creative writing prompt writer's block

500 Writing Prompts to Help Beat Writer’s Block

Looking to get your story started with a writing prompt? You’ve come to the right place. In this post we detail everything you need to know about writing prompts and give you 500 writing prompts broken down by genre. Enjoy!

I want to be a writer… but what if I have nothing to write about?

Ever feel like you’d love to write but you’re fresh out of ideas? Like there’s nothing else that you could possibly write about, or you have no idea where to even get started? We get it. One of the hardest steps in writing a book is often knowing where to get started. Coming up with content, getting your pen (or pencil) to paper, and letting your creativity flow is a challenge that many writers struggle with. As we know, facing writer’s block and fighting personal writing doubt is common. An overwhelming number of professional authors admit to getting stuck well before they get to the point of selling books on Amazon . Thankfully, there’s an answer to the question of where to turn when you feel like you’ve hit that proverbial wall: the writing prompt.

What is a writing prompt?

How often do writers use writing prompts?

There’s no right answer to this question because using writing prompts can often be a personal choice. Some authors find it greatly benefits their ability to turn out creative results. Some authors know that they already have the right ideas for a book in their heads. With using writing prompts, you need to decide on what’s best for you . Whatever method helps you generate ideas is what’s best for your writing!

Is there a writing prompt that’s best for me?

You might be wondering if there’s one type of writing prompt that’s best for you. It’s easy to find selections of prompts that are filtered by specific genres (romance, mystery, and so on). However, we recommend sticking to genre-specific prompts if you want your writing to be more focused. With that being said, you never know when inspiration will strike. If your writing needs are less genre-restricted, reading as many prompts as possible may be the best option for you! Whenever I write for fun, I love to read as many prompts as I can across all genres. Hey, you can get some pretty fun ideas for a thriller story from sci-fi writing prompts.

Where can I find writing prompts?

Easy – the Internet! And books, too. We recommend checking out our collection of prompts first, but there are numerous great sources throughout the web (blogs, social media, and even AI tools like ChatGPT ). Through combing the Internet for great websites and blogs like Reedsy , Screencraft , The Write Practice , Bryn Donovan’s resources , and the @writing.prompt.s Instagram page, we’ve written and gathered 500 writing prompts to help you kickstart your brain into writing mode. Categorized into ten popular genres, we encourage you to grab your mug of coffee or tea, read through our prompts, and get ready to catch the writing bug.

Have any particular writing prompts that help you get focused? Want to tell us about a great website for writing prompts? Feel free to share those in the comments below. Happy writing!

Mystery / Thriller
Science Fiction
Fantasy / Paranormal
General Fiction
Religion / Spirituality
Travel / Adventure
Young Adult

What are some mystery and thriller writing prompts?

You find strange, muddy footprints leading up to your front door.
A stranger sits down next to you on a train and gets up, leaving a package behind. Do you investigate the package?
You hear news of your next-door neighbor vanishing without a trace.
One day the national news channel shuts off. And the next day after that, too.
One day at work, you look across the street to see a hooded figure in a black coat pointing directly at you. What do they want?
You stumble upon a strange house you’ve never seen before on your morning run.
You get a text message from an unknown number saying, “Meet me outside. Now.”
Your parents tell you that they actually don’t know whose child you are.
Someone puts a large black box on your doorstep. A note on the front reads, “Caution: may bite.”
You wake up to discover a completely different, unknown face staring back at you from the mirror.
The protagonist of your story discovers that there is a person who looks exactly like him.
An international spy group recruits you to be their latest member.
You begin to realize that your reflection is no longer appearing in mirrors.
You aunt passes away, leaving you $500,000 in her will under the condition that you resume care for your hundred-year-old home.
Your best friend tells you that she feels like someone’s been watching her. The next day she goes missing.
Three words: Long lost brother.
The day of your wedding, you wake up to find every person in your wedding party has been brutally murdered.
The FBI begs you to come back to work on a special case. Your former partner has turned and is now wanted for the murders of three co-workers.
Local gravestones begin disappearing.
You can solve murders simply by stepping foot at the crime scene. Problem is, no one believes you.
Write a short story where the protagonist has a doppelganger. (Reedsy)
Your fingers tensed around the object in your pocket, ready to pull it out at a moment’s notice. (Reedsy)
You’re sitting by a window watching the flakes slowly and silently fall. Suddenly, you see something outside that snaps you out of your reverie. (Reedsy)
You’re at a huge store scouting out Black Friday deals. You start to notice that all the security cameras in the store seem to be following your each and every move. (Reedsy)
You work for the CIA who send you undercover in the FBI, who send you undercover in M16, who send you undercover in the CIA, who are very confused that you are back after only two weeks. (Reedsy)
A terrorist group has been infiltrated by so many agencies that it is now run by spies, unbeknownst to the spies themselves. This fact becomes apparent to an actual extremist who joins their ranks. (Reedsy)
Ever since childhood, a dark figure no one else can see has been following you around, whispering in your ear. Today you see it lying a few feet away, screaming and asking you to run. (Reedsy)
You’ve lived an average life up until today, your 20th birthday. You just found out that your dad is the runaway son of a doting criminal warlord, and your mom is the daughter of an equally doting secret agent. Both family businesses are looking to make you the next heir. (Reedsy)
She has been walking for hours. Her feet are starting to bleed. But she can’t stop moving… she can’t let him find her again. (Reedsy)
The morning after a blizzard you make your way outside and slowly start to realize everyone has disappeared. (Reedsy)
You find a hand-written note on your windshield that says, “Drive west for 100 miles.” (Reedsy)
You wake up in a jail cell, crusted blood covering your hands. You have no idea how you got there. The cell door clangs open, and an officer walks you to interrogation room where two detectives wait to question you. (Reedsy)
You walk into your job and find a secret, coded note pinned to your desk. What do you do next? (Reedsy)
Guard this with your life. (Reedsy)
A loved one confides in you, but the secret could damage someone else you care about. What do you do? (Reedsy)
As you’re browsing through a rack of sweaters, someone approaches you and says, “I need you to listen to me very carefully.” (Reedsy)
Write a short dark comedy in which a long-unsolved mystery is finally cracked. (Reedsy)
They say a picture is worth a thousand words but you knew the one you’d just taken was worth a million. (Reedsy)
You were the oldest person still living in the town and you remembered things no one else did. (Reedsy)
Looking through old family photos, multiple generations back, you notice there is a cat in almost every group photo. The same cat – color, pattern, one docked ear – that is currently purring on your lap. (Reedsy)
“… and that’s why dividing by three is illegal.” (Reedsy)
You’re a serial killer who murders anyone you see hitchhiking up your mountain. One day, you pick up a hitchhiker who kills anyone who picks them up.
You are legally allowed to commit murder once, but you must fill out the proper paperwork and your proposed victim will be notified of your intentions. (Reedsy)
You hire two private investigators to investigate each other. One month later both come to you to present their findings. (Reedsy)
20 years after your daughter was abducted, a detective finds you to reopen the case. The detective turns out to be your daughter. (Reedsy)
You’re shaking hands with a stranger at a networking event when you ask for their name. “I have no name,” they reply. (Reedsy)
As you’re paying for your groceries, you mention to the clerk, “There’s a mess in aisle 16.” They give you a puzzled look and reply, “There is no aisle 16.” (Reedsy)
The detective didn’t realize they were being foiled by a competing detective. (Reedsy)
The first day you opened your own office as a private investigator, you didn’t expect it to be busy. You were wrong. (Reedsy)
You are the world’s greatest detective. With your near superhuman intellect, you have never failed to solve a case before. One day, you finally meet your match: a criminal so unbelievably stupid that you cannot possibly comprehend and predict what he’s going to do next. (Reedsy)

What are some romance writing prompts?

Left at the altar, you decide to seek revenge on your ex.
You got ditched at the last minute before prom – who will your date be?
A stranger texts the wrong number, and accidentally sends you a declaration of love. The message is so sweet and heartfelt that you know you can’t let it go.
A divorced former couple find each other on the same flight to Paris… Sitting next to each other.
After joining an adult swim league, you realize that your coach is irresistibly cute.
Your husband accidentally sends you a text meant for his mistress.
You and a hot stranger get trapped in an elevator.
Write a love story set at the zoo.
A college professor and their teaching assistant hit it off a little too well.
You get to make one wish to create your dream romantic partner. What is it?
Two strangers on an online chat room hit it off. Turns out they’re childhood sweethearts.
A parole officer falls in love with his parolee.
After their catamaran crashes, a husband and wife on their anniversary trip are left marooned on an island in the tropics.
She’s a burgeoning lingerie model who needs her cute neighbor to take portfolio shots of her.
An alien falls in love with a forbidden human.
Desperate for cash, a med student signs up to be a nude model for a retired women’s art club.
A cutthroat business woman swore she’d never find love until her best friend sets her up on a blind date.
Two widowed people meet at a community garden.
A chef decides to embark on an international culinary tour for inspiration and falls in love with their tour guide.
A daughter tries to set her widowed father up on an online dating app – without him knowing.
A Republican presidential candidate and Democratic presidential candidate fall in love.
You are a popular book heroine’s love interest. You now have 60 seconds to convince them that saving the city is more important than saving you. (@writing.prompt.s)
The love of your life is your brother’s nemesis.
You fall in love with every person you make eye contact with.
You’re a mail order bride arriving at her new home for the first time.
After you move to a new city, you fall in love with your realtor while buying a new house.
You realize that you’ve fallen out of love with your new wife while you’re on your honeymoon.
You and your best friends decide to try a new dating app for the first time.
At your friend’s urging, you begrudgingly attend a Valentine’s Day speed dating event. (Reedsy)
Every day, you return to your apartment and say, “Honey, I’m home. Oh wait, that’s right… I live alone.” But then one day, a voice replies, “I picked up some pizza.” (Reedsy)
Cupid offers to shoot an arrow into the person you love. He warns you that if the person already has a pre-existing affection towards you, it will disappear when the arrow strikes. (Reedsy)
You meet your doppelganger of the opposite sex and find you are strangely attracted to each other. (Reedsy)
Write a romantic comedy. Difficulty: both lovers are emotionally mature and have excellent communication skills. (Reedsy)
In the future, romantic attraction is literal: each person is fitted with an electromagnetic bracelet which, they claim, will pull you to your soulmate. It’s the day they turn the magnets on, and you’re waiting. (Reedsy)
A fortune teller falls in love with their client who has their palm read every month. (Reedsy)
It wasn’t love at first sight. But now you were starting to see them in a new light… (Reedsy)
Someone with anxiety falls in love with someone extremely adventurous. (Reedsy)
The lives of two people are changed forever when they coincidentally meet and engage in a weekend-long affair. (Reedsy)
They lived in a world where PDA is forbidden. One day, they slipped up and held hands on the street. (Reedsy)
Two characters who are perfect for one another are foiled by bad timing. (Reedsy)
Two mortal enemies fall in love when they’re trapped in an elevator together and begin to see the other person’s perspective. (Reedsy)
Valentine’s Day at a retirement home. (Reedsy)
Well, that was a New Year’s Eve kiss you won’t forget any time soon. (Reedsy)
You have the ability to make anyone fall in love with you. You’ve just fallen in love for the first time. Do you use your power? (Reedsy)
You and your partner finally have the most romantic vacation planned. Problem is, your in-laws decided to tag along at the last minute.
You never would have guessed that in 48 hours you’d be married. (Reedsy)
A dog lover and cat lover fall in love… and must find a way to get their animals to fall in love, too.
You’ve been bumping into the same stranger for months. Finally, you decide to say hello. (Reedsy)
They might have aged 50 years, but when they held you, those hands felt exactly like they did the first time. (Reedsy)
An avalanche strands two mortal enemies together… and they start to fall in love.

What are some science fiction writing prompts?

You wake up one morning to find out that you get to move to any planet of your choosing.
Your wife is a droid.
Every day, you get one hour to revisit any moment from your life. What do you pick?
Gravity no longer exists.
You are chosen to go on the first ever recreational space journey.
After people die, their spirits can be brought back from death but at the cost of one random human life. Is it worth it?
Everyone in the world has the ability to read thoughts. Except for one person.
You have to power to build one separate planet. How do you build it? Who gets to live there?
What team do you gather to fight the largest alien and terrorist threat on Earth?
The world is dying. In order to save it, you’ve been commanded to sacrifice yourself to an invading alien group.
You are the first person able to breathe in outer space.
A rare form of cancer is the newest superbug. With a team of scientists, you all must find a cure before the population is wiped out.
Human beings begin to find themselves growing extra limbs as global warming amps up.
It turns out humans have been the aliens all along.
You are in charge of a secretive government agency that aligns people’s fates. Their livelihood is entirely up to you and what you want to do with it.
Technology becomes illegal.
All plant life on the planet is wiped out, except for in Florida.
You are one of the mechanics on the first ever self-flying airplane.
Walking through the woods one day, you come across a small animal that has the ability to instantaneously clone itself.
Your whole family has fought in the space military, but you’ve decided to no longer take part in it.
In an alternate universe where global warming has ruined the planet, you’ve spent your entire life living in an airplane on autopilot.
You’re a 15-year-old in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. However, a cure has been found that not only rids the infected person of the virus before they turn but prevents it altogether. Only one problem… Your parents are anti-vaxxers. (@writing.prompt.s)
Nasa engineers monitor the curiosity rover’s actions. All seems normal until the robot suddenly changes its course. The scientists attempt to correct it over and over until they suddenly receive a transmission from the rover: “Will Save Oppy” (@writing.prompt.s)
What if a nuclear submarine was ordered to launch their nuclear arsenal onto the world? (Screencraft)
What if the world we live in is actually a computer simulation? (Screencraft)
What if the past and present timelines began to merge? (Screencraft)
What if your stepfather or stepmother is actually your future self? (Screencraft)
What if the sun began to die? (Screencraft)
What if the universe as we know it is actually someone’s imagination? (Screencraft)
Everyone on earth begins to experience universal amnesia.
The year is 2200. What does the world look like to you?
In the future, we no longer require water, air, or food. We are a super efficient team of robots.
What do you think happens when the grid goes down?
Describe your perfect utopian world.
Your penpal lives on the opposite side of the universe.
Aliens who only communicate with sign language invade. To avoid war, our governments must engage a vastly marginalized portion of the human population: the hearing-impaired. (The Write Practice)
A rogue planet with strange properties collides with our sun, and after it’s all over, worldwide temperature falls forty degrees. Write from the perspective of a someone trying to keep his tropical fruit trees alive. (The Write Practice)
Ever read about the world’s loneliest whale? Write a story in which he’s actually the survivor of an aquatic alien species which crashed here eons ago, and he’s trying very hard to learn the “local” whale language so he can fit in. Write from his perspective the first time he makes contact. (The Write Practice)
An alien planet starts receiving bizarre audio transmissions from another world (spoiler: they’re from Earth). What does it mean? Are they under attack? Some think so…until classic rock ‘n’ roll hits the airwaves, and these aliens discover dancing. Write from the perspective of the teenaged alien who first figures it out. (The Write Practice)
Take anything we find normal today (shopping malls, infomercials, products to remove facial hair, etc.) and write a story from the perspective of an archeologist five thousand years in the future who just unearthed this stuff, has NO idea what any of it was for, and has to give a speech in an hour explaining the historical/religious/sociological significance. (The Write Practice)
House cats are aliens who have succeeded in their plan to rule the world. Discuss.
A high schooler from fifteen hundred years in our future is assigned a one-page writing project on a twenty-first century person’s life based entirely on TV commercials. Write the beginning of the essay. (The Write Practice)
Time travel works, but only once in a person’s life. Write from the perspective of someone who chooses to go back in time, knowing they can never return. Where do they go and why? (The Write Practice)
So yeah, ancient Egypt really was “all that” after all, and the pyramids turn out to be fully functional spaceships (the limestone was to preserve the electronics hidden inside). Write from the perspective of the tourist who accidentally turns one on. (The Write Practice)
Ten years from now, scientists figure out how to stop human aging and extend life indefinitely—but every time someone qualifies for that boost, someone else has to die to keep the surplus population in check. Oh, it’s all very humane; one’s descendants get a huge paycheck. Write from the perspective of someone who just got a letter in the mail saying they’re the one who has to die. (The Write Practice)
In the future, neural implants translate music into physical pleasure, and earphones (“jacking in”) are now the drug of choice. Write either from the perspective of a music addict, OR the Sonforce agent (sonance + enforcer) who has the job of cracking down. (The Write Practice)
It’s the year 5000. Our planet was wrecked in the great Crisis of 3500, and remaining human civilization survives only in a half dozen giant domed cities. There are two unbreakable rules: strict adherence to Life Quality (recycling doesn’t even begin to cover these laws), and a complete ban on reproduction (only the “worthy” are permitted to create new humans). Write from the perspective of a young woman who just discovered she’s been chosen to reproduce—but she has no interest in being a mother. (The Write Practice)
In the nineteenth century, there’s a thriving trade in stolen archeological artifacts. Write a story from the perspective of an annoyed, minimum-wage employee whose job is traveling back in time to obtain otherwise unobtainable artifacts, then has to bring them back to the present (the 1800s, that is) and artificially age them before they will sell. (The Write Practice)
Steampunk! Write a story from the perspective of a hot air balloon operator who caters to folks who like a little thrill… which means she spends half her time in the air shooting down pterodactyls before the paying customers get TOO scared. (The Write Practice)
Creation myth! Write from the perspective of a crazy scientist in the year 28,000 who, determined to discover how the universe began, rigs up a malfunctioning time machine, goes to the “beginning” of the universe, and ends up being the reason for the Big Bang. (Logic? Causal effect? Pfft. Hush, it’s time-travel, and that was never logical.) (The Write Practice)

What are some fantasy and paranormal writing prompts?

A mysterious creature speaks to you in your dreams and tells you that when you awake, you will have the ability to see into another realm.
Your pet dragon transforms into a person.
You are gifted with the strongest, most elusive sword in the kingdom, but if you use it you will never be able to speak again.
A magical world exists underground. To get there, you’ll need to start digging.
You wake up and find out that you’re the only living person left on the planet.
On her deathbed, your grandmother tells you that there’s a hidden treasure buried in her backyard. The family has been trying to locate it for decades. It’s up to you to finally find it.
The ocean becomes the sky.
You must save your kingdom from ruin by learning how to breathe fire.
You have the power to read the lost language, making you the only person to decipher the scroll.
Fairies are tired of being used for free labor.
Your favorite fairy tale is now set in 2019.
You are kidnapped by a knight who demands your assistance in sleighing the city’s most dangerous dragon.
A man and his wife own the largest potion store in town. Little do the townspeople know, but they’re all being slowly poisoned by the potions.
A magical toad begins talking to you, but you’re the only person who can hear him.
You come into possession of a ring that can change the weather to whatever you decide.
You’re selected to take part in a secretive, underground magic university… but you have to kill someone to go.
You wake up to find yourself a member of King Arthur’s Round Table.
An underwater society decides to overtake the world.
Regular person by day, a shape shifter by night.
Satan puts you in charge of Hell.
You are the king. After your daughter was kidnapped by a dragon, you offered the standard reward to whoever rescued her. You weren’t expecting a different dragon to rescue her. (@writing.prompt.s)
A woman has been dating guy after guy, but it never seems to work out. She’s unaware that she’s actually been dating the same guy over and over; a shapeshifter who’s fallen for her and is certain he’s going to get it right this time. (@writing.prompt.s)
The cocky main character of a popular book is sent to the real world. He is shocked to find that the fans of his book not only like the villain more but favor his side kick over him. (@writing.prompt.s)
You’re an immortal who lives at a beach resort. You have many summer flings with mortals on getaways. One day you see someone you had a hot romantic night with 50 years ago. They look exactly the same. (@writing.prompt.s)
The stars have been watching you your whole life, as you laughed and cried, loved and suffered. Today, you’re finally going to do something that none of them can bear to watch. They blink out, the whole night sky turning dark, just as you’re about to do it. (@writing.prompt.s)
A lord takes a fancy to a peasant girl and kidnaps her for his own. Little does he know that she’s a trained assassin who has been preparing to take his life for years. (@writing.prompt.s)
You are the last person on Earth, and you are able to make one wish. What do you wish for?
You and your family are on a hike when you stumble upon a group of witches in the forest, in the midst of casting spells.
You have the power to transform into whatever mystical creature you choose.
You and your ghost best friend are an infamous crime-solving team.
No, there’s absolutely no way that ghosts are real. Sure, you just saw a mysterious fuzzy figure you appear before you in your house, but that had to be your imagination… right?
You’re the one human who is capable of seeing ghosts. It’s up to you to save them from being removed from the human world for good.
You were born to be a villain, but you find yourself leaning more and more towards the good as you get older.
Spend some time working on world building. How can you create a believable fantasy world that readers can picture clearly? What types of characters does your world include?
Dream up your own, one-of-a-kind mythical race.
You and your adventurous crew on a quest for the old King’s hidden gold. Just one problem – so is the rest of your village.
10 cm of snow had fallen overnight, just as the weatherman predicted. The only thing is… the snow isn’t white. (Reedsy)
You start realizing that at least one aspect of every dream you have comes true the next day. (Reedsy)
You can buy a pill that lets you decide exactly what you will dream about while you sleep. (Reedsy)
You find a polaroid camera that seems to predict the future: its pictures show what will happen exactly 5 minutes from the moment you take them. (Reedsy)
You were on your way to see a doctor who promised to know the secret to making yourself fall out of love with someone. (Reedsy)
Write a story that includes a character hearing their fate by a fortune teller. (Reedsy)
As a joke, you put on a tinfoil hat. Suddenly your mind goes completely silent. (Reedsy)
Silence is now literally golden. For every day of total silence a person completes, they receive a piece of gold. (Reedsy)
A new candy had been invented that allowed the person who ate it to relive any memory they wanted. There was a lineup outside the shop. (Reedsy)
It’s 1AM at night. But the sun is out. (Reedsy)
You wake up 10 years younger. What do you do? (Reedsy)
I wish I could skip next week, you think as you get into bed that night. In the morning, you wake up 100 years in the future. (Reesy)
They found out about us. They’re coming. They were the words the kingdom had feared hearing for thousands of years. (Reedsy)
A group of scientists on a submarine are alarmed when they spot what looks like a functioning lighthouse at the bottom of the ocean. (Reedsy)

What are some general fiction writing prompts?

You’re chasing your dream of being the first person to fly.
Coffee is illegal and you have to single handedly smuggle it into the country.
You have to get to the bottom of your family’s deepest secret.
What was the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in public?
Detail the life of the person who inspires you the most.
Imagine what would happen if you woke up one morning unable to see, speak, or hear.
Think about what you are most proud of. Follow the story of how you got to that point.
By way of a lottery system, the king chooses you to be his queen.
Use five points of view to describe one situation.
Describe the life of a struggling author attempting to make it “big.”
Tell the story of one woman on the mission to find her lost biological daughter.
Your dream is to open a restaurant and be a top chef, but how can you do that when you were born without taste buds?
You’ve just returned home from war only to find your family missing without a trace.
A famous shoe designer asks you to quit your job and be his latest model.
You have the power to create, and star in, your own reality show. What does it look like?
The dark family secret that’s always been hidden comes to light.
As an 80-year-old, you decide to finally learn how to swim so you can participate in a triathlon.
Write a scene detailing your greatest fear. Now imagine that has come true for your character.
What’s the greatest advice you’ve ever been given? What if you lived solely according to it?
You live in a world with no stress and fear.
Death has been flirting with you for a long time, but they’ve become a bit annoying. After another attempting to hang out with you again, you jokingly tell them, “If I was the last person on Earth, I’d maybe give you a chance.” Death believes you and will double their efforts.
When people are born, they are assigned a soulmate. They have a song in their head that only them and their soulmate know. How do you find your soulmate? (@writing.prompt.s)
Write a story about a character waking up to something absurd. (Reedsy)
Write a story about a character waking up to the best news of their life. (Reedsy)
Write a short story with an unreliable narrator that readers can never quite trust. (Reedsy)
Write a short story in which the main “character” is the setting: for example, a house. (Reedsy)
Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as honest. Or kind. Or intelligent. (Reedsy)
Using only dialogue, write a short story about a first date, a reunion between old friends, an argument that gets heated, an adult explaining something to a child, or the reveal of a long-hidden secret. (Reedsy)
Imagine telling the story of a professional hypnotizer. (Reedsy)
Tell a story through text messages.
Tell the story of what you would do if you won the lottery.
Write your own obituary.
Tell a story from your favorite era.
Imagine how you would help solve the greatest challenges that the world faces. What would your plan be?
What would a world be like with no poverty? What would change? What would stay the same?
Tell the story of the first time that you learned to do something really well.
Imagine what it would be like to be a pop star.
Tell a story through song.
Write from the perspective of your worst enemy.
Tell a story using only one sense – seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, or touching.
After years on the job search, you’ve finally gotten your dream job – but it changes you for the worst.
You own a tiny mom and pops-type store that you run with your family.
The worst thing that you could imagine happening happens.
You’re the judge of the annual pie contest in your hometown but, unbeknownst to you, one of the pies is poisoned.
You go on a road trip to visit your late father’s grave.
Tell the story of seeing the ocean for the first time. Or the last.
You’re allergic to oxygen.
Imagine what would happen if every person in the world woke up in a good mood every day.
You’re put in charge of taking care of your elderly grandmother towards the end of her life.
You get one chance to talk to any person in the world. Who do you choose?

What are some religion and spirituality writing prompts?

What makes you believe in God?
God speaks directly to you – what does He say?
What do you find to be most beautiful in the world?
You get to build a religion of your own. What do you make it into?
You must live every single day according to a holy text of your choice. What happens?
Explore what it means to be religious versus spiritual.
What helps you meditate?
What is the greatest wisdom that you would like to impart on the world?
Who is one religious figure you would like to have dinner with? What do you talk to them about?
Describe your idea of heaven.
Detail your favorite story in the holy text of your choosing.
You live in a world where no Gods exist.
What does karma mean to you?
What would your ideal world look like?
You have the power to make every single person in the world ether religious or nonreligious. What do you do? What changes about the world?
What makes you a religious or spiritual person?
Describe what a church means to you. Have you had positive or negative experiences in a church?
Write a poem about your religious path in life.
Write a religious comedy.
What happens when a priest decides he doesn’t want to be a priest anymore?
Think about what morality means to you.
What is the difference in good versus evil? How do you know?
How does one know what is innately good?
What makes you religious?
What makes you non religious?
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who has completely opposite spiritual or religious views from you. Why do they think a certain way?
Describe what your childhood views in spirituality or religion were.
What do you hope your religious or spirituality path to look like as you age?
How would you advise someone to strengthen their faith?
If you could talk to God, what would you want to say?
The Southern Baptist Convention elects its first woman president, though she is subsequently removed from the position due to an obscure rule. In protest, every woman leaves the Southern Baptist denomination to form an independent, women-only sect of Baptists.
God needs a vacation from heaven, so he comes to earth to experience life as a dog. He is captured by animal control and is impounded, and you adopt god-the-dog after a tragedy that makes you question your faith.
An opiate addict going through severe withdrawal symptoms has a conversation with the Buddha – what did they talk about, and was it the result of a fever dream, or a spiritual awakening?
You record a video that seemingly shows a woman walking on water at a small rural pond. The video goes viral as proof that Jesus has returned, and Christians begin to wonder if Christ was the Daughter, not the Son, of God.
A secular Jew and a devout Muslim debate food and faith on a train from Quebec to Montreal.
What are your personal ten commandments?
When was a specific moment where you felt a “divine presence” in your life?
Have you ever felt like you’ve experienced a glimpse into the afterlife?
What form do you think the afterlife will take, if you believe that it exists?
Have you ever had an out of body experience?
William Blake, famous British poet, thought that to love was to be in tune with the divine. Do you think this is true? How have you experienced divine love?
How have you experienced the divine through love?
Emanuel Swedenborg believed that there was a soulmate for every person, and that you couldn’t get into heaven until your soul mate had also passed away. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates?
Do you believe in reincarnation?
What would reincarnation look like to you?
Some religions believe that animals and plants have souls. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
Describe a particularly spiritual moment in your life. What were you doing? Were you by yourself or with someone else?
What is your most taboo religious belief?
Some religions believe that human beings could never truly represent a higher power in art. Do you agree with this? What is an example of art or words that you feel represent the higher power?
What are your thoughts on love languages?

What are some travel and adventure writing prompts?

Write about your favorite vacation.
What culture interests you the most?
You get lost in a foreign city with no cell phone and no money. What do you do?
Your favorite chef asks you to join them on a culinary tour of the world.
What country have you always dreamt of traveling to?
What’s your dream vacation?
Tell the story of the worst traveling experience of your life.
A country of your choosing fuses with North America.
You and your best friends go on a road trip across America, with no budget and for however long you want.
You are asked to review a luxury hotel on the beach.
You are forced to leave your home and move to a remote foreign country. What do you pack with you?
What about traveling excites you?
Go back in time to the era of your choosing and describe how you live.
Rate your top five favorite places in the world. What do you like about each place? What do you dislike?
If you could have any travel-related job in the world, what would it be?
You and your partner are kidnapped on your honeymoon.
Describe a 100-day walking journey around your state.
Imagine if you had never left your home in your entire life and then were forced to go outside and never come back to your house.
What do you say to your family in a postcard from a new location?
Describe what it’s like to sit in rush hour traffic in one of the busiest cities in the world.
A journey to a new location is disrupted by natural disaster.
Describe what it’s like to travel with a crippling fear of airplanes.
What is it that you love about traveling? Explore that feeling.
What is frightening about traveling? Explore that feeling.
What stories would you most like to share about the town that you’re from?
You have the opportunity to move anywhere in the world. Where do you choose?
Explore what your travels in Asia have been like.
Explore what your travels in Europe have been like.
Explore what your travels in South America have been like.
Explore what your travels in North America have been like.
Explore what your travels in Africa have been like.
What is the most unusual place you’d like to travel?
What do you think is most misunderstood about the culture of your home country?
What cultural norms are you most interested in exploring from foreign countries?
Describe the foreign foods that you most want to try.
Imagine that you are a successful chef in a foreign city.
Describe a time when you have been excited to explore a new place.
What is the most beautiful image that you have ever seen while traveling?
You get to go to any museum in the world. Which one do you choose?
What is your greatest horror story from traveling?
What is your happiest story from traveling?
Picture yourself on a foreign vacation with a person of your choosing. What do you do?
If you had to move to a foreign country tomorrow, what five items would you pack with you?
Set the scene for a beautiful beach that you have never traveled to.
Set the scene for a gorgeous castle that you have never traveled to.
A three day visit to Budapest becomes a maritime adventure down the Danube River to the Black Sea.
You are a sales representative for a roulette table manufacturer. While visiting the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino for work, you decide to discard all your possessions, cash out your minimal savings, and hike the Mountains-to-Sea trail from Clingmans Dome to the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
While en route to visit your college roommate in Kyoto, Japan you meet a stranger at Tan Son Nhat International Airport who needs your help finding a prophetic monk hiding from persecution in Saigon.
You have to make it from Cairo to Alexandria (Egypt). You have no money. Your only mode of transport is a temperamental camel.
In a high-stakes game of poker in the French Quarter, you wagered your soul to a voodoo doctor on a pretty bad hand. The only way to null the bet is to find a woman in Port-au-Prince, Haiti who has an item – the only item – the man is willing to trade for.

What are some horror writing prompts?

You wake up to a world in which all prisons are shut down, releasing dangerous prisoners into your neighborhood.
A masked stranger appears at your front door with a knife.
A random number texts you saying, “Don’t forget, you’re next.”
Someone knocks at your door. You open it to find your deceased grandfather who has come back from the dead to pay you a visit. What does he want?
Animals take over the world.
Strange murmuring sounds being to come from the door that leads to your basement.
While watching the evening news, the anchor looks directly at the camera and begins screaming before the camera cuts to black.
A polar vortex freezes the entire planet.
Whatever building you enter, you can see all of the people who died there.
You wake up in a strange room, tied to a chair, with a single knife on the floor pointed at you.
A chilling voice appears in your head. It won’t go away. One day, it tells you that you have to run.
The old cuckoo clock at your grandmother’s home is haunted.
You’re driving at night when you can’t help but shake the feeling that there’s a person in your back seat.
One day, while you’re in the shower, you hear your front door open and close. “Hey, roomie, I’m home!” Someone shouts. You don’t have a roommate.
A strange man living down the street begins leaving presents at your doorstep.
The cruise ship is haunted.
While working at a clothing store, you’re closing up the shop for the night when you see five men walk in through the front door and lock it behind them.
You’re in the middle of a bank robbery – hiding in the bathroom.
Your dog won’t stop barking at a sunken spot in your living room floor.
For the last few days, you’ve been getting ominous messages written in blood on your bathroom mirror. Turns out, they’re from an awkward ghost with a serious crush on you. (@writing.prompt.s)
The reason no one has ever seen the real Santa Claus is because everyone who sees him dies. You just saw him and now you need to survive. (@writing.prompt.s)
You wake up bound to an electric chair, moments before your imminent death.
A woman afraid of clowns is forced to work in a travelling circus. (Screencraft)
A treasure hunter finds a tomb buried beneath the dirt. (Screencraft)
A bartender serves last call to the only remaining patron who is the Devil himself. (Screencraft)
A boy’s stepfather is actually a murderous werewolf. (Screencraft)
A man wakes up with no mouth. (Screencraft)
Deceased soldiers return to their Civil War-era homes. (Screencraft)
Suburbia is actually purgatory. (Screencraft)
A man suffers from sleep paralysis at the worst possible time. (Screencraft)
A man murders his wife while sleepwalking.
What appears to be a ghost approaches your car while you’re waiting at a stoplight.
It’s late at night, and you hear footsteps in the cellar—but you’re definitely home alone… or so you thought. (The Write Practice)
You’ve put that doll in the cabinet, in the closet, in the attic, but no matter where you tuck it, it always shows back up on the sofa. On Halloween night, you come out to find it watching you… (The Write Practice)
A bad-tempered businessman is driving home after a long day of work. He thinks he sees his kids trick-or-treating and stops to pick them up—but those aren’t costumes. (The Write Practice)
A young woman goes to her grandmother’s house for tea on Halloween night. They have a wonderful time together, sharing stories, joy, and the best times of family. The next day, the woman learns her grandmother has been dead for a week and no one could get ahold of her to tell her. (The Write Practice)
Aliens have just landed on Earth—and boy, did they pick a weird day to come. How do they respond to Halloween, supernatural or otherwise? Do they decide this place is just too bizarre and get the heck out . . . or do they stick around and join in the fun? (The Write Practice)
On Halloween night, lovers get to come back and spend the evening together one more time. One couple from the Roaring Twenties decides to come back from the grave to help their extreme nerd great-grandchild or the kid will never get married. (The Practice)
A little boy’s lost in the woods, but at least his faithful dog is with him. As they look for the way out, the dog defends his master against terrifying monsters and animals. Finally, the boy arrives safely on the other side, beautiful green field, no more fog or night. Then the dog goes home . . . where his owner, the little boy, has died. The good doggy guarded him all the way to his final rest. (The Write Practice)
You wake up in the middle of the night to see a dark figure crawling across your floor.
Moments after taking off for a flight, the entire plane begins to shake dramatically. The pilot comes on the speaker and says, “This is very bad.”
You awake in a dark, small box and can hear strange noises outside.
Several weeks after buying your dream house, you start getting strange letters delivered in the mail warning you to move out.
Your dog has been acting very strangely recently. Some would say… almost human.
You stumble across a website that contains clues to some very disturbing crimes.
As you’re settling in to bed for the night, you hear an unusual scratching sound at your bedroom window.
You’re on vacation in a new city for the first time. As you walk down a busy boulevard, you suddenly look up to realize you have no idea where you are or how you got there. Come to think of it, you don’t even know who you are.
On your way to work, you notice that no one is driving on roads. The busy rush hour traffic is nonexistent, and there are no people walking around, either. It’s just you. What’s going on?
You discover, much too late, that your downstairs neighbor is a cannibal.
During a renovation of your home, you and your spouse find human remains underneath your back porch – a crime that you are now being charged with.

What are some children’s writing prompts?

Your dog begins speaking in a human voice one morning.
The sky turns purple.
Your best friend’s head turns into a mushroom.
Dinosaurs come back to earth.
You and your family rescue a turtle who was hit by a car and nurse him back to health.
You turn into a goldfish.
What would happen if you could turn any food into cotton candy?
Rain turns into soda.
Your family adopts a pet monkey.
The new kid at school wants to be your friend, but you’re very shy.
You and your boy scout troop get lost in the middle of the forest.
Your parents tell you they’ll give you $20 if you eat your vegetables with every dinner. Do you do it?
Write about a special memory from your childhood.
What parent were you closest do? What are some of your favorite memories of spending time with them?
Write about yourself at age five.
Write about yourself at age ten.
What was your greatest dream when you were a child?
Write about your favorite childhood pet.
Get inspiration for your writing by thinking about a vacation you took as a child.
What would happen if you woke up one day and kids ruled the world?
Tell the story of a child who has just transferred to a new school.
Tell the story of a platypus.
Imagine running away with a group of your childhood best friends – where would you go?
Dream up your own imaginary world.
Children’s books are known for their fun and creativity. What’s the craziest, kookiest new breed of animal you can imagine?
Give advice to new parents.
Give advice to your younger self.
Imagine what it would be like to live in a world where instead of taking the school bus, you ride a dragon to classes!
Write about your favorite childhood game.
Tell the story of a family who decides to hire a new babysitter or nanny.
Your parents tell you one day that you’re going to be a big sister – but you really like being the only child!
If the world could be any color, what would you want it to be?
If you could taste a specific flavor any time you ate something, what would you want it to be?
Describe a trip to the zoo with your class.
You and your best friends get to leave school to have lunch anywhere in town. Pizza, candy – anything! Tell the story of where you go.
Tell the story of your first time at summer camp.
Tell the story of your first time away from home.
What if we lived in a world where kids were treated like adults? And adults were treated like kids?
Take a spin at your very own Dr. Suess-esque book and use rhymes to tell a kooky, crazy story!
You’re in charge of babysitting your little sibling for the first time.
You decide to run away from home – what are some of the challenges that you face?
Picture a world where everything is upside down! What’s life like for you?
Write a book advising children on how to overcome adversity.
Write a book advising children on how to be a good friend.
Write a book advising children on how to be a kind sibling.
Bobby the Bunny wants to make friends with a fox pup who recently lost its family.
A giraffe and an ostrich live together in a zoo, where they bond over similar neck characteristics and learn how to play one another’s games.
A dragon wants to be loved and befriended, but every time he farts, fire erupts from his rear end.
Bruce the German Shepherd loves to run through the woods with his human. When he and his human get separated from one another, Bruce has to learn from his forest friends how to get back home.
Tell the story of the tooth fairy… Imagine that she just started her job and has to be trained.

What are some young adult writing prompts?

It’s your first day of middle school. But when you’re half human, half dragon, that makes things a little tough.
What happens when you begin working at the same yogurt shop as your crush?
Both of your parents die in a car accident, leaving you an orphan who gets shipped off to your mysterious aunt’s house in Europe.
One day you find out that you never have to return to high school. What do you decide to do instead?
You’re chosen to go on a school trip to Africa where you’ll be helping to build wells. You’ve never been out of the country, though, and are worried.
Your mom disappears one day, and you never see her again.
Tell the story of the best high school summer of your life.
Your boyfriend gets in a horrible car accident and ends up in the ICU. Another girl is found in the car with him, too – but she died. Who is she?
You find out that your brother is adopted.
During her freshman year of college, she found out that people in her dorm started to disappear. Almost from thin air.
A group of high school freshmen learn that the teachers and administrators at their boarding school are actually human like AI working towards the Singularity and human enslavement. If they don’t act fast, the robots win.
A group of at-risk teenagers are on an overnight camping trip with a wilderness counseling group in Badlands National Park when an arctic blast forces them out of a blizzard and into a cave. On day three, their counselors go out in search for help – and never return.
Your high school sweetheart dumps you suddenly because of something you posted on social media. But you didn’t post it, and you have to figure out just how different – and difficult – your life is now that you’ve been hacked.
Imagine that the world is run amok with vampires. Or zombies. Or authoritarian dictatorships in a dystopian future.
In the near future, climate change has led to the extinction of butterfly and bee pollinators. A small group of teen geniuses band together to develop autonomous, robotic insects to replicate the functions of insect pollination before the global food shortage turns from disastrous to extinction-level.
You find out that your best friend’s dad is responsible for the growing number of missing people in your hometown. How do you get everyone to believe you?
You did it – after years of hard work and try outs, you finally won the coveted spot on the football team. But here’s the thing – you’re the first girl to ever play.
One night you wake up to find yourself levitating over your bed. The next morning, strange wings start to grow from your shoulders. Are you turning into some sort of mystical bird?
It was pretty freaky to wake up for school one morning, only to see that my parents were literally frozen into blocks of ice in the kitchen. Even freakier? Every adult in town is frozen solid, too.
A boy pursues his list of wildly ambitious New Year’s resolutions, with hilarious and touching results. (Bryn Donovan)
A girl on the swim team transforms into a part-time mermaid. (Bryn Donovan)
A group of “outsiders” become a clique that eventually excludes others. (Bryn Donovan)
A girl’s favorite author plagiarizes her fanfiction. (Bryn Donovan)
A boy learns who believed his sister died finds out she’s very much alive. (Bryn Donovan)
A teenager’s best friend goes missing—and is widely believed to be the murderer of a family member. (Bryn Donovan)
Two teens begin to write a fantasy novel together and then cross over into the world they’ve created. (Bryn Donovan)
In a dystopian future, college admissions boards have access to video footage of students’ entire lives. (Bryn Donovan)
A girl always hangs out at a particular little nook at the library. Then the same boy starts taking the space every day. (Bryn Donovan)
A boy learns something terrible about his parents.(Bryn Donovan)
In a modern-day Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, three girls ditch class for a day filled with adventures. (Bryn Donovan)
35. A girl who wants to be a virgin until she gets married faces social pressure about her decision. (Bryn Donovan)
A teen gains the ability to take the form of any other person she chooses. (Bryn Donovan)
A girl’s science fair project yields results that attract the government’s attention. (Bryn Donovan)
A teen’s suspicions about a teacher lead him to conduct a private investigation. (Bryn Donovan)
A girl struggles with the decision to tell authorities about what the star quarterback did. (Bryn Donovan)
Soon after a boy was born, his father went missing. Now, a skeleton has been discovered in the basement of their former home. (Bryn Donovan)
You check out a book from the library and discover that it’s telling the story of your life. Do you decide to read ahead and find out what happens, or let it be a surprise?
Your beloved dog goes missing, resulting in a cross-country chase to reunite her with your family.
Put yourself in your favorite anime or manga series. What type of character would you play?
You and your best friends have been playing in a band in your mom’s garage for years. Now you’ve gotten discovered by a major Hollywood scout, but they only want you to go on to fame.
Some friends go to an escape room only to discover it’s being run by one of the most elusive serial killers in history.
After going to see the circus with your parents, you decide to run away to join the troupe. What act do you take on?
What would you tell your younger self as a teenager? What do you wish you had done differently, or not done at all?
What would your younger self tell you now? What would they think about your life?
Tell the story of someone who switches places with themself as a 14-year-old.
Think Princess Diaries – you’ve just found out you’re part royal with a massive inheritance to look forward to. What changes about your life?
A small spaceship crash lands in your backyard with nothing inside but an instruction manual on how to rebuild the aircraft. Do you take it back into space?
You have the power to shift into whatever creature you want – bear, wolf, etc. When do you choose to utilize your powers?
What would happen if you changed places with a rockstar?
Your big brother has always been the more successful, studious one of the family. You’ve finally got a chance to prove yourself and one up him – how do you do it?

There you have it, we hope these 500 writing prompts help you on your way to publishing your next book . For more resources on self-publishing, book marketing, and general indie author trends, make sure you check out these resources . You can also sign up for our free author newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news.

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49 comments on “ 500 writing prompts to help beat writer’s block ”.

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Thanks for sharing the prompt ideas! I am thinking to start writing a book since a long time. But I wasn’t getting any good heads. Your article has helped to understand my area of interest, especially in which I can write a book successfully.

very nice story I like it

Writer’s doubts never end here is a way to solve this issue with 500 writing prompts. It is such a research based and praiseworthy blog, it is a must read. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us.

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With all 500 of these, I should have no trouble finding something to write about. Thanks so much for these prompts.

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My friends and I are doing a competition to see who is the best FANTASY writer. Here’s the catch, you need to include twins, homeless people and abused animals in your story. Plz help???

Hi Ebony! Maybe try a slightly post-apocalyptic slant? I know that subgenre can veer on Science Fiction (instead of Fantasy) but you could definitely apply those required themes to a post-apoc story.

Urban fantasy set in a modern day. The protagonist is a homeless person who has a pet dove-griffin (also called winged rats). One day, he is assaulted and they take his companion, leaving him for dead. He survives, and uses his background as a hunter to track down the people who wronged him, stumbling in the process upon a ring of fantasy animal traffickers called the Chain of Cerberus, which is ruled by three brothers, triplets. He has to fight against all odds using his skills and save his only friend and companion.

The secret motivation for the protagonist is atonement for his past as a hunter, since he helped rich people (like the Triplets) to capture the fantastic animals they were after.

I call it ‘Fantasy John Wick’

Thank you for sharing such a wealth of prompts! These are fantastic. What a tough job to choose 500! If you’re interested in more open-ended prompts (just to switch it up), check out my instagram for (almost) daily writing prompts as well: @sharp.writer .

This is the complete list of writing prompts over the internet. Thanks for sharing.

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SoI made like a short script bit of a prompt like the one bout you looking in a mirror to see something that does not look like you.

Its 5 o’clock in the morning. As I came out of my cream sheets with speckles of generally grey all around, I fixed my bed. From patting down pillows to rearranging my duvet for the most part placing my silk pretty black blanket to definitely finish it off. I basically was heading for the fridge to get the creamer for coffee when I stared into the actually metal fridge looking for my reflection but instead kind of found that something looking back at me and it was not my reflection, which really is quite weird. Its kind of looked nothing like me, or so I thought. I really tried to really come up with excuses; I am in a daze, I am still half-asleep, I for the most part am asleep. IT CAN’T BE. I said, until I saw that it can. But that thing in the mirror particularly was scaring me because it stared back at me and it was waving now in a kind of like I AM WATCHING YOU kind of way. but before I could do anything it….

I found your blog very helpful in my writing project someday. Thank you for sharing your wonderful article.

I’m so glad this was helpful to you, Monique. You’re very welcome!

I have been reading posts regarding this topic and this post is one of the most interesting and informative one I have read. Thank you for this!

You’re very welcome, Patricia!

i need to do a story in which the main character is a demigod (as in percy jackson yknow) and i don’t know what to write.

Here’s one you might enjoy , Anika! Found on the #demigod prompts Tumblr page.

This is an excellent list of prompts! For me, though, I don’t lack story ideas or character scenarios. After plotting out my story, I tend to get stalled after a few chapters or in a particular scene, even when I have a good conflict for the characters to work through. ****** I found this great little book on Amazon called “What Would Your Character Do?” It really helped me because the prompts are designed to get you brainstorming about your character’s next actions when you’re stuck in a scene. I can always find a prompt in the book to get me unstuck! I’ll definitely share this particular list with my writer friends though!

Great recommendation, Jackie! Thanks for sharing

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thank you for these prompts. they really helped with my writer’s block

these are so helpful! I’ve been trying to figure out how to continue my dystopian story for weeks then I found this website! I can’t wait to continue working!

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Thank you so much for compiling such an array of prompts. Reading through these and of course changing them up in my head has me scrambling to write again. Have a Blessed Day!

Was looking for some takes regarding this topic and I found your article quite informative. It has given me a fresh perspective on the topic tackled. Thanks!

What a great list of writing prompts. I have saved this page to share with my writing partner. I am sure we will use some of these.

Hello! I wanted to ask you, if I am allowed to use some of you prompts. (of course I will give credits to you and add a link to this site). I am leader for a community on an app called Amino, it’s quite similar to Instagram, where the member can post some stuff. I wanted to post some writing prompts, since everyone there likes to write. So I wantet do aks, if i can use some of your prompts. (And sorry for my bad english, I have a german community there, since I speak german…)

Absolutely, please feel free to share and we would appreciate linking back!

Of course I do, thank you!

This was so helpful! Every prompt in this article was amazing You’ve really outdone yourself Kelsey!!!!!<3

This is extremely helpful. I am in 2nd year of high school and struggle with writers-block. I decided to do number three in the ‘horror’ section, and the options written in this article are extremely ‘flexible’ — there is a prompt for everyone. Thank you.

These writing prompts are fun! Thanks for putting it all together.

I’ve started several books. None completed, Although a few stories were published in a small town newspaper. A couple of years ago I began a book when the work came to an abrupt end. My husband fell off the roof. Now, after 2 years, I find myself wanting to write, but stymied as how to pick up where I left off. I’ve read your prompts. Some of the fiction, thriller, mystery and prompts in other areas have been true life experiences for me. Now, as I stand in the aftermath of the train that hit me, in need of a battery jump to restart, I have hopefully found a way forward.

I absolutely loved these! Thanks so much! Writing prompts really help me keep the wheels turning.

Thanks so much for these amazing prompts! I had nailed down a genre and topic but needed some help getting down to the nitty gritty specifics. You saved the day (and my essay). Thank you!

I am impressed with your sharing. Helpful for new writers. Thanks for your share.

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Unbeatable listing. A lot of quality and tremendous compilation.

I love these prompts! They help me get started when I’m feeling stuck.

I have all the actual writing material I need, but I am using writing prompts to get myself in the zone for writing. This list is outstanding. It’s a bit of a struggle to stop perusing because there are so many that entice me. I’m pretty sure that many of these will little warm-ups will end up in my Ideas file. Thanks so much for this.

To the prompt about scientists figuring out how to extend life but someone has to die:

The mail held a few worthless ads, nothing to be worried about. But then my heart stopped at the sight of a letter. My hands trembled as I took it out of the box. I wracked my brain for ways to escape. If I never read it, could I claim ignorance? No, it would never work. Shakily I tore open the envelope and unfolded the paper inside. When it began with “We sorrowfully regret to inform you,” I recognized the words from my sister’s letter and the grief came flooding back. Half for her and half for myself. I wasn’t ready to let go of the wonderful life I had. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. But it didn’t matter. Getting this letter meant I was going to die, and it also meant that I had no choice.

Just a blurb. Thoughts?

These gave me some great ideas!

99 Creative Writing Prompts For Overcoming Writer’s Block

I want to start writing fiction this year. It’s a goal I’ve had on my mind for a while now, but as an essayist and nonfiction writer, I’ve been getting in my head about it. I have no idea how to create stories or characters. But it’s something I want to learn.

In preparing to make this pivot, I’ve discovered that writing prompts are invaluable. They can help us think about stories and subject matter in new ways and serve as a source of inspiration. Even for writers who aren’t looking to explore a new genre, prompts can be useful when we’re in a rut or need some creative magic. Instructions and parameters can help get the words flowing.

While these writing prompts are organized by month, they are designed to be used at your leisure. Feel free to follow it weekly or jump around. You may need to take breaks throughout the year or come back in the summer when you have more time to write—that’s okay, too! Use this list however it works for you and your creative flow!

For further inspiration and encouragement, here are some tips for starting a writing practice .

1. The human spirit is strong. Write about an experience in your life that has made you more resilient .

2. Releasing resolutions can be as important as reaching them. Write an essay in which you reflect on a resolution you didn’t keep.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. said , “I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.” Write a story in which your main character uses their power for good. End it with a time jump showing the long-term ripple effects.

4. Craft a story where your main character gets caught outside in a winter storm. How do they find their way home?

5. The darker months can sometimes feel lonely, but moments alone often shape us in powerful ways. Write a lyrical essay about your own isolation experiences and what you’ve discovered about yourself through these seasons.

6. Write a story about a group of friends who travel somewhere warm for a winter holiday.

7. Imagine a group of strangers meeting while trapped in an airport for 24 hours due to flight delays. Who are they? What types of conversations do they have? How will these new relationships evolve and shape the rest of their lives?

8. Begin a short story in which your main character accepts an important award.

9. What does it mean to say, ‘I love you?’ Write an essay that includes an anecdote about the first time you remember feeling loved.

10. Write a comedic story from the perspective of a restaurant server on Valentine’s Day.

11. Who was your childhood best friend? Write an essay using the second-person (try crafting it as a letter ) about what that friendship meant to you.

12. Think about a favorite story or fairytale from your childhood. Rewrite it with an alternative ending.

13. Begin a short story in which your main character is at a coffee shop with their love interest on a winter day.

14. Write about a time you did something that scared you.

15. Imagine a world in which the days are getting progressively shorter. How will your characters stop this countdown and save humanity before it’s too late?

16. Create a story in which two friends meet at a Lunar New Year celebration.

17. Write a scene based on a recent encounter with a stranger.

18. For International Women’s Day (March 8), write a first-person story that takes place at a protest during the women’s liberation movement .

19. In an essay, reflect on the women who’ve helped you become who you are today.

20. Craft a poem from the sun’s perspective in honor of the spring equinox (March 20).

21. In spring, there is a turning. Write an essay about how seasonal changes mirror a transformation in your own life.

22. Try your hand at an allegory using natural elements to convey a larger message about humanity.

23. Your main character just came home from a trip to find their house has disappeared and been replaced with a supermarket. It’s like it was never even there. What happens next?

24. Consider the meaning of beauty and how it has shifted and evolved with time. Write an essay about this.

25. Write a poem about the power of music. Use these playlists for inspiration.

26. Create a short story that begins with you waking up on a train destined for somewhere tropical.

27. For Earth Day 🌎 (April 22), write an essay about sustainable living . What does it mean to you? If you need help getting started, try opening the piece with an anecdote about the first time you thought about climate change and sustainability.

28. In the circle of life, beginnings are preceded by endings. Write about an ending that has led to a new beginning in your life.

29. Begin a story in which your main character wakes up with a superpower.

30. What was the last great novel you read? Try your hand at a book review, writing as if you’re a famous critic for a publishing house or magazine.

31. Imagine a famous chef loses their sense of taste and serves an overly salted meal to eager patrons. What happens next?

32. Write an essay about your childhood home.

33. Write a third-person story about two friends playing in the rain. Rather than focusing on creating climax, aim to capture their feelings of pure love and friendship.

34. What is something you’ve always been scared of? Write a future-tense essay about when and how you will overcome this fear.

35. Toni Morrison once wrote , “Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” Write an essay defining yourself, starting with the sentence, “To others, I may seem…but that is not who I am.”

36. Write a poem about your first pet. If you’ve never had a pet, write about your plants or something else you’ve cared for.

37. Write an essay about the day you got your driver’s license.

38. Creativity can be a tool for processing our heartaches. Craft a personal essay about the last time you felt grief—and be gentle with yourself as you get the words on the page.

39. Your main character is on a rooftop in New York City, escaping the crowd of a party. What happens next?

40. Write a summer scene that begins with dialogue.

41. In a personal essay, describe your last vacation, but write about the trip in present tense .

42. Write a short story from an inanimate object’s perspective, either in nature or in your home.

43. The main characters in your story have gone on a camping trip. But when they return from the woods, their city is no longer there. In fact, they can’t find any sign of civilization. Write a suspenseful thriller about what happens next.

44. Craft a poem using the word “citrus.”

45. A couple is sharing a picnic lunch on a beach. By the end of the story, one of them is walking away in tears. What happens? Focus on building tension and the backstory that leads to this moment.

46. Write an essay about a time you worked tirelessly for something, and it didn’t turn out as you hoped or planned.

47. Create a story in which your main character is experiencing profound joy.

48. In a personal essay, revisit a moment when you learned to take your own advice .

49. Using this list of instrumental covers , rewrite the lyrics to a hit song.

50. Write a story in which you’re a tourist and visiting your home city for the first time.

51. Two friends take out a boat on the lake and discover the water has magic powers. Write a fantasy scene about their adventure.

52. Learn about your Enneagram number , then write a personal essay with anecdotes that exemplify your basic desire and basic fear.

53. You and your best friend are on a sailboat off the coast of Italy when suddenly the captain disappears. What happens next?

54. Write a story about an encounter with a sea creature.

55. Create a lyrical essay in which the main character is “summer heat.”

56. Write an essay through the lens of your childhood self about your first year at school. Try to be as specific as possible, including the names of friends and teachers. You can use old photos or talk to your parents for reference if needed.

57. Write a story that begins with your main character swimming in a lake.

58. Sometime this week, spend a few minutes sitting outside or staring out your window to observe another person. Write about what you notice that can help to sketch them as a character.

59. Make a case for one of your favorite traditions —whether it be celebrating a recognized holiday or a personal ritual.

60. Write a short story that begins with the ending. For example, perhaps your story is about a girl who gets lost at sea and then captured by pirates—only to become a pirate herself. Begin the story with the girl as a pirate, and then show the readers how she got there.

61. What is the happiest you’ve ever been?

62. Create a short story that starts with your main character going off to college.

63. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this year?

64. Lidia Yuknavitch says , “There is so much to learn from the edge of things, from the cracks and cuts and fissures of the earth, of our hearts.” Write a lyrical essay about the cuts and fissures in your own heart and how they’ve led you to this very moment.

65. Write a sensory essay about nature without naming the objects you’re writing about. For example, “The towering giants boast cherry-ripe foliage at this time of year.”

66. Craft a short story about the final day of summer (September 22). 🍂

67. Try your hand at children’s lit by creating a story for a younger audience. Have your main character learn a valuable life lesson, and use these stories for inspiration if you need help!

68. When was the last time you felt most alive?

69. Write an essay about a change you knew was coming and how you prepared for it.

70. Create a story where the main character is a caregiver for a loved one.

71. Write a poem about shadows.

72. On Indigenous People’s Day (October 10), write a historical nonfiction essay about the native land you’re living on . For guiding questions, use the Catalyst Project’s worksheet and Resource Generation’s Land Reparations Toolkit and Indigenous Solidarity Toolkit .

73. Write a story in which a “monster” turns out to be a “hero,” or vice versa. This can be either nonfiction or fiction.

74. You and your significant other are at home watching a scary movie when the power goes out. Create a spooky story about what happens next!

75. Create a spooky children’s story that takes place in a magical forest.

76. Write a story that begins with a girl making her own Halloween costume.

77. Write a persuasive essay about an unconventional fear. Make a case for why more people should consider this fear.

78. A group of friends escapes to a private island for an end-of-year holiday. But when they arrive, the hotel is deserted, and the boat has already left the dock. What happens next?

79. Write about the last time you felt hopeful.

80. In preparation for losing an hour of daylight this month, write a poem about all your favorite cozy things.

81. Write a story that begins with your main character dreaming.

82. In “ Braiding Sweetgrass ,” Robin Wall Kimmerer writes, “In some Native languages the term for ‘plants’ translates to ‘those who take care of us.’” In an essay, write about how the earth cares for humanity. Begin with a personal anecdote about a time you felt nurtured by nature.

83. Write a first-person essay that revolves around food or a family recipe.

84. Practice shifting between past and present tense by writing an essay about a childhood experience that impacts who you are today.

85. Write a letter to your younger self.

86. Create a story based on a time you went on a spontaneous adventure.

87. Your main characters are at a college football game when, suddenly, the sky goes black. What happens next?

88. How do you overcome self-doubt? Write a how-to essay.

89. What are you most grateful for this year?

December

90. Write a poem about your favorite sound.

91. Reflect on winter pastimes. What do you love most about this season? Write a short essay about it.

92. Make up your own holiday poem reminiscent of “Night Before Christmas” (or the equivalent for your celebrated traditions).

93. Your main character is a ballerina performing in The Nutcracker, but secretly, they wish to be a teacher. Write a story about this.

94. Who is someone you admire in your life? Write a tribute essay to them.

95. To get in the spirit, create a Hallmarkesque script for a cheesy holiday film.

96. Write an essay that begins with your favorite holiday memory.

97. Your main character is a flight attendant working the holiday season. Write about a strange encounter they have on the plane.

98. What is the importance of rest, and why is it such a necessary practice for our lives?

99. In your final prompt of the year, write an essay about time and forward motion. Begin by reflecting on the past, write about the importance of mindfulness and living in the present moment, and then welcome whatever comes next.

If you write a story with one of these writing prompts and you’d like to share, feel free to link or paste it in the comments below! 💛

Kayti Christian (she/her) is the Managing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside , a newsletter for sensitive people.

101+ Writing Prompts To Conquer Writer’s Block

Writing prompts help you start writing when you feel like you don’t know how to begin your work. Get your free writing prompts and tips today.

Are you looking for some great writing prompts? Or have you ever looked at the blank page and found it difficult to get started?

Well, you’re not alone.

Ernest Hemingway said:

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

It’s no wonder many new writers struggle when they start sitting down in front of a blank page regularly.

So, what to do?

I’ve spent more than my fair share of time looking at the blank page and wondering what to do next. (Perhaps that goes some way to explaining my rapidly receding hairline).

Today, I avoid moments like this through the power of writing prompts .

Here, I’ve gathered 101 proven writing prompts for adults that you can use today.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Use Writing Prompts?

The process, 101 writing prompts, a few more writing topics, what to do next, 1. create a writing schedule, 2. create a word count goal, 3. be prepared to deal with writer’s block, 4. discuss your work with others, writing prompts resources, final thoughts.

Whether you are trying to improve your writing skills , or you are writing a book , writing prompts can give you the spark of creativity needed to get started.

A writing prompt is a fragmented sentence or writing idea that is used as a topic to start writing.

The purpose of using a writing prompt is to expand your point of view or thoughts on a topic to get your creativity and words flowing.

Many people forget about writing prompts after high school, but it turns out they aren’t just for high school students. They are pretty darn useful for even the best of writers.

Plus they are great for short story writing!

A good prompt will help you start writing when you feel like you’ve got nothing to say or when you don’t know how to begin your work.

They’re also particularly useful for new writers who want to build a habit of writing every day but are unsure of what to write about.

How to Use These Writing Prompts

The below writing prompts aren’t meant as the final first line for your work.

Instead, you can use them as a jumping-off point for your work or for free writing .

In your journal, take one of these lines, write it down, and then write whatever else comes to mind.
Do this for at least 30 minutes.

This is good enough to accomplish something on the blank page, but not so long that it feels overwhelming.

Later, when you’ve done something more polished, go back and delete the writing prompt.

Download 101 Prompts Booklet

1. “I remember the first time I…” 2. “I remember the last time I…” 3. “The next time I…” 4. “It tasted like…” 5. “It felt like…” 6. “It sounded like…” 7. “We were wrong about…” 8. “We were right about…” 9. “That was the day we…” 10. “This is our new…” 11. “It’s here.” 12. “I learned that…” 13. “I made a terrible mistake when…” 14. “Nobody expected us to…” 15. “Do you know why…” 16. “It’s always important to…” 17. “Most people don’t know this but…” 18. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this but…” 19. “Here’s a secret nobody knows…” 20. “I do this because…” 21. “Admit it.” 22. “I found out that…” 23. “He gave us a…” 24. “She took a…” 25. “We found a…” 26. “I was in pain.” 27. “We discovered…” 28. “Today is a good day for…” 29. “Tomorrow is a bad day for…” 30. “This time it will be different.” 31. “We need to talk about…” 32. “You need to face up to…” 33. “Our only hope is…” 34. “On my desk, I can see…” 35. “Outside the window there’s…” 36. “I ate…” 37. “If I was…” 38. “When I’m…” 39. “Go to…” 40. “Now that we…” 41. “We argued about…” 42. “Being wrong is hard because…” 43. “Being right is lonely because…” 44. “Together we can….” 45. “Apart we are…” 46. “Let me guess.” 47. “If I understand you correctly, you think…” 48. “My friend is…” 49. “I love her because…” 50. “I hate him because…” 51. “We’re going to…” 52. “Let’s take a trip to…” 53. “My favorite…” 54. “I’m lost.” 55. “We want to get to…” 56. “The weather is…” 57. “We’re going to eat…” 58. “Food is…” 59.“Water is…” 60. “Money is…” 61. “Help is…” 62. “Sex is…” 63. “Last night I dreamt of…” 64. “I slept for…” 65. “I’m working for…” 66. “I failed at…” 67. “I succeeded at…” 68. “You showed me how to…” 69. “He sat me down and explained that…” 70. “She made us laugh when…” 71. “My hero is…” 72. “My enemy is…” 73. “I regret…” 74. “This time we went too far.” 75. “I told him…” 76. “She told me…” 77. “I looked in the mirror and saw….” 78. “Black.” 79. “White.” 80. “I awoke at 3 am and realized…” 81. “I should have listened.” 82. “He won’t do that again.” 83. “It was the first storm of the year…” 84. “Her eyes are…” 85. “His hands make me want to…” 86. “She tastes like…” 87. “He feels like…” 88. “Danger.” 89. “How can we…” 90. “Open your…” 91. “Keep it safe.” 92. “It’s a new day.” 93. “It’s later than we think.” 94. “If I ever see another…” 95. “The best day of my life was…” 96. “The worst day of my life was…” 97. “When I’m king…” 98. “You could be a queen of…” 99. “Looking back…” 100. “They caught me.” 101. “I was crushed because…”

All the writing prompts above serve as story starters and inspiration to spark your imagination.

Writing prompts come in all shapes and forms. They can be fragmented sentences or actual essay writing topics .

Creative writing prompts, like journal prompts, are usually more extensive than story starters. Here are some examples:

Write a poem on your favorite person or place.
Write a personal essay describing the timeline of your life.
Think back on a homework assignment from when you were in middle school or high school that left a significant impact on you.
Write an essay on a school teacher who made an impact on who you are.
Did you grow up to have the life or career you imagined you would have?
Discuss how social media has impacted our ability to communicate with one another.
Explain your dream Valentine’s Day.
Which American cinema has given you the most inspiration?
You are at the grocery store, and you run into someone you haven’t seen in years. Who is it? Write a narrative of the experience.
Write an essay about your favorite book. Was there a character that grabbed your attention? Did you find inspiration to run off into a world of imagination? Explain what happened in the book and why it is your favorite.
Which famous person would you like to meet? Explain why.
Write an expository essay on how to write a book. List the steps and explain to your reader the pros and cons of writing a printed book versus an e-book.
What is your opinion on religion as a whole?
Write an essay on an experience when you learned a tough lesson. What happened?
If you were to write a book, what would your main character be like?
Write a short essay about a dystopian world like in Handmaid’s Tale. What led this world to become dystopian? Will the people rise out of the ashes?
List your favorite phrases. Do they have anything in common? Try to create your own.
What is your opinion on the decline of American school funding?
In your opinion, should teens be allowed to play violent video games?
Think back on a good memory with your best friend or family member. What happened in the experience? Who was there?
Why do you love writing? What led you to become a writer?

The creative writing prompts can go on. Creative writing can include anything from poetry to journal writing about one’s real-life experiences.

Creative writing can take the form of a narrative, an expository essay, a short story, a dialog, and even a social media post.

It is a gateway to thought and imagination. A chance to get the creative wheels in your mind cranking.

Ok, I’ll admit it. My list of prompts works for me because I wrote it 🙂

No, that’s not the sound of my oversized ego banging off the ceiling…

The biggest writing tip I can offer is to create your list of writing prompts and add to it over time.

Whether you’re writing a blog post or a book chapter, keeping a personal library of writing prompts will save you hours of wasted time.

Use a notepad. Use a digital app like Evernote. Use the back of your hand if you have to… but build your library.

Start by taking a great first line from your favorite book, writer or story.

You could go on to record snippets of conversations, headlines you like and even writing ideas you come across in great books .

Like coins filling a jar, one day you’ll look into your library and discover you’re rich with creative writing ideas.

Tailoring Your Writing Routine

Writing prompts are a fantastic way to get the writing process started, but there’s more to good writing than a creative idea.

The most successful writers have a few more strategies that they put to use on a daily basis to keep their writing sharp and effective.

If you really want to hone in on your writing skills and productivity, focus on these four things in your writing process:

Dedicate an uninterrupted, scheduled writing time for your work.

Whether it be once a day or once a week, figure out what works best for you and stick to it! An effective writing schedule is essential for productive writing.

Create:enhancement-0e377e2d-6b59-4400-9099-64381ab3d3a7″ class=”textannotation”> a realistic word-count goal for each writing session . If you are reaching your pan id=”urn:enhancement-2e132bf6-57c8-4f8d-b148-a598b9f533df” class=”textannotation”>goal easily, increase the count. This is beneficial for productivity and staying focused.

Writer’s block is inevitable.

There will be days where you simply cannot get a single word onto paper.

Prepare yourself beforehand by keeping a few tricks up your sleeve such as a commonplace book for writing ideas , and a list of writing prompts that have been effective in the past.

The more you practice getting out of writer’s block when you are in it, the less often you will struggle with it.

Discussing your current project with others not only holds you accountable for your deadlines, but it can lead to more ideas. Moreover, it gets the word out about your work and sparks anticipation!

Bryan Cohen has written k” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1426″ data-lasso-name=”1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set: Five Books, 5,000 Prompts to Beat Writer’s Block”>a series of books with “urn:enhancement-6d159b07-0fda-468e-9d6f-1bcba207368f” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts based around events, occasions and characters, the most comprehensive book being his boxset 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set.

If you like using great first lines as prompts, The First Line Generator will spew one up at random from a great book.

Musicians Peter Schmidt and Brian Eno created ique.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-lasso-id=”1432″>The Oblique Strategies in 1975. These are a set of cards or prompts for musicians, but they can be used for all types of s://becomeawritertoday.com/say-no-love-creative-work/” data-lasso-id=”1435″>creative work .

Reddit has a comprehensive forum packed full of free writing prompts, with a heavy emphasis on fiction writing.

Writer’s digest has an entire web page dedicated to writing prompts.

Ryan Andrew Kinder has gathered more e38-f53c537db884″ class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts than you shake a blank page at in tps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JOVSYC2?tag=work089-20″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1444″>his book 1001 Awesome Writing Prompts.

s://thestoryshack.com/tools/writing-prompt-generator/” data-lasso-id=”126223″>The Story Shack offers a useful writing prompt generator for fiction 3581ccd02ba3″ class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writers”>writers .

The New York Times has a specific list of ” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts for on-plans/650-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing.html?_r=0″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-lasso-id=”1450″>narrative and personal fiction .

If you want7-94da-4882-9196-3581ccd02ba3″ class=”textannotation”> to inject more colour into your writing, check out href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3KEMMC?tag=work089-20″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1453″ data-lasso-name=”The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You’re Not” >The Comic Tool Box: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not by John Vorhaus.

If you want to write more jokes, read Comedy Writing Secrets by Mel Helitzer.

Natalie Goldberg’s book Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within doesn’t cover writing prompts per-say, but she goes into great detail about how to find ideas and tackle problems like writer’s block.

Robert McKee’s book Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting is essential reading if you want to tell better stories.

Evernote is a great place to build your library of personal writing prompts. Alternatives, include Simplenote and Google Keep.

If you want to practise journaling, the app Day One is purpose-built for just that. You can even include photos alongside your time and location-stamped entries.

Finally, if you really love writing and want to see how you compare to other writers, enter your work into writing contests!

These 101 writing prompts and other writing topics have always provided the creative impetus needed to give my writing skills a boost.

So, next time you feel the shackles of the writer’s block restrain your creativity, pick up one of these enhancement-794c0e12-00b9-43e6-b82a-5c0614476b0d” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts to fire up your imagination! You can even use these as content writing practice exercises .

Want more? Check out our list of writing tips .

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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75 Prompts to Beat Writer’s Block

When you’re staring down the barrel of writer’s block, it can feel like anything would be easier than accumulating a hundred words on a page.

Inspiration has gone into hibernation
“Having a good idea” seems as likely as “seeing a unicorn”
Pairing a few consonants with a vowel or two feels like pushing a boulder uphill

In case this sounds familiar—or in case you have your own “I just don’t know where to start writing today” story—I want to introduce you to your new bestie.

Aspiring Author, meet my good friend Writing Prompt.

A “prompt” is anything that nudges, assists or encourages us toward an outcome or behavior. In this case, the outcome we’re looking for is, well, writing .

And yes, prompts work even when you’ve got a clinical case of The Block.

Writing prompts work their magic by relieving you of the duty of having even one single idea of your own.

Open up a world you might not have explored. They throw the innovative part of your brain a curve ball. They get the juices of your imagination flowing, with very little effort.

Sound good? Here’s how it works.

Choose a prompt from the list below.
Set the timer on your phone for five or seven minutes.
Type or write the prompt on the first line of the page—and then finish the sentence it starts.
Keep writing, until you run out of steam or ideas. (This may be one sentence, or twenty. You may even write on that first prompt all the way until the timer goes off.)
If your writing momentum slows before the timer goes off, start over. Write the same prompt again, and finish the sentence again.
Keep writing until the timer goes off.

Then, choose a second prompt from the list below, set the timer again, and start all over.

Sound easy? It actually is!

So here are 75 juicy prompts to inspire you out of writer’s block!

I remember…
What I can’t write about is…
What I remember about my mother is…
What I remember about my father is…
One secret I still keep is…
My first memory is…
What I should have said was…
Never again will I…
The look on her face…
How could I forget…
Today I know…
In your arms, I…
I did my best, but…
If you were me, you…
What he said to me was…
The only advice I have is…
What my heart knows is…
I tried to be perfect, but…
I’ll never know…
We were a perfect family, except…
On that fateful day…
What I’ve held in for too long is…
My greatest fear is/was…
Who would have thought…
Twenty years ago…
Love tastes like…
What I should have known was…
What I can’t tell you is…
The journey began with…
How could I have known that…
The smell of…
You remind me of…
If I could start over…
Lying there…
Regret feels like…
It’s been years, but…
What you said to me was…
I love you, but…
My dream is/was…
Facing the unknown, I…
She/He/You turned to me and…
The lesson was…
I remember a song…
I used to hide…
Darkness is…
If I could, I would…
Through the wall I heard…
When we kissed…
Everything changed when…
They didn’t like that I…
The best idea I ever had…
The worst idea I ever had…
If memory serves…
I’d pay any price to…
You need to know…
Healing is…
Everyday I…
After a decade…
How I learned to…
I can still feel…
I never want to forget…
The last thing I remember is…
It took everything to…
I’m afraid to remember…
When you looked at me I knew…
Out the window I could see…

Seem too simple? Wondering if using these prompts will really help you?

Here are some benefits of using writing prompts to inspire your work:

Prompts make it easy to start writing. You don’t have to wonder “what should I write about today?” Just choose a prompt and get going. Bye-bye writer’s block!
The act of writing begets more writing. Once you start, it’s easier to keep writing. Ideas start coming out of the woodwork. It’s common for writers to feel like there are suddenly too many ideas! “How will I capture them all??”
When you write, you feel like a writer. For those of us who hear the call of a book dream, feeling like a writer is everything . And there’s no better way to feel like a writer than to write everyday.

These prompts are most effective when you use them as a practice. So consider making an agreement with yourself to try a new one every day.

Pick a prompt in the morning, while you’re having your morning coffee. (Or every evening, after the kids have gone to bed.)

Setting—and keeping—this kind of goal can reap benefits that go beyond the page. More confidence, a stronger identity as a writer, and the knowledge that you’re taking action toward your writing goals every day? These outcomes are priceless. Let these writing prompts help nudge you along the way!

6 thoughts on “75 Prompts to Beat Writer’s Block”

Thank you Kelly, again this support has been precise and clear. It will be my writing tool this weekend. I hope you are enjoying the process of your book launch. Warm regards

This is pure gold. Thank you, Kelly!

Thanks Kelly for inspiring me. Love it !

Thank you for sharing these, Kelly. It’s really helpful 🙂

Thank you SO much for this inspiration Kelly!

You’re so welcome! Happy writing✏️

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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.

76 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

Really helpful and cool, thank you!!!

YESSSSS!!!!!!

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!

Pingback: 50K Words Later: NaNoWriMo Lessons & Takeaways

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.

Creative Writing Prompts for Breaking Through Blocks: Overcoming Writer’s Block with Engaging Exercises

Creative Writing Prompts for Writer's Block

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Creative writing prompts can be a helpful tool for writers who are struggling with writer’s block. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, prompts can help inspire new ideas and breakthrough mental blocks that may be holding you back. In this article, we’ll explore some creative writing prompts that can help you overcome writer’s block and get your creative juices flowing.

One of the biggest challenges that writers face is getting started. It can be difficult to come up with an idea that inspires you and motivates you to write. This is where writing prompts can be especially helpful. By providing a starting point, prompts can help you get past the initial obstacle of coming up with an idea and get you started on the writing process .

Another benefit of using writing prompts is that they can help you explore new ideas and genres. If you’re used to writing in a certain style or genre, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut. Prompts can push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to experiment with new styles and ideas. This can help you grow as a writer and develop new skills that you can apply to your future work.

Understanding Writer’s Block

Defining Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common phenomenon that affects many writers at some point in their careers. It is a condition where a writer is unable to produce new material or experiences a significant decline in their creative output. Writer’s block can manifest in different ways, including a complete inability to write, a lack of inspiration, or difficulty in generating new ideas.

Common Causes of Creative Stagnation

There are several causes of writer’s block, including fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and mental blocks. Fear of failure is a common cause of writer’s block. Writers may fear that their work will not be good enough or that they will be rejected by publishers or readers. Self-doubt can also be a significant factor in writer’s block. Writers may doubt their abilities or feel that they are not talented enough to produce high-quality work. Procrastination can also lead to writer’s block. Writers may delay starting a project or put off working on it, which can lead to a lack of motivation and inspiration.

Psychological Impact on Writers

Writer’s block can have a significant psychological impact on writers. It can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. Writers may feel that they are not living up to their potential or that they are failing to meet their goals. This can lead to a negative mindset and a lack of confidence in their abilities. Writers need to recognize the symptoms of writer’s block and take steps to address it. This may involve seeking support from other writers, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help if necessary.

In conclusion, writer’s block is a common condition that can affect writers of all levels and genres. It can be caused by a range of factors, including fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and mental blocks. Understanding the causes and psychological impact of writer’s block is essential for writers to overcome it and continue to produce high-quality work.

Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writer’s block can be a frustrating experience for any writer. It can be challenging to come up with new ideas or find the motivation to write. However, there are several strategies that writers can use to overcome writer’s block and break through creative blocks.

Establishing a Writing Routine

One of the most effective ways to overcome writer’s block is to establish a writing routine. By setting aside time each day or week for writing, writers can train their minds to be more creative and productive during those specific times. It can be helpful to set a timer for a specific amount of time and write continuously until the timer goes off. This technique, known as freewriting, can help writers generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic writing goals can also help writers overcome writer’s block. It can be overwhelming to try to write an entire novel or screenplay in one sitting. Instead, writers should break down their writing goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, setting a goal to write 500 words per day can be more achievable than trying to write an entire book in one go. By setting achievable goals, writers can build momentum and overcome writer’s block.

Using Writing Prompts Effectively

Writing prompts are a great way to overcome writer’s block and generate new ideas. A writing prompt is a specific topic or idea that writers can use to inspire their writing. Several websites and books offer writing prompts for writers. It can be helpful to choose a writing prompt that resonates with the writer and use it as a starting point for their writing. By using writing prompts effectively, writers can break through creative blocks and find new inspiration for their writing.

In conclusion, writer’s block can be a frustrating experience, but there are several strategies that writers can use to overcome it. By establishing a writing routine, setting realistic goals, and using writing prompts effectively, writers can break through creative blocks and find new inspiration for their writing.

Creative Writing Techniques

Writing is an art that requires creativity and innovation. However, even the most imaginative writers face writer’s block at some point. Creative writing techniques can help writers break through these blocks and unleash their imagination. In this section, we will explore some of the most effective techniques for creative writing.

Freewriting and Unstructured Writing

Freewriting is a technique that involves writing down whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar, spelling, or structure. This technique is useful for writers who are struggling to get started or who are feeling stuck. By allowing the mind to wander freely, writers can tap into their imagination and come up with new ideas.

Unstructured writing is similar to freewriting, but it involves setting a specific time limit and writing continuously for that period. This technique helps writers develop the habit of writing regularly, which is essential for improving their skills.

Mind Mapping and Brainstorming

Mind mapping is a visual technique that involves creating a diagram to represent ideas and their relationships. This technique is useful for writers who are struggling to organize their thoughts. By creating a mind map, writers can see the connections between different ideas and develop a plan for their writing.

Brainstorming is another technique that involves generating ideas without worrying about their quality. This technique can be done individually or in a group. By brainstorming, writers can come up with new and innovative ideas that they may not have thought of otherwise.

The Role of Revision and Editing

Revision and editing are essential parts of the writing process . Revision involves reviewing and refining the content of the writing, while editing involves correcting errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These techniques are important for improving the quality of the writing and making it more engaging for the reader.

In conclusion, creative writing techniques can help writers overcome writer’s block and tap into their imagination. Freewriting, unstructured writing, mind mapping, and brainstorming are all effective techniques for generating new ideas. Revision and editing are also essential for improving the quality of the writing. By using these techniques, writers can become more confident and skilled in their craft.

Building Confidence and Momentum

Breaking through writer’s block can be a daunting task, but building confidence and momentum can help writers overcome the fear of the blank page. By celebrating small wins, sharing work for feedback, and continuously learning and improving, writers can build confidence in their abilities and keep their momentum going.

Celebrating Small Wins

One way to build confidence and momentum is to celebrate small wins along the way. This can be as simple as acknowledging that a paragraph or sentence turned out well, or completing a writing session for the day. By focusing on the positives, writers can build confidence in their abilities and keep their momentum going.

Sharing Work for Feedback

Another way to build confidence and momentum is to share work for feedback. This can be done with a writing group, a trusted friend, or even an online community. By receiving constructive criticism, writers can improve their craft and build confidence in their abilities. This can also help writers overcome perfectionism, as they learn to embrace feedback and use it to improve their work.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Finally, continuous learning and improvement is key to building confidence and momentum as a writer. This can be done through reading, taking classes or workshops, or simply practicing writing every day. By constantly learning and improving, writers can build confidence in their abilities and become better writers over time.

Overall, building confidence and momentum is essential for breaking through writer’s block and becoming a better writer. By celebrating small wins, sharing work for feedback, and continuously learning and improving, writers can build the confidence they need to overcome perfectionism and keep their momentum going.

Finding Inspiration

When it comes to creative writing, finding inspiration can be a challenge for many writers. However, there are several ways to break through writer’s block and find inspiration for your writing.

Drawing from Personal Experiences

One way to find inspiration is to draw from personal experiences. This can include memories, dreams, or even everyday observations. By reflecting on personal experiences, writers can tap into their own emotions and bring a unique perspective to their writing.

Exploring New Genres and Formats

Another way to find inspiration is to explore new genres and formats. Trying out a new writing style or experimenting with different genres can help writers break out of their comfort zones and discover new ideas.

Connecting with Nature and Art

Connecting with nature and art can also be a great source of inspiration. Spending time outdoors or visiting museums and galleries can help writers tap into their imagination and find new ideas for their writing.

By using these techniques, writers can break through blocks and find inspiration for their creative writing. Whether drawing from personal experiences, exploring new genres and formats, or connecting with nature and art, there are many ways to find inspiration and bring new life to your writing.

Crafting Engaging Narratives

Crafting engaging narratives is an art that requires a combination of creativity, skill, and practice. It is essential to develop unique characters, settings, and themes to create a compelling story that captures the reader’s attention. In this section, we will explore some of the essential elements of crafting engaging narratives.

Developing Unique Characters and Settings

Developing unique characters and settings is crucial to creating an engaging narrative. Characters are the heart of any story, and it is essential to create characters that are relatable and memorable. The setting is also an essential element of a story that can help create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

To create unique characters, writers can use prompts that encourage them to explore different aspects of their characters’ lives, such as their secret desires, fears, and motivations. Similarly, prompts that encourage writers to explore different settings can help them create a unique and immersive world for their story.

Mastering the Art of Storytelling

Mastering the art of storytelling is another essential element of crafting engaging narratives. Storytelling involves creating a compelling plot, pacing the story effectively, and using language to create vivid and memorable scenes.

To master the art of storytelling, writers can use prompts that encourage them to experiment with different narrative structures, such as flashbacks or nonlinear storytelling. They can also use prompts that encourage them to focus on specific elements of storytelling, such as creating tension or using dialogue effectively.

Incorporating Themes and Symbols

Incorporating themes and symbols into a story can add depth and meaning to the narrative. Themes are universal ideas that can be explored through the story, while symbols are objects or images that represent those ideas.

To incorporate themes and symbols effectively, writers can use prompts that encourage them to explore different themes, such as love, identity, or loss. They can also use prompts that encourage them to experiment with different symbols and metaphors to convey those themes.

In conclusion, crafting engaging narratives is an essential skill for any writer. By developing unique characters and settings, mastering the art of storytelling, and incorporating themes and symbols, writers can create compelling stories that capture the reader’s attention and imagination.

Practical Writing Exercises

If you’re feeling stuck in your writing, trying out some practical writing exercises can be a great way to break through those blocks. Here are a few exercises to try out:

Sentence Starters and Story Prompts

One way to get your creative juices flowing is to start with a sentence starter or story prompt. These can be as simple as a single word or as complex as a full sentence or scenario. Here are a few examples to get you started:

“The sun was just beginning to rise when…”
“She had always been afraid of the dark, but…”
“The old man sat alone on the park bench, watching…”

Using these prompts, try to write a short story or scene. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the goal is just to get your ideas flowing and break through any writer’s block you may be experiencing.

Character Sketches and Dialogue Improvement

Another way to improve your writing skills is to focus on character development and dialogue. Try writing a character sketch of someone you know or a fictional character you’ve been thinking about. Include details about their appearance, personality, and backstory.

Once you have a clear idea of your character, try writing a dialogue between them and another character. Focus on making the dialogue sound natural and realistic, and try to avoid cliches or overly dramatic language.

Setting Descriptions and Sensory Details

Finally, improving your setting descriptions and use of sensory details can add depth and richness to your writing. Try describing a place you know well – your childhood home, a favorite vacation spot, or a local park, for example.

Focus on using all five senses to bring the setting to life – describe the smells, sounds, and textures as well as the visual details. This exercise can help you become more aware of the sensory details in your own experiences, which can translate into richer, more engaging writing.

By trying out these practical writing exercises, you can break through writer’s block and improve your writing skills. Give them a try and see what new ideas and insights they inspire!

Cultivating a Supportive Writing Environment

Creating a supportive writing environment is essential for writers who want to break through blocks and stay motivated . Cultivating a supportive writing environment involves designing a personal writing space, joining writing groups and communities, and using technology and tools to your advantage.

Designing a Personal Writing Space

Designing a personal writing space is crucial for writers who want to stay focused and productive. A personal writing space can be a room, a corner, or even a desk. It should be a space that is free from distractions and allows the writer to concentrate on their work.

To create a personal writing space, writers should consider the following:

Lighting: Good lighting is essential for a comfortable writing environment. Writers should ensure that their writing space is well-lit and that they have access to natural light.

Comfort: Writers should make sure that their writing space is comfortable. They should invest in a comfortable chair and desk that is the right height.

Inspiration: Writers should surround themselves with things that inspire them. This could be artwork, books, or even a vision board.

Joining Writing Groups and Communities

Joining writing groups and communities is an excellent way for writers to connect with other writers, share their work, and receive feedback. Writing groups and communities can provide a supportive environment where writers can discuss their work, exchange ideas, and receive constructive criticism.

When joining writing groups and communities, writers should consider the following:

Compatibility: Writers should look for groups that are compatible with their interests and writing style.

Support: Writers should look for groups that are supportive and provide constructive criticism.

Frequency: Writers should look for groups that meet regularly and provide opportunities for feedback.

Using Technology and Tools to Your Advantage

Using technology and tools can help writers stay organized, focused, and productive. There are many tools and apps available that can help writers with everything from brainstorming to editing.

Some useful tools and apps for writers include:

Writing software: Writing software such as Scrivener and Ulysses can help writers stay organized and focused.

Journaling apps: Journaling apps such as Day One and Journey can help writers keep track of their ideas and thoughts.

Productivity apps: Productivity apps such as Trello and Asana can help writers stay on track and meet their deadlines.

In conclusion, cultivating a supportive writing environment is essential for writers who want to break through blocks and stay motivated. By designing a personal writing space, joining writing groups and communities, and using technology and tools to their advantage, writers can create an environment that is conducive to their writing process.

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Creative Writing Prompts for Writers: 80 Ideas Will Inspire You

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Key Takeaways: Creative Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are designed to spark creativity and help overcome writer’s block. They serve as a starting point for storytelling by providing a scenario, question, as well as theme to explore.
Prompts can vary widely, from single words or phrases to sentences, questions, or even images. They are versatile tools that can be tailored to any genre, theme, or writing style.
Effective prompts should balance specificity and openness, spark curiosity, encourage imagination, evoke an emotional response, and sometimes utilize visual stimuli to inspire creativity.
The guide provides examples of prompts for various genres, including mystery and thriller, romance, science fiction, fantasy and paranormal, general fiction, travel and adventure, horror, and young adult.
Beyond the initial prompt, developing a story involves character development, setting the scene, as well as creating conflict and plot twists to drive the narrative forward.
Regular writing practice using prompts can boost creativity, improve discipline, and enhance one’s writing skills over time.
Books, online communities, and daily prompt apps are valuable resources for finding new writing prompts and engaging with a community of writers for feedback and inspiration.

Craft Your Book Using Writing Prompts

Write your next ebook with us. Authors Breeze use creative writing prompts to create compelling narratives that captivate your readers.

Introduction to Creative Writing Prompts

Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, blinking your eyes as you try to summon words that seem to have taken a vacation? You’re not alone. Every writer, at some point, faces writer’s block. But fear not! Creative writing prompts and writing ideas are here to rescue you from the lack of creativity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore creative writing prompts. They can ignite your imagination, help you weave compelling stories, and significantly improve your writing craft.

Feeling stuck when you want to write is something many of us experience. It can be really tough to come up with ideas or even know where to start. This challenge is something even professional writers face, especially before their work reaches bookshelves or sells books on Amazon . But there’s a helpful solution for when you feel like you’re hitting a dead end: writing prompts. So, these prompts can kickstart your creativity and help you get your writing and publishing going.

What is a Writing Prompt?

At its core, a writing prompt is a starting point to get your creativity flowing. But what does prompt mean in writing? A prompt is 1 to 3 sentences that raise an issue or ask a question that fuels your writing ideas.

No matter if it is a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or even a picture, a writing prompt can open doors to untold stories waiting to be told. So, if you learn how to write a prompt, you can enhance its effectiveness in sparking creativity.

However, what makes prompts for writing so magical? Well, they come with built-in writing challenges: to conjure up a unique story based on a predefined starting point. This constraint, surprisingly, liberates rather than confines creativity. It is a paradox of the creative process. Boundaries often lead to the most boundless imagination.

How to Write a Writing Prompt?

Crafting effective writer prompts is an art in itself. Your goal should be to strike a delicate balance between specificity and openness. In addition, you need to provide just enough detail to guide the writer, but not so much that it stifles their creativity. Here are some tips to consider:

Spark Curiosity

An excellent prompt should pique interest. It could be something as simple as:

“The clock struck thirteen,” prompting the question, “Why thirteen?”

This could serve as a fantastic mystery and thriller writing prompt.

Encourage Imagination

Allow room for interpretation. A prompt like the following opens up endless narrative possibilities:

“In a world where dreams are currency.”

It is perfect for science fiction writing prompts or even dystopian writing prompts.

Emotional Connect

Try to evoke an emotional response. Prompts that relate to universal feelings, love, fear, and joy, can be particularly compelling.

Visual Stimulus

Sometimes, a picture can be worth a thousand words. For example, a mysterious photograph or a bizarre painting. It can serve as a powerful prompt.

The beauty of writing prompts lies in their versatility. You can tailor them for any genre, theme, or writing style . It makes them invaluable tools for writers of all stripes.

Pro Writing Tip: Incorporate direct quotations, summaries, and rephrased content from the provided material to bolster your opinions and insights. It’s crucial to demonstrate to your audience that you are actively interacting with the author’s ideas and the content they’ve shared. For instance, if you find yourself at odds with a recommendation in the material, refer to a specific section and articulate your reasons for disagreement. This approach will aid in convincing others to understand and possibly align with your perspective.

How to Start a Writing Prompt?

Staring down a prompt can be as intimidating as the blank page itself. Here’s how to leap over that initial hurdle:

Allow yourself to write without judgment or editing . Let the prompt lead you wherever it may, even if it initially seems nonsensical.

Ask Questions

Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? These questions can help you unpack the prompt and start weaving a narrative web.

Play with Perspectives

If the prompt is a sentence, try writing from the perspective of different characters or objects within that scenario.

Mix and Match

Combine the prompt with another idea you’ve been toying with. The intersection of two ideas can often be where the magic happens.

Genre-Specific Creative Writing Book Prompts

Let’s look at some writing prompt examples that will help you with more writing prompt ideas:

Mystery and Thriller Writing Prompts

Everyone loves a good mystery or a heart-pounding thriller. These genres keep readers on the edge, eager to turn the page. So, here are a few prompts for mysterious writings:

While renovating your grandmother’s attic, you discover a diary belonging to a relative you never knew existed. The entries hint at a family secret buried for decades.
You receive a series of anonymous letters, each with a clue that leads you closer to uncovering the identity of a person who claims to have changed your life forever.
A renowned magician disappears during a live performance. However, this time, it is not part of the act.
A detective receives a series of cryptic letters. They seem to be linked to unsolved cases from decades ago.
You witness a crime that hasn’t happened yet. Can you be able to prevent it, or will you become part of it?
A journalist stumbles upon a conspiracy tied to a secret society that has influenced historical events.
An ordinary book contains a secret message. It leads to a dangerous treasure hunt across the city.
A family heirloom is stolen on the eve of a meaningful ceremony. It reveals long-buried family secrets.
Someone is following you, always a step behind. However, when you turn around, there’s never anyone there.
A small town is gripped by fear as residents receive anonymous threats predicting their deaths.

Pro Writing Tip: Always start with a relatable scenario but add a twist that invites curiosity. For example , instead of presenting a generic setting like “ walking in a park, ” twist it into something unexpected like “ walking in a park where every bench tells a story of a lost civilization. ” This approach not only grabs the reader’s attention but also provides a fertile ground for their imagination to take off. It encourages them to think beyond the ordinary and dive into the creative process with enthusiasm.

Romance Writing Prompts

Love fuels countless stories, from the tragic to the transcendent. Therefore, with the help of romantic writing prompts, you can explore the complexities of relationships and the human heart. In addition, you can try these creative writing prompts for romance novels :

Two former lovers unexpectedly reunite in a small coffee shop after years apart. What led to their separation? Moreover, what secrets have they held onto?
A love letter meant for someone else lands in your hands. It leads you on a quest to find the intended recipient and, perhaps, a love of your own.
Messages in bottles wash up on the shore. They are penned by a lovelorn sailor from the past.
A scientist discovers a way to time travel, only to fall in love with someone from a different era.
Two rival dance champions are forced to partner up, finding love in their quest for the title.
An astronomer and a poet, sharing a love for the stars, find their paths intertwined under a celestial event.
Two strangers exchange notes daily in a coffee shop’s suggestion box, leading to an unexpected romance.
A musician rediscovers a love song written by their late partner. It leads them to a new beginning.
Two people meet on a cross-country train ride. They form a connection that challenges their destinations.
Longtime friends make a pact to marry if they’re both single at 30. Then, as the deadline approaches, real feelings emerge.

Science Fiction Writing Prompts

The future is a playground for the imagination. It offers endless possibilities for exploration. Moreover, science fiction writing prompts can take you on journeys through time, space, and the depths of the human mind. Here are some short fiction ideas:

You discover the last remaining library in the future where all books are banned. What will you do to protect it?
In a world where memories can be bought and sold, you wake up one day with no recollection of your past. The quest for your identity leads you to dark and unexpected places.
Earth’s sun is dying. Humanity’s last hope rests on a crew sent to reignite it with untested technology.
A new technology allows people to swap consciousnesses. However, one person discovers they can’t switch back.
An ancient alien artifact is unearthed. It holds the key to unlimited energy and the potential for interstellar war.
A scientist accidentally opens a portal to a parallel dimension where history turns dark.
There is a world where memoirs can be engineered. One person uncovers a conspiracy to manipulate the human race.
AI servants start to develop consciousness. It leads to a society-wide debate on rights and existence.
On a distant space colony, sabotage reveals deep-seated corruption and a fight for survival.
A time capsule meant to be opened in a thousand years is accidentally triggered early. It reveals the unforeseen future of humanity.

Fantasy and Paranormal Writing Prompts

Get into worlds where magic is real and the paranormal is just another part of life. These prompts invite you to explore good story starters:

You stumble upon a forest that everyone in your village avoids. Inside, you find a world that is teemed with creatures and magic you never believed possible.
A ghost bound to an ancient mansion seeks your help to solve the mystery of their death. They reveal secrets that will change the history of the place.
A librarian discovers their library is alive, with books that can transport readers into their stories.
There is a discovery of the last dragon egg. It threatens to ignite a war between humans and dragonkin.
A person makes a deal with a ghost to solve their unfinished business, entangling their fates.
A royal heir finds their destiny intertwined with a crown that grants immense power and a deadly curse.
Magic is banned in a world where a young mage discovers a hidden truth about their power.
A keeper of magical portals between worlds faces a dilemma when a forbidden love crosses boundaries.
An unlikely hero is chosen as the apprentice to the last witch in the world, tasked with saving magic.
A mysterious carnival appears in town overnight, offering fantastical wonders and hidden dangers.

Pro Writing Tip : When crafting a fantasy or paranormal novel, the key to captivating your audience is to blend the familiar with the extraordinary. Simple Writing Prompt : Imagine a world where everyone has a magical talent that manifests on their 16th birthday. Your protagonist, however, wakes up on their 16th birthday to discover they have no talent. Explore their journey as they navigate a world where they feel out of place, only to uncover a hidden power within themselves that transcends the known talents. Creative Writing Prompt : In a city where the night brings out not just stars but also portals to other dimensions, your main character is a night courier, delivering packages to these alternate realms. One night, they receive a mysterious package that is not to be delivered to another dimension, but to a being that hasn’t been seen in centuries. This delivery leads them on an adventure through various dimensions, uncovering secrets about the city, its night-time wonders, and themselves.

General Fiction Writing Prompts

Sometimes, the most compelling stories to write are those that reflect our own world, warts and all. General fiction story ideas and prompts offer a canvas for the human condition:

You find a phone with one unread message that changes your perspective on life.
At a pivotal moment in your life, you meet a stranger. He offers you advice that could change everything.
Once a year, a lottery gives one person the chance to change their life completely—but at what cost?
An artist discovers they can paint pictures that make others relive memories. It alters their perception of the past.
A café sits at the crossroads of reality. The customers of the café find themselves confronted with life-changing decisions.
A box of unsent letters was found in an attic. They tell the story of a family’s hidden history.
The last bookstore in a world dominated by digital media. It becomes the center of a community’s struggle to remember its humanity.
A watchmaker creates a watch that can stop time for everyone but the wearer, exploring the consequences of isolation.
A series of balcony gardens across a city weaves together the lives of its residents in unexpected ways.
Two childhood friends make a promise to achieve their dreams. However, life takes them on very different paths.

Travel and Adventure Writing Prompts

For the wanderlust-driven soul, travel and adventure prompts whisk you away to far-off lands and thrilling escapades:

You get an old map that leads to a place not found on any modern map. What do you discover at the end of the journey?
After a storm at sea, you wash up on the shores of an island. It hides a civilization untouched by the outside world.
A map is marked with unknown names. It leads to a journey uncovering hidden histories and forgotten places.
In the heart of the desert, a mirage reveals a hidden oasis with secrets of its own.
An expedition to an uncharted island reveals a civilization thought to be a myth.
A trip to see the Northern Lights uncovers a phenomenon more magical. But it is more dangerous than ever expected.
A hidden path in an ancient forest leads to a world untouched by time.
An urban explorer discovers an underground city beneath the streets of a bustling metropolis.
A mysterious castle appears in the sky. It is accessible only to those who dare to find a way up.
A traveller returns from an otherworldly journey with tales. They challenge the limits of belief.

Horror Writing Prompts

Horror writing prompts are a great resource for vampire romance books and other horror-related genres. So, tap into the depths of fear with horror story prompts that are sure to send shivers down your spine:

A painting you acquire at an estate sale changes each time you look at it. Eventually, it reveals something horrifying.
A person discovers their reflection. It has a mind of its own. In addition, it reveals dark truths.
The woods near your house are said to be haunted. One night, you hear your name whispered among the trees.
You hear about a melody that haunts a town. It drives its listeners to madness and reveals a sinister history.
A house filled with lifelike dolls that seem to watch your every move. It hides a grim secret.
A fog rolls into a small town, and with it comes whispers that drive people to do unspeakable things.
You see a door in the basement that was never there before. It leads to a dark and forgotten place.
Residents of a small town are visited by a figure in the night, who watches from afar, never approaching until.
A grave that doesn’t appear on any map is found to hold the key to a century-old curse.
A rare lunar eclipse reveals a horrifying figure walking across the moon’s surface. It signals a dark event.

Young Adult Writing Prompts

Young adult fiction often tackles the tumultuous journey of growing up. The following prompts focus on the challenges and triumphs of youth:

At your new school, you’re invited to join a secret society. It promises adventure but hides a dark secret.
On your sixteenth birthday, you discover you have a power. It could change the world or destroy it.
A group of friends discovers a hidden bunker during summer break. It leads to a mystery that tests their friendship.
A secret society meets at midnight to share stories. However, their tales start to come true.
A teen discovers their ancestry is linked to an ancient legend. It thrusts them into a world of magic and danger.
Teens have the power to enter dreams. They must save one of their own from a nightmare that could trap them forever.
A high school talent show reveals a student’s unique ability. It attracts unwanted attention.
There is a society where books are banned. A group of teens starts an underground library and fights for the right to read.
A teen discovers a parallel world where their every decision creates ripples. It affects both worlds in unexpected ways.
At a summer camp set to close, campers encounter a mystery that ties the camp’s history to their own lives.

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Beyond the Prompt: Develop Your Story with Creative Writing Prompts

You now have ideas for writing prompts. Then, it is time to transition from story writing prompts to a fully realized story. Writing prompts serve as the initial stage. However, the journey from prompt to page is where the real magic happens. Let’s look at how you can develop writing prompts into captivating narratives.

Character Development

Start with questions.

Who is your protagonist? What do they want more than anything? What’s stopping them? Characters drive stories, such as:

Foil Characters
Morally Grey Characters
Round Characters

Therefore, you need to understand the motivations, fears, and strengths of your characters.

Give Them Flaws

Perfect characters are boring. Flaws make characters relatable and their journeys compelling. So, think about how the weaknesses of your character might impact their decisions and the outcome of the story.

Set the Scene

World-building.

World-building is especially important in genres such as fantasy and science fiction. However, every story needs a setting. Look at how the environment affects the story. Is it a dystopian future that challenges the characters at every turn, or a buzzing city filled with opportunities and threats?

Sensory Details

Bring your world to life with sensory details. What does it smell like in the haunted mansion or on the alien planet? In addition, what sounds fill the air in the bustling marketplace or the quiet village?

Plot Twists and Turns

Outline the journey.

Even if you’re not an outliner by nature, you should have a rough idea of where your story is headed. As a result, it can help keep you on track. So, think of it as a map with room for detours.

Conflict is Key

Conflict is one of the top elements of fiction . No conflict, no story. So, your characters should face challenges, make decisions, and deal with the consequences. In addition, these conflicts can be external (a villain, a natural disaster) or internal (fear of failure, struggling with identity).

Bring Your Story to Life

Our ghostwriters transform your ideas into mesmerizing stories using creative writing prompts to ensure your voice shines through.

The Value of Practice

Keep in mind that the goal is not to write a book on your first try. The goal is to write. Each story you write and each prompt you explore help hone your skills and deepen your learning of the craft. So, practice regularly with writing prompts. As a result, it will:

Boost Creativity

The more you write, the easier it becomes to develop new ideas for writing a book and solve narrative problems.

Improve Discipline

Set a writing routine, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. It can help turn writing from a hobby into a habit.

Resources and Ideas for Creative Writing Prompts

Find new and exciting prompts. It doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some resources to keep your prompt well full:

Books and Journals

Many books are dedicated to providing writers with prompts. Similarly, literary journals sometimes offer prompt-based contests.

Online Communities

Websites like Reddit have communities dedicated to writing prompts. Participating can also provide you with feedback from fellow writers. Such platforms are excellent sources of free writing prompts, daily writing prompts as well as random writing prompts.

Daily Prompt Apps

There are several apps available that deliver a new writing prompt to you each day. In addition, they ensure you always have a source of inspiration at your fingertips.

Captivate Your Audience with Unique Articles

Infuse your articles with creativity and depth. Our article writers leverage unique prompts to craft articles that stand out.

Additional Resources:

Books on Writing Craft: “ On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King “ Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield Online Writing Communities: Reddit ‘s r/Writing and r/WritingPrompts Wattpad : A platform for writers to share their work and connect with readers Scribophile : A writing group and online writing workshop where writers can critique each other’s work NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): An annual event that encourages writers to complete a novel in a month, held every November Writing Software and Tools: Scrivener : A powerful content-generation tool for long documents Grammarly : A writing assistant that helps with grammar, punctuation, and style Hemingway Editor : A tool that highlights complex sentences and common errors to improve readability Evernote : A note-taking app that can be useful for organizing research and ideas Creative Writing Courses and Workshops: Local community colleges or universities often offer creative writing courses Online platforms like Coursera , Udemy , and Skillshare offer a variety of writing courses taught by experienced authors Writing retreats and workshops, such as those offered by The Highlights Foundation or The Loft Literary Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some cool prompts.

Here are a few writing prompts to get you started:

Write about a song that evokes a strong emotion in you.
Narrate a childhood memory from the perspective of someone else who was there.
Describe an object that isn’t valuable but means a lot to you.
Today’s color: What color do you feel like today and why?

What are 500 writing prompts?

The “500 Writing Prompts” journal is a treasure trove for writers. It offers a wide range of prompts across genres and themes. Moreover, it is designed to spark your creativity and help you explore the depths of your imagination, one prompt at a time.

What are 5-minute writing prompts?

These quick prompts are perfect for daily journaling or warming up your writing muscles. They include gratitudes, aspirations, affirmations, reflections on the day, and thoughts on improvement.

What are some good writing questions?

Here are a few journal prompts to ponder:

What do you aspire to be?
List five adventures you want to have before you turn 20.
What’s your dream job?
Imagine your life at 30. What does it look like?
What are the three most impactful jobs in the world, in your opinion?
Would you ever want to be president?

Writing prompts are not just a cure for writer’s block. They’re an excellent tool that can help your growth as a writer. In addition, they make your way to explore new genres and a method for honing your craft. Every word you write brings you one step closer to the writer you aspire to be. So, grab some good writing prompts from the many creative writing topics we have discussed. Then, see where it leads you. In addition, if you face any problems, you can always come to Authors Breeze .

Enhance Your Blog with Writing Prompts

Our blog writers use innovative writing prompts to produce posts that engage, inform, and delight your audience.

Caroline Chartrand

As a writing expert, Caroline R Chartrand has written numerous books across various genres, from memoirs to self-help guides. With a passion for history and literature, she has delved into the lives of some of the fascinating figures in history, uncovering hidden stories and surprising facts.

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5 Creative Writing Prompts to Break Your Writer’s Block

by Guest Blogger | 34 comments

We all face a point in our writing careers when we feel the heavy weight of writer’s block crushing our muse. We all have moments where we want to write but can’t because nothing comes to mind. Well, nothing that we consider worthwhile that is.

Photo by Send me adrift. (Creative Commons)

When you think about it, about the moments you were stuck behind your writer’s desk with the page reading blank, you had plenty of thoughts on what to write. I know I always do. The thing that stops us from writing down those thoughts varies depending on the writer.

How to Break Your Writer's Block

I could go all Dr. Phil on you and talk about how we tend to build our writer’s blocks ourselves mainly due to self-confidence issues, but I would rather offer some solutions instead. No, I am not going to tell you to record the phrase “you are a bestselling writer” and play it back to yourself when you are sleeping.

I am going to talk to you about how to break through whatever is stopping you from writing by using creative writing prompts .

Creative writing prompts can be a single word or phrase that you write down. Either way, you try to make a full story from them. They always work wonders for me, since they are easy to start and always end up helping me with character, plot and world creation.

Five Fun Writing Prompts

Here are five fun writing prompts for you so that you can see how creative you can get with them.

He cut the car’s engine with a bloody, trembling hand and stopped his breath to listen for pursuers, but his pounding heart left him deaf to anything else that could be lurking in the night.
She smelled roses as soon as she walked into the candle lit room and saw him lying on the bed naked except for a single rose he wore on his genitals.

“Not all men are dogs,” he grinned, “but in my case, woof.”

They were too late.
She held the aluminum bat like a torch with her head held high as she made her way toward the office parking lot. She could feel her coworkers’ eyes staring down at her from their 9-to-5 prison cells. She smiled to more than just herself, but to the realization that she was no longer like them. She had broken free and now she was going to break something else. She just hoped it was the only thing that made her ex-boss happy and that it was parked in its usual spot.

The wonderful thing about creative writing prompts is that they can be simplistic or very descriptive. They can be part of the narrative or dialogue. You don’t even have to name any characters in them.

The point is that they make you write about something that has the potential to be a story by getting your creative writing juices flowing when your curiosity about the prompt forces you to think about the actual story behind the prompt. This leads to character, plot and world creation.

For example, look at the first creative writing prompt. Suspenseful, right? I hope so. When you write a prompt this way, it really helps you create a story because it makes you curious about the story behind the prompt. One of the first things it forces me to wonder is how did the character get into this situation. Then come more questions like who is he and who is out there in the dark? This writing prompt, like the rest of them, keep my mind focused on building the story for each question that the prompt makes me ask.

Write Your Own Prompts

So let’s fast forward a little and say that you used a writing prompt to start a story. You are pages into it and then become stuck again. It happens so don’t fret. You can use writing prompts like jumper cables to bring life back into your story. You can take elements from your story, such as characters and settings, and create new writing prompts from them, which will lead to more scenes that you can tie into your story.

You may even be surprised by stumbling across a great subplot, adding more complexity to your story. What reader wouldn’t like that?

Give this exercise a try and let me know how it helps you.

What do you do to break through writer's block?

Choose a prompt above and write for fifteen minutes. When you're finished, post your practice in the comments section. And if you post, be sure to leave feedback on a few practices by other writers.

Happy writing!

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34 Comments

They were too late. She’d known it the moment the attack had started, but it didn’t do anything to stymie the well of agonized anguish that rose up in Silavara in a wave of destruction. Her spiritual energy, underused and swirling into a tempest of power, lashed out at the world as she fell to her knees beside her sister. Lightning cracked through the air and thunder growled over the world like a beast set free upon its enemies. Wind howled, whipping Silvara’s carefully done-up hair into knotted tangles. Dust and sand became a blizzard of bullets, undulled by the torrent of hail that crashed down upon them all, as sharp and biting and eager for blood as their caller. “No!” Silvara screamed, her voice silent inside the swirling storm. She looked down, shell-shocked, at her sister’s lifeless body, limbs in a listless sprawl and the blood of her death caked over her body. The dry blood ran in the rain, crimson tears soaking into the ground. With trembling hands, Silvara ran her fingers over the fine, beautiful face of her sister; the high-cheek bones, the full lips. When she reached the eyes, large, green, and bright with their last terror, she gently closed them. Thunder boomed over head, and the black and purple sky snarled down upon them all, a mirror image of the twisting grief and rage inside of Silvara. Silvara’s breathing shook in fury at those that had done this to her sister, so young and full of life, those who had taken all that miracle away from her. With waves of shudders still rolling through her, the tsunami of destruction, still tightly restrained behind a dam of hope, shattered, and the power thundered through into the world. And then the storm really began. Sand and ice became the messengers of her loss, whipped up into a flurry of enraged grief by growing winds. The wind pushed at the world, shoving, begging them to understand, begging to destroy those who could do this to her home. Slit was hurled through the air with deadly speed, as chaotic as it was fatal. But none of it touched her– she stood still, mourning and raging in a sea of death. Silvara had lost any nuance of control she’d possessed, and the consequences would be disastrous. ~~~ Well, that was certainly interesting. I did *not* know that about Silvara….

Aha, prompt as character exploration. I take it this is written with an existing world of yours? I am currently using as many random prompts as possible to flesh out a fledgling world, and this powerful scene certainly seems to have leapt fully formed for you from that initial prompt. Great stuff! -Sef

Thank you! 🙂 Yeah, this is a world I’m currently working on building up… Silvara’s an important historical figure that apparently has more tragedy in her life than I knew. The prompts do seem to work, don’t they?

Wow, great use of a simple prompt. 🙂

Great description, Brianna!

Thank you 😀

I admire writers that undertakes a story that also involves building the world that the story lives in. What a challenge! Great piece!

Thanks! 😀 It can be hard, but it’s so magical to have all that depth– it’s real, if only in your mind.

I love writing prompts. Just this weekend I got my friends to help me out. On my Facebook page I asked friends to submit one word in the comments section of my status and told them I would write a 150(ish) word piece for them based on their word. It’s been super fun and encouraging, and I’ve gotten a couple of good story ideas out of it.

What a great idea. Once my fb friends have got used to the idea of me writing I will do this!

What a great idea!

She grabbed his arm and dragged him behind the funereal curtain. “Hush! This isn’t funny!” The chapel of rest was busy today.

“What, fifteen female coffins in a row and they’re all cats and you don’t believe there’s anything funny about it?” He gave a short laugh which ended on a yelp as she dug her nails into his arm.

“Not funny haha. Weird, yes.” She arched her eyebrows at him.

He shrugged it off, his good humour irrepressible. “I told you. It’s simple. Everyone reverts to their animal form after death. Some have experienced the change before, fleetingly or otherwise. But for most their secret nature is only revealed after their final moments, moments which we, as carers for the deceased, are privileged to witness.”

“And most women are cats.” She narrowed her eyes.

He waggled his head from side to side. “The recent facts do bear it out.”

“I am not a cat! And you are not a dog! That’s patently ridiculous.” She drove her fingernails into her palms.

“Ridiculous, perhaps. And yet you criticise me for laughing.”

He, and the situation, were too aggravating.”I – you – well -”

It rose in her throat unbidden and emerged too loud for suppression. He clapped his hand over his mouth in horrified glee. She pressed her own fingers across her lips – but it was done, and a room packed with mourners had heard her yowl.

Xxx I just liked this prompt. And I agree – prompts which are dialogue or descriptive snippets are far more effective that more generic ‘write about x’ style prompts. I had fun with this, hope you like it. -Sef

I really enjoyed reading that. I can’t add anything more meaningful than that, but… that was a really intriguing and thought-provoking passage.

I would definitely like to see where you would take this if not stopped by the 15 min. time limit.

Very thought-provoking, and just slightly off-kilter. Thanks!

Great concept! And you did the back-and-forth dialogue extremely well!

I’ve started a blog, and asked Facebook friends for prompts, it gets really hard at times, but it’s all about practice, and any writing, even if it’s only half a story, is still better than no writing! My blog is here: http://chooseyourownmisadventure.blogspot.com.au/

Ah, how fickle the human heart, huh? I like the way you changed her uncontained rage into acquiescence in the last sentence. What a great emotional ride!

I like that we both chose to have the women getting ticked off. Apparently it’s not a big turn-on for women when men are covered in roses. 🙂

She smelled roses as soon as she walked into the candlelit room and saw him laying on the bed naked except for a singl rose he wore on his genitals. “What the hell is this?” She asked her anger, clearly overriding her urge and desire to remove that rose and let him wear nothing but her.

“Let’s call it a peace offering.” He said picking up that tiny remote next to him and turning on her stereo that was now softly playing her favorite music.

“A peace offering! After what you did! After what you said to me!” At this point her anger was getting the best of her as she turned on the lights full blast, before storming over and ripping the stereo plug from the wall. “Get the hell out! Get the hell out of my house before I call the cops on you. Actually, I think I’m going to do that anyways. I’m sure the guys in lockup will get a big kick out of where that rose is.”

He immediately jumped to his feet, knocking the phone out of her hands before she got a chance to dial. “Will you please give me a chance to explain. Please baby, just give me a chance.”

“No, I loved you. I wanted to marry you. I wanted to have children with you. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.” Her anger had turned to tears as he wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her, trying to make the pain he had caused her go way. She had every right to not forgive him. She had every right to hate him for the rest of her life. But he still loved her. He still wanted that fairytale happily ever after fantasy to be with her. The truth was his little ‘peace offering’ was nowhere near enough to make up for what he did. But he still had one more trick up his sleeve, so he kissed her. A deep passionate kiss, filled with fire, filled with rage, filled with their love.

Makes me curious of what came before…what will com next. Great piece!

1- How to kiss someone? Not kissing, but the whole approaching thing can just be very pleasurable if you just go for it, most likely it will work out.

2- “Give me one solution for that problem”, he couldn’t think of anything. He said what he could to try to keep the situation more bland, his life was not feasible, and no excuse would somehow change that. All that he could do was submit to the feeling that he was the lost, the problem here was getting from one place to the other, and to be sure that when you would eventually would get in the other, that would be something different from nowhere.

3- “Are you not going to talk to me and just stay quiet?” The car drive was endless. He finally some peace from her silence with a cigarette.

4- “How can you be tired when I am next you?” “It was a very long day you know, it is not really a question of you, but of being tired despite of anything.”

5- Me and my dad watching the great army of Branca Leone on the sofa, the movie it is amazing and very funny.

6- Looking at the sea, the two characters see the sunset, in a mixture of beauty, nostalgia and the meaningless of their lives they find peace.

7- The silence in the island is full of noises.

8- He doesn’t remember how he got there, slowly he would try to discover little things, he knew perhaps some basic ideas, some facts, like that he had a wife, but he would miss someone he couldn’t remember.

9- I wish I could open my head and get back to the past, I wish I could read and hear you, I wish you could encourage me on what I am doing, maybe it wouldn’t be all great as it is now and I am pretty sure you would not have admitted my apathy and the lack of work and courage I have shown along the years, my life wouldn’t be what it is now, and if it was, I am pretty sure you would be disappointed.

10- He has some problems with his machine and the images and the whole experiment goes wrong.

They were too late – Will Coffy just knew it.

The old man had hoped for a storm to accompany their ride into town, something dramatic, in the same way the skies had opened up so many years ago, on the day he arrested Robert Forrest, possibly the greatest train robber of the early 20th century. On that day, the wind had preceded the black skies, rolling the wildflowers in waves before him as his white-maned buckskin thundered across the prairie in pursuit of the outlaw’s appaloosa. Forrest’s horse was winded, its eyes wide with fear and surprise, and Will could see the flecks of foam flying off the bit as he closed. Forrest turned as he drew astride, and Will saw his hand go toward the Colt he had holstered on his right hip, but he missed the handle in his urgency, and Will leaned over into Forrest and dragged him with him as he fell. The two men rolled through the scrub like a pair of bobcats, their bodies kicking up dust and dried sage as they tumbled. Will was better prepared; he brought up a knotted right fist and caught Robert Forrest’s chin squarely before they had even stopped moving, and he saw Forrest’s eyes roll backward in his head.

“Gotcha, you sonofabitch!” he gasped, and reached behind his back for the cuffs. The rain began at that moment, covering the two men like a slippery blanket.

These days the sky always looked the same, Will thought; too blue, too bereft of character. As his son wheeled the pickup down the smooth serenity of the blacktop toward town, Will felt himself being pulled backward once again, into a time of urgency, of men whose past defined their lives, and who would never change. When he had thrown Robert Forrest into that sunless cell and clanged the door shut, the prisoner had sworn at him. “I’ll remember your face, pardner,” he had said, and Will had been quick to tell him he hoped he would. Forrest would never set a foot on the dirt as a free man again, and Will almost felt sorry for that. True men were already becoming hard to find.

“Ya think we’ll get there in time?” he croaked, returning himself to the here and now, his old eyes squinting in the too-brightness of the afternoon.

“Sure, dad. It’s a 24-hour drugstore, remember?” Alan Coffy peered at his father through his dark-framed glasses. “You got a little nap there, huh?” he said, and smiled. He reached a hand over and squeezed his father’s shoulder lovingly. “Goin’ after outlaws again, Dad?”

Will didn’t answer. He stared forward, past the windshield wipers and mile markers and into the bright familiarity of the sage and scrub grass that flanked their route. He saw movement, and wondered if it was Robert Forrest, the outlaw’s face once again twisted with bad intent, his pistols drawn down on a nervous train conductor as the man stuffed valuables into a croker sack. The clicking of the car tires over tiny rocks sounded like distant gunfire to Will.

This reminds me of something one of my favorite writers could have written! Very good work.

Maggie regained consciousness slowly, not so much waking up as becoming aware, once sense at a time. The sound of flies buzzing loudly at that small window that she had glimpsed before the bag was placed over her head. It was high up on the wall, and she could hear the frenzied striving of the doomed insects thumping against it. An awareness that they were still up there, somewhere.

Simultaneously, the pain in her wrists and ankles where the wire had cut into the flesh, the parched burning of her mouth and throat and the sickening tickle of the maggots wriggling in the wounds assaulted her. Then the stench of her body’s excretions: urine, sweat, feces assailed her nostrils, all mixed with the fetid odor of their semen where they had masterbated on her once she became too foul even for them to rape or sodomize.

She began to gag again, a hoarse dry-heaving that she could not control even though it made the broken ribs ache in a bright arc of pain that overwhelmed everything else. The coils of the rusted bed frame she was bound to cut into her and when she moved, she could feel the flesh tear away from where the wires had impaled her.

“Please,God” Maggie whispered between shudders of nausea. “If you’re out there, please let me die today.”

Flies were buzzing around the bag that covered her face, trying to get to the dried blood from her busted lips, broken nose. Maggie could feel a scream building in her chest, finding its way up her seared throat and fought against it. Screams brought one of them, or some of them, downstairs to kick her with their steel-toed boots.

“Shutthefuckupyoufuckin’bitch” Kick.

“Whoyouthinkisgonnahearyoubitch?” Kick.

“Wantsumthin’toscreamaboutbitch?How’sthis?” Kick. Kick. Kick.

How long had she been here now? Was it days? Weeks? Maggie had lost track of time. At first, one of them, the same one, came every so often pulled back the sack and trickled warm, stale beer into her mouth that she gulped down, strangling on it in her desperate thirst. Then he’d pull the bag down over her head and stomp back up the stairs.

Suddenly she heard the sound of their voices outside the basement’s window, loud and brutal, punctuated with laughter and curses. One by one, she heard the sound of them starting their Hogs, gunning the engines, the unmistakable rumble of motor that she once loved the sound of. They were leaving? They were leaving her here? Maggie began to scream, beyond caring about the consequences, panic coursing through her broken body, over-riding every other sensation.

She heard heavy footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Please, please…” she croaked. “Please don’t leave me here. Kill me. Pleeeeeeeease, just kill me…pleeeeeeeeese….” She had stopped praying to be saved.

Brutal hands pulled at the sack on her head, pushing it back from her neck and she felt the bite of wire press into her throat as someone snaked the ends into the coils of the bed frame and pulled it viciously tight. She could feel a trickle of blood move down her chest.

“You wanna die? Do it yourself.” a voice hissed near her ear. She knew it was the same man who had given her the swallows of beer. The sack was yanked down again and footsteps ascended the cement stairs, the sound of a door slamming, the snick of a padlock.

One by one, Maggie heard them roar down the dirt road, gravel spraying from the tires, and then she knew she was truly alone. The surge of adrenalized panic seeped from her body all at once and she lost consciousness again.

Sometime later, she came to. The flies were still there, the pain. Only now, the absence of their presence screamed in the silence. It was too late for any hope of a savior. Maggie began to sob, dry, hacking noises, her body too dehydrated to make tears or snot, as she tilted her head back, fixedly pressing her neck into the wire.

They were too late. Every excruciatingly miniscule detail had been looked over and over again, planned and practiced until it seemed like they could be blindfolded with their hands behind their backs and still perform the plan, dancing as they went. But one second – one excruciatingly miniscule second – brought them to their knees, and with a gun to my head I wouldn’t say they had messed up. Because they hadn’t.

Every single day Hurst would get in his car at 8:05, be at the warehouse by 9:00, and take a smoke break at 12:00, right after eating his tuna salad sandwich for lunch. This was absolute. It’s like he had fucking OCD or something; he never went off schedule by even a second. So why today? Why, of all days in the god damn world, would he choose today to stay in the warehouse?

The two things we knew we could count on were our abilities, and his rigid schedule. He should’ve been out of the building by twelve, not a second before, not a second after. How many times had he left during a conversation because it was noon? How many god damn times did I watch him go out in the driveway to smoke? And today of all fucking days, the one time we’re all waiting out here to take him far away from his new hell, he doesn’t even make an appearance.

Someone must’ve known. Some motherfucker must’ve known that they were coming today, known what we planned to do. But how? How did they know? Who could’ve…

I guess it didn’t matter. They were too late, and everyone still in that warehouse was dead.

He cut the car’s engine with a bloody, trembling hand and stopped his breath to listen for pursuers, but his pounding heart left him deaf to anything else that could be lurking in the night. This was it. The shit had, indeed, hit the fan. He had read many fictional books about this very thing, never imagining that it would actually happen. The news was getting worse as the months passed. There were more shootings. The unemployment rate was the highest the country had ever seen. Food prices were out the roof. Then it happened. The stock market crashed harder than it ever had in American history. People panicked. There was fighting in the streets. People, who didn’t have much to begin with, were looting. martial law was declared with a mandatory curfew. It got so bad that cops abandoned their posts and went home to protect their families. So when Curt found himself in the middle of a redneck posse of sorts he wasn’t surprised. He just hoped he could get out alive. He had gone to the abandoned convenience store hoping to find something, anything, on the shelves. He was trying to get home to Bonners Ferry because he had been out of town for work. He had run out of food in his Go Bag never imagining it would take him days to get home. In normal conditions it was a 4 hour drive. He made sure his 1911 was loaded as he cautiously walked in through broken glassed door. I found 2 Red Bull’s and a bag of jerky. It wasn’t much, but it was better than starving. Then he heard the click. He moved only his eyes to see a large, bearded man to his right. He did as the man told which was to walk slowly out of the store. Once outside was when he saw the rest of this mans followers. He was clearly their leader. A few of them were kids, not much older than 15 or 16. Curt thought this wouldn’t be so bad. He could take the kids easy. Then he thought all of this was going to be over Red Bull and jerky. Another car had pulled up, causing the bearded man to leave Curt under the care of the kids. Now was his chance. He elbowed one kid in the nose and punched the other. By the time bearded man noticed the ruckus, Curt was already behind the wheel of his car. He was shot at a few times, but miraculously wasn’t personally hit. Bearded man was after him in his beat up Chevy truck. It was no match to Curt’s Dodge and Curt left him in his dust.

“How did you get in here?” I ask. Except I don’t ask it calmly. I ask it more like, “HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?” and then I might have said “GODDAMNITALLYOUCRAZY,CRAZYMAN” But seriously, how does he keep getting in? I’ve changed the locks three times, re-enforced the windows, and installed one of those light timer things. He never does this when I’m actually in the apartment. Well forget that, I’m returning that timer and getting my twelve bucks back. Roses are everywhere, again. He’s on the bed naked, again. And there it is, the piece of resistance (notice I didn’t write that in French, because this is definitely a cause for resistance), the rose on top of his genitals, again. “I came in through the door of love.” “No, you didn’t.” “I came in through the door.” “But how did you get in? Who or what is letting you into this apartment every Friday night?” He doesn’t answer. He just grins. This is my Friday night. Some women come home to throw on makeup and a cute dress before heading out to the bar. I come home to throw out this guy.

… And that’s as far as I got. I don’t think I’ll go any further, but it was fun to play for fifteen minutes. Thanks!

This made me laugh and feel very uncomfortable at the same time. (I mean that in a good way of course.) I love your writing voice. It’s very casual and familiar which makes it very easy to relate to your characters. (Well, maybe not BOTH of them…) It’s a very nice and fun post over all. Thanks for sharing!

“Not all men are dogs,” he grinned, “but in my case, woof.”

Her eyes narrowed as they swept up and down tis oily man’s rail-thin frame. His tinted, black hair gel glistened in a rather unflattering way under Kara’s yellow porch light. His arms remained outstretched, as if expecting an emotional embrace from the woman.

“You’re a pathetic creature, you know that?”

“Never said I wasn’t.” he replied, now dialing down the cockiness in his demeanor. Kara didn’t grace him with a response this time. Thus, in an effort to combat the silence, the man squeezed his way between Kara and the door frame with ease, saying “Long time, no see George. How’s your life been George? Care to come in George?” he mocked. Before Kara could protest, the oil slick known as George had already managed to situate himself in the most comfortable spot in her Martha Stewart living room, upon her once spotless sofa.

“You left me, Roberts.” she said in as even tone as she could mange. At this, he sat upright causing his faux-leather jacket to crackle in an unpleasant way. “Aw, drop it Kara. It’s George. I won’t have ya usin’ all that formal stuff with me.” “Well, I won’t have some drunk, sleaze ball just waltz back into my life after five years and soil my perfectly new couch. So, if you don’t mind…” George then proceeded to ooze slowly off the couch and onto the carpet. “I liked that couch, but ya know what? The floor’s just as comfy…” With that, he lay splat on the floor, flashing Kara that same crooked smile that once enchanted her. Now, it was all she could do to keep Eli’s roast beef down.

“Oh gosh, Eli…” Kara muttered to herself. “E- who?” George stammered. For a drunk, he had incredibly sharp hearing. “Never you mind.” she snapped. She span on her heel and began towards the back of the house, hoping to find that Eli had finished up the chapter and gone to his bed. Then, remembering her unexpected guest, she re-entered the room and forbade him from even drawing near the couch again. Though, by the looks of it, he seemed to have no intention of moving anywhere, anytime soon.

As Kara rounded the corner that led to the main hallway, she collided with the bathrobe-clad body of none other than Eli. “Oh! Eli! I’m so sorry. I didn’t-” Kara stammered. “It’s alright.” Eli smiled charmingly. “I thought I heard voices coming from the living room, so I came to check it out.” he replied in his gentile manner. “Oh, well, I-” she stuttered, unsure of what to say. Eli immediately took notice of her hesitance “Kara, is everything okay? Who’s here?” he asked, now concerned. “Well, there’s- ” Kara tried to explain, but didn’t have a chance to finish as Eli had decided to take off towards the living room.

“Wait! Eli!” Kara called as she chased after him. She nearly bumped into him again since he stood in the doorway between the hall and the living room. “Hey Kar,” George slurred from the floor, “Who’s the Ken-doll?” Kara blushed profusely. “Roberts, this is Eli Reanolds, the co-author of my new book whose car broke down this evening.” She took a wary glance in Eli’s direction, afraid to read his expression. “Eli, this is George Roberts, my stinking-drunk, ex-fiancee whom I haven’t seen in five years…”

I really don’t know where any of this came from to be honest. It’s unlike anything I have ever written before as far as subject matter goes (I’m more of a fantasy gal myself, plus I’m only 16 so I know little to nothing about the nature of engagements and that sort of thing), so I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. I really liked this prompt. Initially, I had envisioned this sweet, funny guy delivering those words, but the more and more I tried to write about him, the image of this sleazy guy just popped into my brain and things took off from there. I would love any and all critiques.

“not all men are dogs.” He grinned. “but in my case, woof.” he let out a roaring laughter that echoed through the room and almost forced him off his chair. “hhmm mmhh.” I said, backing up a little. but he noticed my retreat and his grin only got wider. “really? you have no reason to be scared, go on, take a seat.” he nodded at the only other chair in the otherwise empty room. “no thanks, I already have plenty at home.” I replied, ugh, what was wrong with me? couldn’t I keep my mouth shut for once? “ah, that’s funny, I like people with a sense of humor.” he looked at me with his fierce dark eyes. wait, why was I here again? oh yeah. “I have the disk.” he’s smile instantly faded and he seemed to grow even bigger then he was. “oh, do you now? how did a young lady like yourself come in possession of something so dangerous?” I hesitated and decided not to answer that. “it’s just a copy but has all the information.” “you’re a hacker, huh?” no way was I going to let this guy know anything about me. “maybe, I could of just stumbled onto it, I could of borrowed it from a friend.” “what do you want for it?” he asked. “not any kind of money.” I told him. “I want to trade it for a person.” “a person? deal, who’d you have in mind?” I held my breath, could it really be this easy? “Nicole Silver.” he clicked his tongue. “sorry, can’t give you Silver, just got her.” no! of course not, not with the amount of trouble Nicole has caused. “oh well, I guess she’s worth more than millions of dollars.” I waited, he thought about that for a moment. “aw, fine.” he got up and headed towards the door but then he stopped. “I need to see the disk first.” I froze and paled. “I-I u-uh-” he laughed. “should have known it was a bluff.” but then I surprised him, I laughed too. “what’s so funny?” “what’s so funny.” I told him. “is what you’ll find when you open that door.” he growled and mumble something under his breath, then slammed the door open. the tip of a shotgun faced him right between his eyes. “you’re under arrest.”

“And up next, we have Natalie, Abby and Alyssa!” I took a deep breath in, closing my eyes for a moment as I let the nervousness and fear wash over me. This wasn’t my first time on stage but my previous attempts had ended with me in a quivering mess from stage fright, completely unable to even think beyond escaping the headlights. This time would be different. We had practiced for weeks together, singing until our throats gave out. It had sounded perfect. Sometimes, I would listen to recording of us and wonder how we had created such beautiful music. Determined to not let this become another one of my failures, I had made of an entire list of whatever could go wrong, starting from the mikes and the sound system to the roof collapsing in on us. We had triple-checked everything and everything was in place. Well, except for a few glitches here and their; Abby had a slight sore throat, but I had prepared for this; we would simply sing all of her parts together. Abby squeezed my shoulder and nodded to the stage. I looked around, giving what I hoped was an encouraging smile to my friends, and walked forward. This was my moment, that moment when everyone would know me for what I could do and I could finally create that name for myself. One more step forward and I would be on the stage. Another deep breath, a quick prayer and I walked straight into the headlights. I flinched as I stepped into the stage, trying my hardest not to look at the size of the audience or the bored stares of the senior grades. High school audiences were ruthless at worst and apathetic at best, they would rip you to shreds at the slightest sight of any vulnerability. And vulnerable was exactly what I was at that moment, my heart pounding and my pulse racing as I deliberately set my shoulders straighter and my chin higher in a vain attempt to look more confident. It was pointless; high school could see through everything, exposing your most feared secrets and wanted dreams, then stamping all over them with jeers and laughter. I turned, another breath, and then signaled for the music. As the very first notes of the guitar strummed through, I waited for precisely three beats and then started my song. My voice shook and I struggled to smoothen it, willing myself to calm down. And then I noticed. I couldn’t hear myself. My voice wasn’t coming through the speakers; my mike wasn’t working. My mind immediately went into panic mode, overcome with the frenzy of thoughts that had rushed in at this new problem. My brain froze, instantly, though I kept singing. It was no use, no one could hear me and hushed whispers immediately ran through the audience, all of the students exchanging bored and confused looks. As I finished my line, I fervently prayed for the mikes to come through for the others. And it did. But this time, Alyssa had panicked and started off at the wrong pitch and beat, mixing up her lyrics and not even realizing it. I look to Abby for help, but her voice was cracked and when it came through the mike, it sounded awful. Completely awful. The rest of our performance was mostly a repeat of this. With all of us having completely no clue as to what to do, singing wrong lyrics in the wrong tunes and an utterly baffled audience looking on. I was down to tears at this point. All my dreams crushed. I had dared to hope and this was what it had come to. This wrecked mess of a song. A humiliating defeat which would probably be passed on from ear to ear, until the entire school had heard about it. I had made a name for myself, alright. I would now be remembered as that pathetic wreck who messed up the entire show. I wanted to just run and hide, away from school, away from ‘friends’, away from this entire embarrassment of a song. But most of all, I wanted to run away from myself. From that silent inner voice which kept telling me what a failure I was, how I would never accomplish anything, how I should just give up because I obviously couldn’t do it. On good days, I could have pushed down this voice but today, it raged through me, until it was all I could hear. It dominated my thoughts, taking advantage of every vulnerability I had, ruthless in its attack over me. And today, it’s not that performance I’m ashamed of the most. It’s how I let that voice have so much power over me, for so long. How I had let it take over my life for years, until each and every aspect of my life was being controlled by it. A voice that had told me that I was useless, completely worthless, utterly hopeless. A voice that had degraded me until I was just a shadow of my former self. Four years of making me shrink into myself, making me wish I was invisible- that was how much power it processed. Four years of wasted time, wasted talent, wasted opportunities. Four years that I now have the sense to regret.

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How to Break Through Writer’s Block: Unleash Your Creativity

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

How to Break Through Writer’s Block: Unleash Your Creativity

Have⁣ you ever found yourself staring at a blank computer screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, but words‌ refusing to appear?⁢ Frustrating, isn’t it? Writer’s block is the sneaky enemy of⁤ every wordsmith, leaving us‌ feeling helpless and sapping our creativity. But ‍fear⁢ not, dear⁣ writer! In this article,‌ we will unveil the ‌secrets of⁢ breaking through⁢ writer’s block and unleashing your overflowing creativity. So, grab a pen⁢ and paper, or better yet, flex those typing fingers, as we embark on a journey⁤ to conquer the‌ notorious ⁢writer’s block and ⁣revive your passion for writing once and for ‌all. Get ready to unleash ‌the wordsmith within you!

Understanding Writer’s Block: The Creative Roadblock You ‍Can Overcome

Identifying the causes: why you’re stuck and how to move forward, nurturing an optimal writing environment: setting the stage for inspiration, exploring different writing techniques: unlocking your creativity in unique ⁣ways, tapping⁣ into external inspiration: finding ideas ⁣beyond your imagination, utilizing exercises and prompts:⁣ stimulating your creativity and defeating writer’s block, stimulating ⁣your creativity, defeating writer’s block, adopting ⁣habits for a productive writing routine: consistency is ‍key, overcoming⁤ mental ⁣blocks: ‍strategies to conquer self-doubt and procrastination, strategies to conquer self-doubt and ⁤procrastination, frequently asked⁣ questions, insights ⁣and ‌conclusions.

Writer’s block is a common ‌phenomenon that often haunts both seasoned and ⁢novice writers, halting their creative process and ⁤causing frustration. It⁣ is a mental⁢ obstacle that can seem⁤ insurmountable at times, but fear not, for there ⁣are strategies to overcome this creative roadblock ⁤and⁢ unlock your ‍full writing potential.

1. Change your environment: Sometimes, ⁤a change‌ of scenery can work wonders in stimulating your creativity. Step‌ away from your usual writing⁢ space and venture‍ into new environments, such as a ‍local café‍ or a serene ⁤park. The fresh surroundings can spark new‌ ideas and help ‌you⁣ regain ‌your focus.

2. Freewriting: If you find yourself ⁢staring blankly at a blank page, give freewriting a ⁤try. Set a timer for a specific duration and start writing continuously without censoring or judgment. Let ⁣your thoughts flow freely, even if they seem unrelated or nonsensical.‍ This exercise can help break through mental barriers and ignite⁣ your⁣ creative flow.

Identifying ⁢the Causes: Why You're Stuck and⁢ How to Move⁣ Forward

Are you feeling stuck ⁣in your current situation and wondering why? We all face times in our lives ⁤when ⁢we feel ⁣like we’re in ⁢a rut, unable to move⁢ forward or make ⁢the changes we desire. However, ⁢understanding‌ the underlying causes of our stagnation is the key to breaking free and embracing‍ a more fulfilling future.

1.‌ Fear of Failure: ⁣ One common reason ⁣for feeling stuck is ⁣the fear of failure. This fear can ⁣paralyze us, preventing us from taking risks or ⁤pursuing new‍ opportunities. It’s essential to acknowledge that failure is a natural part of ⁤life and can actually lead to growth and success. Embrace the mindset that failure is a learning ⁣experience, ‍and it will empower you to⁢ take calculated risks ⁣and propel ‍you⁣ forward.

2. Lack⁢ of ⁤Clarity: ‌Another cause of feeling stuck ‍is a⁢ lack of‍ clarity regarding our goals and aspirations. ‌Without ‍a clear vision, it’s challenging to know which steps to take or to stay⁣ motivated. ⁢Take some‍ time to reflect on what truly matters⁤ to⁣ you and identify ⁣your passions. ⁤Set clear, achievable goals that align ‍with ‌your values, and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Having a clear⁤ direction will provide you with the drive⁤ and focus⁤ needed to push ‌past obstacles and move forward.

Creating a conducive writing environment is essential for stimulating creativity and ⁢fostering ⁣inspiration.‌ Here are some tips to ⁢set the stage for optimal writing:

Declutter and Organize: Remove any‍ distractions from your ‌writing space. A ⁣clutter-free environment enhances focus and helps⁢ ideas flow smoothly. Keep your writing materials, such as notebooks and pens, ⁤within reach.
Find Your Comfort Zone: Identify the place where ⁣you feel most at ease and productive. ‍It may be⁤ a cozy nook,⁢ a sun-drenched corner, or even a bustling café. Experiment‌ until you discover the environment that fuels your imagination.
Evoke the Senses: Engage all your senses to awaken your creative⁣ mind. Light ⁤a scented candle, play soothing instrumental music,‌ or surround yourself with ‌essential oils. These sensory elements can ⁤enhance your‌ writing experience and help generate innovative ideas.

Furthermore, ⁢it’s crucial to develop healthy writing habits that support your creative process:

Establish a Routine: Carve ⁢out dedicated time ‌for writing every day. Having a consistent schedule trains your brain to be productive during those times, making inspiration easier to come⁣ by.
Embrace⁣ Solitude: Allow yourself moments of solitude to dig ⁣deep into your thoughts and emotions. Disconnect from the busyness of daily life and embrace solitude as‌ a catalyst‍ for creativity.
Recharge with ⁣Nature: Nature has a way of reinvigorating our spirits. Take breaks from writing to immerse ⁤yourself in the outdoors. A walk in the park or simply gazing at⁣ the stars can refresh your mind⁢ and inspire new ideas.

By ‌intentionally crafting an ideal writing environment‌ and⁣ adopting nurturing‍ habits, you’ll be⁢ setting the stage for inspiration to ⁢effortlessly flourish, ⁢empowering you to unlock your full writing ⁤potential.

Exploring Different Writing Techniques:‍ Unlocking Your ⁤Creativity in Unique Ways

Are⁢ you tired‍ of using⁢ the same old writing techniques and‍ feeling ‌stuck in a creative rut? It’s ⁤time to ⁢break free from the norm and discover exciting⁢ ways to unlock your creativity. By ⁤exploring different writing‌ techniques, you can tap into a whole new ‌realm of possibilities and⁤ bring ‌fresh life to your words. Here, we will delve into some unique methods that will help you unleash your inner creativity ‍and ‍take your writing to the next level.

1. Mind Mapping: This technique is perfect for‍ visual thinkers. Start by jotting down your main⁣ idea or topic in the center ‍of a piece of paper, then branch out with related‍ ideas and thoughts. Connect them‌ with lines, creating a ‍map of interconnected‌ concepts. ⁤This method encourages your brain to think ⁢outside the box ‌and make unexpected connections , ⁣leading to unique and innovative writing.

2. Stream of Consciousness: Allow your thoughts to flow freely onto the paper without⁢ censorship ‍or judgment. Write whatever comes to mind,‍ even if it seems ⁢nonsensical at first. ‍This technique helps you tap ⁢into your subconscious mind, accessing raw and ‌authentic‍ ideas that may have been hidden. You can later refine and edit your writing, but the initial stream of consciousness exercise allows you to discover new perspectives and explore untapped ‍depths‌ of your ‍creativity.

Sometimes, our imagination needs a little boost to keep⁣ the creative juices flowing . When you‌ find yourself‌ in need of fresh ‍ideas, tapping into external inspiration can be the key to‍ unlocking a world of⁣ endless ⁤possibilities. Here are⁣ a few fantastic ways ‍to go beyond your‌ imagination and discover new sources of inspiration:

Explore Nature: Step ⁢outside and immerse yourself ⁣in the wonders of the‍ natural world. Whether it’s a stroll ‌through the ⁢park or a hike⁤ in the mountains, nature has a way of ⁣sparking our imagination and igniting our ⁤creativity. Pay attention to the ‌intricate patterns of flowers, the vibrant colors of the sunset, or the gentle whispers of the wind. These simple‌ observations can inspire⁣ remarkable ideas.
Indulge in Art: Visit a local museum ‍or art gallery and⁤ allow the masterpieces to captivate ⁣your senses. Observe the brushstrokes, the use of colors, and the emotions ⁤conveyed ⁤in each piece. Let the⁢ art speak to ⁤you, transporting you to new realms ⁣of creativity. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or a photography ‌exhibition, ⁤art has the power‍ to evoke‍ emotions⁣ and spark innovative thoughts.
Engage in Conversation: Engaging‍ in meaningful ‌conversations with others can be incredibly inspiring. Listening ⁣to different perspectives and exchanging ideas ⁢can broaden your ⁣horizons and challenge your ⁣own thinking. Whether it’s a stimulating discussion with‍ a‌ friend or attending ⁣a thought-provoking lecture, opening your mind to new ‌ideas and engaging in intellectual‌ debates can be⁣ a powerful source of inspiration.

Remember, inspiration is all around us. By tapping into external sources ‌of inspiration, ‍we can ‌break free from the confines⁤ of our imagination and ⁣explore ⁣new territories of creativity.⁢ So, go out, embrace⁣ the world, and let the wonders⁤ that lie outside⁣ your⁤ imagination guide you toward extraordinary ideas!

Utilizing Exercises and Prompts: Stimulating Your Creativity ⁣and Defeating⁢ Writer's Block

When it comes to nurturing your‍ creativity, exercises and ⁣prompts ‍can ⁤be powerful tools in your writer’s toolkit. By engaging ⁤in these activities, ‍you‍ can jumpstart your imagination, unleash ‌your‌ unique ⁢ideas, ⁣and overcome the dreaded writer’s block. Here are a few effective ways to make the most of exercises⁣ and prompts:

Free Writing: Set a timer for a specific duration, say 10 minutes, and ‌let ‍your ‌pen flow ⁣on the paper or your fingers dance on the keyboard without any inhibitions. Write whatever comes to mind,‌ and don’t worry about spelling, grammar, ‍or punctuation.‌ The goal here is to let your thoughts roam freely, ‍igniting your creativity‍ along the⁢ way.
Visual⁢ Prompts: Seek inspiration from images, paintings,‍ or photographs. Look at a captivating picture and let it transport you to ⁣a‌ new world. Imagine the characters, ‍settings, or stories that could ⁤emerge ‌from that scene. Allow the visuals to‍ spark unique ideas that will energize ‌your⁢ writing.

Writer’s block can be a daunting ‌obstacle, but⁢ with the⁤ right exercises and prompts, you can conquer it. Here are a couple ⁣of⁣ effective strategies to help you defeat writer’s block:

Word Association: Select a random word, and then quickly⁤ jot down as many related words or ‌ideas as you can. Let your mind make connections ⁢and associations freely. This exercise will help break through ‍any mental⁢ barriers and encourage fresh and⁢ innovative thinking.
Character Conversations: Create dialogues between fictional characters, even if they belong to different stories ⁣or genres.⁢ Imagine‌ their unique perspectives, personalities,⁢ and motives, and let their conversations flow.⁢ This method can spark new ideas and provide a fresh perspective on your writing.

By incorporating‍ these exercises and prompts into your writing routine, you can stimulate⁤ your creativity and empower your writing⁣ by defeating writer’s block. Don’t be ⁣afraid to experiment with‍ different techniques and tailor them⁤ to your ‌preferences. The key ‌is to ⁢have fun while exploring new‍ paths of inspiration and finding your own unique voice.

Establish a Writing Schedule: It’s important to set a consistent ⁣time each day for your ⁤writing sessions. This could be in the ⁤morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on when you feel ⁢the most⁣ creative and focused. By‍ creating a routine, your mind will associate this designated ⁣time with writing, making it ⁤easier to get‍ into⁣ the writing flow. Consistency in your schedule will enhance your productivity and ensure that you ‌make progress on your writing projects.

Create a Writing Environment: Designating a specific ⁢space ‌for your ⁢writing can help ‍you stay organized ‍and focused. Find ⁣a quiet corner‍ in your home, a local library, or a cozy cafe. Make sure your writing⁣ environment is comfortable, well-lit,‌ and ⁤free from distractions. Keep your writing essentials handy, such⁣ as notebooks, pens, and a ‍laptop. ‍Eliminating clutter and ‌creating an inspiring ⁣writing atmosphere will ⁤boost your ⁢creativity and motivation. Remember, the⁢ right environment can make a‌ significant difference in⁢ the quality and quantity of your writing.

Overcoming Mental Blocks: Strategies to Conquer⁤ Self-Doubt and Procrastination

Self-doubt and procrastination ‍can be‍ creativity killers and hold us back from reaching our full potential. The good ⁣news is⁢ that there are effective strategies ⁣to‍ overcome ⁤these mental blocks. ⁣By implementing these⁢ techniques, you can break free from self-doubt and procrastination, allowing ‌your ideas to flourish and your productivity to soar.

1. Recognize ⁢your inner ‍critic: One of the first steps to overcoming self-doubt is to identify⁤ and acknowledge the negative voice in your head. Remember, this inner critic is not ⁢representative of your true capabilities. Challenge the thoughts it produces by questioning their⁤ validity and⁤ replacing them with positive affirmations.

2. ‌Set small, ⁤achievable goals: Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed‍ by a large task. Break your work into smaller,⁢ more manageable chunks. By ⁣setting⁣ achievable goals, ⁣you’ll gain a sense of progress ⁣and momentum, reducing the risk of procrastination. Celebrate each milestone you reach along the way ⁣to boost your confidence and ‍motivation.

Q:⁣ What is writer’s block and why is it a common struggle for‍ many writers? A: Writer’s ⁢block refers to the ⁢temporary inability to generate new ideas or ⁤creatively express‌ oneself in writing. It ⁢is a common struggle for writers due‌ to various factors ⁢such as fear, self-doubt, ⁤perfectionism, lack ‌of inspiration, or even‍ burnout.

Q: How does writer’s block⁤ manifest? A: Writer’s ⁢block can manifest differently for⁢ each ⁣individual. Some writers may experience‌ a ‌complete inability to write or even start ‌a new ⁢project, while others may find themselves stuck in the ⁣middle of their work, ⁣unable to move forward. It can also present⁤ as a constant feeling‌ of dissatisfaction with one’s writing ‍or a loss of motivation to write ⁣altogether.

Q: What are some effective ⁢techniques for breaking through writer’s block? A: ⁣Several‍ techniques ⁤can help break through writer’s block. One⁢ of the most effective methods is to‍ simply‌ start writing, even if it feels forced. Free-writing and setting aside dedicated time each⁤ day to write can help get the creative juices flowing. ‌Another technique is to change the environment or ‍writing location ⁤to ⁢stimulate new‌ ideas. Additionally, exploring different creative⁤ outlets, such as painting ‌or‍ listening to music, can often inspire fresh perspectives and unlock creativity.

Q: How important⁤ is it to set ‌realistic ‍goals when trying to overcome writer’s block? A: Setting⁢ realistic goals ⁣is crucial when trying to overcome writer’s block. Unrealistic expectations can increase pressure and perpetuate the feeling of being blocked. By ‍setting achievable ⁤goals, such as writing for a specific amount of time each day or completing a ⁣certain number of pages, writers can⁢ gradually regain⁤ their confidence⁢ and momentum.

Q: Can ⁣seeking feedback and support from other ‍writers or mentors be helpful? A: Absolutely! Seeking feedback and support from other ⁤writers or mentors can be immensely⁣ beneficial. Joining writing groups or online communities ⁣not only provides an opportunity for constructive criticism, but it also⁤ offers a sense ⁤of camaraderie and encouragement. Engaging in⁣ discussions or sharing ⁣your work with ‍fellow writers ‌can ⁢help gain new perspectives and inspire creative breakthroughs.

Q:⁢ Is there any⁣ value in embracing writer’s block instead of fighting against it? A: Embracing writer’s block can indeed⁣ have⁢ value. Sometimes,‍ taking a break from writing and focusing ⁢on⁣ other activities can ‍recharge your creativity.⁤ Engaging in⁣ activities such as reading, ⁣traveling, or simply observing the world ⁢around‍ you can provide new experiences and perspectives that eventually find⁤ their way into your writing. Accepting writer’s block as a natural part of the creative process allows writers to ‌approach ⁤it with a more relaxed⁣ mindset, facilitating its eventual resolution.

Q: Are there any long-term strategies to prevent or minimize⁣ the occurrence of writer’s ‌block? A: ⁣While it may ⁣be impossible to completely⁤ eliminate writer’s ‍block, ⁢there ‍are long-term strategies to minimize its occurrence. Developing a consistent writing routine ‍and sticking to it helps create a habit‌ that makes writing feel more⁤ natural. Engaging ⁢in regular exercises⁢ to⁣ stimulate creativity, such as brainstorming or journaling, can also help keep ideas flowing. Keeping a notebook or recording ideas as they come to you ⁤throughout the day can provide a reserve⁤ of⁤ inspiration during periods ‌of writer’s block.

Q: Any final tips for writers struggling with writer’s block? A: One essential tip is to be kind‌ to yourself during this‌ process. Remember that ⁢writer’s block is a temporary ⁢obstacle that can be overcome with time and persistence. Be patient⁢ with yourself and allow for breaks ‍to nurture your creativity. Lastly, remember⁤ that you⁤ are not alone ─ many incredibly successful writers ‌have faced writer’s ⁣block at some point. Keep pushing through and believe in your ability to unleash your creativity once again.

In conclusion, overcoming writer’s⁤ block is all⁣ about embracing ⁣your creativity and finding the techniques that work best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore ⁤new‌ ideas – your words are waiting to be ‍unleashed. Keep writing!‍

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Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts

At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.

305 Creative Prompts for Writing: Explore a World of Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 17, 2023

Categories Writing

You’ve hit a wall in your writing and can’t find the ladder to climb over? Don’t fret! Dive into this treasure trove of creative prompts we’ve assembled just for you.

They’ll not only spark your imagination, but also fuel your passion for storytelling. So buckle up, let’s venture into the world of creative prompts together and watch as they transform your writing journey.

Are you ready to unleash your creativity?

Key Takeaways

Creative prompts serve as an oasis in the face of writer’s block.
Mind mapping techniques, such as doodling and connecting random words, can boost creativity.
Unconventional techniques, like writing with the non-dominant hand or narrating to an imaginary audience, can overcome writer’s block.
Enhancing writing skills involves finding the perfect adjective, expanding vocabulary, and using metaphors.

Creative Prompts for Writing

Here are creative writing prompts for all kinds of creative writing:

Love & Relationships

Write about your first crush. What did you like about them?
Imagine you wake up one day as the opposite sex. Describe your day.
Write a love letter to your partner apologizing for a fight.
Describe the perfect date you’d take your crush on.
Write a break-up letter to someone who hurt you.

Nature & The Outdoors

Describe your favorite place in nature and what you like to do there.
Imagine you’re camping and hear strange noises at night. Write the scene.
You’re hiking and come across a beautiful waterfall. Describe it.
Write about getting lost in the woods and how you found your way out.
On a nature walk you discover a hidden grove or beach. Describe it.

Challenges & Overcoming Adversity

Write about a injury or illness you recovered from.
Describe a time you failed and what you learned from it.
Imagine you switched places with someone very different from you. Write about your day in their shoes.
Write about a challenge you overcame that made you stronger.
Describe a time someone helped you when you were struggling.

Interests & Hobbies

Explain how to play your favorite sport or game.
Write a story featuring your favorite book or movie character.
Describe the process of creating your favorite craft or art project.
Imagine you could have any superpower. What would it be and how would you use it?
Write a song or poem about one of your hobbies.

Imagination & Fantasy

Describe a day in the life of your fantasy self (rockstar, wizard, princess, etc).
Make up and describe a new mythical creature.
Write a scene featuring a magic portal that leads somewhere unexpected.
Craft a story featuring time travel.
Imagine you find a magic lamp. The genie grants you 3 wishes – what do you wish for?

Travel & Culture

Write a travel guide for your hometown. What landmarks and activities would you recommend?
Describe your dream vacation – where would you go and what would you do?
Imagine you wake up in a foreign country with no idea how you got there. What happens next?
Narrate a day exploring a new city for the first time.
Pick a cultural festival or holiday and describe celebrating it.

Memories & Reflection

Write about your earliest childhood memory.
Describe a family tradition or celebration.
Recollect the house or neighborhood where you grew up.
Pick an object that reminds you of an important memory and write about it.
Reflect on a major milestone or accomplishment in your life.

Daily Life & Routines

Explain your morning routine.
Describe your commute to work or school.
Narrate a typical day in your life. Don’t leave out any details!
Write about getting ready for and going to a party or social event.
Pick an everyday object and write a story about its origins and history.

Food & Cooking

Write a descriptive essay about a family recipe and its significance.
Imagine you are a food critic reviewing a new restaurant.
Describe the most delicious meal you’ve ever eaten.
Explain, step-by-step, how to cook your specialty dish.
Craft a story featuring a magic fridge that can produce any food you ask for.

Personal Growth & Goals

Write a letter to your future self with goals and predictions.
List 10 things you want to accomplish in the next 5 years.
Describe a personal quality, skill or virtue you want to cultivate.
Explain a topic you want to learn more about and why it interests you.
Write about a place you want to visit and what you would do there.

School & Work

Imagine you could switch your career or calling. What would you do?
Describe the most interesting class or workshop you ever took.
Explain how you overcame a big challenge or obstacle at school or work.
Narrate a typical day for you at school or your job.
Describe your dream school, college or workplace. What’s it like?

Family & Friends

Write a letter to a family member you haven’t seen in a long time.
Describe a quirky or funny family tradition.
Craft a story about a childhood adventure you had with friends.
Write about a friend who impacted your life in a positive way.
List 10 traits or qualities you appreciate in your best friend.

Neighborhood & Community

Imagine you are leading a tour of your neighborhood or town. What landmarks would you include?
Craft a story about discovering something unexpected down the street.
Pick a local small business and write a positive review.
Write about a community service experience that had an impact on you.
Describe your ideal community. What’s it like?

Current Events & Social Issues

Write a letter to a newspaper about a current event issue you care about.
Describe how an important news story impacted you or your community.
Craft a poem expressing your perspective on a social problem.
Imagine yourself in a leadership role. How would you address a pressing issue?
Explain why a certain cause or nonprofit matters to you.

Science & Technology

Speculate on likely future technology and how it will change people’s lives.
Describe your role model or inspiration in the sciences or tech field. Why do they inspire you?
Craft a story set 100 years in the future featuring new, imagined technology.
Explain a complex scientific concept or theory in simple, everyday language.
Write a poem or metaphor to describe a process in nature.

Good & Evil

Tell the story of an epic battle between good and evil.
Craft a tale featuring magic used for good purposes.
Imagine you can erase one evil person or event from history. Which do you choose and why?
Write a superhero story featuring a character with an unlikely weakness or vulnerability.
Describe a villain’s backstory showing how they became evil.

Mysteries & Suspense

You’re a detective investigating a puzzling crime or mystery. Describe your findings.
Craft a ghost story set in a haunted house or castle.
Write a scene where a character realizes they’re being followed. Build suspense.
Imagine you discover a secret room, passageway or object with a hidden history.
Narrate a story where an ordinary object turns out to be more than meets the eye.

Humor & Satire

Describe a comical day where everything goes wrong.
Craft a scene featuring outrageously bad customer service.
Imagine a world with silly laws. What funny laws would you make up?
Write a playful poem or song making light of some everyday annoyance.
Compose a humorous dialogue between two fictional characters arguing about something trivial.

Historical Fiction

Rewrite a key historical event from an unusual perspective, like a soldier, servant, etc.
Imagine yourself as part of an ancient civilization. Describe your daily life.
Craft a fictional tale featuring figures from mythology or folklore.
Set a story within a key event or era from history.
Pick a historical landmark and write a fictional account of its beginnings.

Dystopias & Alternate Worlds

Describe daily life in a future dystopian society.
Craft a scene showing the moment a character realizes their “perfect” world isn’t so perfect after all.
Imagine you discover life is just a simulation. Describe how you uncover the truth.
Write a tale about someone encountering a portal to an alternate universe or dimension.
Design your own fantasy or alien world. Describe key elements like geography, culture, creatures, etc.

Self-Improvement & Growth

List 10 things you appreciate about yourself and why they make you special.
Imagine your life 5 years from now if you make positive changes. How is it different?
Describe a personal struggle and how you overcame it.
Explain how an inspiring figure or mentor impacted your life in a positive way.
Write about a place you visited or experience you had that led to self-discovery.

Learning & Education

Outline the plot for an educational children’s book that teaches a lesson.
Explain a complex idea or theory in your own words as if teaching it.
Write a how-to guide about one of your skills or areas of expertise.
Describe the most rewarding class, workshop or training you ever took. Why was it meaningful?
Imagine you can take any course at a university. What do you study and why?

Loss & Grief

Write a letter to someone you lost, saying the things you wish you could have said.
Describe going through the stages of grief after a significant loss.
Craft a story featuring a support group for people dealing with loss.
Write about an object or memento that reminds you of a loved one.
Reflect on how a loss changed your outlook or priorities.

Freedom & Confinement

Imagine yourself in jail writing about your experience and dreams of freedom.
Craft a story about someone trapped on a deserted island, trying to escape.
Describe a character confined to a hospital or their home, and their changing perspective.
Narrate a prison break scene from the point of view of the escapee.
Write about finding freedom after an abusive or controlling relationship.
Compose a tale about a deal with the devil. What are the terms and consequences?
Craft a redemption story about a villain who turns over a new leaf.
Imagine being able to peer into someone’s soul. Whose would you look into?
Write about the gray area between good and evil.
Describe a character realizing they were on the wrong side of good and evil.

Coming of Age

Write about a rite of passage or milestone marking your transition to adulthood.
Craft a bildungsroman novel featuring a character’s journey to maturity.
Describe moving away from home for the first time.
Narrate a scene where a character rebels against his or her parents for the first time.
Reflect on a key life lesson you learned growing up.

Relationships

Describe the meeting of two characters destined to be together.
Craft a story centered on a lifelong friendship.
Write about reconnecting with an old friend or relative after many years apart.
Imagine characters with contrasting personalities becoming unlikely friends.
Narrate a scene where two characters have an intense heart-to-heart talk.

Nature & Animals

Personify an animal or object in nature and write its perspective.
Craft a mythical legend explaining a natural phenomenon.
Imagine you can communicate with animals. What do they say?
Write a poem inspired by a natural object or scene.
Describe encountering magnificent wildlife on a hike or safari.

Horror & Suspense

Write a scary campfire story.
Craft a horror scene using vivid sensory details and suspenseful build up.
Imagine you notice something sinister about a seemingly ordinary object or place. Describe it.
Write a thriller featuring mistaken identity or an unreliable narrator.
Describe the creepy atmosphere of an abandoned building using vivid details.

Fantasy & Dreams

Describe a vivid dream where magic felt real.
Craft a fantasy tale set in a world unlike our own.
Tell the story of someone caught between magical and ordinary worlds.
Imagine discovering you have supernatural abilities. How do you react?
Write about a prophecy coming true against all odds.

Culture & Tradition

Write about a holiday, festival or celebration in your family or culture.
Craft a legend or fable from another culture explaining something about their values or history.
Imagine you wake up in another country. How do you manage day-to-day life?
Write a fish out of water story featuring someone experiencing a foreign culture.
Describe visiting a cultural landmark. Transport the reader there.

Slice of Life

Pick an ordinary object and describe its significance in your life.
Craft a story where small moments build to create meaning.
Narrate a quiet scene showing time passing.
Describe a nostalgic memory surrounding food.
Capture the atmosphere and conversations at a local café or bar.

Flash Fiction

Write a 50-100 word story with a beginning, middle and end.
Craft a miniature flash fiction fantasy or sci-fi tale.
Describe a scene from an unusual perspective in micro fiction form.
Capture a relatable moment or emotion in a paragraph.
Challenge yourself to very short fiction – stories under 15 words.

Poetry & Free Verse

Try your hand at a form like haiku, limerick, sonnet or villanelle.
Craft a free verse nature poem.
Use metaphor and imagery to describe a feeling, place or memory.
Experiment with sound and rhythm in a poem.
Write a nostalgic poem about childhood.

Fan Fiction

Explore “what if” scenarios by rewriting scenes from a favorite work.
Craft a crossover story combining characters from different fictional worlds.
Write a prequel or sequel to a favorite story.
Describe a ficitional character’s childhood or backstory.
Pick an interesting relationship between characters to focus on.
Record your thoughts, feelings and experiences over a day or week.
List goals and dreams for the future in a journal entry.
Describe memories surrounding an old photo, letter or memento.
Write about your shifting perspective on an important issue.
Capture a description of someone important in your life.
Write about a significant or life-changing event from your past.
Craft a personal essay about an important lesson, insight or realization.
Describe a place that shaped your childhood or a key period in your past.
Recount an impactful conversation that stuck with you.
Reflect on a personal habit, quirk or trait and its origins.

Creative Non-Fiction

Write a profile of someone fascinating, like a local character in your town.
Craft a thoughtful review of a book, movie, play or piece of music.
Describe a place you’ve visited using all five senses. Transport the reader.
Research an interesting historical figure and write a creative biography.
Pick a topic that interests you and write an informative guide or “how to” article about it.

Screenwriting

Outline a plot for a short film or indie movie. Don’t forget key elements like conflict and character arcs.
Craft a scene showing character relationships through realistic dialogue.
Imagine a film adaptation of a book. Write or adapt an important scene.
Describe an opening scene that sets the tone and introduces the story.
Brainstorm interesting characters, settings and themes that would come together in a compelling story.

Playwriting & Scripts

Draft a scene for a playscript. Remember stage directions and line breaks for dialogue.
Craft a monologue revealing a character’s inner thoughts and emotions.
Imagine a comedic skit parodying everyday life. Outline the premise.
Write a script for a video project you’d like to create on YouTube or TikTok.
Plan interviews with interesting people for a podcast episode. Draft sample questions.

Advertising & Marketing

Craft catchy slogans for imaginary products or campaigns.
Imagine a commercial for an unlikely or absurd product. Describe the angle.
Outline a viral social media campaign for a brand.
Write basic copy for a brochure, mailer, or digital ad. Focus on benefits and persuasive language.
Brainstorm creative guerilla marketing ideas and stunts that grab public attention.

Business Writing

Draft a professional email corresponding with a colleague or client.
Outline a proposal for improving operations at a company.
Compose meeting minutes, agendas, and notes.
Create basic templates for documents like expense reports, presentations, etc.
Practice writing snappy social media posts that promote a brand’s voice.

Technical Writing

Explain a technical process in simple, clear steps.
Draft a FAQ page or user manual for a product. Anticipate reader questions.
Outline a tutorial for software, tools, or a system at work.
Describe specs for a new technology idea. Get creative.
Write basic instructions for assembling or repairing a common device or object.
Write a news article on an imaginary event, with attention to factual detail.
Craft an editorial or letter to the editor on a current issue.
Compose a profile of a compelling public figure.
Interview someone in your field and write up the Q&A.
Investigate an interesting local place or event and report your findings.
Draft a blog post that announces news in your industry or niche.
Create a list-based post with tips and advice for your target readership.
Write a thoughtful review of a product or service.
Compose an inspirational personal essay for your blog.
Outline an idea for a video blog or vlog. What would you discuss on camera?

Other Genres

Craft a Western, romance, thriller, sci-fi, cozy mystery or other genre tale.
Outline a plot for a best selling epic novel.
Describe the climax or key suspenseful scene in a fictional work.
Imagine key characters and setting details for a future book idea.
Draft a passage of witty dialogue between fictional characters.

Alternate Storylines

Explore an alternate storyline for characters from a favorite fictional world.
Compose a piece of fanfiction focused on “missing moments” from a story.
Write a crossover scene combining two fictional worlds or characters.
Create a prequel story about how two characters first met.
Imagine one fictional world colliding with our real world.

Research Topics

Outline key points and sources for a research paper.
Draft an opening thesis statement and outline main arguments.
Write an informative abstract summarizing your research and findings.
Craft an annotated bibliography with summaries and assessments of sources.
Brainstorm research questions on a topic you want to study further.

Persuasive Writing

Compose a persuasive letter advocating for a cause or issue you care about.
Outline arguments you would make in a debate speech.
Draft an op-ed style column making an argument on a current event topic.
Write a petition to leadership calling for a change or action.
Craft a script for a video advocating your position on an issue.

Speech Writing

Draft text for a commencement or graduation speech. Include inspiring advice.
Compose a tribute speech highlighting someone’s achievements and character.
Outline main points for a motivational speech to persuade and inspire an audience.
Script remarks for an awards ceremony or charity gala.
Brainstorm funny stories, quotes and anecdotes to include in a wedding toast.

Comedy & Humor Writing

Craft a funny monologue in the style of a standup comedy routine.
Parody modern life in a satirical news article or sketch.
Pen a witty dialogue between two oddball characters.
Describe an absurd imaginary scenario in vivid detail.
Outline ideas for a comedic YouTube video, TikTok or webcomic.

Freewriting

Set a timer and write freely without stopping about whatever comes to mind.
Fill several pages fast with stream-of-consciousness writing.
Scribble or type any words, thoughts, or phrases that arise.
List random memories, ideas, dreams, worries, and interests.
Let your mind wander loosely and follow where it leads.

Morning Pages

Write 2-3 pages discussing plans, thoughts, and feelings to start your day.
Jot down dreams you remember from the previous night. Analyze meanings.
Vent about worries, frustrations, anger or other emotions cluttering your mind.
Free write about what you hope to accomplish today.
Make a gratitude list of things you appreciate in your life.

Dream Journaling

Record any dreams you recall upon waking up. What details can you remember?
Sketch images, scenes, or symbols that appeared in the dream.
Reflect on possible meanings, messages, or interpretations of the dream.
Note emotions you experienced or changes in the dream mood.
Log any real life concerns that may have sparked dream themes.

Brainstorming

Make lists of ideas related to a creative project or endeavor.
Populate mind maps with related concepts and key words surrounding a central topic.
Fill pages with raw material to gather thoughts on a subject.
Outline potential scenes for a story- draw inspiration from memories, issues, and imagination.
Define ongoing lines of inquiry to deeply explore over time in your creative work.

Observation

Sit somewhere public and write detailed notes about the setting, people, and overheard conversations.
Pick an object and describe it using all five senses with fresh, vivid language.
Capture portrait-like descriptions of interesting looking strangers.
Notice and record small oddities and curiosities around you.
Document an eavesdropped exchange between two people word for word.

Travel Writing

Chronicle impressions of a city or country you visited – sights, sounds, people, feelings.
Compose a virtual tour depicting landmarks and atmosphere of a place you know well.
Plan an ideal itinerary for visiting a new location – what would you want to do and see?
Outline a local guide on hidden gems and favorite spots off the tourist trail.
Capture a particularly impactful or transporting travel experience.

Nature Writing

Paint a vivid wilderness landscape in words like anature poet. Transport the reader.
Personify an animal, plant, body of water, land formation or natural force. Give it a voice.
Reflect on a powerful personal experience in nature and what it meant to you.
Describe encountering and interacting closely with a wild creature.
Craft a micro-story from an unusual perspective like a tree, mountain, insect etc.

Food Writing

Create mouthwatering descriptions of a delicious homecooked meal.
Compose an ode or love letter to your favorite childhood dish.
Review a local restaurant like a professional critic.
Outline a recipe for your personal food specialty. Include prep and cooking instructions.
Describe the experience and memories surrounding a meaningful family or cultural food tradition.

Wellness Writing

Explain tips, practices, or philosophy from your particular approach to wellness and self-care.
Describe your personal struggle and breakthrough with a health challenge.
Outline a regimen or routine that helps you thrive in body, mind, or spirit.
Craft a manifesto for living well – what would be the key principles?
Tell the story of a wellness journey that radically changed your life.

Spirituality & Religion

Imagine having a conversation with your higher power – what would you say?
Compose a personal prayer, meditation, or reflection.
Describe attending a moving religious service or spiritual community gathering.
Analyze teachings and ethical models from faith traditions you admire. What wisdom resonates?
Unpack the meaning behind a favorite quote, poem, or passage of spiritual literature.

Exploring the Concept of Creative Prompts

, Vintage Journal With A Quill, Inkwell, A Glowing Lightbulb Hovering Above The Page And Colorful Brainstorm Clouds Emerging From The Bulb, Against A Backdrop Of A Whimsical, Star-Studded Night Sky

You’re now delving into the concept of creative prompts, aren’t you? It’s like entering an enchanted forest where each tree carries a unique story.

The prompt origin, akin to the seed from which these trees sprout, is often humble – a simple thought or word. Yet, it grows and branches out in your mind, creating a labyrinth of imaginative pathways.

This is the beauty of prompt evolution. What starts off as a vague idea evolves into intricate narratives dancing vividly within your thoughts. It’s akin to watching a magic trick unfold; one moment there’s nothing but silence and emptiness, then suddenly, there’s an explosion of color and life in your mind.

The Importance of Creative Prompts in Writing

Bulb Glowing Above An Open Notebook With A Flowing Ink Pen, Surrounded By A Variety Of Colorful, Abstract Shapes Symbolizing Diverse Ideas Pouring Onto The Page

Imagine yourself standing at the precipice of a creative drought. Your mind is as barren as a desert, with words refusing to take form. You’re not alone in this battle against the infamous writer’s block!

Now, let’s plunge into this riveting discussion on how creative prompts become your oasis. They boost your creativity, shatter the invisible walls of writer’s block, and enhance your writing skills like never before.

Boosting Creativity

Boosting creativity isn’t just about thinking outside the box. It’s also about embracing your unique perspectives and ideas. You’re a wellspring of originality waiting to be tapped.

Creativity cultivation is an art, not a science. Each person has their own way of getting those creative juices flowing.

Consider these mind mapping techniques:

Doodling or sketching your thoughts
Connecting random words and seeing what ideas form
Using colors to categorize different concepts
Associating images with specific thoughts
Incorporating physical movement to stimulate brain activity

These aren’t just exercises; they’re journeys into the heart of imagination. Each color, word, image, or movement can spark an idea that could transform into a brilliant story.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t just a struggle, it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into your thoughts and redefine your narrative. It’s like standing at the edge of a dense forest, baffled about which path to take. Unconventional solutions dance around you like fireflies in this darkness.

A quirky idea could be writing with your non-dominant hand or narrating your story to an imaginary audience. Your creativity is a wild beast that sometimes needs goading, and unconventional Block Busting Techniques can help tame it.

Picture yourself inking stories on frosted windows or carving them into sand at the beach. These visualizations activate untouched corners of your imagination, lighting up new pathways in this daunting forest of writer’s block, leading you towards unexplored territories of creativity.

Enhancing Writing Skills

You’re not just battling writer’s block, you’re also honing your skills as an author. This isn’t a mere struggle; it’s a dance with words, a journey of language improvement and vocabulary expansion.

The euphoria of finding the perfect adjective to paint your scene.
Your mind, blooming like a flower on a spring day as new words take root.
The satisfaction when you deftly weave complex sentences together.
Being lost in the forest of metaphors, only to find your way out with an elegant turn of phrase.
The thrill when the puzzle pieces fall into place forming a captivating narrative.

See it as mastering an art form rather than overcoming an obstacle. Embrace this process, for each word penned is a step closer to becoming the writer you aspire to be.

Different Types of Creative Writing Prompts

Ize An Array Of Vintage Typewriters, Each Typewriter Producing A Different Colored Paper, Representing Various Creative Writing Prompts, On A Wooden Desk Flooded With Soft, Warm Light

Imagine yourself diving into the vibrant world of visual prompts, exploring every pigment and pattern that could spark your creativity. Feel the thrill of sensory prompts as they engage not only your eyes but also your other senses, sending you on a journey through tastes, smells, sounds, and textures.

You’re about to embark on an expedition through these diverse landscapes of creative writing prompts – it’s time to embrace the adventure.

Visual Prompts Exploration

In your exploration of visual prompts, you’ll find they can spark wildly imaginative story ideas.

Through picture interpretation exercises, you’ll delve into a universe of visual inspiration sources that transcend the ordinary.

The warm hues in an autumn landscape painting, birthing tales of seasonal change

An old black and white photograph, whispering stories from bygone eras

A graffiti wall in a cityscape photo, screaming social commentary

The haunting eyes in a portrait, echoing untold sadness or unspoken joy

A surreal digital art piece, challenging the boundaries of reality

Each image is a doorway to countless narratives. They aren’t just pictures; they are worlds waiting to be explored and stories begging to be told.

Sensory Prompts Use

Diving into sensory cues, you’ll discover they’re a powerful tool to enhance your storytelling, stirring emotions and painting vivid images in the reader’s mind. You can almost taste the salty tang of sea air on your protagonist’s lips, or feel the gritty dust beneath their boots.

Sensory immersion techniques aren’t just for setting scenes, they’re vital for character development too. Imagine applying sensory-based character development strategies. How does your character react to the scent of fresh bread? Do they squint in bright sunlight or savor its warmth?

These details breathe life into characters, making them real and relatable. So next time you write, don’t just tell your story; let readers smell it, see it, touch it… live it!

How to Use Creative Prompts for Story Ideas

, Antique Book Enveloped In A Warm Glow, With Various Icons Like A Light Bulb, Quill, Brain, And Paint Palette Orbiting Around It In A Whimsical, Celestial Pattern

Using creative prompts can really help spark your imagination and generate unique story ideas. Picture this process as a treasure hunt for inspiration, where each prompt pushes you toward unexplored territories of your creativity.

Prompt inspired characters with unheard stories waiting to be unveiled.
Mystical lands or futuristic cities born from prompt generated settings.
Unexpected plot twists that turn common narratives into captivating tales.
Intricate relationships between characters that add depth to their personas.
Striking dialogues that breathe life into these characters.

These elements collectively weave the vivid tapestry of your narrative, turning abstract thoughts into tangible words.

Boosting Creativity With Unique Writing Prompts

Ize A Hand Holding A Glowing, Magical Pen, With Vibrant Ink Spilling Out Turning Into Various Symbols Like Light Bulbs, Gears, And Brain Waves, Against A Backdrop Of A Blank, Parchment Scroll

Harnessing unique stimuli for your narratives can significantly boost your creative prowess and help unearth exciting story ideas. Imagine a world where prompts personalization is at the core of every tale you weave, each prompt tailored to spark new dimensions within your storytelling sphere. The potential for prompt inspired artistry is boundless, as diverse as a painter’s palette.

Consider prompts that touch on forgotten dreams or hidden fears. Let them stir up memories drenched in emotion or transport you to unexplored territories of the mind. Picture yourself weaving such richly textured tales, fueled by these personalized cues.

Creative Prompts for Poetry Writing

Vintage Notebook, A Feather Quill Poised Above, Surrounded By Scattered Rose Petals, A Glowing Candle, And A Softly Blurred Backdrop Of A Moonlit, Star-Speckled Night Sky

Dive into the rhythmic ocean of words, where we’ll explore the diverse islands that form Poetry Prompt Categories. Each one is a unique muse to ignite your poetic prowess.

You’ll unearth techniques to seamlessly implement these prompts, transforming them from mere sentences into vibrant verses dancing on your page.

Poetry Prompt Categories

Exploring different poetry prompt categories can really expand your creative horizons and enhance your writing skills. Let’s delve into ‘Metaphor Mastery’ and ‘Emotional Elicitation’.

These aren’t just classifications, but invigorating pathways to artistic development.

Imagine a world where feelings take physical shapes; that’s the essence of Metaphor Mastery. You’re not just penning words, you’re sculpting emotions.

Emotional Elicitation is about stirring up hidden sentiments within your readers.

Consider these prompts:

Craft a poem where love is a starved lion or courage, a towering mountain.
Write about grief as an endless ocean.
Describe joy as a blooming sunflower field.
Convey anger like a volcanic eruption.
Evoke nostalgia as an old, dusty attic.

Prompt Implementation Techniques

Let’s shift our focus to how you can effectively implement these poetic ideas into your verses.

Picture yourself in a vibrant landscape, wielding words as an artist uses colors. Each stroke of the brush is guided by prompt categorization, helping you navigate the vast palette of emotions and experiences.

Now imagine adding a personal touch—prompt personalization. It’s like infusing your own essence into the canvas, making every verse pulsate with authenticity. Feel the rhythm of words dancing to your unique beat, painting vivid images that echo your inner world.

Remember, it’s not about fitting into predefined boxes; it’s about shaping them around you. So let loose and weave stories with unabashed creativity and veracity.

Trust me, there’s no better way to make poetry truly yours!

Creative Prompts for Fiction Writing

Ge Typewriter With A Blank Paper, Surrounded By Various Iconic Objects From Popular Fiction Genres- A Space Helmet, A Detective'S Magnifying Glass, A Magical Wand, And A Pirate'S Compass

You’ll find that using creative prompts for fiction writing can significantly boost your creativity and storytelling skills. Through exploring prompt variations, you’re given the freedom to mold concepts into your unique narrative.

Picture this:

A deserted island where shadows whisper secrets.
An antique locket holding a timeless curse.
A city beneath the sea, untouched by human civilization.
Two strangers locked in an elevator during a power outage.
A diary detailing future events, written in an unknown language.

These genre-specific prompts stir something inside of you, don’t they? Your imagination begins to unravel storylines from these seeds of inspiration. Like the painter before his canvas, you have all you need to create your masterpiece.

Creative Prompts for Non-fiction Writing

N, Vintage Typewriter With A Sheet Of Blank Paper, Surrounded By Various Objects Like A Globe, Magnifying Glass, Newspaper, And Historical Books

You’ve danced with fiction, spun tales of fantasy that flirted on the edges of reality. Now, it’s time to pivot and explore the terrain of truth—non-fiction themes.

Brace yourself for a journey that is raw and real, where your pen uncovers life’s myriad hues and nuances.

Imagine standing at the cusp of an autobiography. You’re its inspiration; each chapter unfolds from your experiences. Your stories are not borrowed or imagined but distilled from your struggles and triumphs. It’s more than just writing—it’s reliving moments you’ve etched in memory lanes.

Non-fiction writing prompts guide you into this uncharted territory, shedding light on forgotten corners of your past. You’ll need courage because these writings excavate truths hidden beneath layers of consciousness.

The canvas awaits—paint it with words from your world!

Overcoming Writer’s Block With Creative Prompts

Rated Writer Sitting At A Desk, A Crumpled Paper Ball Transforming Into A Vibrant, Flying Phoenix Against A Backdrop Of Floating, Colourful Creative Prompts

Battling writer’s block can be tough, but using thought-provoking stimuli can help you break through those frustrating barriers. Consider the effectiveness of creative prompts, which offer a diverse range of ideas to ignite your imagination.

Picture a wave crashing against a lonely lighthouse. What story does it tell?
Imagine being an ant in a bustling city park.
Visualize the last dream you remember; could it be a surreal short story?
Ponder about what lies beyond the edge of the universe.
Think about an old woman’s secrets hidden inside her vintage locket.

These prompts are not just words or phrases; they’re keys unlocking uncharted territories of your mind. They embody prompt diversity and effectiveness, serving as lifelines when creativity seems elusive.

Creative Prompts for Improving Writing Skills

Map With Colorful Threads Connecting A Central Fountain Pen To Various Symbols: A Light Bulb, A Book, A Brain, A Magnifying Glass, And A Feather Quill

Don’t underestimate the power of these stimuli. They’re not only great for sparking ideas but also for honing your language skills.

Picture this: a wellspring of creativity, bubbling with potential, right at your fingertips through carefully chosen prompts.

Prompt selection isn’t random; it’s an art. It’s about selecting situations or phrases that ignite the dormant imagination within you, pushing you to weave stories in ways never thought before.

Creativity measurement is subjective yet invaluable in this context. You’re not just jotting down words; you’re painting vibrant tapestries of thoughts and emotions using nothing but alphabets as your colors.

Tips to Create Your Own Writing Prompts

Storm Cloud With Diverse, Colorful Thought Bubbles Containing Miniature Scenes: Open Books, Quills, Light Bulbs, Crumpled Papers, Coffee Mugs, Hourglasses, And A Lone Writer In Thought

Let’s delve into some strategies on how to craft your own inventing cues for better storytelling and improved language skills. Prompt personalization is key, allowing you to tailor prompts that resonate with your unique voice and perspective.

Consider the following:

Envision ‘Genre specific prompts’. Imagine you’re a detective in a noir novel or an explorer charting uncharted territories.
Use abstract concepts. Think about emotions, philosophies, or social issues that stir you.
Get inspired by existing works. A line from a poem or scene from a film can spark marvelous ideas.
Play with hypothetical scenarios. What if gravity stopped working?
Incorporate memories or personal experiences. Your past can be full of captivating stories waiting to be told.

These strategies ignite creativity, enhance writing prowess, and make storytelling an enjoyable art form for you.

Real-Life Examples of Effective Creative Prompts

N Notebook With A Feather Quill, Next To A Glowing Lightbulb, A Stack Of Classic Novels, And A Blooming Flower, Set Against A Backdrop Of A Bustling Street Cafe Scene

You’ve probably encountered real-life instances where effective cues have sparked great ideas. For example, a memorable quote from a book or an impactful scene in a movie. The trick is to harness these moments and transform them into creative prompts through prompt personalization.

Consider the whiff of your grandmother’s apple pie, the rustle of leaves underfoot on an autumn day, or the evocative imagery of a sunset over the ocean. These experiences are more than just memories; they’re potential narrative goldmines.

Prompt sourcing doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as jotting down snippets of overheard conversations or noting peculiar events around you. And remember, it’s all about making your prompts personal. Invest them with emotions and images that resonate with you on a profound level.

So, you’ve explored the realm of creative prompts. You’ve seen their value and used them in different styles to ignite story ideas. They’ve helped you overcome writer’s block and improve your writing game.

You even know how to craft your own prompts! Now, it’s time for you to dive into the world of words, armed with these creative catalysts. Remember, imagination is your playground. Let these prompts be your swing set!

10 Effective Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer's Block

1. freewriting, 2. the prompt jar, 3. character interviews, 4. photo inspiration, 5. first line generator, 6. mind mapping, 7. writing sprints, 8. collaborative writing, 9. change of scenery, 10. flash fiction challenges.

Every writer experiences the dreaded writer's block at some point, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog, you'll find 10 effective writing prompts to help you overcome writer's block and get those creative juices flowing again. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these writing prompts will provide the inspiration and motivation you need to get back on track.

Freewriting is a simple but powerful technique to combat writer's block. The idea is to write non-stop for a set amount of time, usually 10-15 minutes, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely and not to overthink or edit as you go. Here's how to use freewriting as a writing prompt:

Set a timer for your chosen length of time.
Begin writing without stopping, even if you're just typing "I don't know what to write" repeatedly.
Allow your mind to wander and explore any topic that comes to mind.
When the timer goes off, review what you've written and look for any interesting ideas or themes that you can expand upon.

Freewriting can help you break free from the constraints of perfectionism and self-criticism, making it easier to get past writer's block and tap into your creativity. Give it a try the next time you're feeling stuck, and you might be surprised at the ideas that emerge!

Sometimes, all you need to get your creative juices flowing is a little nudge in the right direction. That's where the Prompt Jar comes in! This fun and easy writing prompt technique involves creating a collection of random ideas, phrases, or words that you can draw from whenever you're feeling stuck. Here's what you need to do:

Gather materials: Find a jar or container, some small pieces of paper, and a pen.
Brainstorm prompts: Write down various writing prompts on the pieces of paper. These can be anything from single words and phrases to story ideas, characters, or settings. Be as creative and diverse as you'd like!
Fill the jar: Fold the paper prompts and place them in the jar.
Draw a prompt: Whenever you're experiencing writer's block, reach into the jar and pull out a random prompt.
Get writing! Use the prompt as inspiration to start writing, and see where it leads you.

The Prompt Jar is not only a great way to overcome writer's block, but it also encourages you to explore new ideas and genres that you might not have considered otherwise. Plus, it's an enjoyable activity that can help you build a valuable resource for those moments when you need a little creative boost.

One of the most exciting parts of writing is developing intriguing, multifaceted characters that readers can connect with. A great way to dive deeper into your characters' minds and understand their motivations is to conduct a character interview. This writing prompt exercise will help you to explore your characters' thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and it can also be a fun way to break free from writer's block. Here's how to do it:

Select a character: Choose a character from your story or create a new one.
Prepare interview questions: Come up with a list of questions that you'd like to ask your character. These can range from basic background information to deeper, more personal inquiries about their thoughts and emotions.
Get into character: Imagine yourself as the character you've chosen, and answer the questions from their perspective. Try to be as honest and authentic as possible, even if it means revealing surprising or unexpected aspects of their personality.
Reflect on the answers: After completing the interview, review the responses and consider how they might impact your character's actions, decisions, and relationships within your story.

Character interviews can be an enlightening and enjoyable writing prompt that not only helps you overcome writer's block but also enriches your story by providing a deeper understanding of the individuals who inhabit your fictional world.

Visual stimuli can be a powerful source of inspiration for writers, and using photos as writing prompts is an excellent way to spark your creativity and overcome writer's block. By examining a photograph, you can immerse yourself in the scene, characters, and emotions depicted, which can lead to compelling story ideas. Here's how to use photo inspiration as a writing prompt:

Choose a photo: Select an image that captures your interest. It could be a photo you've taken, an image from a magazine, or even a picture you find online (avoid using copyrighted images for publication).
Observe the details: Spend time studying the photo, paying close attention to the colors, textures, setting, and any people or objects within the image. Let your imagination run wild as you consider the story behind the scene.
Ask yourself questions: Develop a narrative by asking questions about the photo. Who are the people in it? What are they feeling or thinking? What events led up to this moment, and what will happen next?
Write a scene or story: Using your observations and the answers to your questions, craft a scene or short story based on the photo. Allow yourself to be guided by the emotions and atmosphere evoked by the image.

Photo inspiration is a versatile and engaging writing prompt that can help you tap into your creative reserves and generate captivating stories. Whether you're seeking to overcome writer's block or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this exercise offers a unique way to expand your imagination and enhance your writing skills.

Starting a new piece of writing can be daunting, especially when you're staring at a blank page. A first line generator is a fantastic writing prompt tool that can help you overcome writer's block by providing you with an intriguing opening sentence to kickstart your creativity. Here's how to take advantage of a first line generator:

Find a generator: Search online for a "first line generator" or download a writing prompt app that features random opening lines. There are many options available, so choose one that suits your preferences.
Generate a first line: Once you've selected a generator, press the button to generate a random opening sentence. Don't worry if the line doesn't immediately resonate with you—give it a chance and see where it leads.
Let the line guide you: Use the generated first line as the starting point for your story or scene. Resist the urge to edit or rewrite the line; instead, focus on developing the narrative that follows it.
Explore different possibilities: If the first line you generate doesn't inspire you, try again. The beauty of a first line generator is that it offers endless possibilities, so keep generating lines until you find one that sparks your imagination.

Using a first line generator as a writing prompt can help you overcome the initial hurdle of beginning a new piece, allowing you to dive into your story with renewed enthusiasm. By embracing the unexpected, you can discover fresh ideas and unlock your creative potential.

Mind mapping is a visual brainstorming technique that can help you organize your thoughts, generate ideas, and overcome writer's block. With mind mapping, you can break down complex concepts, find connections between ideas, and discover novel ways to approach your writing prompts. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a mind map:

Start with a central idea: Write down your main topic or theme in the center of a blank page. This could be a broad subject, a specific writing prompt, or a question you want to explore in your writing.
Branch out with subtopics: Draw lines from the central idea and create subtopics or related ideas. These subtopics can be characters, settings, plot points, or anything else that comes to mind.
Expand on your subtopics: From each subtopic, draw additional lines and jot down even more specific ideas, details, or questions. Don't be afraid to let your thoughts flow freely—the more you can expand on each idea, the more material you'll have to work with when you start writing.
Find connections and patterns: As you fill in your mind map, look for connections between your ideas. Are there themes that keep popping up? Do certain elements complement each other? Identifying these relationships can help you create a cohesive narrative from your writing prompt.
Refine and organize: Once you've exhausted your brainstorming, take a step back and review your mind map. Organize and prioritize the information, then use it as an outline to guide your writing process.

By using mind mapping as a tool to tackle writing prompts, you can unlock new story ideas, develop well-rounded characters, and explore creative plot twists. This visual brainstorming technique has the power to transform your writing process and help you conquer writer's block.

Writing sprints are short, focused bursts of writing that can help you overcome writer's block and make progress on your writing prompts. The idea behind writing sprints is to set a timer—usually for 15 to 30 minutes—and write as much as possible within that time frame. Here's how to get the most out of writing sprints:

Pick a writing prompt: Choose a writing prompt or topic that you want to explore. This could be a specific scene, character, or theme from your story.
Set a timer: Decide on a length of time for your writing sprint—typically between 15 and 30 minutes—and set a timer. Remember, the goal is to write quickly and without distractions, so choose a time frame that will keep you focused but won't feel overwhelming.
Write without editing: During your writing sprint, write as much as possible without stopping to edit or revise. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper, even if they're not perfect. You can always refine and polish your work later.
Take a break: Once the timer goes off, stop writing and take a short break. This could be a quick walk, a stretch, or a few deep breaths—anything to help you recharge before diving back into your writing.
Repeat as necessary: If you found the writing sprint helpful, consider doing more of them! You can even combine multiple writing prompts or focus on different aspects of your story during each sprint.

Writing sprints can be a powerful tool to overcome writer's block and make progress on your writing prompts. By setting aside dedicated time to write, you'll be able to push through mental barriers and unleash your creativity. Give it a try, and you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish in just a short amount of time!

Collaborative writing is another effective way to overcome writer's block and generate fresh ideas for your writing prompts. Working with others can provide new perspectives, spark creativity, and help you break out of a writing rut. Here's how to make the most of collaborative writing:

Find a partner or group: Look for other writers who share your interests and are open to collaborating. This could be a friend, a writing group, or even an online community of fellow writers.
Choose a writing prompt: Together, decide on a writing prompt or topic that you all want to work on. This could be a specific scene, character, or theme from your story.
Divide the work: Break the writing prompt into smaller sections or tasks, and assign each person a specific part to work on. This way, everyone has a clear role and can contribute to the project.
Share and discuss: As each person completes their assigned section, share the work with the rest of the group. Discuss your thoughts, give feedback, and brainstorm ideas for improvement. Remember, the goal is to learn from each other and grow as writers.
Revise and polish: After discussing the work, revise and polish the writing together, incorporating the feedback and ideas from the group. This collaborative editing process can lead to a more cohesive and well-rounded final piece.

Collaborative writing not only helps you overcome writer's block but also strengthens your writing skills by exposing you to different styles and techniques. So, why not give it a try? Working together with other writers can be both fun and rewarding—plus, you'll be making progress on your writing prompts in no time!

Sometimes, all it takes to overcome writer's block and find inspiration for your writing prompts is a change of scenery. Staring at the same four walls can become monotonous and stifle your creativity. So, why not shake things up a bit by trying out these simple ideas?

Move to a different room: If you usually write in your bedroom or home office, try relocating to another room like the living room or kitchen. A new environment can help you see things from a fresh perspective.
Write outdoors: Take your writing materials outside and find a comfortable spot in a park, your backyard, or even on your balcony. The natural surroundings and fresh air can do wonders for your creativity.
Visit a public space: Head to a coffee shop, library, or coworking space to write. Being around other people and their creative energy can be inspiring and help you focus on your writing prompts.
Change your routine: If you usually write in the morning, try writing in the evening, or vice versa. Sometimes, a simple shift in your routine can lead to new ideas and a boost in motivation.

Remember, the key is to find a setting that allows you to be comfortable, focused, and inspired. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different locations and routines until you find what works best for you. After all, a change of scenery might be just what you need to get those writing prompts flowing again!

Flash fiction challenges are a fun and engaging way to overcome writer's block and get those creative juices flowing. These short, timed writing prompts encourage you to think quickly and write concisely, helping you to develop your storytelling skills. Here are some tips on how to make the most of flash fiction challenges:

Set a word limit: Flash fiction typically ranges from 100 to 1,000 words. Choose a word limit that challenges you, but still feels achievable. Remember, the goal is to tell a complete story within the constraints of the word count.
Use a timer: Set a timer for 10-30 minutes, depending on your comfort level. This will help you focus on the task at hand and encourage you to write without overthinking or editing as you go.
Find a prompt: There are countless writing prompts available online, specifically designed for flash fiction challenges. Choose one that sparks your interest or inspires you to think outside the box.
Embrace the challenge: Don't worry about creating a perfect piece of writing. The goal of a flash fiction challenge is to push your creativity and help you develop your storytelling skills. So, have fun with it and see where your imagination takes you!

By participating in flash fiction challenges, you'll not only improve your writing skills, but you'll also build a collection of short stories that you can share with others or use as inspiration for future writing projects. So, why not give it a try and see what amazing stories you can create from these bite-sized writing prompts?

If you're looking to improve your writing skills and explore the art of writing from memory, don't miss the workshop ' Writing From Memory - Part 1 ' by Charlie Brogan. This workshop will guide you through the process of writing from memory and help you unlock your creativity by tapping into your personal experiences.

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How to Cure Writer’s Block: 23 Proven Ideas that Actually Work

T he fact is that almost every writer faces writer’s block at some point in their career. Deadlines, storylines or even airlines can be the cause of this intellectual affliction. Writer’s block is real and can greatly affect your output.

But, every writer of note has willed themselves out of this mental stupor. Writer’s block doesn’t have to stop a budding Homer in their tracks.

There are many ways to overcome this form of procrastination that works wonders.

Today, let’s look at 23 ways that prove effective to help you get rid of writer’s block.

But first…

writer's block DEFINITION

What is writer's block.

Writer’s block is when a writer experiences creative slowdown or can't create new work; essentially an artistic full-stop. It’s the inability of an author to compose new, original material that moves a narrative forward. The term writer’s block is used in reference to any writing or composition process where creativity is stunted. The production of new work grinds to a halt. It’s often referred to as creative constipation. Frustration, fear, anger, dread, and other strong emotions sometimes accompany it.

What causes writer's block?

Distractions
Physical illness
Bills piling up
Procrastination
Intimidation

1. How to cure writer's block

Read for inspiration .

One of the best ways to overcome writer’s block is to read. Whether your favorite author or someone new, reading is a reliable cure.

When you take in another writer’s words on the page — a writer who has in all likelihood overcome the block as well, at some point — it challenges and motivates you to get the words out.

The inspiration for many writers is their own writing heroes. Shakespeare to Faulkner, Byron to Plath, all have their own styles and voices that have nourished generations of creatives. Writer’s block gloms onto the idle, not the well-read.

You could open the best screenwriting books for writer’s block help. So pick up a Kindle or an actual bound book, and kickstart the motivation.

How to cure writers block - Lao Tzu - StudioBinder

“The journey of a thousand words begins with the first.”

Free Seinfeld Script: "The Switch" →
Download the La La Land Screenplay for Free →
FREE Pulp Fiction Screenplay →

2. how to get rid of writer's block

Write away your writer's block.

Even if you copy words from another source, getting something down on your screen or pad is a useful tool to get rid of blockage.

What is writer’s block, after all, but a stoppage of writing?

So do the opposite: just write.

Try transcribing a poem or song lyrics and see what happens.

Whip up a to-do list, an outline for another project or story, a free-association paragraph or two. You’ll discover it goes a long way.

Just as the adage “fake it 'til you make it” fits the bill in business, it also works with writing. Get the writing muscles moving and your brain will catch up before you know it.

There is nothing bad about writing something that, on the surface, appears unusable. It’s practice. You’re training your mind and fingertips for what matters.

If Chris Brown gets stuck in writer's block, he'll just "write it out."

Chris Brown's cure for writer's block is to "just write it out!"

3. how to get rid of writer's block, use a writing prompt.

Writing prompts are an effective way to overcome writer’s block. Having another brain issue a challenge can get a lot of writers going, even you.

Writer’s D igest and Reddit both offer a roundup of prompts to get you started. You may even consider single words, colors, or phrases as prompts and take it from there.

Prompts from writer-specific sites can be more in-tune with the level at which professional writers work. But the whimsy of other random sites and ideas can also do much to alleviate writer’s block.

This is basically looking without, instead of looking within, for what to do when you have writer’s block. Taking the pressure off yourself can free your mind and get the ball (- point pen) rolling.

“The wonderful thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting. The terrifying thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting.”

― J.K. Rowling

4. How to get over writer's block

Develop a character.

Since you want to know how to get over your block, create a character who already has the answers.

The character you describe in writing doesn’t even need to have meaning, only features. A woman with red hair, green eyes, and a pout. A pimple-faced man in a trucker hat. Throw in a verb and a location and you have the beginning of a story.

“A woman with red hair, green eyes, and a pout stands in front of her bedroom mirror …”

“A pimple-faced man in a trucker hat sprints down the sidewalk …”

The character doesn’t necessarily have to know all the right answers.

You can even create a version of yourself. Some of the best characters came about this way. If the character turns into a cure, then you’ve created the right character.

You can even use a character development worksheet to get this process going even faster.

Free downloadable bonus

Download free character development sheet.

If you're going to develop a new character, it's critical to lay out the ins and outs for a fully-formed character. Download our FREE, worksheet to get you started.

TV Development: Creating Characters →
How To Write The Best Character Arc with Examples →
Free Character Development Worksheet →

5. how to cure writer's block

Try a different genre.

If you want to figure out how to get past writer’s block, we recommend switching up your writing genre. If you are a screenwriter, write a short story or essay. If you’re a novelist, write a poem.

It’s almost as like taking a vacation from your usual writing style and vocation to explore a new voice. It is a new way to interpret the world. Also, you might consider writing your same format, but with a different style or approach.

Expository writing can be tiresome. Try a few lines of descriptive text. Next, maybe a persuasive argument within your story.

Writer’s block shuts the door. These style exercises open windows.

6. how to overcome writer's block

Put together a puzzle.

Working with other parts of the brain can be a big help.

Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, tangram, sudoku, or crossword, puzzling your brain stimulates dopamine and gives you a creativity boost.

Furthermore, the analytical nature of a puzzle bleeds into the writer’s craft. Putting yourself in a headspace to analyze or assess can lead to overcoming writer’s block.

Read More: How To Become a Writer →
Read More: 30 Ways to brainstorm short film ideas →
Download: A FREE Story Outline Template →

7. how to get rid of writer's block

Change your music.

Playing music can be a good method for how to get over writer’s block. If it’s not working, change the music.

Now, change it again. Deejay your way out of a corner.

Music has been a cure to spur creativity ever since authors put quill to paper. Music not only calms the savage beast, but it also inspires the blocked writer.

We’re partial to Bach for curing writer’s block but AC/DC may do for you

Youtube and Spotify playlists exist that focus on writer’s block help. Ultimately, only you can determine what music works best.

A lot of writers swear by Elgar or Handel when crafting period-specific tales, for example.

8. HOW TO GET over OF WRITER'S BLOCK

Practice another art form.

This trick is one of the most fun ways to get the creative juices flowing. Singing, painting, sculpting, or dancing will get your creative juices flowing. Bust out the watercolors. Take out crayons and doodle away.

Download the Pulp Fiction script and act out the scene between Vincent and Jules as they clean up the car.

Practicing another art also gives you a built-in writing prompt: “A writer dances in the living room, loud music shaking the floor …”

You get the idea.

“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”

— Charles Bukowski

9. HOW TO GET RID OF WRITER'S BLOCK

Find a new hobby.

A craft or hobby can be the best answer for beating the creative blues.

Whittling, cobbling, and cooking all count as hobbies! So do gardening, knitting, and collecting snow globes.

A hobby or craft gives the mind a sense of workflow and completion. They require attention. They force your brain to focus.

Focus is an enemy of writer’s block and a friend to the writer.

So if you don’t have a hobby, maybe it’s time to find one. Your world and your writing will broaden. Try your local community college, which undoubtedly has an array of classes.

Some people knit, others whittle to get rid of writer’s block

10. getting over writer's block, watch a short film.

Watching a short film, a concise and contained story, is a surefire solution to moving forward with whatever you’re writing.

Just like features, short films provide different perspectives, new ways of thinking, emotion, and closure ― but in less time.

Voila! You’ve just written your way out of the doldrums.

Take a look at a genre-specific short film. Make a quick outline of it. Then expand on the story in a few sentences. What happens next?

What is writer’s block? Bryan Cranston knows all too well.

The Best Short Films of All Time →
How to Brainstorm Short Film Ideas →
Rules for Writing Award-Worthy Short Films →

11. GETTING OVER WRITER'S BLOCK

Try cleaning your house.

Artists tend to work in spaces consumed by things. If this sounds like you, try a quick tidy-up. You might find that un-cluttering your workspace also de-clutters your mind. Cleaning gives you a “fresh start” and might lead to overcoming writer’s block.

This is a question of taste. If you discover that clutter works for you, by all means, keep it messy.

But shift your clutter around. Seeing your area, even your mountains of clutter, in a new light is what you’re after.

When afternoon sun reflects off the south face of your newly rearranged laundry pile, you might get inspired.

Since you need to know how to get over unproductively, we’ll emphasize right here that cleaning or rearranging your stuff is a go-to cure.

“Breaking through writer’s block is like thinking out of the box: Both require an ability to imagine a world outside your four walls or rearranging them to get a better view.”

— Susan J. McIntire

12. HOW TO CURE WRITER'S BLOCK

Create a story circle.

The story circle is a storytelling tool and it helps you improve the structure of a story and was originally based on Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey.

As a writing exercise, this can be effective to write out your story and think of all the elements holistically as a way to kick your writer's block.

Dan Harmon's story circle

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in 17 Steps →
Internal and External Conflict Can Energize Your Story →
FREE Download: Script Breakdown Sheet Template →

13. GETTING OVER WRITER'S BLOCK

Complete a simple task.

Completing a simple task is another way to move forward and get past writer’s block.

Taking out the trash, scrambling eggs, and watering plants all have the potential to impact creativity. You’ll also be able to scratch a chore off your list.

Making coffee is a simple and quick task. It also leads beautifully to the next item on our list of how to get over writer’s block.

Whatever your simple task is, make sure it isn’t stress-inducing in any way. Stressful tasks can be counterproductive. Multitasking, too, is not the best answer to cure your block. Stick to one thing.

14. GETTING OVER WRITER'S BLOCK

Make a writing schedule.

Does a routine sound boring?

As a writer, a routine can be your best friend.

Sitting down to write at the same time every day, and for the same length of time, forces the creative mind to produce the goods. If you go into it treating writing as your job, then you are simply more likely to get your job done.

That doesn’t mean it has to be a chore or a hassle. The fun and inspiration will come. Routine is the process you use to get to that place of fun and inspiration.

Your schedule can be your best cure when the muse won’t visit.

Your schedule doesn’t have to be ironclad, but routine and consistency are what you’re going for here.

Every film needs a shooting schedule .

Every writer needs a writing schedule. Routine is not a dirty word.

“Writer’s block? I’ve heard of this. This is when a writer cannot write, yes? Then that person isn’t a writer anymore. I’m sorry, but the job is getting up in the f***ing morning and writing for a living.”

— Warren Ellis

15. Writer's block cure

Practice a new language.

This is one of our favorites hacks for keeping pen to paper. The beauty of French, the structure of Japanese, the melody of Italian, the vowels of Arabic — learning another language, or involving a language you already have mastered, can give you a big creative push.

Maybe one of the characters you’ve created speaks another language. This backstory alone can get a writer over a hurdle. Mashable has tips on where to look to learn a new language.

Another hack is to take a poem or phrase in another language and use it as the focus of your story.

For instance, je ne sais quois … What does the French term mean? How can it be applied to your work?

Research the history of the phrase, and your writing will take on a whole new life.

How do you say writer’s block in Swedish?

16. writer's block cure, drink some coffee.

We aren’t the first to suggest coffee to boost output. Caffeine does wonders stimulating the mind. It spurs writers in every medium to get moving. Literally, it’s a diuretic.

If caffeine isn’t for you, other natural stimulants exist. Ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and ― oh yes, wait for it ― dark chocolate all act as natural stimulants

“I don’t sit around waiting for passion to strike me. I keep working steadily because I believe it is our privilege as humans to keep making things. Most of all, I keep working because I trust that creativity is always trying to find me, even when I have lost sight of it.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert

17. GETTING OVER WRITER'S BLOCK

Change your scenery.

This seems like a no-brainer in our quest for a writer’s block cure. Still, most people get stuck in a rut that has less to do with what they’re doing than where they’re doing it.

Even something as simple as changing the direction you usually face when you’re writing can do wonders for your creative energy.

It can also do wonders for your characters. Travel is an eye-opening experience.

This is true with the people you come across. Meeting and observing new people in new places will get you past writer’s block.

What is writer’s block? It’s quicksand.

What is travel? It’s movement and a lifeline.

“There's a lot of optimism in changing scenery, in seeing what's down the road."

― Conor Oberst

18. WRITER'S BLOCK cure

Get some exercise.

Exercise does wonders for the body and mind. Endorphins give you a runner’s high, which can translate to productivity and energy in all other areas of life and work.

You don’t have to run a marathon or do hot yoga to get the blood pumping. Try alternating between 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups every 10 minutes over the course of an hour.

It’ll do wonders.

Pick something easy. Even stretching helps. Remember, objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Remaining sedentary will make sure your writer’s block doesn’t go anywhere, either.

How to overcome writer’s block? Get fit!

19. writer's block cure, go outside and play.

Let’s face it, if you’re stuck at a computer with a bad case of the blank page, it might mean that you aren’t living enough to write about living. What can you do?

Get outside and live a little. Or, go outside and live a lot!

Laughter and joy in the real world can be the perfect antidote to the crime series you’re creating. Even a writer’s group counts as play. You’re engaging, communicating ― living.

Join a group of writers to get rid of writer's block.

20. WRITER'S BLOCK CURE

Dictate and record.

Maybe the most fun way to overcome your impediment is to tell yourself a story out loud and record it, giving you a solid place to start.

Even kicking off with “once upon a time” requires creative expansion. Pretend you have an audience. Children, old folks, tourists, a judge: your imagined audience can guide your tone.

You might find that, for now, it’s easier to tell a story than to write it. Use what you’ve got!

If you want to get over your block? Tell yourself a story.

21. WRITER'S BLOCK CURE

Have a cocktail to cure writer’s block.

I don’t advocate resorting to alcohol all the time, but sipping a cocktail has certainly helped many a writer.

There is a fine line between having a drink to loosen up and being unable to type from blurry-eyed tequila-vision . You don’t want to spend every waking hour seeing the world at a dutch angle .

So you’ve taken a sip. Now use your drink as a writing prompt. What does it look like, taste like, and feel like as you swallow?

Hey doc, I’ve got the writer’s block.

Take two sips and call me in the morning.

“When you work hard all day with your head and know you must work again the next day what else can change your ideas and make them run on a different plane like whiskey? When you are cold and wet what else can warm you?”

— Ernest Hemingway

22. WRITER'S BLOCK CURE

Go through a guided visualization.

If you feel a creative block approaching, it could also be due to overthinking. Another way to clear your mind is through guided visualization — which is easier than mediating and a great way to activate the imagination.

This could take about 10-minutes, but it can be a surefire way of shaking you out of things.

Follow along right here:

Guided visualization to cure writer's block

23. writer's block cure, clear your mind to cure writer's block.

The truth is, prayer, meditation, yoga, or whatever you want to do to center your creative mind, can be clutch as a cure for writer’s block. Meditative activities such as prayer help to center the creative mind.

The clean slate in your head can inspire you when you face the clean slate of the page.

How to overcome writer’s block? Meditate

Tips for writing short films.

We’ve given you ideas for overcoming writer’s block. Try one, try a few, or try them all. But most importantly keep writing. Make note of what works for you — we promise something will.

But make sure you realize that when you can’t create, it’s usually a mental block more than creative one. Now that you’ve kicked the muse to the curb, it’s time to focus your writing even more. Learn the best tips for writing a short film that gets noticed.

Up Next: Write a Short Film that Gets Noticed →

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Guides • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Apr 03, 2023

How to Overcome Writer’s Block: Get Your Groove Back

Left unchecked, writer's block can impede productivity for days, weeks, or even months.

Now that we've established the cause of your particular strain of creative constipation, there are plenty of concrete ways to combat writer’s block! If you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall with your writing, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll reveal 10 ways to break through that wall and soundly defeat your writer’s block.

1. Determine the root of the problem

Contrary to what you might think, writer’s block isn’t a sign that you’re a “bad writer” — it’s something that almost every writer will face at some point. But while most writers have this experience in common, the underlying causes can be quite different.

So let's dig deep: why are you really blocked? Ask yourself:

Do I feel pressure to succeed and/or compete with other writers?
Have I lost sight of what my story is about, or interest in where it's going?
Do I lack confidence in my own abilities, even if I've written plenty before?
Have I not written for so long that I feel intimidated by the mere act?
Am I simply feeling tired and run-down?

Each of these problems has a different solution. For example, if perfectionism is strangling your writing, you might try leaning into the fact that no one’s first draft is perfect — in which case, tactic #4 on this list could really help you. Or if you’re feeling uninspired, you could turn to some of the resources in #7!

Of course, there’s no quick fix for any one of these causes. But understanding where your problem lies will help you know which tips are best for you as you go through our list.

2. List your favorite books and writers

What inspired you to start writing in the first place? Perhaps you’ve got a favorite book you could turn to — or an author you admire. When you find yourself feeling stuck, it can really help to return to these sources to reignite that initial spark.

Take The Great Gatsby , for example — are you drawn to the parties and glamor of 1920s New York? Perhaps you’re captivated by the extravagant, larger-than-life characters or the drama and intrigue throughout the story. Or maybe you love the literary embellishments of Nabokov — it might be tough at first, but you could try writing in a similarly elaborate style.

Work out what you look for in the books you read, whatever it might be, and incorporate that into your own work. (And the next time you find yourself wanting inspiration, well, that’s a perfect excuse to read even more!)

3. Build a solid routine

Author and dancer Twyla Tharp once wrote, “Creativity is a habit.” This might seem counterintuitive to some — isn’t creativity something that naturally ebbs and flows, not something you can schedule? But the truth is, if you only write when you “feel creative”, you’re bound to get stuck in a rut. One of the best ways to push through is by writing on a regular schedule.

You may already have a routine of sorts, but if you’re experiencing writer’s block, it’s time to switch things up. Figure out the days and times that really work best for you — if you feel most productive in the mornings, it could be worth waking up half an hour earlier to squeeze in some writing. Or if you prefer low-pressure writing sessions, you could try Sunday afternoons when you have no other commitments.

Whichever days and times you choose, be consistent. The only way to build a reliable routine is to actually stick to your chosen sessions! Give it at least 3-4 weeks and you’ll start seeing real progress.

FREE COURSE

How to Build a Solid Writing Routine

In 10 days, learn to change your habits to support your writing.

4. Write it badly at first

Many writers suffer from perfectionism, which is especially debilitating during a first draft. Reedsy editor Lauren Hughes says:

“Blocks often occur because writers put a lot of pressure on themselves to sound ‘right’ the first time. A good way to loosen up and have fun again in a draft is to give yourself permission to write imperfectly.”

Writers often spend hours looking for the perfect phrasing to illustrate a concept. You can avoid this fruitless (and block-engendering) endeavor by putting, “In other words…” and simply writing what you’re thinking, whether it’s eloquent or not. You can then come back and refine it later by doing a CTRL+F search for “in other words.”

And if you’re truly paralyzed, you might consider the extreme solution of The Most Dangerous Writing App . Just set up a timed writing session, and if you stop typing for more than a few seconds, all your text will disappear. Needless to say, this app lives up to its name — but if you’re desperate to stop overthinking everything you write, it’s sure to get the job done!

5. Find a different way into the story

To move beyond a block, Hughes also suggests trying to see your story from another perspective. “How might a minor character narrate the scene if they were witnessing it? A ‘fly on the wall’ or another inanimate object?” Altering your story’s point of view (even temporarily) is a great way to break out of mental constraints and gain new insight.

To see point of view in action, here's an in-depth look at what POV is, complete with various examples .

Alternatively, going deeper into the backstory of one of your main characters could give you a better understanding of their motivations — which will, in turn, drive your story forwards. Ask yourself what would make your character satisfied with their life. What are their goals? What are they willing to risk to achieve them? Once you have the answers to these broader questions, you can look at them in any scenario and ask “What is their goal in this particular situation? What action(s) will they take to pursue it?”

For example, if your protagonist’s main goal were to save up and move away, how would they react if their best friend asked for a loan? Or if they entered a new relationship right before they were due to leave?

Different personalities and goals lead to conflicts that drive your story — indeed, if a POV change or more backstory doesn’t fix your writer’s block, go ahead and dive straight into conflict! Which leads into our next tip...

Understanding Point of View

Learn to master different POVs and choose the best for your story.

6. Start in the middle

There’s no hard-and-fast rule about starting at the beginning when writing a story — if you feel more excited about the middle, then start there! Or maybe you know exactly how you want your story to end and would prefer to work backward. Either way, you’ll feel less pressure to make a good impression with your very first scene — and by the time you return to the beginning, you’ll be all warmed up!

If you haven’t already, you could also try mapping out your story in full to get a better idea of the bigger picture. Though improvising is fun, an outline will provide a much clearer picture of where your story’s heading, and might give you a boost to keep writing! Not to mention that figuring out your story's trajectory can not only solve your current block, but also prevent more blocks in the future.

FREE RESOURCE

Get our Book Development Template

Use this template to go from a vague idea to a solid plan for a first draft.

As author Tom Evans says, when you start outlining, you’ll find that “the information that you need to write that following chapter has an uncanny way of just showing up. Your brain tunes in to what you need to write... and the chapter just flows.” With this blueprint in hand, you’ll have a much easier time constructing your story.

7. Optimize your toolkit

The Reedsy Book Editor is a free tool that will format your book for you as you write — it even comes with a built-in goal reminder system!
The Plot Generator with one million plot combinations is a great place to start if you’re stuck for inspiration.
Or try the Character Name Generator if you’re working on fleshing out some of your side characters.

Looking for a professional formatting tool?

Learn how Reedsy can help you craft a beautiful book.

8. Write something else

Sometimes it can help to take your mind off your current project and work on something else. Don’t worry — we’re not suggesting you ditch your novel and start a new one, but taking some time away to write something else could leave you feeling refreshed and even spark ideas for your other work!

Using the tools from our last tip, you could try writing the outline for a plot completely different from your main project, or fleshing out the backstory of a random character from the generator (use the questions from #5 to help you out!). If none of these take your fancy, check out Reedsy Prompts for over 1,000 short story prompts to help get your creative juices flowing!

9. Do something other than writing

Showering, going for a walk, and preparing a nutritious meal are tasks that most people would agree are easier than writing a novel — but they can all help give you space to daydream and make creative connections that you might otherwise miss. Just lather, rinse, and repeat until you’ve kicked that block to the curb!

Creativity breeds creativity

Feel like you need more time away? That’s no problem! Try and find other creative projects to inspire you. Children’s book editor Maria Tunney finds that one of the best ways to climb out of a writing funk is to take yourself out of your own work and into someone else’s:

“Go to an exhibition, to the cinema, to a play, a gig, eat a delicious meal — immerse yourself in great stuff and get your synapses crackling in a different way. Snippets of conversations, sounds, colors, sensations will creep into the space that once felt empty. Perhaps, then, you can return to your own desk with a new spark of intention.”

Remember, everyone needs to take a break from their work from time to time. Trying to force words onto a page when you’re burnt out will do more harm than good — and taking some time away could be just what you need to get the wheels turning again.

10. Stop believing in the myth of writer’s block

Writing is hard — there’s no doubt about it. After spending anywhere from weeks to years working on a project, you’re bound to feel frustrated if you reach a seemingly insurmountable roadblock. That said, there is always a root cause of the problem — and though it may take some time and dedication, there’ll be a way to solve it.

On top of all the tactics listed above, here are a few mantras to keep in mind as you attempt to tackle your writer’s block:

“There is no permanent block, only temporary setbacks.”
“It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop.”
“Every great writer has been here too.”

There’s no magic trick or formula when it comes to overcoming writer’s block. But if you add these 10 tips to your creative arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to kicking it to the curb!

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Writing Prompts for Writer’s Block: 7 Best Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block and Getting Started

Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels

Staring at a blank page, feeling the weight of writer’s block? Fear not, for in this creative oasis, we’re diving headfirst into a treasure trove of writing prompts for writer’s block to banish that blank page blues!

Even for experienced writers, creating an essay can be challenging.

What causes writer’s block?

One of the biggest difficulties that writers face is the dreaded writer’s block , a mental impediment that prevents them from starting or finding the right words to express their ideas.

Overcoming writer’s block is crucial for getting the essay writing process started.

I take a look at some useful strategies for getting past writer’s block and starting your essay-writing career.

You can’t be a strong writer until you start writing.

By reading this post, you get tips for overcoming writer’s block, and a list of 17 writing prompts for writer’s block sure to inspire you.

Be sure to stay until the end of the post when you get information about writing prompts for writer’s block.

Understand the Essay Prompt

Before beginning to write, take the time to understand the essay prompt or topic completely. Examine the question, make a list of its key elements, and share any uncertainties you have with your teacher or a group of your peers. If you are clear on the goals of the essay and the formatting requirements, you’ll be able to focus, hone your ideas, and get writing more quickly.

Brainstorm Ideas

Start your brainstorming once you are familiar with the topic of the essay. Make a calm space where you can jot down all of your thoughts on the subject. Focus on getting as many ideas down on paper as you can at this point rather than organizing or editing them.

Using mind maps, lists, or free writing can help you brainstorm faster. This activity will inspire your imagination, which will aid you in developing unique approaches to your essay. You can also get free essay examples from professional writing services to learn from qualified writers.

Create an Outline

You can get past a writing block by planning your ideas. Utilizing the ideas from your brainstorming session, create a well-organized outline for your essay. With a well-planned outline, you can use your writing as a guide, giving each section a clear goal and ensuring that your ideas flow naturally.

Each section of the essay, which should be broken down into the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, should have a specific point or piece of evidence assigned to it to support your main argument.

Start With the Easiest Part

Writer’s block can feel paralyzing when you’re staring at a blank page. To get past this barrier, start with the essay’s simplest section. It’s possible that the introduction or a body paragraph is where you feel most at ease. Starting with a simple task will give you confidence and momentum, making it easier to complete later, more challenging sections. You should also read this article to learn more about the most reliable writing services you can hire to complete your essays.

Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines

The tendency to procrastinate is a common sign of writer’s block. You can avoid this tendency by setting reasonable goals and deadlines for your essay writing. Set aside specific times for each of the smaller writing tasks you’ve divided up. If you’re dedicated to achieving these goals, you’ll notice that you’re making steady progress and eventually getting past writer’s block.

Eliminate Distractions

Before starting to write your essay, create an environment that promotes concentration and creativity. It is important to identify and get rid of distractions like social media , television, and noisy surroundings. Use apps or other productivity tools that limit access to distracting websites while you are writing. If you can focus solely on your essay as you write it, it will flow more naturally.

Let’s explore how writing prompts for writer’s block can help you overcome writer’s block.

Breaking Through Creative Barriers: Unleash Your Imagination with Writing Prompts for Writer’s Block

Every writer, regardless of experience or expertise, has encountered the dreaded adversary known as writer’s block. It’s that frustrating mental roadblock that halts your creative flow, leaving you staring at a blank page with a mind equally vacant. But fear not, for there’s a powerful tool at your disposal to shatter this creative barrier – writing prompts for writer’s block.

What are Writing Prompts for Writer’s Block?

Writing prompts are like keys that unlock the doors to your imagination. These carefully crafted phrases or ideas act as a catalyst, igniting your creative spark and guiding your thoughts toward unexplored territories. When the words seem to evade you, these prompts offer a stepping stone, a starting point from which your ideas can flourish.

How Do Writing Prompts Work?

Imagine you’re standing in front of a vast forest of ideas, but you’re unsure which path to tread. A writing prompt is like a compass, pointing you towards a particular trail. For instance, a prompt might ask you to describe the view from a character’s window during a thunderstorm, or to write a dialogue between two unlikely companions. These prompts channel your focus, helping you bypass the mental roadblocks that come with writer’s block.

Overcoming the Blank Page Syndrome

One of the most intimidating aspects of writer’s block is that blank page, staring back at you, seemingly taunting your creative abilities. Writing prompts banish that intimidating void. Instead of wrestling with an empty canvas, you have a colorful starting point. It’s much easier to adjust and improve an existing draft than to create something from nothing.

Fueling Diverse Ideas

Writing prompts for writer’s block have an additional advantage – they nudge you out of your comfort zone. If you usually write mysteries, a prompt that urges you to explore a fantastical realm or craft a romantic encounter can inspire fresh concepts. Trying out different types of writing not only stops you from getting bored with one style but also makes you better at writing in different kinds of ways.

Embracing Limitations to Enhance Creativity

It might sound counterintuitive, but limitations can actually boost your creativity. When you’re handed a writing prompt, you’re provided with a specific boundary to work within. This constraint paradoxically opens up a world of possibilities. You’re prompted to think outside the box, finding unique angles to approach the given concept.

Where to Find Writing Prompts for Writer’s Block

Finding writing prompts for writer’s block isn’t a challenge in itself. They’re scattered across various platforms like writing websites, social media groups , and even specialized books. Additionally, you can generate your own prompts by observing the world around you or drawing inspiration from your favorite books, movies, or artworks.

You can also use this list of writing prompts for writer’s block . Here are 17 writing prompts to help you overcome writer’s block:

Write about a character who wakes up with a completely unexpected superpower.
Begin a story with the line: “The old house at the end of the street had always intrigued me.”
Describe a place you’ve never been to, using all your senses to create a vivid image.
Write a conversation between two people who are stuck in an elevator together during a power outage.
Imagine a world where emotions are visible as colors, and explore how this impacts society.
Start a story with the sentence: “The letter arrived on a rainy Tuesday morning.”
Write a scene from the perspective of a villain who believes they’re the hero of their own story.
Create a poem that incorporates the sound of rain and its effect on emotions.
Describe a childhood memory that has been distorted over time, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Write a dialogue between two unlikely friends who meet at a support group for supernatural beings.
Explore the consequences of a technological advancement that allows people to revisit their own past memories.
Write a letter from a character to their future self, detailing their current struggles and aspirations.
Craft a story set in a post-apocalyptic world where a group of survivors tries to preserve the last remaining book.
Describe a moment of profound realization through the perspective of a painter as they complete a masterpiece.
Write a monologue from the point of view of a tree that has witnessed generations of human activity.
Begin a story with: “The clock struck midnight, but that’s when everything started to get really strange.”
Explore the concept of time travel through a personal diary entry of someone who accidentally travels to a different era.

Feel free to modify these prompts or let them inspire your creativity in unexpected ways. Happy writing!

Unlock Your Potential

In the battle against writer’s block, writing prompts are your trusty allies. They’re like bright stars that help you escape when you’re stuck in a creativity rut. With their support, you can find your way through confusing thoughts and come out with fresh ideas and a renewed ability to write. So, the next time writer’s block knocks at your door, meet it head-on with the powerful arsenal of writing prompts. Your imagination will thank you.

Writing Prompts for Writer’s Block: FAQ

What are some cool writing prompts, final thoughts: writing prompts for writer’s block.

Many writers have trouble getting their essays started and overcoming writer’s block. Understanding the essay prompt, coming up with ideas in advance, creating an outline, and setting reasonable goals can help you generate the motivation needed to get started. If you experience writer’s block, try free writing, altering your writing style, using writing prompts for writer’s block, or taking breaks to re-energize your creativity.

Keep in mind that the keys to writing an effective essay are persistence, dedication, and a willingness to try various strategies until you find the one that works best for you. Enjoy your writing!

Readers, please share these writer’s block ideas so stumped writers discover this post and these writing prompts for writer’s block.

Barbara Freeland is an accomplished academic writer and educator with a passion for empowering students to achieve their full potential. She has published numerous research papers and scholarly articles, inspiring the academic community with her insightful contributions. As a dedicated student mentor, Barbara has guided and supported countless learners, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes intellectual growth and success.