator’s Dream: An aviator in the 1920s attempts to fly non-stop around the world.

Conflict and Resolution

“Conflict and Resolution” offer the quintessential pulse of narrative—the heart and soul of drama in the theater of human history. Writing prompts centered on this theme invite you to navigate the stormy seas of discord, the fervent clash of ideologies, and the personal battles that define the human experience. Here, you have the stage to set characters against each other, against society, or against themselves, in stories where the tension is palpable and the outcomes are uncertain.

Picture the heady rush of revolutionary fervor challenging an empire, or the quiet, internal struggle of a protagonist coming to terms with an unalterable truth. Envision the fierce battles of wills, the war of words in parliamentary debates, or the silent war within a heart caught between love and duty. These stories are as varied as they are intense, ranging from the personal to the political, from the courtroom to the battlefield.

In crafting narratives of conflict, you can delve into the essence of what it means to strive for something, to grapple with opposing forces, whether they be armies, principles, or inner demons. And within resolution, you find the aftermath, the peace that is often complex and fraught with the residue of battle, the reconciliation of relationships, or the bittersweet acceptance of change.

Your stories can offer catharsis, drawing readers through the fiery crucible of confrontation and into the soothing balm of resolution. They are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a chronicle of how, despite all odds, equilibrium is sought—be it through victory, compromise, or an understanding that some conflicts leave indelible marks that shape us forever.

In the dance of conflict and resolution, your pen becomes a sword and a salve, cutting deep to reveal truths and writing the ointment that heals the incisions of human struggle. It’s a powerful theme that resonates with the core of human storytelling, from ancient epics to modern dramas, reflecting our eternal quest for harmony in the symphony of life.

The Negotiator’s Gamble: A negotiator during the Northern Ireland peace talks faces personal and political challenges.
The Resistance’s Last Stand: A member of the French Resistance during WWII stages a daring operation.
The Spy’s Defection: A Cold War spy decides to defect, risking everything for freedom.
The Warrior’s Homecoming: A returning Crusader finds his home village drastically changed.
The Diplomat’s Secret: A diplomat in ancient China carries a message that could stop a war.

Artistic Endeavors

“Artistic Endeavors” serve as a vibrant canvas for the imagination, celebrating the creative spirit that drives individuals to express the inexpressible through their craft. Writing prompts in this vein beckon you to explore the fervent passion of the artist and the transformative power of art itself. This theme invites narratives filled with color, texture, and the intricate dance between inspiration and the arduous journey to creation.

Envision the solitary painter who whispers secrets into every stroke of the brush, or the musician whose melodies carry the weight of unspoken dreams. Picture the sculptor whose chisel frees forms from stone, or the writer whose words birth worlds from the void. Each story becomes a tribute to the labor of love that is art, the sacrifices made at its altar, and the impact it leaves upon the world and its creator.

Within these tales, you can delve into the struggles that accompany the act of creation—the doubt, the frustration, the exhilarating moments of breakthrough, and the fear of obscurity. The characters may grapple with the demands of their genius, the misunderstandings of a society that often values art less than it does more tangible achievements, or the transcendent joy of a moment of pure, unadulterated expression.

Your stories will not only showcase the artists’ journey but also highlight art’s influence on the observer, the community, and epochs of culture. Artistic Endeavors allow you to paint with words, capturing the essence of what it means to be driven by a force that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant.

Crafting narratives around Artistic Endeavors, you illuminate the myriad ways in which art reflects and shapes the human condition, how it can be both a solitary and a shared experience, and how, through the act of creation, we leave indelible marks upon the canvas of our shared humanity.

The Painter’s Canvas: A painter during the Renaissance is commissioned for a portrait that holds a secret.
The Sculptor’s Model: A sculptor in Ancient Greece falls in love with their own creation.
The Musician’s Melody: A musician in 18th-century Vienna composes a symphony that alarms the monarchy.
The Playwright’s Gambit: A playwright in Elizabethan England pens a play critical of the crown, disguised as a comedy.
The Dancer’s Challenge: A ballerina in post-war Paris must choose between her career and a forbidden love.

These 75 historical fiction writing prompts offer a gateway into the rich tapestry of the past, allowing us to explore forgotten eras, untold stories, and the lives of those who came before us. Through these prompts, we can step into the shoes of historical figures, witness pivotal moments in history, and reimagine events through the lens of fiction. Each prompt holds the potential to transport us to a different time and place, to ignite our imaginations, and to unveil the hidden truths and complexities of the human experience. So, pick up your pen and embark on a journey through history, where the past comes alive and the stories of our ancestors are waiting to be told.

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When it comes to writing, Willow Tenny is a true pro. She has a wealth of experience in SEO copywriting and creative writing, and she knows exactly what it takes to produce quality content. On her blog, Willow Writes, Willow shares top writing strategies with both beginners and experienced writers.

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50 Creative Writing Ideas to Combat Writer’s Block

A lack of creative writing ideas often leads to a writer’s worst fear: writer’s block.

It’s so easy to fall into its clutches, spending hours at your laptop (or notebook or typewriter) writing sentence after sentence only to cross every one out. Or even worse—to sit an an empty page and write nothing at all. Sometimes it takes time and hard thinking to get out of the rut once you become stuck. Sometimes, however, it takes a little more than that. Sometimes it just might take some outside help.

It can be exceedingly difficult to find solid, mature creative writing ideas on the internet. If you Google “creative writing ideas,” most of what comes up is directed at children or casual writers looking to practice a hobby. But what about creative writing ideas for adults? What about when you have the dedication, passion, and experience with writing, but you just don’t have the ideas ?

And if these don’t work, check out my other two posts on Writer’s Block (and second Writer’s Block article ).

The next time you’re at a loss for what to write about, try using these creative writing ideas and prompts below. Maybe you’ll be inspired enough to propel you straight out of your writer’s block, or maybe it’ll just be enough to get the gears turning in your head again.

50 Creative Writing Ideas (with Prompts) to Boost Your Inspiration

1. Try Writing Magical Realism

Write a story from a universe similar to this one but possessing one specific magical quality.

1. Write about two people who grow up together, eventually part ways, move to different sides of the country, and somehow still end up unintentionally running into each other very frequently for the rest of their lives.

2. Write about someone who is reincarnated over and over again and remembers all of his/her past lives, but no one else on earth remembers theirs.

3. Write about two people who are physically unable to be awake at the same time.

4. Write about a contract killer literally haunted by his first hit.

5. Write about a prophet who knows the exact day, time, and occurrence of his death years in advance.

6. Write about a character who can taste people’s emotions through the food they prepare.

7. Write about two people who dream about each other before they actually meet.

8. Write a post-apocalyptic story and explain only your main character’s coping mechanism: creating a fantasy world in his/her head and living there.

9. Write about a person who goes to the theater with friends multiple times but always sees a different movie than his/her friends see on the same screen.

10. Write about a person who grows a new finger every time he/she acts cruelly to someone.

If you want help writing your novel, I’ve got the best novel-writing guide in the universe:

12 Steps to Write a Bestselling Novel.

That link will give you advice on characters, plotting, point of view, and more.

2. Write from a Different Perspective

Use a voice and background different from your own to write something unfamiliar and fresh.

1. Write from the perspective of an advanced AI.

2. Write from the perspective of a person in the year 2550.

3. Write from perspective of a mythological siren stuck on the rocky shore of an ocean, trying to lure sailors to their deaths.

4. Write from the perspective of an “inside guy” (jury member, lawyer, judge, etc) during an important court case.

5. Write from the perspective of a family pet whose fate is decided when its owners split up.

6. Write from the perspective of a different gender when subjected to explicit sexual objectification.

7. Write from the perspective of an inanimate object in nature, like a rock or the wind.

8. Write from the perspective of someone with a chronic but not fatal illness (diabetes, OCD, Lyme disease, etc).

9. Write from the perspective of a blind person who comes home to find all the furniture in his/her apartment rearranged.

10. Write from the perspective of a fed-up guardian angel whose designated human is prone to self-sacrificial acts.

3. Write About What’s Around You

Get inspired by ordinary objects in your home.

1. Find a small object in your junk drawer (stapler remover, chewed-up pen cap, paperweight, etc) and write about how it could be used as a weapon to kill.

2. Imagine you have to hide documents essential to national security somewhere in your office or bedroom and write a story about wherever you think is the best place.

3. If the room you’re in has windows, write a story in which the room is exactly the same but with no windows, and vice versa.

4. Imagine you’re cleaning out your desk and find a secret message carved or written on the bottom of one drawer.

5. Open a book in your office, turn to a random page, blindly point to a word, and use it as the very first word of your story.

6. Find a photo of yourself and write a narrative about the photographer in that moment.

7. Pick a room in your house and recount a story, real or fictional, about how a particular object in that room came to be there.

8. Mentally (or physically, if you want to) rearrange all the furniture in your office or bedroom and write about how that changes the overall mood of the room.

9. Search your coat pockets for old recipes, notes, or trinkets and write a story centered around something you find. (If you find nothing, write about why you empty your pockets so frequently.)

10. Pick a small item from your desk drawer and write about a character who carries it around as a talisman.

4. Let Your Reading Inspire Your Writing

Use your favorite books as a launching pad to create something original.

1. Write a scene borrowing the protagonist of a book you’ve read, but cast as a different gender.

2. Research an author you enjoy, then combine his/her life with the life of a character from one of his/her books to create a new character.

3. Take a familiar scene from a book and rewrite it, adding yourself in as a character (spectator, narrator, background figure, etc).

4. Reset a scene from a book in a drastically different time period.

5. Write a different story using the same title as a familiar book.

6. If the book you’re using has a first person narrator, rewrite a scene either from the perspective of another character or in the third person.

7. Write about a fictional person who has an intense reaction (either positive or negative) to a book you’ve read.

8. Write a story using only words found in the first and last sentences of each chapter of a book.

9. Take a book you know well and write an alternate ending that is the exact opposite of the real ending (whatever you think “opposite” means).

10. If the book you’re using has a third person narrator, rewrite a scene in the first person (as one of the author’s characters or a new character).

5. Take a Plot and Write It Multiple Ways

Take a well-defined prompt and write it multiple times, each with a different ending.

1. Write about a Japanese steakhouse chef who accidentally cuts him/herself while cooking in front of a family.

2. Write about a painter who is commissioned by a family member to paint a dead man/woman using no pictures, only descriptions from other people.

3. Write about a group of truckers who all frequent the same truck stops and form a book club for when they see each other again.

4. Write about a seasoned model who shows up to her agency one day with inexplicable cuts all over her legs.

5. Write about two strangers who each grab one end of extremely rare record at the same time in a secondhand vinyl shop.

6. Write about a manic-depressive linguist who conveys his/her emotions to friends using words from other languages that aren’t translatable into English.

7. Write about a group of whalers who accidentally discover mermaids the size of blue whales.

8. Write about someone who mistakenly picks the lock to the wrong apartment at two in the morning when trying to get into a friend’s apartment.

9. Write about a strictly Shakespearian actor who loses all of his/her money and has to take modern comedic roles to stay afloat.

10. And finally: Write about a writer struggling with long-term writer’s block who desperately searches the internet for ideas and prompts.

78 comments

oh my gosh this was really helpful – thank you! :))

SAME WITH ME. EVEN THOUGH I AM JUST 13 YEARS OLD, I AM CONSTANTLY SEARCHING FOR NEW IDEAS TO WRITE. THANKS SO MUCH.

YES THIS IS ALSO VERY HELPFUL WHICH IS WHY I AM WRITING IN CAPITAL LETTERS

No it wasnt.

Really helpful and cool, thank you!!!

YESSSSS!!!!!!

Thiz is terrible!

so helpful I really needed this

Super helpful

These were soooooooooooooooo random prompts! They didn’t help me at all! 🙁

well maybe you shouldn’t become a writter then because if you look it was helpful to the other writters boom .

i dont think this means they shouldnt be a writer, writers block can be really difficult to get over and maybe these ideas didnt help them get over it, i know they didnt help me yet ive been writing for nearly 5 years constantly. each author is different, so its great if it helped others but that doesnt guarantee itll help everyone

That’s really rude becoming a writer means working towards your goal. Some ideas don’t inspire some people. Progress takes work and the ability to write doesn’t come easy to some people. Who knows he/she could become a great writer. We just don’t know it. We choose are destiny.

what a geek

wow look at that. you are telling people off but you can’t spell the word writer! look into a dictionary.

Maybe you guys should be nice. It’s hard to be a writer, and putting other people down because they didn’t find anything helpful isn’t right. Please remember we all want to change the world.

I think random prompts are good prompts.

I agree. If they’re random that means that there’ more variety

keep looking, I’m sure there’s something there.

I think that it was the point tp be random ideas. I personally think that these were amazing ideas and I think you might need to try to be a bit more creative.

the point is to just getting you to write something versus nothing. So if you start getting your creativity flowing it will help you with your personal work.

Same I agree

I hope you come up with even better ones!

Same . It was like you have to find something and it takes ages

Honestly, I’ve been to 3 different sites before this one looking for some decent writing prompts. Don’t be fazed if they don’t help you 🙂

That’s fine, they might not help everyone! It also might not be what you’re used to, try writing with one of the prompts, if you don’t end up liking it, it’s still an exercise for your mind. Good luck!

Good fodder for insight, topics . Curious what other readers used these to for ??

Good ideas and it helped me!

Thank you so much for these! I usually see such generic prompts on other sites, but these were very original and inspiring! I would love more if possible 😉

love these ideas I would like more if possible!

This helped me with school a lot!!

I feel personally attacked by that last one.

“and finally…” LOL. Agreed

Ha- me too!

Thank You! Your ideas are really quite wonderful. 🙂

If these don’t help you, then try procrastination. You subconscious is working on your story, so when you sit down, it is so much easier to continue writing. (Works for me!)

Someone that has used one of these prompts should be super nice and let me read what they came up with. I’m super curious as to how some of you are using them.

I’ve only managed to use one so far, there are some very great prompts here.

I am 12 years old and I am confused on where my life is going… either a vet actor, or a book writer. I need advice from some adults.

dear ADVICE PLEASE [or anyone really] you should get to be whatever your heart desires. I think that you could be a vet or actor as well as an author. The world needs writers, so get out there and spread some joy! Oh btw, I’m sure we’re all on this site for the same reasons, but don’t give up on your writing dreams

I am using it for a random report I wanted to write about something. It was just kind of boring until I realized… there IS a positive side to COVID 19! I mean c’mon guys there is a positive side to everything so search for the positive sides not the negative ones. So the positive side was… WE COULD IMPROVE OURSELVES!!! Literally just by working on something we like during COVID 19 will make it seem better and BE better!! Some people had no time to improve because they were too busy with some other job but NOW.. We could spend our whole day on something we like and trust me it will benefit each and every one of you!!! ( And your day won’t be AS boring and sad because there WILL be something to do. There is always something to do!!! )

These are some helpful ideas but I don’t agree with a few but that doesn’t matter because some of them helped me. Anyway thank you for them!

Thanks this really helped as I had something set to write to so randomness helped!

These were helpful! ( And by the way…One of your probmpts scared me, I often dream about people sometimes and then meet them later. It’s very complicated about how and why. )

I want to read what other people wrote now

That last one had me cracking up.

i second that eva

Really good ones! the last one got me smiling!

Spider girl – why not all of them? You have a long life ahead of you and to only focus one career your entire life is dreary for some people such as myself. I have been a firefighter, preschool teacher, sales person, and am currently a writer and a music teacher.

they’re really good ideas, none of them really appealed to me specifically, but it seems like someone could still make a good story out of them! 🙂

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was exactly what I needed thanks so much

These have really have been a good use for me. I have been in a writer’s block for at least two weeks now and just by looking at some of these creative writing ideas, it has helped a lot. I know some of them may not appeal to all of you specifically, but it does give more confidence in your writing and your stories just by looking at some. For instance, if you were to look at one of the Magical Realism writing ideas, it could open a whole door to new writing possibilities. You can take one of the ideas and turn it into your own. You may not all agree that these ideas can help you, but it can definitely give you the confidence that you may lack when writing stories or maybe just inspire you. These ideas are helpful. Thank you!

Okay Hi, I was looking for a random prompt to write about, and I didn’t find one can anyone give me some ideas for one? I would be so grateful. Just for a little info, I am 13 and in 8th grade and just felt the need to start writing. Anyway, whoever sees this I hope you have a wonderful afternoon (or morning) Be safe throughout this week okay.

You could write about your dream for when you grow up. Like Martin Luther King Jr.

Thanks so much this helped

The 2nd one in the very first idea is one I think I’m going to use. Thanks so much!

omg this is fantastic…Thank you so much. I can relate to so many of these prompts but never really thought of them…

these were so good it inspired me to write:)

Thank you for this. I’ve been working on the same project for ages and this was a wonderful break from it.

Lot of love. Thank you. This is great help.

Wow! I could never have thought of these ideas even if I was given a million years. Thanks.

This took YEARS of me

This was so much help the thing is can you add some easy and fun ones?

This is very helpful thank you 🙂

These have been very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing these. The last one was hilarious and made me realize in many cases I was blocking myself, lol. It was great!

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most of these really did help me. I put them on to a word doc and kept going back on them and then went to different webs. now if I have writer’s block I have 64 pages of things to try.

I needed this

Some were a bit sus but ok

SOOOOOOOOOO HELPFUL!!!!!

Every writer NEEDS this book.

It’s a guide to writing the pivotal moments of your novel.

Whether writing your book or revising it, this will be the most helpful book you’ll ever buy.

JournalBuddies.com

Journal Buddies Jill | July 8, 2024 April 24, 2023 | Journal Prompts & Writing Ideas

52 Simple, Easy Writing Prompts to Inspire

Simple, Easy Writing Prompts and Topics — It’s never too early to help kids develop the healthy skill of daily reflective writing — and elementary school is the perfect time to begin the habit.

Use these easy writing prompts with your elementary school students and watch to see all the exciting new ways their minds will blossom!

You see…

See and Discover Fun, Easy, Simple Journal Prompts

Regular journal writing is a wonderful practice with life-long benefits for kids who start young. Plus…

Journaling improves reasoning and deductive skills, promotes reflective and careful thought, and empowers students to believe that their thoughts, feelings, and ideas matter.

Oh yeah! Journaling is an inclusive activity that is fun for kids and that also packs a huge punch in terms of educational and developmental benefits.

Journal Writing Prompts Help Encourage Good Writing

To help your students get the most from this excellent exercise, we’ve developed a set of 52 easy writing prompts for elementary school students.

Although I must say, these simple writing prompts may be used with middle school, and perhaps even some high school student, as well.

These creative writing starters cover a range of fun and simple topics so that young writers can begin writing quickly and learn how to express their thoughts on the page without barriers.

From dreams to special memories and from friendship to classroom challenges, kids will have plenty of familiar territory to explore as they become accustomed to the practice of daily writing.

Ok, let’s get to that easy writing prompts list. Enjoy!

52 Simple, Easy, and Fun Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students

Your writers are sure to enjoy these excellent creative writing prompts and simple story ideas.

What is your favorite toy? What makes it so special?
Have you ever been tempted to cheat on a test or homework assignment? Why or why not?
What is the best way to show someone how much you care about them?
What would be your most important rule if you were a parent?
Would you rather spend a day out doing things and going places or playing alone at home? Why?
Write about a time when you won something. How did you feel?
What was the most life-like dream you ever had? Describe it in detail.
Do you or your parents choose your clothes? Are you happy with that arrangement? Why or why not?
What is your favorite part of each week? Why?
Who is your hero? What do you admire about him or her?
Choose a quality that you like about yourself and describe why it makes you proud.
What is the best part of being in _____ grade?
If you could invent something to make your parents’ lives easier, what would you create? How would it work?
Are you good at keeping secrets? Why or why not?
Who was your first friend? Write about what the two of you liked to do together and whether or not you still see each other.
Do you ever get jealous of your friends? What makes you feel jealous? How can you prevent jealousy?
What is the hardest part of coming back to school after summer vacation?
What is your least favorite punishment? Why do you dislike it so much?
Make a list of 15 things you love, then choose one and write about why you love it.
Do you think you would be a good babysitter? Why or why not?
What is your #1 goal in life? Why is it important to you?
Do you enjoy helping other people? Why or why not?
Write about a time when you didn’t get something that you really wanted.
Who is your favorite book character? What do you admire about him or her?
Write about a time when you got in trouble for something you didn’t do.
What is your favorite food? Do you ever get tired of it? Why or why not?
Write about a time when you did something new for the first time without your parents’ help. How did you feel?
Imagine your dream house and describe it in as much detail as possible.
What is the coolest thing you ever did? Write about your experience.
What do you like to do to feel better when you are sad?
Write about a time when you were embarrassed. Explain how you handled the situation.
Would you ever want to live somewhere else when you get older? Why or why not?
Do you think you’re a good listener? Why or why not?
Do you feel like other people listen to you? How do you feel when they do?
Are you absent-minded or good with small details? How does that affect your life?

What is the most interesting thing about your parents?
What is your favorite or most commonly used word or phrase? What do you like about it?
What is the biggest thing you’ve ever been responsible for? How did you handle it?
What is the most important thing in your life? Why does it matter to you?
Where do you feel most at home? Why?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What impact did it have on you?
What is your favorite part of going to school here at __________? What sets our school apart from other schools?
Do you enjoy spending time outside? Why or why not?
What is the best gift you’ve ever received? Why was it so special to you?
Would you rather be too hot all the time or too cold all the time? Why?
What is something you enjoy that most other people don’t like? What kind of enjoyment do you get from it?
What do you think it would be like to live in space? Do you think humans ever will live somewhere besides Earth?
What superpower would be the coolest to have? How would you use it?
What movie can you watch again and again without getting tired of it? What do you love most about it?
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? Why was it so challenging?
If you could either instantly understand everyone you meet or have everyone else instantly understand you, which would you choose? Why?

I hope you and your writers found inspiration and creativity in this list of writing ideas. Whether you have your students use them for free writing, journal reflection, or for a writing assignment, just make sure to encourage them to engage their imaginations.

367 MORE Free & Fun Prompts for Your Writers

Oh yeah, perhaps you want to choose a different theme for your class or simply want to explore even more great writing topics. We’ve got you covered!

31 Writing Prompts for Elementary Students
75 Elementary Writing Prompt Ideas for Kids
162 Creative Writing Topics for Elementary Writers
50 Easy Journal Prompts that Make Journaling a Breeze
49 ESL Writing Topics

Now check out yet…

Another Easy Writing Idea: The Favorites List

For those reluctant writers or non-writers, we suggest you use the time-tested favorite writing prompts. They are simple ideas that nearly every writer can answer without much effort.

Plus, they are an excellent way to get those creative juices flowing for writers of all skill levels. Have students write about their:

Favorite foods
Favorite place
Favorite book
Favorite toy
Favorite season
Favorite movie
Favorite animal
Favorite hobby

You could even turn this list on its head and have your students write about their least favorite instead. The bottom line is there is no reason for any writers to face writer’s block with this many easy, fun, and simple ideas to write about.

Ok, that’s all for today. Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed these Easy Writing Prompts for Elementary Kids , please share them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

Easy Writing Prompts for For Elementary School Students

2 Helpful Writing Resources

5 Day Writing Routine
Writing practice worksheets for kindergarten

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Tap to See Prompts 75 Excellent Elementary Writing Prompts 46 Excellent Essay Topics for Elementary Students Elementary Writing Prompts (49 Ideas!) Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7-8 Grade 9-12 All Ages ------------End of Om Added --------- Tags begin writing , creative writing starters , daily writing , Easy Writing , Easy Writing Prompts , educational , Elementary , elementary school , elementary school student writing , elementary writing , Fun for Kids , Grade 1 , Grade 2 , Grade 3 , Grade 4 , Grade 5 , help students , journal , journal writing , journaling , kids , practice daily writing , prompts , prompts for elementary school students , reflective writing , regular journal writing , students , writers , writing , writing prompts , writing quickly , writing starters , young writers div#postbottom { margin-top: 12px; } Journal Buddies is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site . Search Now Offering You 18,000+ Prompts!

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300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

Are you a parent or teacher? Here are 300 fun and creative writing prompts for kids to spark the imagination of young writers everywhere. Use these kids writing ideas as journaling prompts, story starters or just for fun!

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It’s never too early to start writing, and so we’ve created this fun list of 300 creative kids writing prompts for teacher and parents to use.

You’ll love these fun ideas for kids writing prompts to use as creative sparks to get young imaginations writing in no time!

These are perfect to use as kids journal writing prompts, as short story writing prompts, or just for exercises to help students and children of all ages tap into their creativity. Maybe your kids will write an essay, maybe a poem, or maybe even a whole book!

Whether you are a teacher or parent looking to inspire your kids to write, or maybe even an adult who would like to practice writing with a more playful and young-hearted approach, I hope you find these creative writing prompts inspiring!

Buy the Printable Cards! We will always have this list of 300 kids writing prompts available for free, but I’m very excited to now also offer an ad-free printable version of these prompts in my online Etsy shop. Thank you for your support!

The Ultimate List of 300 Fun & Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

#1. Imagine a giant box is delivered to your front doorstep with your name on it. What’s inside and what happens when you open it?

#2. Write a short story about what it might be like if you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail.

#3. Which is better, winter or summer? Write about the reasons why you think winter or summer is better.

#4. Write about what would it be like if you had an alligator as a pet.

#5. If you had $1,000, what would you buy and why?

#6. Write a story using these 5 words: apple, train, elephant, paper, banjo

#7. What do you want be when you grow up and why?

#8. Who is your favorite person on the planet? What do you like most about that person?

#9. If you could have any secret super power, what would you want it to be and why?

#10. Write about 3 places you would like to travel someday. What do these three places have in common?

#11. Write about a time you felt really happy. What happened? What made you feel happy?

#12. Imagine what would happen if someone shrunk you down to be only 1″ tall. How would your life change?

#13. If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?

#14. Write a story about what it would be like to climb to the very top of the highest mountain in the world.

#15. If you were in charge of planning the school lunch menu, what foods would you serve each day?

#16. What are some of your favorite animals? What do you like about them?

#17. Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?

#18. Write a story about flying to outer space and discovering a new planet.

#19. You are a mad scientist and have invented a new vegetable. What is it called? What does it look like? What does it taste like? Most importantly: Is it safe to eat?

#20. You go to school one morning to discover your best friend has been turned into a frog by an evil witch! How do you help your friend?

#21. Describe what it is like when trees lose all of their leaves in the autumn season.

#22. Write about your favorite sport and why you like it so much.

#23. Imagine what it might be like to live on a boat all the time and write about it.

#24. If you had one wish, what would it be?

#25. Write about what you might do if you have the super power to become invisible.

#26. You are walking through the forest when one of the trees starts talking to you. What does it say? What do you do?

#27. The weather forecast is calling for a blizzard in the middle of the summer. What do you do?

#28. What types of transportation will people have in the future?

#29. What were some of your favorite toys when you very little? Do you still enjoy playing with them?

#30. What would a day in your life be like if you were a movie star?

#31. Imagine you’ve invented a time machine! What year do you travel to?

#32. What are your favorite things to do over summer vacation?

#33. What is your favorite holiday and why?

#34. If you could meet any fictional character from a book, who would it be?

#35. You are writing a travel guide for kids visiting your city. What places do you think they should visit?

#36. What is a food you hate? Write about it!

#37. Imagine what it would be like if there was no electricity. What would be different in your daily routine?

#38. You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs? How will you convince people to move to your new city?

#39. What is your favorite movie? Write your review of the movie and why you think people should watch it.

#40. Imagine you get a magic sweater for your birthday. What happens when you wear the sweater? What do you do with these new found magical powers?

#41. You are the security guard at the zoo and someone has stolen a rhinoceros! How do you track down the thief?

#42. You have been invited to have lunch with the queen. What foods do you eat and what topics do you and the queen discuss?

#43. If you could design a school uniform, what types of clothes would you suggest? What colors would they be?

#44. Imagine you are a reporter interviewing a celebrity about their life. What questions do you ask?

#45. You are running a lemonade stand. Describe the steps for how you make lemonade and the types of customers you see during the day.

#46. Write a story about being the ruler of an underwater world.

#47. Write an acrostic poem for the word “treehouse”.

#48. You decide to grow a sunflower, but the sunflower grows so tall it reaches up to the sky! Write about what happens when you decide to climb to the top. What do you discover?

#49. Imagine you look out the window and it is raining popsicles from the sky! Write a story about the experience.

#50. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?

#51. If you were on a spaceship, what would you be most excited about seeing?

#52. Do you have any pets at home? Write an essay about how you take care of your pets. If you do not have a pet, what type of pet might you like?

#53. Imagine you are opening a store that only sells items which are blue. What types of items do you sell?

#54. Have you ever lost something that is important to you? Were you able to find it?

#55. Write a story about a kid who is moving to a new school. How do you think they might feel?

#56. Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairy tale. For example, what would have happened if Cinderella never went to the ball?

#57. Have you ever forgotten to do your homework? What happened?

#58. Do you have a favorite song? Write about the type of music you like to listen to.

#59. Imagine your parents wake you up one morning to tell you they will take you to do anything you want to do for the whole day – you don’t even have to go to school or do your chores. What would you choose to do and why?

#60. Do you like amusement parks? What are some of your favorite rides?

#61. Write a story using these three words: detective, piano, and pizza.

#62. Have you ever been to the beach? Write about your favorite things to do. If you have never been to the beach, what would you like to do the first time you visit?

#63. Is there a favorite tv show you like to watch? Write about your favorite character and why they are your favorite.

#64. Write a poem using onomatopoeia , where the words you use are pronounced similar to the sound they make. For example, buzz, bark, sizzle, slam and pop.

#65. Have you ever had to stand in line to wait a long time for something? What did you do while you waited? How did you feel while waiting? How did you feel once the wait was over?

#66. Is it a good idea to keep ALL secrets a secret? Write about examples of when it is okay to spill a secret – and when it isn’t.

#67. Is there something you are good at doing? Write about your best strengths.

#68. What historical time period and location would you go back to live in if you could? Write about it!

#69. Write about 5 things you can do that are important for you to stay healthy and safe.

#70. Do you think thunderstorms are scary? Why or why not?

#71. What would you most like to learn over the next year? Think about things that interest you or questions you might have about the world and make a list!

#72. You are going on a trip to a jungle safari! What items do you pack in your suitcase?

#73. Imagine you are sitting at home one day and you hear someone shrieking in the living room they see a mouse in the house! Write a story about what might happen next.

#74. You are writing a letter to someone who is having a hard time making new friends at school. What do you write? What advice do you give them?

#75. Imagine you just met a magician – but their beloved rabbit who they pull out of a hat for all the tricks has been kidnapped! How do you help find the rabbit?

#76. Do you hear what I hear? Set a timer for 5 minutes and write about all of the sounds you hear in those 5 minutes.

#77. Imagine you go to get a haircut and they accidentally shave your head! How do you feel about that and what would you do?

#78. Do you find it easy to talk to people you don’t know? What are some ways you can start up a conversation with someone you have never met before?

#79. Are there any chores you have to do at home? What are they? What do you like – and not like – about each one?

#80. Open up a random book to any page. Write for 5 minutes about the first word you read.

#81. Pretend you are a writer for your city’s newspaper. Who would you like to interview for a news story and why?

#82. There are many fictional characters who live in unusual houses, such as the old woman who lived in a shoe. What kind of unusual house would you like to live in? Write about what it would be like to live in an unusual house!

#83. Write a list of 10 things you can do to practice kindness to others.

#84. Is there a homework subject you dread? Why do you not like getting homework in that subject?

#85. What is your favorite month of the year? Write about why you like it and some of your favorite things to do during that month.

#86. Imagine you are planning a surprise birthday party for someone. How do you keep it a surprise?

#87. Pretend you walked outside to find a sleeping dragon in the grass! Why is the dragon there? Is it a friendly dragon? What do you do? Write about it!

#88. What are you grateful for today and why?

#89. You were on your way to a very important event when you fell into a puddle. Now what?

#90. Have you ever watched a movie and didn’t like how it ended? Write what you think should happen instead.

#91. Can you answer this riddle from Alice in Wonderland ? How is a raven like a writing desk?

#92. Imagine you are the captain of a pirate ship. Write a diary entry for what your day was like.

#93. If you could start any type of business, what kind of business would you start? What types of products or services would you provide?

#94. Write a sequel to one of your favorite fairy tales. For example, what was Goldilocks’s next adventure after she left the bears?

#95. What is something you are afraid of? What helps you to feel less afraid of something? What would you say to a friend who feels scared to help them feel less afraid?

#96. Write a letter to your future self in 20 years.

#97. In addition to basic survival needs such as food, water, air and shelter, what are 3 things you would you need to be happy?

#98. If you could invent a robot of any type who could do anything you imagine, what types of things would you would have the robot to do?

#99. Which do like better? Apples or Oranges? How are they alike? How are they different?

#100. Why did the chicken cross the road? You are a detective and are assigned to the case. How do solve the mystery?

#101. Write instructions for how to make your favorite snack. Be sure you add your favorite tips and suggestions for how to select the best ingredients!

#102. Imagine you borrowed a friend’s favorite lucky pencil to help you pass a math test – but then it snapped in half! How will you ever tell the news to your friend?

#103. Look around the current room you are sitting in and choose 3 random objects that are nearby. Now write a story or poem that includes those three items!

#104. Write a letter to the author of a book you recently read and tell them what you liked most about the book.

#105. Ernest Hemingway is famous for writing a six word story. Can you write a story in just 6 words?

#106. What do you think will be the future for cell phones? Will people still use them in 25 years or will something else take its place?

#107. Do you want to go to college? Why or why not?

#108. Write a story or poem about a kitten who wanders off and gets lost. How does the kitten find its way home?

#109. Currently, it is required by law that kids go to school. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?

#110. If you could invent a new board game, what would it be called? How is it played? What are the rules? What makes it fun to play? Write about it!

#111. Imagine you come home to discover your entire bedroom is covered in ketchup! What on earth happened? What is your reaction? How do you clean everything up?

#112. What is something you learned today?

#113. Would you rather have a goldfish or shark as a pet?

#114. From A-Z: make a list of something for every letter of the alphabet.

#115. Have you ever gone fishing? If you have, did you like it? Why or why not? If you haven’t, do you think you might want to?

#116. What is one of the most important things you do each and every day?

#117. Write a story about Gretchen the Grouch, a girl who is always angry! Will she ever be happy? Why is she so grumpy all of the time?

#118. How do you feel when someone takes something of yours without asking? What is a good way to deal with it when that happens?

#119. Write a poem that starts with the word “if”.

#120. Write a story about a family of rabbits who live in the woods. What are some of the challenges they face?

#121. What clothes do you think are the most comfortable? What kind of clothes do you like to wear the most? What clothes do you NOT like to wear?

#122. Imagine there are no grocery stores and you must get your own food. What are some of the ways you find food? What types of things do you eat?

#123. What are 3 things you can do that are good for the environment?

#124. If you could meet any famous person today, who would you want to meet and why? What questions might you ask them?

#125. A tongue twister is a quick poem where many of the words start with the same letter and are similar in sound. For example, “Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Try writing your own with this fun kids writing prompt!

#126. What is the first thing you think of when you hear or see the word green?

#127. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and achievements. What do you think makes someone a hero? Who are some of your heroes?

#128. What did you do during summer vacation last year? What do you want to do for summer vacation this year?

#129. Write a story about a super hero dog who saves the day! Who does the dog help and why?

#130. Would you rather live somewhere that is always cold, or somewhere that is always hot? Write about which one you would rather choose.

#131. Have you ever volunteered to help a charity? If so, write about the experience! If not, what are some charities you think you might like to volunteer for?

#132. What does the word courage mean to you?

#133. What makes you unique? What are some things about you that make you an individual?

#134. Have you ever been to a museum? What is your favorite thing to look at on display?

#135. What can you do to set a good example for others to be kind?

#136. A Tall Tale is a story that exaggerates something that actually happened. Write a tall tale about something that recently happened to you.

#137. What is one of your favorite toys that you think you might still want to have and play with when you are 22 years old?

#138. Oh no! Everyone around you is sick with a nasty cold! Write a silly poem about how you try to avoid catching their germs!

#139. Personification is when a non-living object takes on human characteristics. Write a story where you personify a common electronic gadget in your house, such as the Television or toaster.

#140. Write a poem using similes, which is when you say an object is like something else. Here is an example of a simile: “Her eyes were as blue as the sky.”

#141. Have you ever read a book written by Dr. Suess? Write your own “Suess-style” story, complete with rhymes and made up words.

#142. Do you have any siblings? Think about what it might mean to be a good brother or sister and write about it!

#143. Make a list of questions to interview your parents or grandparents about what it was like when they were growing up as a kid. Then, ask them the questions and write about their answers!

#144. You are in charge of writing a new radio show just for kids! What topics will you talk about? What music do you play?

#145. What do you usually eat for breakfast every day? What, in your opinion, is the greatest breakfast food ever created? What makes it so great?

#146. Write a 12 line poem where every line is about a different month of the year.

#147. What is something you look forward to doing the most when you are an adult?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#148. Do you like to try new things? What is something new you have tried recently or would like to try?

#149. Imagine what it might be like to be alive in Egypt when the pyramids were built. Write about what it was like.

#150. A credo is a statement of personal beliefs. Try writing your own credo for things that you believe in and feel are important.

#151. The circus has come to town but they have no place to perform! How do you help the ringmaster find a place to put on a show?

#152. Do you like to act? What are some of your favorite actors or actresses? What do you think makes someone a good actor or actress?

#153. “Practice makes perfect” is a popular saying. What is something you like to practice so you can become better at it? A sport? A musical instrument? A special skill? Do you like to practice?

#154. Write about what it might be like to be water drops freezing and turning into ice.

#155. Do you think it is important to keep your room clean? What do you like about having a clean room?

#156. Imagine your parents are sending you away for a two week summer camp trip. Would you be excited? Why or why not?

#157. What are you currently learning about in history class? Write a fictional story about someone from the past you are learning about.

#158. Many wars have been fought in the past. Instead of going to war, what do you think countries could do to resolve their differences peacefully?

#159. Every year over 8 billion plastic bottles and cans are thrown away. What are some things you can do to help encourage your family and friends to recycle?

#160. Imagine if you were the principal of the school. What might you do differently? What things would you do that are the same? Write about it!

#161. Pretend that one day you are at your neighbor’s house and you notice a strange noise coming from the basement. You go downstairs to investigate to see a large machine running with many lights and buttons. Why is it there?

#162. Write an essay that starts with the line, “Tomorrow, I hope…”

#163. If you could give one thing to every child in the world, what would you want to give them?

#164. Do you have a piggy bank at home? How do you earn money to add to your savings?

#165. What qualities make a house a home? What are 3 things you think every house should have?

#166. Would you rather go scuba diving or rock climbing? Write about which one you think you would like to do more and why.

#167. Do you think it is a good idea for kids to write a daily journal? What are some of the benefits of writing every day?

#168. Do you like watching fireworks or are they too noisy? Write about a time when you saw fireworks in the sky.

#169. Oh no! Your friend has turned into a statue! How did this happen? What do you do? Does your friend ever turn back into a person again?

#170. If you could be any movie character, who would you be and why?

#171. A mysterious message appears in code on your computer screen. What could it mean?

#172. If you could go to work with one of your parents for a day, what do you think the day would be like? What types of things do your parents do at work all day long?

#173. Imagine you are the President and you are creating a new national holiday. What is your holiday about? How is it celebrated? What day of the year do you celebrate? Write about it!

#174. You won a never-ending lifetime supply of spaghetti noodles! What will you do with all of these noodles?

#175. Would you rather be a bunny rabbit or a hawk? Why did you choose the one you chose?

#176. Your teacher has been acting mysterious lately. After school one day, you notice a weird green light shining through underneath the door of your classroom. What do you do? What is happening with your teacher?

#177. Write an article about tips for how kids can be more organized and study well for tests.

#178. Look at any product in your house and read the ingredients labels. Research what each ingredient is. Do you think these ingredients are good or bad for people?

#179. If you were a doctor, what do you think would be the most important part of your job every day?

#180. The school librarian needs your help! A truck just arrived with 2,000 books and she can’t fit all the books onto the shelves! What do you do? How do you find a place to put all these books?

#181. Do you think it would be fun to plant a garden? What types of plants would you want to grow? Write about your garden ideas.

#182. What is a sport or activity you would like to try playing for the first time?

#183. Do you think kids should be allowed to do the same things as adults? What things do you think kids should be able to do that only grown-ups can?

#184. Imagine you and your parents switch places for a day. Your parents are the kids and you are now in charge! What would you do?

#185. Write a get-well letter to someone who has been sick. What can you say to make them feel better?

#186. If you could visit any planet in the solar system, which planet would you like to visit the most and why? Write about what it might be like.

#187. Have you ever been to a farm? What did you like about it? If you haven’t been to a farm, do you think you might like to visit one? Why or why not?

#188. The mayor of the city has a big problem and needs your help! What is the problem and how will you solve it?

#189. Pretend your little sister ate carrots for dinner and the next morning woke up with rabbit ears! How did this happen? What do you do? Will she be a rabbit forever?

#190. Imagine you wake up in the morning to find out you get to relive any day of your life again for the whole day. What day would you want to experience again and why?

#191. Do you think you might like to be a firefighter? Why or why not?

#192. You are a lawyer and your client has been accused of stealing a car. How do you convince the jury your client is innocent?

#193. Think of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. Which of these four elements do you like the best?

#194. What would you do if you could be invisible for a whole day? Do you think you would enjoy it or be glad to be back to normal the next day? Write about it!

#195. Imagine you are a meteorologist and people are starting to get angry that your weather predictions are always wrong. What do you do?

#196. If you could create any law, what would it be? Why do you think the law is an important one to have?

#197. You are going incognito and need to hide to your identity so you aren’t recognized or discovered while you walk through the city. What type of disguise do you wear?

#198. Write a persuasive letter to your parents explaining why you should get a new pet. Make sure you provide a convincing argument they won’t be able to refuse!

#199. Your friend wants to do something dangerous. What should you do?

#200. How do you think the world would be different if there were no oceans?

#201. What do you do when someone disagrees with your opinions? Is there a better way to handle conflicting opinions?

#202. What do you think you as a kid could do to help encourage more people to read?

#203. Do you have a good luck charm? What makes this item lucky? When do you use it? How do you use it?

#204. What is at the end of a rainbow? Imagine you follow a rainbow to the end. What do you discover? Is it a pot of gold, or something else?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#205. What do you think the consequences should be for someone who is caught cheating on a test at school?

#206. Imagine you are riding your bike one day when you encounter an older kid who wants to steal your bike. What do you do?

#207. You are the lead singer and star of a famous rock and roll band, but there is one problem – your drummer is jealous of your fame! How do you solve this situation?

#208. If you could help a group of kids in any part of the world, what kids would you want to help the most and why? What are some things you think would help these kids?

#209. Everyone knows the house on the end of the street is haunted. What are some of the strange things that happen there? Why is the house haunted?

#210. You notice at school one day there is a door to a secret passage next to the janitor’s closet and decide to explore. Where does it lead? Why is it there? Do you go alone or bring a friend along?

#211. A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. What are 5 things on your bucket list?

#212. Imagine the perfect treehouse or clubhouse for you and all of your friends as a place to hang out. Describe what it is like inside.

#213. Do you get bored easily? Make a list of things you can do whenever you feel like you are bored and there is nothing fun to do!

#214. Now vs. Then: Think about how today is different from one year ago. How have you changed? What things in your life are different?

#215. Write your autobiography about your life.

#216. It’s a heat wave! What do you do when the weather is hot? What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool?

#217. What are three important safety tips every kid should know to stay safe?

#218. What genre of books do you like to read the most? Write about the characteristics of the genre and list some of your favorite books as examples.

#219. Holiday Traditions: How does your family celebrate the different holidays and events? What are some traditions you do each and every year?

#220. Imagine one day in science class a science experiment goes terribly wrong and now you and all of your classmates have superpowers! What are your superpowers and what do you do with them?

#221. Who is favorite teacher? Why are they your favorite?

#222. You are baking a cake, but you accidentally put salt in the cake instead of sugar. Nobody will eat it! How do you feel? What will you do next time?

#223. Do you think it is important to have good table manners? What do you think some good manners to practice might be?

#224. Many schools no longer teach cursive handwriting. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Do you know how to write cursive handwriting? Would you like to learn if you haven’t?

#225. If you were the owner of a theme park, what types of rides and attractions would have? Describe what they would be like and why people would want to visit your park.

#226. Your parents give you $100 to spend at the grocery store. What do you buy and why?

#227. Some people who are alive today grew up without computers or video games. What would you do if you didn’t have a computer or video games? How would life be different?

#228. You walk into your living room and discover there is a giant elephant standing there. How did the elephant get there? What do you do about it? How do you explain the elephant in the living room to your parents?

#229. Have you ever had a weird dream? What happened in the dream? What do you think it means?

#230. Do you like to draw or paint? Write a story inspired by a painting, doodle, or sketch.

#231. You are being sent on a mission to outer space to live in a space station for 5 years. What supplies do you pack and why?

#232. What is the scariest creature alive on earth? Describe in detail what makes it so horrifying.

#233. What do you think your pet might say if they could talk to you?

#234. Imagine your school is putting on a talent show. What act will you perform? What other acts will be in the show?

#235. If you could breathe under water, what would you do?

#236. What time of day do you think school should start? Write a convincing argument on why or why not the time of day school starts should change.

#237. If you were to start your own YouTube video channel, what would the videos on your channel be about?

#238. Do you like to cook? What are some things you like to make and eat?

#239. Your school is having a field day and you are in charge of planning the activities and games. What types of activities and games would you plan for the event?

#240. If you had a remote control drone that takes video of everything it sees from the sky and you could take it anywhere, what would you film? For example, the inside of a volcano or soar it over the plains of Africa.

#241. The Bermuda Triangle is an area of the ocean where many ships and planes have gone missing. Why do you think this could be? Write a story about what it might be like to travel there.

#242. There are 7 great wonders of the world – which one do you think is the most wonderful?

#243. If you could speak any foreign language fluently, which one would you like to speak and why?

#244. You are inventing a new flavor of ice cream! What is the new flavor called and what ingredients do you need to make it?

#245. Would you rather go to a baseball game or read a good book? What reasons do you have for your choice?

#246. You walk outside to get your mail and your mailbox starts talking to you! What does your mailbox have to say?

#247. Imagine you are a famous person. What are you most famous for? What is it like to be famous?

#248. What do you think would be the most fun job in the world to have? Give examples of why you think it would be a fun job to have.

#249. Write a poem about an object that is shiny and dazzling.

#250. Do you like to watch the Olympics? Why or why not? If yes, what is your favorite Olympic sport?

#251. What kind of car do you want to drive when you are older? Do you think learning to drive will be easy or hard?

#252. What do you think would make for a great gift to give someone on their birthday?

#253. Describe a time when you needed help and someone helped you. What did they help you with and how did it make you feel?

#254. If you could be any type of fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

Love these prompts? Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to use at home or in the classroom!

#255. Do you think it is more important to have a good imagination or have all the facts proven?

#256. Do you have a favorite aunt, uncle, or another relative? Write a story about their life and why you like to be with them.

#257. Think of a time you laughed really, really hard. What was so funny? Why were you laughing? Write about it!

#258. Write a poem about an emotion. For example: happy, sad, angry, embarrassed, guilty.

#259. Do you ever have a hard time falling asleep? What are some things that help you feel sleepy?

#260. If you could drive a car, where would you drive and why?

#261. Imagine you are trading places with your friend for a day. What will it be like to be at their house? What will your friend think while they are at your house? Write about it!

#262. If you could break a world record, what would it be? What do you think would be necessary to be able to break the world record?

#263. Imagine you live in Colonial times. What would it be like to grow up as a kid in Colonial America?

#264. You are building a new city. What is the name of your city? What is the weather like? What buildings will you build?

#265. What do you think it would be like to work as a sailor on big ship in the ocean each day?

#266. Imagine you are the teacher for the day. What types of activities do you make the students in the class do?

#267. How would you feel if your parents told you that you would be getting a new baby brother or sister? Write about it!

#268. Do you know any good jokes? What are some of your favorite jokes? What makes them funny? Do you think you could write your own?

#269. Imagine you are floating down a river on a raft. What types of things can you see from the river that you normally wouldn’t see from the land?

#270. You want to start a new hobby collecting something. What kinds of things would you collect and why?

#271. Your mom announces she is having a yard sale. Would you let her sell any of your things? Why or why not?

#272. Imagine you walk out your front door one morning and it is raining popcorn! What do you do?

#273. You are camping in the woods one night and hear a scary noise. What do you do? What might be the cause?

#274. What do you think might make kids really happy to go to school? What are some things you think schools should do so that it could be more fun?

#275. Today’s lunch at the cafeteria was unusually horrible. You are a detective on the case to investigate. What do you think is the cause?

#276. If you had a tree that grows money, what would you do?

#277. What would you do if you had a unicorn as a pet?

#278. Would you rather go to the zoo or go to the aviary? Which one would you pick and why?

#279. What are some safety tips you should follow when riding a bike?

#280. You are designing the cover of a magazine. What are some of the headlines on the cover?

#281. Are you afraid of the dark? Why or why not?

#282. If you could learn to play any type of musical instrument, which one would you like to learn how to play and why?

#283. Imagine you are playing a sport that involves a ball, such as soccer, baseball or kickball. What would it be like if the ball could talk?

#284. You come home to discover a friendly alien has been living in your closet. What do you do? Why is there an alien in your closet?

#285. Is there something you are afraid of that you wish you weren’t afraid of? Write about it.

#286. Write about the best party you’ve ever been to. What made the day fun and special?

#287. What makes you feel loved and cared about? What are some ways people can show you that they love and care about you?

#288. There is a kite flying competition coming up and you are going to design your own kite. What will your kite look like? What colors will it be? Will it have any certain shape?

#289. You are given the challenge to drop an egg on the floor – without it breaking! What are some things you might try to make sure the egg won’t break?

#290. What are some of the things you can do every day to stay healthy?

#291. Do you think grown-ups are boring? Why do you think they are so boring all of the time? What is something fun that boring grown-ups could do instead of being so boring?

#292. Write a lyrical poem or song about what kids do while they are at school all day long.

#293. What are the first things you like to do when you are done with school each day? What are some of the activities you like when you are not at school?

#294. Imagine dinosaurs were still alive today. How do you think our lives would be different?

#295. Would you rather visit a volcano or a desert? Which one would you choose and why?

#296. Is there a sound you think is annoying? What types of sounds drive you crazy? Write about them!

#297. What do you think it would be like to be the size of an ant for a day? What types of things would you do?

Writing Prompt: What would it be like if your teddy bear came to life?

#298. Imagine one of your stuffed animals comes to life and starts talking to you. What types of things will you talk about? What will you do?

#299. What makes you feel happiest? Write about the things in life that make you feel happy!

#300. Imagine there is no gravity. What kind of things would you do you for fun? How would some of the things you already do for fun be different?

Parents and teachers, I hope you enjoyed these 300 writing prompts for kids and that you will use them to inspire your children’s creative imaginations.

These prompts of course can be used in a number of different ways and can be adapted for a variety of different styles of writing !

What do you think? Do you think these are good conversation and story starters for kids? Do you have any ideas for writing prompts you would like to share?

And of course, if you’d like to make it super fun and easy to use these prompts at home or in your classroom, be sure to get our ad-free printable version of these kids writing prompt cards now available in my Etsy shop.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on different creative writing ideas and topics for kids to write about! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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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48 comments.

These are awesome! I feel like answering the questions myself! Thanks a million!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

Lovely and amazing help

I wrote all 300! but my fingers hurt badly now. :l But i got to admit these are exellent questions!

Hi. Thanks for this list. So many great ideas. I will definitely use some of them for my Language Arts class.

hi people THIS WAS SO LONG but so worth it for my class thx mate

This was great for homework

Thank you for the topics. It was really helpful

Your writing prompts are awesome

These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely be using it with my kids.

Thank you! I hope they enjoy the writing prompts!

I love these, they are awesome and very helpful too. Thank you very much.

these questions hooked me on easily thanks your the best!

They are all good prompts

This is always good and improves the brain.

These are very useful and very enjoyable topics, i enjoy by giving these to my students , their creations are marvelous

It’s was very long but worth it

This is good. I love it. It helps me in my studies. I share it with my friends children that likes the writing. We love it. Please, think of another writing.

Thanks! Worth printing and providing for my middle school students as a first week of the year activity. Must have taken you ages to come up with all 300 of these!

I’m glad to hear you can use them for your students! It did take some time, but it’s well worth it knowing it might inspire kids to write! 🙂

You need a printable version of this!!

Hi Katelyn, we have one! https://gumroad.com/UBnsO Hope you enjoy!

The link doesn’t seem to be working for me… Could you send me a copy of the list, please?

Hi Tori, the printable version of this post is available as an ad-free paid upgrade – you can purchase it through my Gumroad store: https://gum.co/UBnsO

I quite liked your ideas, I’ll try a few, surely!

How long did it take for you guys to make 300 ideas?

Definitely took some time Vilenti, but it was definitely worth writing all of them! Our prompts reach over a million people a year and are used in literacy, poverty, and mental health programs worldwide. 🙂

These were awesome, thanks a TON

i have school work and this is one thing i do.

i do this for school work to

i do this for school work

Hello Chelle, thanks a lot for this. During these tough Covid times, I find your list to be a great idea to engage kids. Have got them started on some today. Hopefully this will be a long term engagement for them.

The prompts are grrrreat

This was really helpful i have looked for a lot of these, that have a lot of topics and only found one other good one and finished it all, i got to 17 and was like are they all this good! And they all are so thanks!

Glad you enjoyed them!

These are awesome

These are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.

I loved looking at these prompts!! They were very helpful. I am loving writing and supporting my claims with these prompts. You should post more ideas!! Thanks for sharing the prompts.

Do you have any more?

This really was think written

I’d like to use a few of your questions in a journal for adults that I am creating for sale. I will absolutely credit you at the beginning of the book. Is that okay with you or not? I don’t want to infringe on any copyright laws. I think I used about ten of them.

Hi Kristen, you cannot use these prompts for products for sale, that would definitely be an infringement on copyright. These prompts can only be used for non-commercial use.

this is the greatest app ever

I like all the questions

thank you for all the ideas they are so good

OMG These are all very good and many questions i like all these Thankyou soooooooooooo much for these

I’m in class doing this and it is so fun yes every body is doing this

I LOVE these! My daughter and I stumbled across a post full of fun writing prompts on another website but they were more geared for adults. This list is HUGE and perfect for us to tackle together. Thank you! ❤️

65 Simple Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find my full disclosure page here .

Want to keep your children busy while you get some work done of your own? These creative writing prompts for kids can help! Learn how to use creative writing prompts with kids of different ability levels, and find 65 different prompts to keep them engaged !

And if you don’t think creative writing prompts will be a great fit for your kids, here are over 100 other scree-free activities your kids can try!

Finding time to grow a business as a busy mom is hard! One strategy that helps you carve out time is to have a prepopulated list of ideas to engage your kids.

If your kids are busy doing something creative or fun, they’re more likely to focus on that task. That gives you time to focus on your work.

By implementing a Family Writing Time a couple of days a week, you will gain much needed time for your business. And during that time, your kids will be practicing:

Working quietly
Working independently
Using their creativity
Storytelling
Writing skills

Below you’ll find 65 creative writing prompts to help spark your child’s imagination.

But first, I want to share some fun ways to make writing prompts accessible for kids of different ages and abilities, explore the supplies you should have on hand, and help you make Family Writing Time a habit in your home.

Ready? Let’s go!

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts for Kids of Different Ages and Abilities

A typical list of writing prompts for kids is going to have a long list of prompts. And if your kids are at the right age and ability, they can have a lot of fun with it.

But, there are a lot of children who are not yet at that level. They don’t yet have the skills needed to sit down and respond to a prompt on their own.

If you have kids who are struggling writers, or who just aren’t developmentally ready for writing prompts, here are some ways to make this writing time more inclusive. Instead of sitting down and simply writing, you can encourage your child to:

Draw a picture in response
Create a skit
Make a comic strip
Tell their response to a stuffed animal audience
Create homemade story cards on index cards and use those to tell the story
Paint story rocks
Write a poem
Decorate a file folder with the setting and create paper characters that can get stored inside
Use a story creation app
Create a power point
Cut pictures out of a magazine or newspaper and glue them down to tell the story
Use a text-to-speech app or software

There are so many fun ways for kids to engage with creative writing prompts. They don’t just have to sit down and write a story.

Before They Begin…

It’s important to read the prompt aloud with each child and give them a couple of minutes to brainstorm. Be available during this time to help them select how they are going to respond and help them get what they need.

One fun way to keep track of the prompts is to print out the list and cut each one out. Then let your child draw three and pick one to use.

You can also just read a couple of ideas aloud and then let your child pick one.

By offering a choice, you help your child learn to evaluate options and think about what they want to create. That’s an important skill!

Help Your Children See Themselves as Writers

The more that children believe in themselves, the more likely they are to succeed. So make writing time fun, not boring. You want them to see themselves as writers, and believe in their ability.

This means you shouldn’t look at their effort and immediately point out all the flaws. Instead focus on what they did right.

Does their b go the right way? Did they leave spaces between words? Can you tell they worked hard on their coloring to make it look nice?

Find some areas of your child’s work that you can genuinely compliment. And use that as the starting point of your conversation.

If your child already struggles with writing, hearing you nitpick all their errors is sure not going to build their confidence.

Now yes, there is a time and a place for correct spelling and constructive feedback.

But, when you just want your child engaged with an activity so you can get some work done is not that time! Don’t make them feel miserable – celebrate what they did and offer encouragement!

Supplies You Need for Family Writing Time

In order for Family Writing Time to be a success, you need to have the right supplies on hand. You don’t want to ask your kids to go create story cards and then realize you ran out of index cards!

Here are some versatile supplies that my kids are always using during our Family Writing Time. We’ve used them all, and I highly recommend them!

Reams of copy paper (we buy it by the case since we go through so much!)
Spiral notebooks (I get one for each child to use during Family Writing Time)
Quality pencils (out of all the brands we’ve tried, we found these pencils hold up the best)
Colored pencils (my oldest kids use the expensive kind, I just buy Crayola for the younger ones!)
File folders
Index cards
Pencil sharpener (I finally bought an electric one and I love it!)
Old magazines/newspapers that can be cut up
Crayons (always Crayola – they last so much longer than the cheap ones! I just stock up when they’re $0.50/box at Walmart in late summer…)
Paint pens (for painting rocks!)
Smooth rocks (I make my kids find their own outside and wash them. But you can also buy them…)
Glue sticks
Construction paper

Definitely don’t go stock up on all of these right now. You know what supplies will be a good match for your kids – but do make it a point to have the supplies they will use on hand. You want to make this easy on everyone!

How to Make Family Writing Time a Habit

If you’re looking to make Family Writing Time with creative writing prompts a new part of your routine, here are some tips for making it work.

Do It Regularly

Are you going to do Family Writing Time once a week? Or three times a week?

There is no right or wrong answer here. But, if you do want to make it a habit, it needs to be a regular part of your family’s schedule.

Use a Timer

Don’t just let everyone write until chaos erupts. Because kids who are working hard on a project will go from perfectly fine to upset in no time flat.

Instead, make it a point to stop everyone while it’s still going well. You want to end on a positive note and have them want to keep going. Then they can have something to look forward to the next time you announce it’s Family Writing Time.

To make this happen, use a timer! I started at just a few minutes with my younger kids. We’re now up to everyone working for 30 minutes.

Any more than that is too long for my littles. I do have several who could go for a full hour, but I purposefully keep it short.

Do what works for your family. But do set a timer and stop when it’s done.

Write During This Time

Kids like it when we lead by example and they can mimic us. Use this time to write and not scroll mindlessly on social media. If you have a business, you can:

Write a post for your blog
Research for an upcoming post
Pitch a new freelance writing client
Work on writing a book
Update your resume
Create a lesson for a course
Write out a week’s worth of social media posts
Creatively free write to get rid of writer’s block

Whatever you do, spend this time wisely. Your kids won’t be engaged happily forever, so make the most of it when it happens! 😀

Integrate a Sharing Time

When everyone is done, work together to clean up. Then, have a quick time to share.

Let everyone share or tell something about what they worked on. Make sure you share as well.

This is the part my kids love best. Even my toddler loves showing off his latest picture and pointing to his favorite parts. It’s so much fun for everyone to show off and tell about their work.

And during this time…listen to the kids. Don’t be on your phone!

65 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

Now that you have a better understanding of how to use these prompts and how they can help you free up time for your business, it’s time to dive into the creative writing prompts for kids!

You were just given a key to your dream house. What do you see when you walk through the front door?
You’re enjoying a nice afternoon on the beach when suddenly a huge wave comes out of nowhere. When it rolls back, you are shocked to see…
Today you are going to a cloud castle. You can’t believe your luck! You are going to…
Your favorite television character just hopped out of the TV and announced that you get to spend the day together. What happens?
One night you go to bed with a strange feeling. The next morning you awake to discover that you can now…
You just got sucked into the book you are currently reading. Where are you and what do you do?
Someone just gave you $100 and the only rule is that you can’t spend it on yourself. What do you do with it?
You’re going to be spending 8 hours in the car with your family. What do you pack in your survival bag?
You look out the window and discover the seasons are all mixed up! What is happening out there?
You’ve been asked to throw a surprise party for your best friend. What does the event look like?
You’re now the main character in a fairy tale. Which one do you choose and how do you change what happens?
It’s your turn to cook dinner! What’s on the menu and what do you need to make it?
Yikes! A huge snowstorm is approaching and your house will lose power for 24 hours. What do you need to do to prepare?
You walk outside and notice a large hole in your backyard. Why is it there and where does it lead?
For two whole days, you can only eat one single food. Whenever you’re hungry, that’s all you get. What are you going to pick and why?
You just left the room. What are your toys going to do now?
You wake up and realize you’ve gone back in time! When is it and what are you going to do?
For today only, you can talk with animals. Which ones will you talk to and what will you ask or say?
You and someone in your family have to switch places for the day. Who are you going to switch with and what will your day be like?
If you had the power to make any toy come to life for a week, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Where would you go if you could pick your family’s next vacation destination?
You’re opening a new restaurant! What’s on the menu?
What new rule would you add to your favorite board game? How would that change things?
You get to pick one book to get turned into a movie. Which one is it going to be? Share some details about the film…
Good news! You’ve just been asked to guest star on your favorite television show! Which one are you on and what are you going to do?
A TV show you loved when you were little needs a rebooted theme song. How is it going to go?
Imagine the setting changed for your favorite book. Where does it now take place and how does that change the plot?
You just discovered a new creature in the jungle. It appears to be a combination of two common animals. What is it and what do you call it? Describe its habitat and what it does.
Your favorite car company wants you to design their new car. What’s going to make it special? What features will it have?
What is something that many people are scared of that you are not? Why aren’t you scared of it? Why do you think other people are scared?
You want to try something new, so you decide to go pull out your sled in the middle of the summer. What are you going to do with it that’s fun?
It’s time to invent a new holiday! Why should people celebrate this day with you?
You’re visiting the farm and notice something strange. The cows are…
You get to design a robot to do one chore for you. What do you program it to do and how does it work?
Your friend just got an unusual new pet. What did they get? Tell all about it!
When you found that egg underneath the tree, you had no idea this would be inside…
You just traveled 100 years into the future. What is life like?
Zap! You’ve just been shrunk and are now the size of a mouse. What are you going to do now?
In the forest you discover a magical stone that will let you relive any day from your past. Which day would you want to live all over again and why?
You’re on a walk with your family and suddenly discover a little cottage made out of candy and sweets. What happens next?
What does your dream playground look like?
If you got the chance to audition for a national talent show, would you? Why or why not? What act would you perform?
You find yourself alone on an island. How do you survive while you wait for help?
If you could lead a tour of your city for a group of new children, where would you take them?
It started off just like any Saturday. But then…
You have to listen to one song on repeat for an entire 24-hour period. Which one would you like the most? Which one would you like the least? Why?
The next thing you build out of LEGOs is going to magically turn life-sized. What do you build? What happens when you’re finished?
NASA just selected you to name a new planet discovered way out in the edge of the solar system. What do you name it and why?
You’ve been asked to teach a child two years younger than you to do something. What are you going to teach and how will you do it?
What’s the best part about being your age?
You discover a secret door in a tree that can instantly transport you to any one place in the world. Where are you going?
You’ve been given 100 plastic bags and asked to upcycle them. How are you going to use them?
If you could change one thing about today, what would it be? Why?
You just found some seeds and planted them. You never imagined that this would grow…
There are 15 kids coming over to your house tomorrow. What activities are you going to do? What should you serve for a snack?
What book should all students in your grade read? Why?
What makes you unique?
What is inside the picnic basket for your perfect afternoon picnic?
An awful villain has just invaded two of your favorite television shows and now the characters must work together to save the day. Who is involved and what happens?
If you could decorate your room anyway you wanted, what would it look like?
What is a book or movie that really needed a sequel? What should have happened in it?
You’ve been asked to take pictures of your favorite snack for a food blog. What are you photographing and how will you stage your shots?
You and your friends just created a YouTube channel for kids. What are your videos going to be about?
What is your favorite treat and how is it prepared?
You’re supposed to be cleaning your room. But, when you open your closet door you are instantly transported to…

Enjoy These Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

What’d you think of these creative writing prompts for kids? Are there any that you know your kids will love writing about?

If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your kids engaged while you get some work done, check out these resources:

The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Family Writing Time (my eBook that helps you create the habit and offers dozens of creative ideas)
9 Fall Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Write a Blog Post
50 Fun Activities for Kids
25 My Little Pony Activities for Kids
Unlocking Kids’ Brain Power: Semi-Weekly Writing Prompts to Expand Young Minds

And if you found this post useful, please Pin it for later!

Lisa Tanner

Lisa Tanner is a former teacher turned homeschooling mom with 11 kids. She's also a successful freelance writer. Lisa enjoys helping other busy moms find time to start and grow a side hustle of their own.

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2019 at 6:59 am

That’s brilliant and things in there I never expected. Love using every day items!

October 1, 2019 at 7:07 am

Thanks Katy. Using everyday objects keeps it so simple to have a creative and fun family writing time without having a huge expense!

October 1, 2019 at 10:32 am

These are great tips for getting kids writing. If you can get a kid to love reading and writing, everything else tends to fall into place academically.

October 1, 2019 at 10:45 am

That’s definitely true Charissa! Kids who are confident in their reading and writing can tackle the other subjects more easily.

October 1, 2019 at 9:40 pm

These are great writing prompts!!! It so makes me miss homeschooling my kids! But, they are all grown now. I also love that you point out that writing should be done regularly. It is such a good habit to be in, and makes it so much easier to continue on.

October 10, 2019 at 6:43 am

Writing regularly definitely helps the whole family get used to this time Jennifer. And I know I’m so going to miss homeschooling when my kids all grow up!

October 2, 2019 at 10:09 am

These are great ideas to start with. My son is just learning to write but will keep these in mind

October 10, 2019 at 6:44 am

Thanks Jalisa! As your son begins to gain confidence in his writing you can definitely use these prompts and the non-writing ideas to help him grow up seeing writing as fun and not hard.

October 2, 2019 at 10:47 am

This is great! My son loves to read so I’d like to get him to do more creative writing. These prompts are perfect!

October 10, 2019 at 6:45 am

I’m so glad these creative writing prompts will be a good fit for your son Emily! Hopefully it gives you lots of time to get work done.

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Writing Creatively to Make Sense of the Times We Live In

Journalist katrin schumann talks about why she writes fiction..

Updated July 12, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Studies show that the act of all kinds of writing hones our reflective abilities.
Creative writing stretches our imagination, increases emotional resilience, and alleviates stress.
Writers of nonfiction examine complex issues that are relevant to our times.
Novelists examine the issues using characters as a vehicle for empathy.

Studies show that the act of writing hones our reflective abilities, stretches our imagination , increases emotional resilience , and alleviates stress . In my conversation with journalist-turned-novelist Katrin Schumann, we discuss how creative writing, in particular, is a worthy pursuit to understand the issues of our time. Schumann is the author of the nonfiction books Mothers Need Time Outs Too and The Secret Life of Middle Children, as well as the novels The Forgotten Hours and This Terrible Beauty .

You’re a trained journalist and the author of nonfiction books. Why, in the last few years, have you focused on writing fiction?

Writing nonfiction has been a way for me to examine complex issues that are relevant to our times, including psychological ones, but I’ve found that in recent years, I’ve been drawn to fiction because it allows me to get closer to the subject. In exploring thorny issues like loyalty and trust or co-dependency , I’m able to do more of a deep dive in fiction. The form allows me to sit with the complexities, to live in the gray areas with my characters.

I can’t always do this with nonfiction, where I’m approaching the topic from a specific angle, seeking solutions. In fiction, I have space to explore nuances that fascinate and confuse me and try to make sense of the inevitable contradictions. It’s messier and more delicate than nonfiction. For me, this feels more true to the human experience.

All writing involves deep reflection. Do you find the act of writing fiction to be a different kind of therapy?

Yes. Spending years creating characters and situations that grapple with serious, real-world problems lets me explore my own difficult experiences. For instance, I’d been wrestling with the aftermath of dealing with a narcissist when I started writing my first novel. By fictionalizing those challenges, I was able to find the courage to linger in the dark areas, examining them from all angles in order to find where the light might get in.

I discovered greater empathy and resilience in myself while also being able to acknowledge the trauma I’d been through. It’s using my imagination, combined with researching some very real and current psychological challenges, that ultimately feels most powerful to me and an effective way to reach readers.

How does fictionalizing the story give you more latitude or depth in exploring topics? You write about things like self-reliance and depression, and I’m wondering why not just write articles about it.

I write to figure out my own issues and to learn, but also to share. For me, fiction writing makes me work harder and go deeper. I’m trying to change people’s minds and hearts in subtler ways. I’m reflecting on experiences I’ve had, wrestling with what they mean, and how we can all learn from them and come out the better for it.

Yet, I don’t want to be prescriptive; I want people to draw their own conclusions. I research deeply about whatever topic I’m tackling.

To write my last novel, I studied the history of neuropsychology, dissecting studies on substance abuse . I conducted interviews. For all my books, I gather and study facts and figures, but with novels, I take that a step further. I put those facts and figures into play with my imagined characters to explore what happens. I imbue the impersonal with empathy and allow readers to try to figure out how they feel about how the characters contend with the issue. This approach leads me to meaningful personal discoveries while also taking the reader along on the emotional journey.

How do you decide whether to approach a topic in a nonfiction book or in a novel?

The more I’m personally involved with the topic, the more I want to explore it in fictional form. Ironically, for fiction, I feel like I should have an even better understanding of some of these psychological challenges than if I were covering them through straight nonfiction reportage. I first have to understand the topic and its history so my story is not only realistic but feels authentic.

I want readers to trust me, which means I have to be thorough. It’s my aim to take them on a ride that’s compelling as well as informative. And I love learning something new when I’m immersed in researching and writing fiction.

If writing fiction is about wrestling with your own demons, why not simply journal?

Journaling is, without question, a beneficial reflective activity. Yet what differentiates this kind of work from journaling about our problems or writing blog posts is that novelists are committing more time and energy to the deep dive on a specific topic. My last novel took almost three years to write, and during that time, I was reading everything I could get my hands on about the topic in order to distill it so that readers might find it relevant to their own lives.

At that stage, it’s not really about me anymore; it’s about the human condition. And in the end, that’s what readers relate to, I think. It’s what makes them call their friends and say, “I just finished this great book. You’ve got to read it.”

More about Katrin Schumann 's work

Lynne Griffin, R.N., M.Ed. , researches family life and is a novelist.

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write a paragraph about “why i am special?”

That is simply easy!

Explanation:

1. get a sheet of notebook paper and list at least 10 things you find interesting about yourself

2. But you got to ask yourself why are these things interesting

3. Make a rough draft

4. once you are finish correct any spelling, grammar, or any punctuation.

5. then make your final draft.

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WEEKLY WRITING PROMPTS

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In a small town, a powerful family have a dark secret that nobody wants to discuss. One day, an outsider arrives, who's not happy to simply drop it.

Write a story that includes the line, "Is nobody going to say it?".

Place your characters in a tough situation, where nobody wants to acknowledge the reality of what's happening.

Write a story about two people who aren't admitting their true feelings for one another, despite it being obvious to outsiders.

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

A photographer captures an image of something unexplainable. What happens next?

Set your story during rehearsals for a production of a Shakespeare play.

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In addition to being a writer and editor, I teach writing in public schools and in a nearby detention center. This means I regularly use writing prompts with students of all ages.

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51 Creative Writing Prompts for Adults

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