Write a scene that puts a character or characters from a fairy tale in a different situation. What is different from their original story? How do they adapt to this change?

Write a scene from an animal's perspective. What looks different from their perspective? Can the animal see that humans cannot?

Write a scene that includes the color green, literally or figuratively. Is your character wearing a green dress? Does someone feel envious? Are they recycling?

Write a scene set somewhere far away from your character's home. Be sure to include the sights, smells, and sounds of the setting to give your piece a strong sense of place.

Write a scene that includes the number 100. For example, a Kindergarten class celebrating their 100th day of school, a centennial celebration, $100 bills, life lessons from a centenarian, etc.

Write a scene from a child's point of view. How does the child see things differently from an adult?

Write a scene that includes time travel.

Create a scene of chaos. Perhaps a character is panicking, a bunch of different things are going on at once, there's a huge mess, or someone is running out of time—or all of the above!

Create a game of M.A.S.H for a character of your creation. Next, write a scene in their life story based on the result of the M.A.S.H. game.

Open a book or magazine in your reading pile to a page of your choice. Pick six words from the page that sound interesting to you. Write a piece that uses all six of those words.

Build a character's traits based on the meaning of their first or last name. You may have to consult a baby name website or Ancestry.com. Write a scene or story starring your new character.

Visit a park, coffee shop, or another public place that is buzzing with activity. Take note of what you hear the people around you say. Begin an original scene or story that includes something you overheard.

Write a scene or story that includes a character fulfilling someone's dying wish.

Write a scene or story that includes a character confronting the decision to make a big change in their life.

Write a scene or story in which a character receives an unusual gift.

Write a scene or story that involves a dream. It could be a character waking up from a dream, describing a dream they had to another person, realizing they are in a strange dream, etc.

"What's the Big Idea" previously appeared in the January 2019 issue of Writer's Digest and includes 15 writing prompts + ideas for 15-minute brainstorming sessions.

Write a scene or story in which someone acts outside of their normal behavior.