ScriptEventsCompetitionsFree DownloadsSubscribeShop
Online Writing Workshops
Write Better FictionWrite Better NonfictionWrite Better PoetryGet PublishedBe InspiredWD CompetitionsResources

Jack-O-Lantern of the Soul

You (or a character) have managed to carve a Jack-O-Lantern that expresses the very essence of your identity and personality with startling accuracy. What is it, and how do your family/ friends react when they see it?

Jess Zafarris
Jess Zafarris

image by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Writing Prompt: Jack-O-Lantern of the Soul

You (or a character) have managed to carve a Jack-O-Lantern that expresses the very essence of your identity and personality with startling accuracy. What is it, and how do your family/ friends react when they see it?

Post your response in 500 words or fewer in the comments below.

Happy Halloween, friends! ~ JZ

creative writing promptsPrompts
Jess Zafarris
Jess ZafarrisAuthor

Jess Zafarris is the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications for Gotham Ghostwriters and the former Digital Content Director for Writer’s Digest. Her eight years of experience in digital and print content direction include such roles as editor-in-chief of HOW Design magazine and online content director of HOW and PRINT magazine, as well as writing for the Denver Business Journal, ABC News, and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. She spends much of her spare time researching curious word histories and writing about them at UselessEtymology.com. Follow her at @jesszafarris or @uselessety on Twitter.

Related Stories
A close-up photograph of a person's hands woodworking. The person is using a tool to shape a piece of wood that is mounted on a lathe. Wood shavings are flying off the wood as it is being worked. The person is wearing a red shirt, and only their hands and forearms are visible.
Writing PromptsThe CraftMoriah Richard
A close-up photograph of a red DoorDash insulated delivery bag sitting on the ground. The bag is textured with a quilted pattern and has two handles. The DoorDash logo is visible in white on the lower part of the bag. The ground is covered with pine needles and small branches, suggesting an outdoor setting. The background is slightly blurred, with a building or wall visible. The lighting is natural, casting a soft shadow behind the bag.
Writing PromptsDoorDash DumpedMoriah Richard
A medium shot photograph of two people sitting at a table in a dimly lit room, silhouetted against a bright window. The room has a high ceiling with exposed beams and a dark, industrial aesthetic. The two people are seated facing each other, engaged in conversation or working on something at the table. They appear to be indoors, possibly in a cafe or workspace, with large windows providing a stark contrast between the dark interior and the bright outside light. The image emphasizes the silhouettes of the people and the architectural details of the room.
Writing PromptsThe Ghost ConfrontedMoriah Richard
A medium shot photograph of a group of young children walking away from the viewer, their backs facing the camera. They are wearing colorful clothing and backpacks, and many have hats on. They appear to be walking in a line on a paved surface, possibly a sidewalk or courtyard, with a few adults visible in the background. The scene is brightly lit, suggesting daylight. The children’s clothing and the outdoor setting imply a casual, possibly school or outing-related context.
Writing PromptsTeaching the TeacherMoriah Richard
A close-up photograph of a yellow neon sign displaying the words "smell," "taste," and "touch," stacked vertically. Each word is separated by a horizontal yellow neon line. The background is a slightly darker, textured surface, possibly a wall, with a subtle sheen. The neon tubes are bright and emit a warm yellow glow.
Writing PromptsSensory TriggersMoriah Richard
The Throwers Wheel
Writing PromptsThe Throwers WheelMoriah Richard

© 2025 Active Interest Media All rights reserved.

About UsTerms of ServicePrivacy PolicyActive Interest MediaScriptMag.comDigital Editions2nd Draft CritiquesWebinarsTutorialsWD UniversityWriter's Digest ShopNovel Writing ConferenceWriter's Digest Annual ConferenceCompetitionsGive a Gift SubscriptionMedia KitBack IssuesCurrent IssueCustomer ServiceRenew a subscriptionSubscribeAdvertise With UsWrite For UsMeet UsSite Map
Antique TraderArts & Crafts HomesBank Note ReporterCabin LifeCuisine at HomeFine GardeningFine HomebuildingFine WoodworkingGreen Building AdvisorGarden GateKeep Craft AliveLog Home Living
Military Trader/VehiclesNumismatic News/VehiclesNumismasterOld Cars WeeklyOld House JournalPeriod HomesPopular WoodworkingScriptShopNotesSports Collectors DigestThreadsTimber Home LivingTraditional Building
WoodsmithWoodshop NewsWorld Coin NewsWriter's Digest
;