Creative Writing Prompts
Need an idea to help you get started writing? You’ll find hundreds of fun writing prompts here – perfect for beginning a new novel or short story, or simply giving your writing muscle a workout.
You Picked Wrong
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is kidnapped by a cult looking to sacrifice you to the entity they worship—but they didn’t realize you’re BFFs with that entity.
Nervous Laughter
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, put a twist on the horror genre by making it funny.
Outgrowing Traditions
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, a child considers themselves too mature for the usual family tradition.
Quite the Reward
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character rescues a creature that turns out to be a powerful being.
Good Samaritan or Simply Bystander?
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character witnesses something bad happening—will they intervene?
Unlit Lighthouse
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, the local lighthouse is unlit for the first time in over 100 years.
First Day Jitters
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is anxious about their first day in a new place.
Homesick
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, set your story in a place you (or your character) is missing.
What We Want
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is faced with what they want most.
It's Gone!
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, a child has realized their comfort toy is missing.
A Thief in the Market
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, someone is stealing from small business owners.
Your Story #120
Write the opening line to a story based on the photo prompt below. (One sentence only.) You can be poignant, funny, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story.
How Can I Help You?
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is a high-end retail salesperson.
Welcome to the World
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, set your story on a brand new world.
Mutiny!
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, a crew is deciding whether or not they should mutiny.
Unearthly Greetings
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, scientists have just decoded a mysterious message from the stars.
Hyperfocus
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is trapped in hyperfocus.
In a Dream
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, set your story inside a dream.
Change of Plans
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, there's been a sudden and unforeseen change of plans.
Trend Chaser
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, an attempt to join an online trend has gone wrong.
Your Story #119: Vote Now!
Write a short story of 650 words or fewer based on the photo prompt. You can be poignant, funny, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story.
Spitting Image
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, let's include two identical characters.
Vacation Season
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, set your story at a vacation spot.
All Smiles
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, let's get optimistic.