book ideas for creative writing

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 writing prompts ideas 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 with writing prompts ideas (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?

How to use AI for writing prompts?

While that list was extensive, we understand that authors might need more specific prompts. For example, maybe your prompt needs to include exact examples and a more tailored answer specifically for your characters and story. That’s where Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be useful.

By engaging with ChatGPT in a conversation, users can specify their preferences and receive prompts that align with their interests. Whether you’re seeking prompts for fiction, non-fiction, or even poetry, ChatGPT can inspire and spark ideas that you may not have considered otherwise.

With its ability to understand context and generate coherent text, ChatGPT writing prompts can be a valuable tool for writers of all levels.

Some example questions authors can use in ChatGPT to create specific writing prompts include: “I’m looking for a fantasy prompt set in a magical forest with a protagonist on a quest for a lost artifact.” or “I need a mystery prompt set in a small town where a series of strange occurrences unravel a dark secret. Can you provide a compelling scenario?” You could even use some of the 500 prompts above and add them to ChatGPT and ask it to create some similar variations. The possibilities are endless!

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.

Note: This blog post was updated on 4/25/2024

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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!

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75 Of The Best Fiction Writing Prompts For All Writers

What separates the casual fiction writer from the professional one is the commitment to daily writing. But sometimes it’s more of a challenge to get the words flowing.

If nothing triggered you today, and if your mind is playing hopscotch with ideas, fiction writing prompts can get you past the brain block into full writing mode.

The following lists are fiction writing prompts for adults and realistic fiction writing prompts, and while there’s nothing NSFW ahead, the fiction writing ideas are best suited to books written for mature readers.

Here’s how to use these writing prompts:

Choose a prompt that inspires you to write.
Feel free to alter the writing idea to suit your creative writing needs.
View the prompt as an idea to kickstart your writing .
Begin writing and allow your ideas to flow and lead your writing wherever it might go.
Write as little or as much as you wish to prime your imaginative juices.
Don’t judge or critique what you’ve written — just enjoy the process.
Once you’ve completed the novel prompt writing, move on to your book writing , or use the prompt writing as part of a book you might decide to write.

75 Fiction Writing Prompts and Realistic Fiction Writing Prompts

Try one of these 75 fiction writing prompts to improve your creative writing . Some of these are realistic fiction writing prompts, while others have a more fantasy or mystery bent to them.

Choose the prompt that most inspires you, and start writing!

1. This superhero lives on the streets. While the people she saves are safe and warm, she wanders alone, exposed to the elements. She’s asexual, so she’s not looking for a mate, but she wouldn’t mind having someone to watch her back.

2. An unknown spacecraft has sent a rain of unknown elements into the atmosphere, and soon every flower that blooms releases a new, sentient being into the air. And they’re all connected — except for one, whose connection to the hive mind is severed somehow before the opening of his flower. All his fellow, winged warriors have a plan for the people of Earth; he’s the only one looking for a way to save them.

3. He promised me becoming a zombie wouldn’t change him. He had a solution that would preserve his personality and make it possible for him to protect those he loved..

4. A new modern apartment complex is now open, and you’re one of the first to apply for one of its one-bedroom luxury apartments. Less than a week after you move in, tenants start disappearing. Then someone leaves a gift basket at your door….

5. Someone leaves a package with a new, loaded smartphone and a cryptic note in your mailbox. That night, you get a call on that phone, and you answer it. A voice on the other end asks, “Ready to change your life?”

6. You get a chill from something while standing in a grocery store checkout line, and someone cries out and points a finger at you, backing away. “Did anyone else see that?” she asks in a panicky voice, grabbing her baby and heading out the door without her groceries.

7. You left the windows open last night to cool the house after a 90 degree summer day. You wake up to an icy chill and snow blowing in. You soon learn that a catastrophic event has brought on a new ice age. It just so happens you know something that could reverse the freeze before humans become extinct from exposure and starvation.

8. You love how you get when a creative idea takes hold of you, but your loved ones do not. In fact, one by one, they write you off, though you can’t remember why. Then, one evening, the unthinkable happens, and your latest creative idea takes on a life of its own.

9. Your friend just committed suicide, and soon after the funeral, the letters start coming, sent by someone who knew your friend and who (apparently) knows where you live. This someone blames you for your friend’s death, and she won’t stop until you pay for it.

10. Your best friend is suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction, and there’s no epi pen. As his airways swell shut and his heart stops, there’s no one around to help, and you scream in desperation. That’s when you hear a sound in your own voice that you’ve never heard before. Seconds later, your friend gasps and scrambles to his feet, all signs of swelling gone.

11. Your fiance’s family has staged an intervention to bully you into changing your beliefs and teaching your children to embrace their way of life — and your fiance says nothing in your defense.

12. Your supermodel-thin friend barely survives a terrible car accident, but it changes her. The happy-go-lucky girl with the racecar metabolism and the hot boyfriend has morphed into a moody but more empathetic girl who quickly grows out of her wardrobe and becomes the target of cruel jokes.

13. A predatory classmate ends up dead in your backyard just hours after making unwanted advances to you in the school library. Part of him is missing.

14. Write a story from the point of view of the villain, but don’t reveal the narrator as the villain until the end.

Related: 15 Tips To Help You Write Better And Attract More Readers

15. On Valentine’s Day (which you never celebrate), you receive a surprise anonymous package with a box of licorice all-sorts. The slogan on the side of the box reads, “Everyone is somebody’s favorite.” The last person who called you his favorite died a year ago.

16. You go to sleep one night in an immaculate, luxury apartment and wake up in a small, dingy loft apartment that is full of stacks of newspapers and magazines, elaborately arranged to form the walls of a labyrinth.

17. You’re given the chance to go back in time to save the life of your best friend, but the price is a mission only you can carry out as the doppelganger of a mass murderer’s close confidant. Your mission is to make sure he takes a trip that will lead him into a trap.

18. You write a novel with a main character who has telepathic abilities. You start having dreams about this character, who wants you all to himself. His first token of affection is to punish your neighbor, who has openly criticized your book.

19. Your quirky, potty-mouthed Aunt Em has come to live with you, and the first thing she does is rearrange the kitchen and claim the role of chef and home renovator. You’re fine with it until she hires an assistant, who just happens to be the apartment manager’s recently fired son.

20. You inherit a house from an uncle but decide to rent it out rather than living in it. After interviewing several applicants, you agree to rent it to two brothers…

21. For as long as you can remember, every time you feel panicked, you’ve found yourself quietly singing “Jingle Bells.” You’re about to find out why, and it will change everything.

22. A homeless man is attacked in your neighborhood and sustains a serious head injury. You get him to the hospital, and they save his life, but upon his discharge from the hospital, he starts making money more quickly than you thought was even possible.

23. A stray animal shows up at your door — no tags or anything — and after feeding it, you decide to adopt it. That night, when a stranger comes to your door, you find out the animal is not what it appears to be.

24. You start taking a new dietary supplement you learned about from a late-night commercial, and it does everything it promised — and more.

25. You’re on your way home after work, and you see a strange light up ahead. You get closer, and you see what looks like a black hole about to swallow up your apartment complex. You look up to see your roommate on the balcony taking pictures of it.

26. You go to sleep alone and wake up very pregnant. After checking the calendar and vomiting a few times, you call in sick and schedule an appointment for an ultrasound. Then your boyfriend shows up.

27. A strange plant appears in your window planter, and when its solitary bloom opens, impossible things start happening.

28. You wake up a different gender but with similar facial features.

29. You visit your estranged father and learn some things about him that change the way you see yourself — and everyone else. Turns out, he keeps a low profile for a reason.

30. Your kid starts manifesting a strange, new ability (or no longer hiding it from you), and you know it’s just a matter of time before he attracts unwanted attention. And you’re afraid of what he can do to protect you both — and how it could change him.

31. You’ve always had freakishly good night vision, but with that comes an extreme sensitivity to light. You live like a mole, working overnight shifts and keeping the windows of your apartment covered in blackout curtains. You’ve even disabled the light switches. So, when a thief breaks in, you make him regret it. And it starts something.

32. Your eyes are brown with flecks of green that intensify when you get a sudden chill or come close to remembering something that changed you as a child. Someone notices the intense green in your eyes one day and calls you a freak. He looks familiar.

33. You discover an ability that puts you (more) at odds with your in-laws, and you learn of their plan to get your husband to divorce you and get full custody of your two children.

34. You sign up for a wine delivery service, and while the cases are always left at your door, things start changing in your house. Though you never drink to excess, you start losing chunks of time. And the wine is better than anything you’ve ever tasted.

35. You come home one day and find someone else living there who swears she’s lived there for years. When you look for proof that she’s lying, you find proof to the contrary.

36. You’re making your usual breakfast when you suddenly find you can’t stomach the thought of eating it. When you put a name to your new craving, it scares you. But it won’t go away.

Related: How to Outline A Nonfiction Book

37. You find a ring while walking in the park. The stones aren’t diamonds, and you at first suspect it’s a piece of junk jewelry from the previous night’s Halloween revels. But you like it enough to keep it. No one is more surprised than you when it saves your life.

38. An unknown relative shows up and tells you something you didn’t know about your mother’s family history — and the power that went with it.

39. You’ve started your NaNoWriMo project, and it’s off to a decent start. But when you open the file the next day, you see much more written for it, and the writing is terrible. Then you see that the story is still developing, and while the writing makes your head hurt, the story is drawing you in. Literally.

40. You go to your closet to get a change of clothes for the day before taking a shower, and you find a huge selection of designer clothes (tags still attached) that weren’t there before.

41. You sign up for a class at a local gym, and when you meet the instructor, she seems familiar — and not in a good way.

42. Your kid takes home a Chromebook from school, and one evening you see him staring at the screen, looking entranced. He takes a sudden interest in keeping his room immaculate and volunteering as a member of a new political candidate’s campaign staff.

43. You’ve just given birth to a surprisingly healthy baby two months before the due date, but your husband has inexplicably abandoned you both, and a generous stranger has learned of your situation and offered to help you out and fill the void.

44. Your mother shows up at your door asking for help. Something has taken residence at her home, and she doesn’t feel safe there anymore. You visit the house on your own, and find someone living there who asks, “Where did Mom go?”

45. You finally find a responsible roommate to share the cost of a new luxury apartment. The problem? He knows everything about you — and there’s no reason why he should.

46. You don’t remember the last time you slept for longer than an hour at a time, and you see things others don’t. The things you see that others don’t are causing accidents, and when you try to prevent one, you end up getting blamed for it.

47. Your 12-year-old daughter goes to use the bathroom at the hospital while you’re both visiting her older sister. When she comes back, she seems visibly unsettled, but that gives way to an eery calm and unshakable confidence that her sister will make a full recovery.

48. After experiencing your first nighttime paralysis, you start to see changes in your body. Soon, those changes will be impossible to hide, and a new acquaintance surprises you by making accurate guesses about what you’ve been going through.

49. When you’re about to kill a spider, your kid stops you, catches it, and runs outside to free it. You think maybe killing the non-native spider would have been kinder than putting it outside in the frost-covered grass, but your kid knows something you don’t.

50. It’s Halloween, and your neighbor dresses up as the president and tries to repair his reputation by volunteering at a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, the costume takes over, and he starts firing the other volunteers, one of whom decides to give their homeless guests a Halloween spectacle they won’t forget.

51. Your routine doctor appointment takes a sinister turn when your doc tells you he could put you higher on the waiting list for a liver transplant if you’d pay his ex a visit and help him set a trap for her.

52. Your new smartphone is so much faster than your old one — much faster than you expected from a discounted return. Then you start getting messages made up of symbols you don’t recognize. They resemble hieroglyphs.

53. You’re a high schooler, and today’s lunch is unexpectedly delicious — so delicious that you go back for the seconds. Someone in the kitchen is watching and writing in a notebook.

54. You’re constantly attracting unwanted attention, and you meet someone who knows why. It’s not just your looks that make you unignorable. You’re actually sending out a signal that those around you can’t help responding to. Your new acquaintance offers to train you, so you’ll make better use of your power.

55. You’re sick to death of the clutter in your house, and through a magazine ad, you meet someone who says he can give you the power to instantly transform any room to match a picture you can see in front of you or in your mind’s eye. The only price is one minute of memory from each day.

56. You win a two-week vacation in a real castle (somewhere overseas) with airfare, transportation, and meals, included — along with other surprises. One of them wants to make sure you never leave.

57. You move into a house that has a treehouse out back in one of the tallest, oldest trees. You don’t know until you explore it that the treehouse changes to better suit its occupant. The tree and its house have accepted you. But what does it expect of you?

58. You find an abandoned cabin that is perfect for use as a writer’s getaway, and after some preparations, you settle in for a two-week’ reprieve from city life. The animals aren’t as shy as you expect them to be, though, and they seem to know something about the cabin that you don’t.

59. Your car goes over the edge and down a steep hill. All you remember is the flash of light and the sound of glass breaking before you open your eyes. You check your kids, but none of them answer, and your phone, which had half a charge just minutes ago, is completely dead and unresponsive.

60. You’re shopping for a new computer, and you find one on eBay that the owner says was a gift that he used only briefly before he upgraded to a MacBook. You buy it and revel in its blinding speed and special features. It wakes you that night with a loud beep and prompts you with a single sentence on the screen, “Will you play with me?”

61. Chocolate and wine have gotten you through many a break-up, but this one is harder than most. You wonder why, and a gift from this SO stares you in the face, reminding you of how different your relationship was from those you’ve had with others..

62. Your neighbor has ordered furniture for you from IKEA, and you’re not sure how to deal with it. You love the couch, but you don’t have the budget for it, and you barely know your new neighbor, who seems to have unlimited funds but spends it unpredictably.

63. One of your aunts has died leaving you her pet ______, who helps you cut the toxic people out of your life by scaring them away. One of the few visitors this pet will tolerate is someone you’ve barely noticed but who intuitively knows about and anonymously meets the needs of others in the apartment building.

64. You go fishing in the lake behind your house, and when your hook catches on something, you pull it up. It turns out to be the body of a murder victim, and when the lake is further searched, other bodies are found. Twelve other houses surround the lake, and the police suspect you as much as any of the other residents.

65. You’re renovating your basement and remove a wall that was put in place by one of the previous owners. Behind it is a garbage bag full of cash, and when you examine it, you find it to be genuine.

66. Your spouse tells other Catholics that he knew you were the one when he found out your confirmation saint was the same saint he prayed to for a good Catholic wife. Meanwhile, you’re questioning beliefs you used to take for granted.

67. You wake up to the burglar alarm, and before you can see who has broken in, someone puts a pillowcase over your head and forces you up and out the door.

68. You get a job at your favorite coffee shop, and you meet some local authors, one of whom learns of your book and invites you to their group. They meet in what used to be the living room of a house rumored to be haunted.

69. You can barely make out how many fingers you’re holding up until an elderly neighbor with perfect eyesight shares a secret with you. But there’s a price to pay.

70. You go to sleep listening to static on your radio, which can’t pick up any AM stations. You find out one night, when your bladder wakes you up, that it’s picking up something other than static.

71. You bid on and win an old record player and record collection at an auction. You don’t expect the music to affect you as profoundly as it does and your family thinks you’re just trying to make up for the amount you spent on it. You’re not.

72. You get new glasses at the new eye clinic in town, and they allow you to see better than ever. In fact, when you want to, you can see minute detail from a great distance and microscopic detail up close. This is how you find out your sister’s mole is a malignant melanoma. You also avoid being poisoned by a spiteful coworker. Your fascination with frogs and your large collection of them has made close relationships a challenge.

73. You listen to an audio file designed to make you more creative, and you go into a trance and write a book that people the world over can’t get enough of. Then a visitor asks you if you listened to the entire recording. When you admit to having stopped the recording before it was finished, the visitor smiles in relief and tells you not to listen to the end and to delete the file.

74. When a favorite aunt dies, you inherit a bookstore with an apartment on the upper floor. You look at the finances and realize you have to let go of one of your three employees.

75. You check out a house you like and find moths in every room. The realtor tells you it shouldn’t be a problem to get rid of them but that the house is completely free of other pests — including spiders (which are a huge problem in the area). You buy the house.

Did you enjoy these realistic fiction writing prompts?

Keep this list handy whenever you need a writing prompt to unlock your creativity and kickstart your daily writing.

In fact, you may find ideas for several novels or stories that you can write down the road. Take one of these ideas and begin to flesh out an outline and characters for your story. Let your imagination take you on a journey that may lead to your bestselling book!

Here are 75 Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Book Ideas. fantasy writing prompts | daily writing prompts | fiction writing prompts | creative writing prompts | #writing #writingtips #writingcommunity #writingprompts #writinginspiration #author #amwriting #selfpublishing

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BEST NOVEL WRITING PROMPTS

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The write stuff, write about a character who makes a dramatic life change to pursue a goal they’ve secretly always wanted., start your story with one character telling another, “it doesn’t count if you’re already planning your defeat.”.

Start your story with two characters deciding to spend the night in a graveyard.

Write about someone who’s been sent to boarding school.

Write about a character arriving in a place unlike anywhere they’ve ever been..

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Write a story where the readers are in on a secret that the characters are unaware of.

Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances."

Write a story that starts with a life-changing event., write a rags-to-riches story..

Write a story around the theme: Be careful what you wish for.

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Write a story in which something seemingly innocent symbolizes something much darker., write a story in which someone experiences discrimination., write a story about someone trying to escape their situation., write a story based on the metaphor: “the curtain of night fell upon us.", write a story about a character who is cautious and careful, no matter what..

Write a story inspired by the most recent text message you received.

Write a story about a character who goes to great lengths to cover up a mistake.

Write a story that begins with the sentence: "it was a dark and stormy night.".

Write a story where the villain is the protagonist. Try to get readers on their side.

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The best novel writing prompts

Every novel springs from the seed of a story idea. So, where is your story idea going to come from?

If you’re struggling to let loose your imagination, let a creative writing prompt help you. Writing prompts for novels can provide the inspiration that writers need to come up with ideas for their next book. Best of all, they’re multi-purpose: you can use them to develop your characters, practice writing from a different perspective, explore other genres, or simply overcome writer’s block.

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's our top ten list of novel writing prompts:

Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances."
Write a story that starts from the perspective of the antagonist.
Write a story that starts in one time period and ends in another.
Write a story where the protagonist dies in the first paragraph.
Write a story about a professional hypnotizer.

If you're interested in learning more about how to write a novel, check out our free resources on the topic:

Top tips for crafting your first novel (blog post)— All novels, including the great ones, have the same basic components: plot, structure, and characters. Learn more about these all-important elements of a story—and how you can subvert them to make your own book great.

Ready to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of writing contests or our directory of literary magazines for more opportunities to submit your story.

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Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

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Tools & Resources

Writing prompt generator.

Creative Writing Prompts For All Genres.

Writing Prompt Generator for Book Ideas

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What is a writing prompt generator.

A writing prompt generator is a tool that produces a random writing prompt depending on the genre you choose. Writing prompts are writing topics or story starters that help with the ideation process of writing, by giving you a specific topic to write on.

Writing prompts are often used in a learning setting, when writers need direction. However, writing prompts are also used by authors that struggle with finding their next book idea, or experience writer’s block that prevents them continuing their project.

A writing prompt gives direction, and is like a seed that writer’s can use to sprout their imagination and creativity. You can choose whether or not to deviate from the original writing prompt or not; it’s up to you!

How does this random Writing Prompt Generator work?

Our Writing Prompt Generator is designed especially for novelists and authors in search of their next book idea. The prompt generator is loaded with a variety of random prompts and story starters, all based on genre type, and we are continuously updating the tool with more prompts so you can get a jumpstart to write your book .

To get started, select your writing type and genre. The generator will randomly produce a writing prompt that meets the criteria of your choice.

Here are the steps to use this Writing Prompt Generator:

Select “Fiction” or “Nonfiction” as your writing type. Fiction is the best choice if you’re looking for creative writing prompts to write a novel or story that’s imaginative. Nonfiction is the best choice if you want to write a nonfiction book based on real life.
Select a “Genre.” There are specific genres for both nonfiction and fiction. Once you select your writing type, you’ll be presented with a number of genres to choose from. Select the genre that intrigues you most!
Enter your information (optional). If you want to join our community and receive occasional emails, enter your information. Or, click “No thanks” to be taken to your prompt.
Click “Generate.” Let the writing prompt generator work its magic!

Your randomized writing prompt will immediately appear. If you aren’t happy with the prompt the generator produced, just click “Generate” again and another prompt will be created. Keep doing this until you find one you love!

Who should use this prompt generator?

Anyone who has an interest in writing can use this writing prompt generator for free.

But since we’re in the business of helping writers become published authors, we designed this writing prompt specifically for these types of people:

Aspiring authors: For writers who want to become authors, these writing prompts will help you brainstorm a bestselling book!
Published authors: For those who have already completed the publishing journey and are ready to become multi-bestselling authors, these writing prompts can help you generate your next book idea .
Nonfiction writers: If you know you want to become a nonfiction author but need some ideas, try choosing a random genre from our nonfiction writing prompts.
Creative writers: If you want to beat writers block, express some creativity, or master your craft, use one of these random prompts to flex your creative muscles.
Fiction writers: For those who love writing fiction, you can experiment with a number of fiction genres using these random prompts.

Writing Prompt Generator: Genre Breakdown

Show 10 25 50 100 entries.

Type:	Genre:	Topics Include:
Nonfiction	Business	Business development, marketing, professional growth, entrepreneurship and more.
Nonfiction	Self-Help	Personal growth, spirituality, self-development, and more.
Nonfiction	Memoir	Life stories based on a real-life event or experience.
Nonfiction	Health & Fitness	Emotional, mental, and physical health and wellness
Nonfiction	Parenting & Relationships	Information about family development, raising children, and love.
Fiction	Thriller	Scary stories that often include elements of horror, psychological thrillers, and the gothic.
Fiction	Romance	Love stories mainly showcasing a relationship
Fiction	Mystery	Usually stories about mysterious deaths or crimes to be solved
Fiction	Sci-Fi	Speculative fiction often with futuristic elements that combine science and tech.
Fiction	Fantasy	Speculative fiction often set in imaginary worlds, influenced by myth and folklore.

Reasons to use a Writing Prompt Generator

Why use a generator to come up with a story idea, you ask? There are plenty of reasons!

Sometimes, using a random prompt generator is especially helpful for those looking to improve their writing craft, implement a new literary technique , or explore a different genre.

Here are some reasons to use a Writing Prompt Generator:

Story guidance. Sometimes, coming up with a story ides is half the battle. With a writing prompt generator, you never have to worry about a lack of ideas.
Exploring new genres. If you’re hesitant about dabbling in new genres, a writing prompt generator is a low-risk avenue to help you explore a topic that you wouldn’t have thought of.
Creative brainstorming. A story starter can plant the seed of inspiration. When you read a prompt, it might help you to think of another idea to pursue.
Writing practice. Using a guided prompt is great for developing your writing skills. With a random prompt, you can feel free to practice new writing techniques without fear of failure.
Writer’s block. For writers that struggle with creative blocks, a writing prompt generator can get your wheels turning again.

Story Prompt Generator For Book Ideas

We specifically designed this random writing prompt generator to help writers produce their next book idea. That means it functions as a story prompt generator as well!

But that doesn’t mean you should use this story prompt generator to write an entire book with the first prompt you get.

Instead, experiment with the generator and use specific prompts that interest you to see where it takes your writing. Then, when you feel fully invested in a topic, RUN with it!

Here’s how to know if your book idea is good:

It intrigues you. You’re going to spend a lot of time with this idea, so make sure it’s something you’re passionate about and extremely interested in.
There is an audience. In order to succeed with publishing your book, you need to make sure there’s an audience ready to buy the type of book you want to write. Browse around Amazon to see if there are related topics that are bestsellers.
You can spend a lot of time on it. Even if you enjoy a topic, you want to make sure your interest is long-term, and is motivating enough for you to write an entire book on.
The topic is relatable. Even if it’s a story that takes place in a galaxy far, far away, there needs to be some element or experience for your reader to relate to.
Your book idea is unique. Nobody wants to read the same story over and over again! If you’re covering a topic that’s already been written on, find a new, unique angle to approach.
People express interest. If someone says they like your idea, they probably do and would be willing to read it!
You’re passionate about your story. If you find yourself thinking about your book often throughout the day, and can’t stop hiding your excitement for it, your passion will show through your writing.

Now that you know how to use a writing prompt generator, and why it can be extremely helpful for writers of all backgrounds, styles, and levels of expertise, it’s time to get started!

Are you ready to use the Writing Prompt Generator for your next book idea?

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43 Ways to Find the Best Book Idea for a New Writer

Coming up with the right book idea can be a serious challenge regardless of how experienced you are as a writer.

Whether you’re a brand new writer or a seasoned author ready for a new writing project, it can be incredibly difficult to find the inspiration you need, in order to commit to an endeavor as arduous as writing a book . I’m a firm believer that the best book ideas must come from within.

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However, the ways in which you find and cultivate the story ideas that have the potential to turn into a book idea (or best seller) you’re passionate about writing, are plentiful.

Create a strategic plan to help you realize your book-writing dreams. Learn more with Jennie Nash.

As a writer myself, I’ve gone through a lot of creative ups and downs. For this exhaustive list of potential book ideas, I’m pulling straight from my personal list of ways to find inspiration for my own writing process, when I’m lacking motivation.

Over the years, this list has grown with ideas and inspiration I’ve gleaned from a handful of my favorite experimental storytellers like Tim Ferriss , Dan Carlin , Alex Blumberg and others who’ve created some of my favorite dynamic podcasts.

These techniques to finding inspiration as a writer, come from pushing myself outside of my comfort zone with trying new experiences, conducting massive amounts of research on topics I’m interested in, running massive lifestyle experiments, taking a deeper dive into my thoughts and dreams, and so much more. Let’s dive in.

Here are my 43 ways to come up with the best book ideas that’ll help you hit the ground running as a new writer.

Book Ideas From Your Experiences

1. write about what pisses you off most..

I could write endlessly about the mistakes entrepreneurs tend to make with their first businesses. It doesn’t quite piss me off, but I care so much about this topic and want to help others avoid the most painful mistakes I’ve made myself, that it fuels my ability to write ad nauseam on the complexities of how to start a business . What gets you most heated?

Take that topic and write about it without any creative restraints whatsoever. Let the words meet the page, don’t judge your ideas, and then structure the content later. This approach has fueled many of my best blog posts that could easily turn into book ideas in the future, a strategy Tara Gentile teaches in her class about How to Write and Publish an eBook .

2. Do Something Remarkable, Then Write About It.

Imagine the story you could tell if you made a trip like Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did on their 20,000 mile bike crossing 12 counties and 19 time zones in 2004. Of course, these were celebrities taking time off to raise money for charity . If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not in a position to travel unpaid for 115 days. However, there are still many smaller-scale remarkable endeavors that you could do, that’d be worth writing about. For instance, you could ride a bicycle through every state in the US, in one year or attempt to break a world record then share the experiences and lessons learned with your readers.

3. Start a Blog and Write Chapters One Post at a Time.

This works particularly well for niche topics. Gain a loyal following writing a series of blog posts on something you’re interested in. Once you have built up a quality library of posts, you can repackage them into a book. Philip Sandifer is a fan of British sci-fi show, Doctor Who. He wrote an essay on every Doctor Who story (there are more than 800 stories in the show’s 53-year history) and then collected his blog posts into a series of books. Tara Gentile has also had a lot of success with this approach, and teaches the technique in her self-publishing clas s. Whether you plan on going the traditional publisher route, or self-publishing a book on Amazon, this is one of the best paths toward writing a book over a more realistic period of time without undue pressure.

4. Create a Podcast and Write a Book Based on What You’ve Learned from Guests.

Best Book Ideas - Start a Podcast and Write About It

Did you know that one in four Americans ages 12-54 listened to a podcast last month? In fact, according to Jay Baer of Convince and Convert with an assist from Edison Research , the same number of Americans listen to podcasts each month, as use Twitter. One of the most popular podcast formats is to invite an interesting guest onto your show and interview them for your audience. Entrepreneur and CreativeLive instructor, Lewis Howes took this exact approach when he wrote his New York Times best-selling book, The School of Greatness , which shares everything he’s learned from interviewing hundreds of the world’s top creatives.

5. Write and Self-Publish a Short eBook to Test the Waters.

If you have an idea for a book, but you’re not sure whether or not there’s enough demand in the market to support book sales, why not test the waters by writing a smaller eBook on the subject? If you find that there’s a positive response to your shorter-form eBook, this will give you the confidence to dig deeper into your subject matter and write a full book on the topic. We talk a lot about how to deploy this book validation strategy in How to Write and Publish an eBook with Tara Gentile.

6. Write a Book and Publish One Chapter at a Time with Amazon Kindle Singles.

If the thought of writing a full-length novel is too intimidating, then one very real option is to break your book into smaller chunks that you publish one at a time. You would be in good company if you did, Charles Dickens wrote The Pickwick Papers , his very first novel, as a series of short stories in the 19th century. With easy-to-use blogging platforms, the Internet now makes this a very easy task. As an added benefit beyond publishing all of the stories at once, you’ll have the opportunity to adjust your writing style for the later chapters in response to feedback you get early on.

7. Ask Your Friends What They Like Reading Most, Write Something For Them.

Your friends are already a captive audience. Ask them what they like reading about, chances are there are more people out there who have similar tastes. Write your book imagining that your friends are your target readers . Of course, your friends are unlikely to be fierce critics if the first draft of your book isn’t up to snuff, so make sure you elicit honest (sometimes brutal) feedback on the first versions of your book, in order to avoid them just telling you what they think you want to hear.

8. Jot Down Everything You Laugh About for 1 Full Week, Write a Story About It.

We carry around smartphones around with us wherever we go, so jotting down some quick notes every time you laugh for a full week isn’t very difficult. While it may be challenging to remember to write down the reason for every burst of laughter, it could very well provide you with a rich source of material for your next piece of writing. Try and capture these three things with each laughter entry and you’ll have some great writing inspiration for a solid book idea: who made you laugh, why you laughed, and how that made you feel. I’ve done this in short journal entry format, and it’s been some of my favorite material to re-read weeks or even months later.

9. Write About What Makes You Laugh Hardest.

This could easily tie in with the activity above, but I’ve found that it’s often more fun to expand upon just one instance when you laughed hysterically in the past. To me, laughter is a sign of a truly great story, and it’s usually highly contagious. Of course, you might be embarrassed about what makes you laugh most, and it may not be politically correct. However, the more outlandish or embarrassing the story, the more likely you are to attract an engaged audience for your book idea.

10. Write About the Most Upsetting Experience You’ve Ever Had.

One of the stranger quirks of the human state I’ve come to observe, is that we’re drawn in to read, watch and consume traumatic stories that highlight the difficulties others have triumphed over in life. While you may struggle to tell the world about your most upsetting experiences, it’s likely that people would benefit tremendously from hearing how you’ve gone through unfortunate circumstances or failures, and what you’ve learned on the other side.

11. Write About the Person Who’s Had the Most Impact on Your Life.

Have you had a mentor that’s left a lasting impression in your personal life or within your career? Maybe it was your best school teacher, youth leader, business advisor, or simply an older friend or family member. Think about how they’ve impacted your life, pull out specific lessons they imprinted on you and dedicate the book to them as the ultimate thank you. Gratitude is contagious, and this format makes for an incredibly empowering book idea.

12. Take Photographs of Your City and Write About Your Experiences.

Great Book Idea Take Photos of Your City

Do you live in an interesting, vibrant city? People love to hear stories about interesting people in fascinating places. This book idea is particularly compelling if you already have skill at using a camera . Have you been into an Urban Outfitters recently? There is a huge demand for visually stimulating books featuring beautiful urban photography and stories explaining the tale behind the images.

13. Write About One of Your Hobbies.

People love to learn more about their hobbies. Whether you are a cake decorator, an ice skater or a fly fisherman, there is potential for you to share your knowledge with others who have the same interests. As a freelance content marketer by trade, I can sit down and write for hours in ridiculous detail about something I recently learned. Quite often you can even sell hobby-related books to people who do not otherwise read often. Even “non-readers” have a desire to improve their favorite hobbies, especially when they can take their new skills and monetize them in some way.

14. Take Inspiration From Your Favorite Songs and Musicians.

You could choose to write about your favorite musician from a fan’s perspective. Perhaps you’ve been to one their concerts and could write about the experience. If you have a good music collection, perhaps you could choose to write about the songs they have released, possibly looking at the messages behind them. Alternatively, you could examine some song lyrics, and see if these can inspire you to tell a tale. Here’s an example: Right now I’m listening to “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . One of the lyrics in the song is, “If I were the king of the world, I’ll tell you what I’d do… I’d throw away the cars and the bars and the war.” Even from a line that simple, one potential book idea that inspires me would be to cover the impact music has had on politics in the US. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s, there were a lot of bands that became very influential in our culture, by promoting a message of peace and equality. Uncovering a correlation between positive social changes in that time period and the positive music that rose in popularity would undoubtedly stir up a readership.

15. Write About Your Career Experience Within Your Industry.

Most of us have built up a wealth of life experiences. Many books have been written by people telling tales from within the industry in which they work. Have you been working in a job long enough to build up a series of anecdotes that might interest or amuse potential readers? How about teaching them something that’ll accelerate their path to becoming an expert within your space? I’ve done exactly this by chronicling my own personal journey of becoming a freelancer within the content marketing world, and have written a series of posts about how to start a freelance business , that have attracted a large readership.

16. Write About the Biggest Problem Facing Your Industry (and Potential Solutions).

Discuss any major problems or issues that you can identify within your industry and thoughtfully propose new solutions. If you’ve tested these solutions yourself, even better! This will be particularly useful if you can come up with practical and cost-effective solutions to the challenges other businesses in your space are facing, and will help you position yourself as an expert, one of the major reasons people decide to write a book in the first place.

17. Commit a Random Act of Kindness Every Day for a Month and Write About the Experience.

How to Find the Right Book Idea from Your Experiences

If you’ve spent any amount of time on Facebook or YouTube over the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly seen viral videos of people committing random acts of kindness. And they do so for good reason, the results of sharing stories of random acts of kindness can be so inspiring that others around the world are compelled to follow in kind. While newspapers thrive largely on bad news, there is still a huge demand by people to learn about selfless acts and be reminded that good people are out there. The more creative you can get with the content medium for translating this book idea into a true work of art, the better.

18. Take a Spontaneous Trip and Write About Your Experiences.

Another way to gain new experiences, is through travel. Michael Palin managed to reinvent himself (from being part of comedy team Monty Python) to being a travel writer and videographer . You may not have the resources to devote your life to travel, as he has been able to. However, I am sure that you could create a book sharing your experiences and what lessons you have learned, no matter how modest your trip is. Check out this post from Shannon O’Donnell as a starting point for creating a lifestyle of traveling the world and doing freelance work remotely.

19. Record Talks or Workshops You Give and Have Them Transcribed.

Do you have the opportunity to give talks or hold in-person workshops to teach people about a specific subject matter? This could be work-related, or it could simply be a subject on which people recognize you as being knowledgeable. Unless you are an off-the-cuff speaker, you have probably already prepared a lecture or resources that’ll serve as the foundation for this book idea, which will in turn widen your audience and potentially lead to more paid speaking gigs.

20. Have Your Webinars and Videos Transcribed and Compiled.

Have you built a library of webinars or video content for yourself? There’s so much value that’s delivered through video content and it’s rarely transcribed into written form to be used elsewhere. If you transcribe your videos and fill in the gaps to complete each thought and make the finished work highly relevant, you have the potential to reach an entirely new audience with this easy-to-implement book idea. Check out Upwork’s Transcription Listings to find some affordable help to outsource transcription to.

21. Write About the Answers to the Questions You’re Asked Most By Friends and Co-Workers.

If you haven’t yet noticed the most common questions people ask you on a daily or weekly basis, now would be a good time to start recording those queries. Every time somebody asks you a question, write it down. After a while, you may see trends. If your friends and co-workers want answers on particular topics, then it’s highly likely that others are seeking the same answers as well. This is the process by which I wrote one of my most successful blog posts.

Every day I had visitors from my website asking me to share business ideas with them, so I created an exhaustive list featuring over one hundred of the best business ideas and that post has helped thousands of people over the past year. This approach could even apply to a stay-at-home mom. What questions are your kids always asking? There is a great book idea here, for creating something fun, educational and relevant to children. If you aren’t fielding a lot of questions yourself right now, head over to Quora and see which questions are ranking well within your areas of interest, then weigh in on questions you feel qualified enough to answer.

Book Ideas From Running Experiments

22. experiment with your physical limits..

Book Ideas Experiment with Your Physical Limits

This is a variation of the second book idea on this list. You may not be able to commit yourself to performing something remarkable at the moment, but there is still interest in books where authors experiment with pushing their physical boundaries. For example, if you are you a middle-aged professional who works out very infrequently, try training for a marathon and write a book chronicling your progress. Perhaps you’re not in the physical condition you desire and you’d like to lose a significant amount of weight. Again, push yourself to your limit with diet and exercise experiments. Others who are seeking to make similar transformations can benefit greatly from your experiences.

23. Get Creative with Your Content Medium.

Who said books have to be comprised solely of text? Write a book that leans on photographs, GIFs (totally possible if you self-publish your own eBook ) video clips, and other creative content mediums. Making your eBook a truly multimedia experience alone would differentiate your book idea from the rest of the crowd.

24. Experiment with Radical Changes in Your Daily Routine and Write About the Effects.

Are you someone who sticks to a similar routine every day? I know I am. Challenge yourself to make a drastic change to your routine and observe how your daily life changes. Sleep at different times, meditate when you wake up, eat six small meals a day, change your method of transport, do a rigorous workout twice daily. You can be the subject of your own documentary, and your book can be the lab results.

25. Take a Different Class Every Day for a Month and Write About the Effects.

Do you have a thirst for knowledge? Spend a month experimenting with a wide range of transformative courses. You could try different exercise classes, cooking mediums, business skills, writing classes , drawing, and designing . The list of potential classes is as long as your imagination. As a starting point, check out a few of my favorite free online and in-person class providers: CreativeLive , Saylor Academy and Open Culture . On the other side, write about how you feel after a month of varied study. Will you feel that you’ve learned much or will you have simply taken a shallow dip into each subject matter? Do you think you could discover a new interest that may fuel a future book idea, in itself?

26. Completely Cut Out Social Media and Write About the Effects.

U.S. adults spend an average of over 4.7 hours on their phones per day . A significant amount of that time is spent checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat and other social media platforms. To many people, social media is an essential part of their daily lives. It’s the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night. Wean yourself off it for a period and then write about how you have managed while not using social media. Have you suffered from withdrawal? Has your absence angered others? What have you replaced that time with?

27. Experiment with Your Diet and Exercise Regimen.

Virtually everywhere you look, somebody is promoting a new diet or exercise regimen. It might be low GI, low carbs, fat burning, diet plans to lose weight, diet plans to gain weight, low intensity, high intensity, the list goes on. Experiment with a program yourself or create your own regimen and write about your experiences, either successful or unsuccessful. Were you able to create a positive transformation for yourself?

28. Get Drunk and Create Art.

While I don’t personally endorse this one, it is a novel concept. Bryony Kimmings spent seven days drinking vodka to see how alcohol affects creativity. Under the influence of alcohol, she composed music, wrote sketches, choreographed dances and read academic papers. She then created a part lecture, part song, part dance, and part “glamorous cabaret” performance. The Lords of the Drinks website names artists Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso amongst its Famous Drunks in History. You too could undertake a drunken experiment to test out your own drunken artistic capabilities and write about it once you’ve sobered up.

Book Ideas From Conducting Research

29. Choose a Topic You Know Nothing About and Challenge Yourself to Write 1,000 Words About It.

A good test for any writer is to see how well they can write on a topic about which they know absolutely nothing. Start with a 1,000-word essay, and if that piques your interest, continue researching and evaluate whether or not this could be a sustainable book idea for you. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself fascinated by something you’ve never explored before and who knows, maybe your research could even lead you to a new fascination and eventually plant the seed for you to start a business around the topic.

30. Research and Write About Your Family’s History and Origin.

Social history is the study of the lives of ordinary people in our past. Humanity is fascinated by the lives of others, even people as ordinary as themselves. Even if your family lacks interesting tales, and you are unable to unearth any fascinating nuggets of information about your ancestors you will at least have the captive audience of your extended family for your work. If you discover something truly exciting about an ancestor, the size of your potential readership will grow from there.

31. Identify a Need: Write the Book You Wish Already Existed.

Think about a subject you’re genuinely interested in. Are there any types of books that you wish had been available, yet haven’t existed? Are there any obvious gaps in the market where you can share your knowledge? Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn more about, but can’t ever seem to find much reliable information on? Well here you have a great book idea. Blaze a trail and become the person that creates the research (and book) you’ve been seeking out

32. Read One of Your Favorite Books or Podcasts and Look for Passages or Topics that Inspire You.

If you’re a writer, then I’d be willing to bet that you’re also an avid reader and consumer of educational content. You probably have favorite books, podcasts, or movies, and possibly even specific chapters or passages within these content pieces that you particularly admire. Reread these passages and see if they inspire you to come up with your own material, possibly expanding on the original subject to develop your own unique book idea.

Book Ideas From Introspective Thought and Analysis

33. Take Your Biggest Failure and Write About It.

Most successful people have experienced frequent failures on the path to their eventual success. They have seen these failures as learning opportunities. Writing about your “darkest days” may be a cathartic experience, giving you the opportunity to delve into your inner self. Focus on providing potential solutions (if you’ve gotten that far) or on ways for others to avoid these same failures, and you could quickly attract a loyal readership seeking to learn from you.

34. Write About Your Biggest Regret in Life.

Some people spend most of their lives regretting decisions not made. What if I had quit my job to start a business? What if I had travelled the world for a few years before getting serious about my career? How would things have been different if I had chosen to have children? Addressing your biggest regrets give you an opportunity to move forward, and is such a compelling book idea that others will identify with on a deep level. This is another one of those situations where the process of writing about your regret helps you find other potential futures and reinvent yourself at the same time.

35. Write About Your Biggest Success.

Good Book Ideas Write About Your Successes

Of course, there is no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate and chronicle your successes either. The massive sales of celebrity autobiographies show how popular success stories can be, as long as they’re grounded in actionable advice and direction for others to replicate your success. An added benefit of this approach, is that by sharing your successes, you may well be motivating others to follow the same path. This gives you yet another opportunity to brand yourself as an expert within your field.

36. Answer the Question: “One Year From Today, What Would You Regret Not Doing?”

This is always a very positive form of introspection for me. It’s inspired by a question Tim Ferriss asked one of his recent podcast guests, and I’ve been returning to it in the interviews I do with entrepreneurs , myself. It gives you the opportunity to look closely at your current priorities and determine what’s really most important in the moment. By writing this down and sharing it, you are publicly committing yourself, which provides further motivation for you to follow that path. Documenting this process for the world to see, can also have a massively positive benefit on the live of others who crave a similar transformation.

37. Take a Single Interaction You Had with a Stranger and Create a Story Around It.

This unique book idea gives you the opportunity to create some truly interesting fictional work. Let go of all preconceived notions and allow yourself to write without judgement. Could it be that you fell in love with the stranger? After falling in love, did they turn out to be your long-lost sibling that got switched in the hospital at birth? The possibilities are endless within your own imagination.

38. Take Your Dreams and Create Stories That Chronicle and Expand Upon Them.

If you are lucky enough to remember your dreams , you have a wealth of imaginative thought to draw on as far as book ideas go. Make certain that you have a writing pad near your bed (or set up your phone as a Dictaphone) so you can record the content of your dreams as soon as you awake. Revisit those recordings or writings later in the day and see if they spark any unique book ideas.

39. Investigate Historical Events and Tell Stories with New Perspectives.

Whether you’re writing history or fiction set in a historical background, there will always be a demand for tales told from new perspectives. It doesn’t have to be a famous historical moment known to all, either. It will be far easier to find a fresh take on a locally relevant historical event that a smaller (more invested) audience may care deeply about.

40. Pose Fantastical ‘What If’ Scenarios and Play Them Out in a Book.

This book idea gives you another chance to let your imagination run wild. For example: “What if Adolf Hitler had become successful as an artist, and he had never entered the military?” You could play out endless possibilities, focus on just a handful of the most plausible, and take your book in any direction you please.

Book Ideas From Interviews

41. Meet 100 Strangers in 100 Days and Share Their Answers to Common Challenges.

Come up with some interesting challenges or questions to ask the strangers you meet. Then grab your recording device, possibly a camera, and start roaming the streets. The resulting random humanity you uncover and share with the world could very much surprise you and certainly make for an interesting book. Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York popularized this format and has created an incredible community of loyal readers for his blog and books.

42. Interview Businesspeople and Compile Their Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you likely look up to role models yourself. Articles or books that provide advice from businesspeople who’ve experienced the highs and lows of actually running a business will always be read and valued. One recent example of this content format here on CreativeLive our 30 Days of Genius series, which could very well be the topic of an awesome book.

43. Interview Sports Figures and Deconstruct the Attitudes and Qualities that Create Successful Athletes.

Similarly, young sports players look up to their successful heroes, and try and emulate their success. If you can interview these sports heroes and encapsulate the essence of their success, you’ll have a captive audience already primed to tune in to your book.

Now that you’ve found some inspiration to help you land on the right book idea, I want to challenge you to actually start writing that book. Today.

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Content marketing consultant to the world's top experts and growing startups. Online educator at ryrob.com where I share business advice and teach entrepreneurs how to start a blog and other side businesses. Check out my post on the best business ideas , read about how I validated a business idea in just 30 days, get my recommendations for the best business books , and check out my favorite motivational quotes .

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40 writing topics to inspire your next story

Getting inspiration through writing topics and prompts is one way to find your next story idea. Here are 40 writing topics organized by genre plus ways to come up with your own:

Post author By Jordan
5 Comments on 40 writing topics to inspire your next story

Getting inspiration through writing topics and prompts is one way to find your next story idea. Here are 40 creative writing prompts and topics organized by genre plus ways to come up with your own to find your own writing style and writing process. You might want to play around with these prompts and omit some elements and replace with your own creative ideas, go for it. Let’s get those creative juices flowing and put your writing skills to the test.

1. Writing topics for fantasy writers

Think about elements of fantasy that make the genre identifiable. Magic. Other worlds. Arcane abilities. Mythical creatures. Supernatural phenomena. Here are 5 fantasy writing topics:

A magician uses a forbidden spell with disastrous consequences. What is the spell, and what are the consequences?
A mythical creature is found living in a small town’s lake. What is it and how does finding it change the local community, for better or worse?
An apprentice gets a spell wrong in their final examination with unintended consequences. What are they? What will restore order?
Human children find a portal to another world. Tell the story from the viewpoint of a character whom they encounter in this other world, or perhaps they inadvertently become a time traveler trying to get back to the present.
Magical ability is available to a race when people turn a certain age. Yet they must make a major sacrifice to gain it. What is the sacrifice? Is it worth it in the end?

2. Writing ideas for romance writers

The central conflict in romance is often the thing keeping two lovers apart. Here are some ideas for romantic story topics:

Two would-be lovers from different cultures are kept apart by cultural differences that make their families interfere. What are the differences and how will they overcome them to be together? Explore the family history.
A character falls in love with an artificially intelligent virtual companion. How does the connection develop and change how do other people react?
Two people who have only been on one date together are forced to quarantine together for three three months. Explore how their relationship developments (or falls apart) in this time and if they manage to go back to everyday life.
Two travelers are intercepted at a border and asked to prove their relationship. They share how they met and in doing so make up a lie they have to continue to forge.
Write a riches to rags story where two people’s love for each other makes them poorer but their bond survives the challenges they face.

Writing topics and passion - quote | Now Novel

3. Writing subjects for sci-fi writers

We live in a time of rapid technological advancement that supplies plenty of fodder for interesting sci-fi stories . Here are five sci-fi writing prompts:

A robotics developer’s creation falls in love with her and becomes a stalker.
Humans are able to upload their minds to complex AI systems to amplify their power. What dangers emerge?
A woman’s scientific innovation revolutionises healthcare. Powerful people want to stop her at all costs. Who are they and how does the conflict play out?
A private space company like SpaceX colonizes Mars successfully. Everything goes well, until the anniversary of their arrival. Then something catastrophic occurs. What happens?
Scientists working on an important vaccine discover something completely new that completely changes the way the world views X. What is X, and how does the discovery change culture and society?

Brainstorm strong writing ideas

Use easy, step-by-step writing tools that guide you through ideation with structure.

4. Writing topics for thriller writers

A good thriller is full of suspense and simmering tension . Five thriller topic ideas:

A criminal prosecutor is charged with first-degree murder, though they’re innocent. Why? And how do they overcome the situation?
A strange YouTube video implying illicit government activity goes viral, then quickly disappears. What is the government up to, and who released the video and why?
Two governments enter a dangerous game of one-upmanship after one accuses the other of manufacturing biological weapons.
An abduction at a theme park by a human trafficking ring starts a time-sensitive manhunt. Where are the traffickers headed and who has the information to stop them?
An intrepid reporter takes on a large corporation conducting a massive agricultural crime threatening global food security for individual profit. What happens?

5. Writing ideas for mystery writers

Gritty detective novels, cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths – whatever subgenre of mystery you enjoy, it’s fun piecing together clues for readers . Here are five mystery ideas:

A man receives a pizza delivery intended for someone else and when he rings the number on the box finds the pizzeria doesn’t exist. Explore and explain the situation.
A child is snatched from a seaside resort aged five. But when they’re tracked down 25 years later, something doesn’t match up. What is it? What explains the discrepancy?
A couple on a camping trip with 4 other couples vanishes with no trace and no clues. All 4 remaining couples claim innocence. Are they telling the truth, and what is the explanation?
A woman hears mysterious voices that tell her to take actions that turn out to be life-saving. Where do the voices come from and what explains her imaginary world matching the real one?
Three prisoners escape the highest security prison in the world. How do they achieve this without any assistance from wardens or others on the inside?

6. Writing subjects for historical fiction writers

History is full of dramatic lives and incidents and curious, colourful characters . Here are five topic ideas to explore different time periods:

Pick a famous composer and read through their Wikipedia or their personal experiences or papers and write a story about what you find.. Pick a strange incident to be the focus of their story. (For example, t he strange adventures of Haydn’s head .)
Write about a famous historical figure from the viewpoint of their greatest rival.
Go to history.com’s ‘This Day in History’ page . Find inspiration for a story from the day’s historical event.
A famous monarch strikes up an unlikely friendship – bend the facts to suit the story.
A child prodigy in the 1800s stows away on a ship and tours the world giving concerts. Write their personal stories or a fictional autobiography.

Quote on finding writing subjects - Anais Nin | Now Novel

7. Writing topics for horror writers

Horror is full of supernatural chills , gory misadventures and things that go bump in the night. Here are 5 horror story ideas:

A TV chef uses … unorthodox ingredients, and there’s a related spike in mysterious disappearances in town.
Four childhood friends think the weird house on the corner is haunted. The reality is far worse and much more sinister. What is it?
A teenaged boy who loves Marvel and DC comics wishes he had superpowers. Then he gets terrifying superpowers with grisly consequences.
A zombie must deal with a horrifying and deadly plague of humans.
In a sleepy, mundane suburb a mysterious drumming starts up each night at nightfall. Only the children can hear it. If you hear it you have to hide very well, or what?

8. Writing ideas for YA writers

Young Adult or YA novels are typically pitched at readers aged 12 to 18 (though many adults enjoy them). They often deal with the challenges and discoveries involved in coming of age. Here are 5 ideas:

A middle-school kid is diagnosed with a rare condition and achieves their dreams despite it. What is the condition, what are their dreams, and how do they find a way through the obstacles they face?
A kid with two moms of different ethnicities in a conservative town grapples with identity and overcomes prejudice as they grow up.
A young musician must navigate a complicated, sometimes exploitative industry and find their voice.
A girl’s family immigrates to a big city from abroad when she’s 12. She must overcome language barriers and other challenges and navigate multiple cultural expectations and pressures.
Two teens meet in a juvenile detention facility and strike up a life-long friendship.

Find your own writing topics:

To find the best book topics :

Search Google News for keywords to do with subjects that interest you (e.g. ‘music’, ‘romance’, ‘travel’, etc.) See if headlines inspire ideas
Open a book to a random page and use the first sentence you read as the first sentence of a story (you can erase it and find a new one later)
Read this list of fifteen ways to find story ideas
Use Now Novel’s free ‘Central Idea’ tool to find and finesse a great story idea
Get extra writing prompts via this Pinterest board (and follow us at pinterest.com/nownovel !)

Ready to find and develop a great story idea? Join Now Novel for story outlining tools, a supportive critique community and more.

Finding story topics when stuck: 5 simple methods
Top ten romance novels: Books to inspire you
100 character development questions to inspire deeper arcs
Tags writing prompts

Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

5 replies on “40 writing topics to inspire your next story”

I have written a story about my life and it is stored on my computer and on a thumb drive. I want to publish my story but do not have the funds to do so. What should I do? My goal is to make copies for my 26 grandchildren and 6 children. I am contemplating making just one copy for now and more as I can afford it.

Hi Eddie, congratulations on finishing your life story. That would be a lovely gift to your children and grandchildren. If you don’t mind it not being a surprise, you could tell them you would like to turn your story into a book and have them club together for a birthday or other occasion? Printing can be expensive but a small run that looks fairly professional is possible if using a small press that specializes in this sort of thing (though so-called ‘vanity’ presses can be expensive since bulk printing works with the economy of scale). Other options include crowdfunding, if you intend to share your story with a wider audience.

Alternatively, a digital eBook would have lower costs as you wouldn’t need to cover the cost of printing, though it can never replace the pleasure of a tactile, tangible book, of course.

Hello, I self-published with Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing). It’s free and you get a few reduced-printing price copies. You can do ebook and/OR paperback. You actually set your own price, so you can set it to zero to make it available to family for the printing cost only. I made a book for the non-profit I work for and did that, essentially using Amazon as a printing company. Congrats and good luck!

Thanks so much for sharing this, Margriet!

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Home » Writing » 50 book ideas for writing a book you can start today

Ask yourself questions

Your everyday life is a goldmine of material for your creative work. Ask yourself these questions to figure out your next book idea.

1. What challenges are you facing?

Telling your story about where you struggle can help other people feel less alone. Think about goals and obstacles in your personal, professional, or creative life and how you approached them.

2. What are you learning right now?

Share whatever you’re working on and however you’re learning it—whether it’s about relationships, health practices, work efficiencies, or athletic competition, other people might benefit.

3. What’s happening in your day-to-day life?

Are you going through a big transition? Is there a weekly routine or yearly celebration that means something to you? Don’t overlook these things. Sometimes what has the most universal meaning is actually the most particular and personal.

Look around you

Be an explorer of your world and the people in it. Ask questions. Make observations. Travel down these paths to find out where your best book ideas are hiding:

4. Compile your family history

Who in your family has a story that needs to be told? How did your family (and you!) come to be how you are? A family history book is the perfect way to tell your story.

5. Explore your hometown history

What are the stories of how your town came to be? Highlight the famous people that put your town on the map, or include fun facts about local landmarks and insider tips for places you love.

6. Share your personal history

What were the key factors in your personal origin story? Reflect on the events and relationships that made you who you are today.

7. Draw attention to a meaningful cause

Have you done any volunteer work that deepened your understanding or perspective? Do you have stories of how your organization changed lives and made a difference? Get the word out!

8. Talk about special events

Maybe you’ve been to over 30 Pearl Jam concerts, and you have the set list and memory for each one of them. Maybe you hosted a speakers’ series at your school. Maybe you attended a rally, and the conversations inspired you.

9. Share your travel stories

Put together a travel book filled with your writing and discoveries made while visiting distant lands, then combine them with your photographs.

Become your own storyteller

10. try an experiment.

Do something for 30, 60, or 90 days and document your experience.

11. Write the story behind your favorite topics

What are your favorite books, albums, songs, films, or paintings? Use each of these as story starter ideas to craft a creative and relatable book.

12. Highlight your biggest success

How did you set this goal? What led up to your achievements, and who helped you along the way?

13. Reveal your biggest failure

What did you learn? How can you help other people deal with fear, failure, or recovery and be resilient?

14. Do something epic, then write about it

Raising $20,000 for cancer research, tackling a big life obstacle, summiting a peak, visiting all 50 states—if you have an eye on writing a book, you’ll do these things differently and keep careful records. Wanting a story to tell might also inspire some pretty incredible adventures.

Pick a non-fiction genre to get started

15. write a big idea book.

These kinds of stories focus on a new concept, tool, or learning that will change how people love, work, and live. Teach other people one big thing you know.

16. Make a list book

The lists you keep for yourself—like a gratitude list or a list of local restaurants—can inspire and inform someone else. Take one of your lists and make it into a creative book!

17. Publish an educational photo book

Pair your most impressive photographs with interesting captions or stories of the local geography, history, flora, and fauna.

18. Compile a series of letters

If you have been part of an enlightening correspondence (and the other party involved is willing to share their story, too), document your dialogue in a book.

19. Create an interview book

Compile interviews with inspiring individuals in your life, community, or professional field. Organize the book around a particular theme, or turn the conversations into a series of essays that change the way people think.

Consider content you have already written

You might already have created a body of work that can fill the pages of a book, it just needs to be compiled, organized, and formatted. The process of pulling these ideas together might even inspire another project of new material.

20. Print a series of blog posts

If you’ve already taken the time to compose daily or weekly articles, you’re well on your way! Look for a common thread or topic running throughout, organize your posts into chapters or sections, and take your stories to the next level—in print.

21. Make a book of postcards

The art of snail mail doesn’t have to be lost forever. Make a fun, quirky, or insightful coffee table book of postcards you’ve received or ones you’ve collected.

22. Publish love letters

Making love letters public is not for everyone—but if you and your beloved agree to the project, you just might find yourself with a one-of-a-kind collaboration featuring poems, stories, and reflections. You can also get creative and write a series of fictional love letters to people, places, objects, or events you adore.

23. Turn your journal entries into a book

The unique journal pages of artists, writers, photographers, travelers, and introspective individuals are a fascinating genre all their own. Sharing your personal reflections can inspire readers of all kinds.

24. Publish your own cookbook

Do your friends and families love gathering around your table to taste your culinary creations? Are you a foodie inspired by certain ingredients, dietary trends, family traditions, local or international cuisine? Share your favorite recipes.

Look to the non-fiction bestseller categories from Amazon

Here are some possible book-writing ideas that fall within categories that represent Amazon’s bestselling non-fiction. Try these on for size:

Biography and memoir book ideas

25. try making a new city home.

Most people can identify with the challenges of relocating to a new place—whether it’s a different city, state, or country. Take your readers through the ups and downs of that transition.

26. Share your 25 best or worst date stories

Do you have a history of finding love in all the right (or wrong) places? Do tell.

27. Write a biography of a family member

Chances are, there’s at least one person in your family with a unique, inspiring, or powerful life story to share. Maybe you have a distant ancestor or living relative who defied all odds to make an astounding journey, overcome hardships, find personal success, or pave the way for others.

Self-help book ideas

28. describe the experience of intuitive eating.

Have you made personal strides in your approach to healthy eating and food? Share your story of empowerment from start to finish.

29. Explore new rules for dating

Take a lighthearted, compassionate, or serious approach to a popular topic. Depending on your area of expertise, you might include research, personal anecdotes, observations, or interviews.

Religion and spirituality book ideas

30. design an inspirational gift book.

Gather all your favorite quotes and pair them with photography, illustrations, or designs to create a motivational book.

31. Publish a religious study or devotional workbook

Share the divine wisdom and traditions that you know best, including classic teachings and lessons for personal growth.

32. Write a religious memoir

Create a memoir based on personal events, learning, or transformations that led you to your current religious beliefs.

Health, fitness, and nutrition book ideas

33. inspire someone with 10 life lessons in food.

Maybe you learned how to maintain a healthy weight, or you discovered how the food on your plate affects your mood, sleep, or overall health. Don’t keep your success a secret!

34. Summarize your experience of 30 days on a specific diet

Ketogenic. Intermittent fasting. Low sugar. Mediterranean. Gluten free. If you tried it, it’s time to tell all.

35. Compile a research summary of how to exercise

Use your scientist-meets-fitness skills to create a guidebook with training tips, health facts, and exercise inspiration.

Politics and social science book ideas

36. explore public policy, ideologies, or politics.

The debate lover in you already has plenty to say about these big topics, so you bring your persuasive book to life with data and insights.

37. Forecast political and cultural trends

This kind of book takes a knack for research—so use your authority as a demonstrated expert or passionate professional to tell it like it is (or like it soon will be).

Cookbook, food, and wine book ideas

38. collect recipes from the family restaurant.

Cultivate a love of cooking and share your special kitchen traditions, recipes, and food photography with an audience who’s craving more. (Just make sure to get the a-ok from the original chef!)

39. Print a guide to local wineries with photos and reviews

Malbec or Shiraz? Moscato or Chenin Blanc? You don’t have to be a sommelier to share your love and knowledge of great wines.

40. Explain 10 things you learned about cooking

What do you know about baking the perfect cake? Got tips and tricks for southern barbecue? Write what you know.

Business and money book ideas

41. tell your story of getting out of debt.

Did you learn financial lessons the hard way? People of all ages are eager to know how you did it.

42. Write about securing investments for a project

You organized a first-of-its-kind fundraiser or wrote a grant that saved the day. Offer your best money advice to project leaders everywhere.

43. Offer tips on how to earn a living from creative work

Think of it as your gift to the next generation of artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers.

44. Share advice on running a large business

Money makes the world go round. What’s your secret to managing a successful company?

45. Show what you learned from the failure of a startup

Big dreams, harsh reality. If you had to do it all over again, what would you want to know?

Education and teaching book ideas

46. publish a classroom curriculum you designed.

Did you create lesson units that your students absolutely loved? What kind of project materials were successful, and how could other people use them? Make a workbook, ebook, or even a magazine that details your process.

Crafts, hobbies, and home book ideas

47. develop a guide to meaningful photography.

These days everyone fancies themselves a photographer , but there’s more than a filter to making great images. Tell them what to aim for.

48. Make an instructional knitting or sewing guide

If you can stitch like a pro, share your project tips and expertise in a practical craft book .

49. Create an interior design guide book

Put your creative instincts in print by sharing your style advice and favorite trends, from Boho chic to French country to modern minimalist.

50. Encourage people to learn a new hobby

Beginner projects in woodworking. One room, twelve ways. Introduction to jewelry making. Your creative skills and talents are invaluable to others who are just starting out, so lead the way!

Just pick one book idea and start writing

Print-on-demand makes it easier than ever to create one copy or a thousand. Whatever your next project idea, think of it as just that: your next project, not your only one. If the first book you create isn’t the book you know you have in you to write or make, that’s ok! This is just your first book. Once you do one, you’ll have what it takes to do the next one and the next one after that.

The key is to start the journey toward the book you want to write by reading more books to help you improve your writing skills, gain inspiration, and discover new ideas. And then making your next, knowing that the books that come in your future can take many different shapes.

What are you waiting for? Start your book today !

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70+ Clever Creative Writing Prompts (& 6 Brainy Bonus Tips)

by Mel Wicks

on Aug 7, 2024

I bet you just asked Google to search for creative writing prompts.

Or was it writing ideas? Short story ideas? Or maybe writers block ?

Boy, are you stuck!

But don’t worry. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through writing a book , sweating over social media posts, or journaling about your own life, all writers get stuck for creative ideas sometimes.

So, it’s great to have you here.

This is your go-to source of story starters, writing prompts, and bonus writing tips guaranteed to improve your writing skills , power up your passion , and get your creative juices flowing.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Writing Prompts Q&A
72 Writing Prompts (Broken into Categories)
6 Bonus Tips (to Sharpen Your Writing Skills)

We’ll start with a few common questions and answers…

What are Writing Prompts?

A writing prompt can be a phrase, an image, or even a physical object that kick-starts your imagination and motivates you to write . It provides a spark of an idea as a starting point to stimulate a natural flow of writing.

Writing prompts are ideal for any form of writing, like fiction or nonfiction , journaling , copywriting , blogging , or poetry . They usually contain two parts: an idea or a potential topic to write about, and the instructions on what you should do next.

For example, a creative writing prompt for fiction writers might be:

Your main character has a car accident and starts to hear voices while in the hospital. Write a short story about the conflict between the character and the voices and what really happened at the time of the car accident.

While journal prompts tend to focus on topics of self-awareness, such as:

Write about a turning point in your life. How different would things be now if you had made a different decision at the time?

How Do You Use Writing Prompts?

Like all muscle-building exercises, writing prompts are most effective when you make them a daily habit. Over time, with repetition, you’ll find your flow of writing becomes more natural, and your ability to write for longer strengthens.

But don’t feel you have to follow a prompt to the letter. If the prompt suggests you write about romance, but it sparks an idea for a poem, write a poem. Let your imagination guide you through the writing process.

Here are some other hot tips:

Don’t overthink it. Just start writing.
Don’t edit as you go.
If it’s not working for your style of writing , move on to another prompt. Find the prompts that make you want to write.
The creative writing prompt is a starting point. The finish is up to you. You don’t have to write a complete story, a poem, or an essay. Feel free to discard your work halfway through and move on to something else.
Adopt the Ernest Hemingway approach: Accept that most of what you write is likely to be crap, and you’re going to toss it. This isn’t about producing ready-to-publish work for your latest freelance writing job . It’s about the practice of writing.

Have fun with it, and remember each prompt is an opportunity to practice and refine your writing craft. Now, let’s explore those creative writing prompts we promised you.

72 Writing Prompts to Help You Kickstart Your Imagination

Fiction writing prompts.

Fantasy Writing Prompts

Romance Writing Prompts

Comedy Writing Prompts
Horror Writing Prompts

Persuasive Copywriting Prompts

Poetry writing prompts, journal writing prompts, blog writing prompts, non-fiction writing prompts, random writing prompts.

“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Use this famous opening line to start your own novel.
Rewrite your resume as a short story , either in the first or third person .
Open the dictionary to any page and select the first word that catches your eye. Write the opening few paragraphs of a thrilling, suspenseful story using your selected word at least three times.
Write a synopsis of your version of the movie, Groundhog Day . What would your day look like and why?
Write a short story using these words: Mountainous, parched, field mouse, time travel, and Black Forest Gateau.
Sit in a café and write a short story about the person or couple at the next table. Take note of their body language and clothing, what they’re eating, or doing. And if you can eavesdrop, let their conversation inspire you too.
Write about a person who is arrested for committing a crime, but they can’t remember anything about the night the crime occurred. What is the crime, why can’t they remember and what happens next?

Fantasy & Adventure Writing Prompts

If you could come back to life as any person, animal or thing, what or who would you be and how would you live your second life?
The world’s oceans dry up. Who or what survives?
You open the bathroom door and find the room’s disappeared. In its place is another world. Describe what you see and hear, and what you do next?
You’re sitting at a bar talking to a giraffe. What’s the conversation about?
You live in a fantasy world where people communicate without talking. Write about an average day in this sci-fi, fairy tale world.
You are the inventor of a popular video game. One day the main character from your game knocks on your front door. What does he want?
Write about a character who has a superhuman power. The problem is, they don’t want it. Write about the conflict between the character, his or her power and the everyday life they are forced to lead.
What is the most romantic season of the year and why?
Write a story about love at first sight. It doesn’t have to be about young people, or even about people.
“Last Christmas” was a song by George Michael that inspired a movie by the same name in 2019. Think of your favorite romantic song and write a film synopsis for it.
If you are a woman, write a short love story about the most romantic experience you could imagine, as a man. If you are a man, reverse the exercise.
The song “Summer Nights” from Grease is about the summer romance between two high school students, with their friends begging to hear more. What memory does that evoke for you about the first time you fell in love, and who did you tell?
Next time you visit a grocery store make a note of the first person you see. What are they wearing, what are they buying, are they alone? Write a description of them as the main character for your next romantic novel.
Your protagonist is about to marry the man she has been in love with for years. A week before the wedding she meets a stranger and falls madly and hopelessly in love. What does she do?

Funny Writing Prompts

You are a bartender on a quiet night, listening to man drown his sorrows as he tells you how his wife has recently left him for a neighbor. A second man enters and sits at the other end of the bar. It’s the neighbor. Describe the comedy of errors that happens next.
What makes you laugh out loud?
What’s the funniest joke you know? Write the backstory to the main character in the joke.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in real-life? Write it as a stand-up comedy anecdote with lots of observational humor thrown in.
Your shopping bag rips apart, and all the contents tumble out at the feet of the girl or guy who lives in the apartment below you, who you have fancied for some time. What does your shopping reveal about you and why are you so embarrassed?
List posts are one of the most popular forms of blogging . Write a funny list post about all the things you are not going to do this year.

Horror Writing Prompts?

Write the opening chapter to a story that begins: “I stared at my beautiful, evil wife and realized the horror had only just begun.
“Terror made me cruel” is a line from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Write about a situation where terror might make you cruel.
You’re walking home alone late one night when you realize several cats are stalking you. Then the streetlights go out. What happens next?
There’s a locked door at the top of the house you’re staying in. What’s behind it?
What are you really, really scared of? Put yourself in that situation and describe how it feels.
Write a horror story set in either a bar or a graveyard (or both). Include a blue-veined hand, a serial killer, and the phrase “all that spit and sweat.”
Your best friend doesn’t much care for Chinese food. Write down all the reasons why they need to reconsider their opinion and join you tonight at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Your mother’s always nagging you to clean your room. Write an account of the last time she nagged you, but from her point of view.
Have you ever seen a ghost, or sensed a ghostly presence? Write an account of your experience knowing it will be read by a skeptic.
Talk the Christmas Grinch out of being a Grinch.
A man finds a letter in a bottle while walking on the beach. Where has the bottle come from, how old is it, and what does the letter say? What does it compel the man to do?
Think of a cliché and write an argument against it. Here are a few to start you off:

Time heals all wounds It’s better to be safe than sorry Money is the root of all evil Ignorance is bliss

Open the dictionary at any page and select the first word that catches your eye. Set a timer for 5 minutes and write a list of rhyming words. Now write a poem using as many of those words as you can.
Write a poem about rhythm. It might be about music, or the flow of a river, or the clattering sound of a train. Weave the rhythm you hear in your head into the tempo of your poem.
Write a poem about a feast. Describe how it looks, smells and tastes. Use powerful imagery and include the different sensations of spices and flavors, the texture and feel of the dishes and how each one made you feel as you ate more and more.
Write a poem about the “Thrilla in Manila.”
Write about your plans for tomorrow and how you hope they’ll turn out.
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. ” This is a famous quote about self-sacrifice from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Write an honest journal entry about how far you would be prepared to go to sacrifice your wealth, happiness, health, or safety for a person or principle.
Write about a single day — either the first or last of your life.
Think about the last time you woke up at 4am, in a cold sweat. What was on your mind and how did you resolve it? Did you feel differently about it in the daylight?
Write a letter in your journal to each of your family members, telling them what your love (and/or hate) about them.
What is your personal manifesto? What are the core principles and values that guide everything you do in life?
Make a list of all the things you’d like to say no to, and then write down the reasons why you don’t — or can’t — say no. Is there a pattern? Is there something you can change?
Write about the biggest challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.
Write an open letter to a person or group of people you strongly disagree with and explain why. Use reason not emotion.
Write about the best writing or weight loss tips you can share.
Interview your favorite fictional character.
Describe social media to someone who has never heard of it before. Include advice on which platform might be best for them.
Think of the 3 most unhealthy habits you indulge in and write about how you might be able to break those habits.
What are the top 10 style trends you would like to see make a comeback ?
Write about your views on climate change. Are you a believer or a skeptic? Is the world doing enough? What facts do you know?
Write about a time you had to swallow your pride and do something that made you uncomfortable, either morally or physically.
There is no such thing as a truly unselfish deed. Defend this statement.
If you were to write an autobiography, how would it start?
Write a fantasy story based on the last dream you had.
Write about your favorite place and how it makes you feel. Use all the sensory language you can muster to describe the place.
If you were a dog, what type would you be and who would own you?
If you had the opportunity to turn back time what would you change about the course of your life and why?
What is your favorite thing to eat and what memories does it evoke?
Write a list of your three most prized possessions (inanimate objects, not people or animals). Imagine you are forced to discard one. Which one would it be and explain the reasons for your choice?
Write your own eulogy as a diary entry. What would you like people to know and say about you?
Write 500 words on what financial freedom looks like to you?
Select a book from your bookshelf and open it to any page. Write out the last sentence of the last complete paragraph on that page and continue writing.
Think of your favorite book or film. Now rewrite the ending to something completely different.
If you were to buy a plane ticket today — no expense spared — where would you go and why?

There they are. A compact list of 72 creative prompts. And when you’ve worked your way through these, you might want to move on to the motherlode of creative writing prompts over at Reddit.

Reddit is part social media platform , part community, part media curator, with 520 million monthly visitors subscribing to message boards across 1.2 million sub-categories. Phew!

One of these subcategories is Writing Prompts , with over 14 million subscribers who have posted years’ worth of prompts, so you’ll never run out of inspiration again.

How Else Can I Improve My Creative Writing Skills?

Improving your skills takes lots of writing practice.

And using creative writing ideas and prompts are the best ways to do just that.

But it’s not the only way.

Here are a few other creative writing exercises you might want to explore:

Freewriting

This is when you write about anything that pops into your head. Take a blank page, set a timer for 30 minutes, and start writing. Write whatever your brain tells you to, and don’t worry if it’s nonsensical.

This writing exercise is great for pushing through writers block and allowing your mind to head off in spontaneous directions.

The Adjectives Game

List 5 things you like or dislike tasting, and then list 5 adjectives for each item. For example, you might like the taste of cake. The 5 adjectives might be: sweet, gooey, yummy, nutty, and scrumptious. Now do the same for your other senses.

This builds your sensory vocabulary and ability to write with flair and color.

Perspectives

Write about a recent incident you were involved in, from the point of view of someone else who was involved. Empathy is hugely important in writing and this exercise forces you to step into the shoes of another person and understand their point of view.

Writing authentic dialogue is notoriously hard to master, so this writing exercise will help.

Write about 300 words of a conversation between two people without using ‘he said/she said’ tags. Show the difference and relationship between the two speakers only through the words they use. It’s more challenging than it sounds.

Observation

Think of a color. Now go for a walk or a ride on the bus and note down everything you see of that color. When you get home, write up what you remember (take notes as you go to make it easier).

How many different hues of the color did you see? What did the things you saw make you feel? Was there any connection between them?

Think of an anecdote you like to recount. Write it up in less than 500 words. Now rewrite the same story in 100 words. Now in 50 words. And finally, in 25 words or less, if you can achieve it.

This exercise shows how filler words, background, and context can sometimes get in the way of a good story. It will help you choose your words carefully.

If you’ve got the time and energy, here are a few more creative writing exercises to really help flex those writing muscles.

6 Bonus Writing Tips to Power Up Your Passion and Sharpen Your Skills

Before we let you go…

If you’re looking for creative writing prompts or story ideas, there’s an excellent chance you’re looking for other ways to hone your skills and improve your craft.

Here are 6 bonus writing tips to help you on your journey:

1. Make Time to Write

If you’re not setting aside time to write, you may as well ignore every other piece of advice in this post. Make your writing time sacred and block it off in your calendar. Turn off your phone. Disconnect the internet, close your door, and write.

You can use a daily writing prompt if that helps you get going.

Creating a solid writing habit is the single best thing you can do if you want to be a writer.

2. Set Writing Goals

We set goals for everything in our life: losing weight, saving for a dream holiday, growing our business, and so on. So, do the same for your writing. Measure your progress.

Start with, say, a 300 or 500 word count in a daily session. Once you consistently reach this goal with ease, up the ante and shoot for more challenging targets. 1,000 words a session; 25,000 words a month, and so on. But make sure your goals are not overwhelming.

Writing goals will help you write faster and with more confidence. Over time you will recognize when you are most productive and can use this to your advantage.

3. Pack Your Writing with a Powerful Punch

Fill your writing with passion from an arsenal of power words . Or supercharge your reader’s imagination with a well-aimed metaphor .

Use these two writing devices to turbocharge your prose and watch the words burst off the page with intention.

4. Harness the Power of Grammar

Grammar reduces confusion and brings clarity and confidence to your writing. It’s a good thing and you need to learn the rules .

But grammar can sometimes get in the way of creativity and turn fluid prose into a turgid swamp of clunky awkwardness.

If you need to ignore your grammar checker and start a sentence with a conjunction that feels right, go for it. If you want to brazenly split an infinitive to avoid mangling a sentence, split away.

So, learn the grammar rules, but then learn how to break them . Effectively.

5. Copy Your Writing Heroes — Literally

Pick a writer you’ve always admired, whether it’s a New York Times best-selling author or an influencer in your blogging niche .

Now, put pen to paper and rewrite exactly what they wrote by hand. Don’t think too hard about it. Just go with it.

As you write out their words, you’ll absorb their writing style, their pace and rhythm, their grammar, their word choice, and their sentence structure.

This is one of the most effective ways to sharpen your writing skills and inspire your own writing voice.

6. Read Your Way to Writing Stardom

Every great writer is a great reader. There are no exceptions.

Read daily.

Read fiction and biographies, or read books, blogs and articles. But read in an active way. Stay alert to what grabs your attention and how the writer has crafted his words. Then consciously apply the best techniques to your own writing process.

A Final Word on Writing Prompts

The purpose of a writing prompt is to kickstart your creativity and spur you into writing something… anything.

Initially, the process may seem a little intimidating. But that’s OK. Most writers draw a blank when they first start with writing prompts.

Keep pushing through, because something thrilling will start to happen.

The more you practice using the prompts in this post, the more your creative juices will flow, and the more words and ideas will start pouring out of you.

So, let yourself go. Abandon yourself to the power of writing prompts and let the magic happen.

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.

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78 comments

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

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

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

No it wasnt.

Really helpful and cool, thank you!!!

YESSSSS!!!!!!

Thiz is terrible!

so helpful I really needed this

Super helpful

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

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

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

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

what a geek

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

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

I think random prompts are good prompts.

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

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

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

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

Same I agree

I hope you come up with even better ones!

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

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

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

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

Good ideas and it helped me!

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

love these ideas I would like more if possible!

This helped me with school a lot!!

I feel personally attacked by that last one.

“and finally…” LOL. Agreed

Ha- me too!

Thank You! Your ideas are really quite wonderful. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to read what other people wrote now

That last one had me cracking up.

i second that eva

Really good ones! the last one got me smiling!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much this helped

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

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

these were so good it inspired me to write:)

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

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

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

This took YEARS of me

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

This is very helpful thank you 🙂

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

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

I needed this

Some were a bit sus but ok

SOOOOOOOOOO HELPFUL!!!!!

Every writer NEEDS this book.

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

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

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22nd Feb 2024

Creative Writing Prompts for Writers: 80 Ideas Will Inspire You

Don’t Have Time to Read? Listen to this Article Instead!

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.

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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 .

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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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The 20+ Best Books on Creative Writing

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I write a book?”, “How do I write a short story?”, or “How do I write a poem?” you’re not alone. I’m halfway done my MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and I ask myself these questions a lot, too, though I’m noticing that by now I feel more comfortable with the answers that fit my personal craft. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing candidate, or even a college graduate, in order to soak up the great Wisdom of Words, as I like to call it. Another word for it is craft . That’s because there are so many great books out there on writing craft. In this post, I’ll guide you through 20+ of the most essential books on creative writing. These essential books for writers will teach you what you need to know to write riveting stories and emotionally resonant books—and to sell them.

I just also want to put in a quick plug for my post with the word count of 175 favorite novels . This resource is helpful for any writer.

Now, with that done… Let’s get to it!

What Made the List of Essential Books for Writers—and What Didn’t

So what made the list? And what didn’t?

Unique to this list, these are all books that I have personally used in my journey as a creative and commercial writer.

That journey started when I was 15 and extended through majoring in English and Creative Writing as an undergrad at UPenn through becoming a freelance writer in 2014, starting this book blog, pursuing my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and publishing some fiction and nonfiction books myself . My point here is not to boast, just to explain that these books have all helped me better understand and apply the craft, discipline, and business of writing over the course of more than half my life as I’ve walked the path to become a full-time writer. Your mileage my vary , but each of these books have contributed to my growth as a writer in some way. I’m not endorsing books I’ve never read or reviewed. This list comes from my heart (and pen!).

Most of these books are geared towards fiction writers, not poetry or nonfiction writers

It’s true that I’m only one human and can only write so much in one post. Originally, I wanted this list to be more than 25 books on writing. Yes, 25 books! But it’s just not possible to manage that in a single post. What I’ll do is publish a follow-up article with even more books for writers. Stay tuned!

The most commonly recommended books on writing are left out.

Why? Because they’re everywhere! I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing, ones that aren’t highlighted often enough. You’ll notice that many of these books are self-published because I wanted to give voice to indie authors.

But I did want to include a brief write-up of these books… and, well, you’ve probably heard of them, but here are 7 of the most recommended books on writing:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – With her guided practice on how to rejuvenate your art over the course of 16 weeks, Cameron has fashioned an enduring classic about living and breathing your craft (for artists as well as writers). This book is perhaps best known for popularizing the morning pages method.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner – If you want to better understand how fiction works, John Gardner will be your guide in this timeless book.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – A beloved writing book on process, craft, and overcoming stumbling blocks (both existential and material).

On Writing by Stephen King – A must-read hybrid memoir-craft book on the writer mythos and reality for every writer.

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose – A core writing book that teaches you how to read with a writer’s eye and unlock the ability to recognize and analyze craft for yourself.

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin – Many writers consider this to be their bible on craft and storytelling.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg – A favorite of many writers, this book takes an almost spiritual approach to the art, craft, and experience of writing.

I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing on my list.

These books are all in print.

Over the years, I’ve picked up several awesome books on creative writing from used bookstores. Oh, how I wish I could recommend these! But many of them are out of print. The books on this list are all available new either as eBooks, hardcovers, or paperbacks. I guess this is the right time for my Affiliate Link disclaimer:

This article contains affiliate links, which means I might get a small portion of your purchase. For more on my affiliate link policy, check out my official Affiliate Link Disclaimer .

You’ll notice a lot of the books focus on the business of writing.

Too often, money is a subject that writers won’t talk about. I want to be upfront about the business of writing and making a living as a writer (or not ) with these books. It’s my goal to get every writer, even poets!, to look at writing not just from a craft perspective, but from a commercial POV, too.

And now on to the books!

Part i: the best books on writing craft, the anatomy of story by john truby.

For you if: You want to develop an instinctive skill at understanding the contours of storytelling .

All I want to do as a writer, my MO, is tell good stories well. It took me so long to understand that what really matters to me is good storytelling. That’s it—that’s the essence of what we do as writers… tell good stories well. And in The Anatomy of Story , legendary screenwriting teacher John Truby takes you through story theory. This book is packed with movie references to illustrate the core beat points in story, and many of these example films are actually literary adaptations, making this a crossover craft book for fiction writers and screenwriters alike.

How to read it: Purchase The Anatomy of Story on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The art of memoir by mary karr.

For you if: You’re writing a memoir book or personal essays .

Nobody is a better person to teach memoir writing than Mary Karr, whose memoirs The Liar’s Club and Lit are considered classics of the genre. In The Art of Memoir , Karr delivers a master class on memoir writing, adapted from her experience as a writer and a professor in Syracuse’s prestigious MFA program. What I love about this book as an aspiring memoirist is Karr’s approach, which blends practical, actionable advice with more bigger-picture concepts on things like truth vs. fact in memoir storytelling. Like I said in the intro to this list, I didn’t include many nonfiction and poetry books on this list, but I knew I had to make an exception for The Art of Memoir .

How to read it: Purchase The Art of Memoir on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The emotional craft of fiction by donald maass.

For you if: Plot isn’t your problem, it’s character .

From literary agent Donald Maass, The Emotional Craft of Fiction gives you the skill set you need to master emotionally engaging fiction. Maass’s technique is to show you how readers get pulled into the most resonant, engaging, and unforgettable stories: by going through an emotional journey nimbly crafted by the author. The Emotional Craft of Fiction is a must-have work of craft to balance more plot-driven craft books.

How to read it: Purchase the The Emotional Craft of Fiction on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

How to Write Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson

For you if: You need a quick-and-dirty plotting technique that’s easy to memorize .

I first heard of the “Snowflake Method” in the National Novel Writing Month forums (which, by the way, are excellent places for finding writing craft worksheets, book recommendations, and online resources). In How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method , the Snowflake Method is introduced by its creator. This quick yet thorough plotting and outlining structure is humble and easy to master. If you don’t have time to read a bunch of books on outlining and the hundreds of pages that would require, check out How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method for a quick, 235-page read.

How to read it: Purchase How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Meander, spiral, explode: design and pattern in narrative by jane alison.

For you if: You want to do a deep dive understanding of the core theory of story, a.k.a. narrative.

A most unconventional writing craft book, Meander, Spiral, Explode offers a theory of narrative (story) as recognizable patterns. According to author Jane Alison, there are three main narrative narratives in writing: meandering, spiraling, and exploding. This cerebral book (chock full of examples!) is equal parts seminar on literary theory as it is craft, and it will make you see and understand storytelling better than maybe any book on this list.

How to read it: Purchase Meander, Spiral, Explode on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The modern library writer’s workshop by stephen koch.

For you if: You’re wondering what it means to be the writer you want to become .

This is one of the earliest creative writing books I ever bought and it remains among the best I’ve read. Why? Reading The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop echoes the kind of mind-body-spirit approach you need to take to writing. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop doesn’t teach you the nuts and bolts of writing as much as it teaches you how to envision the machine. Koch zooms out to big picture stuff as much as zeroes in on the little details. This is an outstanding book about getting into the mindset of being a writer, not just in a commercial sense, but as your passion and identity. It’s as close as you’ll get to the feel of an MFA in Fiction education.

How to read it: Purchase The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Romancing the beat by gwen hayes.

For you if: You write or edit the romance genre and want a trusted plotting strategy to craft the perfect love story .

If you’re writing romance, you have to get Gwen Hayes’s Romancing the Beat . This book breaks down the plot points or “beats” you want to hit when you’re crafting your romance novel. When I worked as a romance novel outliner (yes, a real job), our team used Romancing the Beat as its bible; every outline was structured around Hayes’s formula. For romance writers (like myself) I cannot endorse it any higher.

How to read it: Purchase Romancing the Beat on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Save the cat writes a novel by jessica brody.

For you if: You have big ideas for a plot but need to work on the smaller moments that propel stories .

Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel adapts Blake Snyder’s bestselling screenwriting book Save the Cat! into story craft for writing novels. Brody reworks the Save the Cat! methodology in actionable, point-by-point stages of story that are each explained with countless relevant examples. If you want to focus your efforts on plot, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an excellent place to go to start learning the ins and outs of what makes a good story.

How to read it: Purchase Save the Cat! Writes a Novel on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Story genius by lisa cron.

For you if: You’re a pantser and are terrified at outlining yet also realize you might have a “plot problem .”

More than any other book, Lisa Cron’s Story Genius will get you where you need to go for writing amazing stories. Story Genius helps you look at plotting differently, starting from a point of characterization in which our protagonists have a clearly defined need and misbelief that play off each other and move the story forward from an emotional interior and action exterior standpoint. For many of my fellow MFA students—and myself— Story Genius is the missing link book for marrying plot and character so you innately understand the contours of good story.

How to read it: Purchase Story Genius on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Wonderbook: the illustrated guide to creating imaginative fiction by jeff vandermeer.

For you if: You’re writing in a speculative fiction genre—like science fiction, fantasy, or horror—or are trying to better understand those genres.

Jeff VanderMeer’s Wonderbook is a dazzling gem of a book and a can’t-miss-it writing book for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writers. This book will teach you all the skills you need to craft speculative fiction, like world-building, with micro-lessons and close-reads of excellent works in these genres. Wonderbook is also one to linger over, with lavish illustrations and every inch and corner crammed with craft talk for writing imaginative fiction (sometimes called speculative fiction). And who better to guide you through this than Jeff VanderMeer, author of the popular Southern Reach Trilogy, which kicks off with Annihilation , which was adapted into a feature film.

How to read it: Purchase Wonderbook on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing picture books by ann whitford paul.

For you if: You’re looking to write picture books and/or understand how they work .

This book is the only one you need to learn how to write and sell picture books. As an MFA student studying children’s literature, I’ve consulted with this book several times as I’ve dipped my toes into writing picture books, a form I considered scary and intimidating until reading this book. Writing Picture Books should be on the shelf of any writer of children’s literature. a.k.a. “kid lit.”

How to read it: Purchase Writing Picture Books on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing with emotion, conflict, and tension by cheryl st. john.

For you if: You need to work on the conflict, tension, and suspense that keep readers turning pages and your story going forward .

Mmm, conflict. As I said earlier, it’s the element of fiction writing that makes a story interesting and a key aspect of characterization that is underrated. In Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict , bestselling romance author Cheryl St. John offers a masterclass on the delicate dance between incorporating conflict, the emotions it inspires in characters, and the tension that results from those two factors.

How to read it: Purchase Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Part ii: the best books on the productivity, mfas, and the business of writing, 2k to 10k: writing faster, writing better, and writing more of what you love by rachel aaron.

For you if: You struggle to find the time to write and always seem to be a chapter or two behind schedule .

If you’re struggling to find time of your own to write with competing obligations (family, work, whatever) making that hard, you need Rachel Aaron’s 2k to 10k . This book will get you in shape to go from writing just a few words an hour to, eventually, 10,000 words a day. Yes, you read that right. 10,000 words a day. At that rate, you can complete so many more projects and publish more. Writers simply cannot afford to waste time if they want to keep up the kind of production that leads to perpetual publication. Trust me, Aaron’s method works. It has for me. I’m on my way to 10k in the future, currently at like 4 or 5k a day for me at the moment.

How to read it: Purchase 2k to 10k on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 3 a.m. epiphany by brian kitele.

For you if: You’re going through writer’s block, have been away from writing for a while, or just want to loosen up and try something new .

Every writer must own an an exercise or prompt book. Why? Because regularly practicing your writing by going outside your current works-in-progress (or writer’s block) will free you up, help you plant the seeds for new ideas, and defrost your creative blocks. And the best book writing exercise book I know is The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley, an MFA professor who uses prompts like these with his grad students. You’ll find that this book (and its sequel, The 4 A.M. Breakthrough ) go beyond cutesy exercises and forces you to push outside your comfort zone and learn something from the writing you find there.

How to read it: Purchase The 3 A.M. Epiphany on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 4-hour workweek by timothy ferriss.

For you if: You think being a writer means you have to be poor .

The 4-Hour Workweek changed my life. Although not strictly about writing in the traditional sense, The 4-Hour Workweek does an excellent job teaching you about how passive income can offer you freedom. I first heard about The 4-Hour Workweek when I was getting into tarot in 2013. On Biddy Tarot , founder Brigit (author of some of the best books on tarot ) related how she read this book, learned how to create passive income, and quit her corporate job to read tarot full time. As a person with a total and permanent disability, this spoke to me because it offered a way out of the 9-to-5 “active” income that I thought was the only way. I picked up Ferriss’s book and learned that there’s more than one option, and that passive income is a viable way for me to make money even when I’m too sick to work. I saw this come true last year when I was in the hospital. When I got out, I checked my stats and learned I’d made money off my blog and books even while I was hospitalized and couldn’t do any “active” work. I almost cried.; I’ve been working on my passive income game since 2013, and I saw a return on that time investment when I needed it most.

That’s why I’m recommending The 4-Hour Workweek to writers. So much of our trade is producing passive income products. Yes, your books are products! And for many writers, this means rewiring your brain to stop looking at writing strictly as an art that will leave you impoverished for life and start approaching writing as a business that can earn you a real living through passive income. No book will help you break out of that mindset better than The 4-Hour Workweek and its actionable steps, proven method, and numerous examples of people who have followed the strategy and are living the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of but never thought was possible.

How to read it: Purchase The 4-Hour Workweek on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum

For you if: You’re serious about making a living as a writer and publishing with a Big 5 or major indie publisher .

Courtney Maum’s Before and After the Book Deal addresses exactly what its title suggests: what happens after you sell your first book. This book is for ambitious writers intent on submission who know they want to write and want to avoid common pitfalls while negotiating terms and life after your debut. As many published authors would tell you, the debut is one thing, but following that book up with a sustainable, successful career is another trick entirely. Fortunately, we have Maum’s book, packed with to-the-moment details and advice.

How to read it: Purchase Before and After the Book Deal on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Diy mfa: write with focus, read with purpose, build your community by gabriela pereira.

For you if: You’re stressed out wondering if you really need an MFA .

The MFA is under this header “business of writing” because it is absolutely an economic choice you make. And, look, I’m biased. I’m getting an MFA. But back when I was grappling with whether or not it was worth it—the debt, the time, the stress—I consulted with DIY MFA , an exceptional guide to learning how to enrich your writing craft, career, and community outside the structures of an MFA program. I’ve also more than once visited the companion site, DIYMFA.com , to find a kind of never-ending rabbit hole of new and timeless content on the writing life. On DIYMFA.com and in the corresponding book, you’ll find a lively hub for author interviews, writing craft shop talk, reading lists, and business of writing articles.

How to read it: Purchase DIY MFA on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Mfa vs. nyc by chad harbach.

For you if: You’re wondering how far an MFA really gets you—and you’re ready to learn the realities of the publishing world .

About a thousand years ago (well, in 2007), I spent the fall of my sophomore year of college as a “Fiction Submissions and Advertising Intern” for the literary magazine n+1 , which was co-founded by Chad Harbach, who you might know from his buzzy novel, The Art of Fielding . In MFA vs NYC , Harbach offers his perspective as both an MFA graduate and someone deeply enmeshed in the New York City publishing industry. This thought-provoking look at these two arenas that launch writers will pull the wool up from your eyes about how publishing really works . It’s not just Harbach’s voice you get in here, though. The book, slim but mighty, includes perspectives from the likes of George Saunders and David Foster Wallace in the MFA camp and Emily Gould and Keith Gessen speaking to NYC’s writing culture.

How to read it: Purchase MFA vs. NYC on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Scratch: writers, money, and the art of making a living – edited by manjula martin.

For you if: a) You’re worried about how to balance writing with making a living; b) You’re not worried about how to balance writing with making a living .

Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living is alternately one of the most underrated and essential books on writing out there. This collection of personal essays and interviews all revolve around the taboo theme of how writers make their living, and it’s not always—indeed, rarely—through writing alone. Some of the many contributing authors include Cheryl Strayed ( Wild ), Alexander Chee ( How to Write an Autobiographical Novel ), Jennifer Weiner ( Mrs. Everything ), Austin Kleon ( Steal Like an Artist ), and many others. Recently a young woman asked me for career advice on being a professional freelance writer, and I made sure to recommend Scratch as an eye-opening and candid read that is both motivating and candid.

How to read it: Purchase Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Write to market: deliver a book that sells by chris fox.

For you if: You don’t know why your books aren’t selling—and you want to start turning a profit by getting a real publishing strategy

So you don’t have to be an indie author to internalize the invaluable wisdom you’ll find here in Write to Market . I first heard about Write to Market when I first joined the 20Booksto50K writing group on Facebook , a massive, supportive, motivating community of mostly indie authors. Everyone kept talking about Write to Market . I read the book in a day and found the way I looked at publishing change. Essentially, what Chris Fox does in Write to Market is help you learn to identify what are viable publishing niches. Following his method, I’ve since published several successful and #1 bestselling books in the quotations genre on Amazon . Without Fox’s book, I’m not sure I would have gotten there on my own.

How to read it: Purchase Write to Market on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

And that’s a wrap what are some of your favorite writing books, share this:, you might be interested in.

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Sarah S. Davis is the founder of Broke by Books, a blog about her journey as a schizoaffective disorder bipolar type writer and reader. Sarah's writing about books has appeared on Book Riot, Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, BookRags, PsychCentral, and more. She has a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Library and Information Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

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30 September Writing Prompts

by Sue Weems | 0 comments

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Whether you enjoy the back to school season or not, as writers, it marks a new publishing season, with pub houses, literary magsazines, and agents often reopening to submissions for the fall. We start our new semester of 100 Day Book and launch a contest (see details for upcoming contests here !).

Here are some September writing prompts to usher in a new writing season!

Daily Writing Prompts: Favorite Fall Things

What marks the beginning of fall for you and why?
What favorite books or movies do you associate with fall and why?
Describe your favorite fall scent and why you love it.
What is your go-to fall activity? Why do you enjoy it?
Write about your favorite fall food or drink.
What's your favorite fall holiday and how do you celebrate it?
What's your favorite fall tradition, and how did it start?
What is your favorite type of fall weather, and how do you spend the day when it happens?
What's your favorite fall memory from childhood, and why does it stand out?
If you could visit anywhere in fall, where would it be and why?

Creative Writing Prompts: Back-to-School Edition

A student discovers a secret passageway in the school library that leads to a mysterious room. What do they find?
A new art teacher arrives with a suitcase full of enchanted art supplies. When students use them, their drawings come to life.
After a freak storm, the entire school is transported to another dimension. How do the students and teachers navigate their strange new world?
A student finds an old diary hidden in the school's attic, detailing strange events that took place in the school 50 years ago.
Every time the school bell rings, time seems to reset. One student notices and tries to break the loop.
The janitor has a strange keychain full of keys that don’t seem to fit any door in the school—until one student finds a hidden door in the basement.
The class pet disappears from its cage, and strange things start happening in the school afterward.
The principal announces that there will be no more tests, but instead, students must pass secret challenges hidden throughout the school to move to the next grade.
A classroom supply closet opens up into an entirely different kind of school where…
One grade level's favorite teacher proposes a new club, but at its first meeting…

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Daily Prompts: September Resets

With four months left of the year, what is one thing you hope to accomplish and why?
Which bits of summer were your favorite and why? (or alternately, why are you glad summer is waning or over?)
If you could create a new rule or tradition for September that everyone followed for the month, what would it be and why?
What is something you're deeply grateful for today?
What personal habit do you want to improve or start fresh with this month?
What’s one thing you’ll do differently this month to take better care of yourself?
What's one new thing you've been wanting to do that you could try this month?
Write a letter to yourself about the lessons you learned last month. What advice do you give yourself moving forward?
Imagine your ideal month ahead. What are three things you’ll prioritize to make it fulfilling?
Imagine it is the last day of the month. Describe what you'd like to celebrate on September 30.

There you go! Thirty fun writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing all month long. Even taking the time to complete one prompt a week with thoughtful writing can go a long way to meeting your writing goals, improving your skills, and reminding you to take a minute to breathe.

Which one will you try first?

What do you love about September? Let us know in the comments.

Set the timer for 15 minutes . Choose one of the prompts and write until time is up. When you're finished, share your story in the Pro Practice Workshop for feedback from the community. And if you share, please be sure to comment on a few stories by other writers.

Not in a community yet? Join us here!

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

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Award-winning instructor and writer of 20+ years, book coach, and editor. Sue Weems specializes in working with Children's, Memoir, Middle Grade, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, and Thriller books. Sound like a good fit for you?

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How to Write a Story: A Guide for Creative Writers

by Andrea Feccomandi
August 27, 2024

There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing a story to life, watching your characters grow and your world take shape. Storytelling isn’t just about writing; it’s about connecting with others through your words .

But to do that, you need to know the basic elements—like characters, plot, and setting. Think of these as the building blocks of your story. Without them, your story can’t stand strong.

This guide on how to write a story will take you through each step, making the process manageable and even enjoyable, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve.

Story Meaning in Creative Writing

Let’s start with the definition of a story in creative writing.

STORY DEFINITION IN CREATIVE WRITING What is a Story? A story is a structured narrative that goes beyond a mere sequence of events. In creative writing, a story is an intentionally crafted experience designed to guide the reader through a progression of events and situations. It involves the creation of a fictional world, the introduction of characters, and the development of scenarios that lead to meaningful change or development in those characters.

How to Write a Story: Key Components of a Story

To understand how to write a story, you first need to grasp its key components: characters, setting, plot, conflict, and theme.

Characters are the heart of your story. They are the people, creatures, or beings that the reader follows. Think of them as the players in a game. Without characters, there’s no one to move through the story, no one to experience the events you’ve created.

Each character should have a purpose , desires , and challenges . For example, in a mystery story , your main character might be a detective determined to solve a crime. Their actions and choices drive the plot forward .

The setting is the world where your story takes place. It’s the backdrop against which your characters act. This could be a bustling city, a quiet village, or even a distant planet.

The setting influences the mood of your story and can even affect the actions of your characters . For instance, a story set in a haunted house might feel eerie and suspenseful, while a story set on a sunny beach might feel light and carefree.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up your story. It’s what happens to your characters as they move through the setting. A strong plot has a clear beginning, middle, and end. It might start with a problem or goal, build up as the characters face challenges, and end with a resolution.

Imagine a plot as a roadmap. It shows the direction your story will take , guiding the characters from the start to the finish line.

Conflict is what gives your story tension and drama . It’s the struggle between opposing forces that keeps the reader engaged. Conflict can be external, like a character fighting against another character or a natural disaster, or internal, like a character struggling with their own fears or doubts.

In a romance story , the conflict might be the obstacles that keep two characters apart. In a thriller, it could be the protagonist’s battle against a dangerous enemy.

Finally, the theme is the underlying message or lesson of your story . It’s what you want the reader to take away after they’ve finished reading.

The theme is often subtle, woven into the characters’ actions and the plot. For example, in a story about friendship, the theme might be the importance of loyalty and trust.

To survive, you must tell stories. Umberto Eco , The Island of the Day Before

Types of Stories

Stories come in many shapes and sizes. Understanding the type of story you want to write can help shape your approach. Different genres and formats offer different challenges and opportunities.

Genres like romance, science fiction, fantasy , and horror each have their own conventions and expectations . For example, a romance story usually focuses on relationships and emotions, while a science fiction story might explore futuristic technology or alien worlds. Knowing your genre helps you meet readers’ expectations while allowing you to play with the boundaries of that genre.

The format of your story also matters. A short story is brief, often focusing on a single event or moment in a character’s life. It requires concise writing and a tight plot. A novel , on the other hand, gives you more space to develop characters, explore subplots, and build a complex world. A novella falls somewhere in between, offering more depth than a short story but requiring more focus than a novel.

Choosing the right genre and format is like choosing the right tool for a job. It helps you focus your ideas and guides your storytelling . Whether you’re writing a quick, impactful short story or a sprawling epic novel, understanding these basics will set you on the right path.

How to Write a Story: Developing an Idea

The first step in learning how to write a story is developing a solid idea . This process involves finding inspiration and then refining that inspiration into something you can work with.

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration for a story can come from anywhere. It might spark from a conversation you overhear, a place you visit, or even a memory.

To find inspiration, start by observing the world around you . Pay attention to the small details—the way the light hits a building, the expressions people wear on their faces, or the rhythm of a crowded street. These observations can serve as the seeds for your story.

Reading widely also fuels inspiration. Explore different genres, styles, and authors. Notice how they craft their stories, how they build characters, and how they create tension. As you read, ask yourself what you would do differently. This can help you generate new ideas and find your unique voice.

Brainstorming is another effective way to develop story ideas. Sit down with a notebook and write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how vague or disconnected. You might start with a single word, a character, or a situation. Don’t worry about making sense at this stage. The goal is to let your imagination run free and gather raw material.

How to write a story: bibisco's mind map tool helps you find inspiration and refine your story idea.

Refining Your Idea

Once you have a list of potential ideas, it’s time to refine them. Broad ideas often need narrowing down to become workable. Start by asking yourself some key questions : What is the main conflict in this idea? Who are the characters involved? Where and when does the story take place? These questions help you focus your idea and give it structure.

Originality is crucial in refining your idea. While it’s fine to take inspiration from existing stories, your version should bring something new to the table. Avoid clichés and overused tropes. Instead, think about how you can twist the familiar into something fresh . For example, if your idea involves a classic hero’s journey , consider how you might change the setting or alter the character’s motivation to make the story uniquely yours.

Adding personal touches also strengthens your story idea. Draw from your experiences, emotions, and perspectives. These elements give your story authenticity and depth. For instance, if you’re writing a story about overcoming fear, reflect on a time when you faced something scary. This personal connection will resonate with readers.

For example, let’s say you start with a basic concept: a person who wants to escape their small town . To refine this into a workable story, you might decide that the protagonist is a young woman who dreams of becoming an artist. The conflict arises because her family expects her to take over the family business. The setting could be a rural town that feels isolated and stifling. This simple idea now has direction, characters, and a central conflict, making it a strong foundation for your story.

How to Write a Story: Creating Compelling Characters

In learning how to write a story, creating compelling characters is one of the most crucial steps. Characters are the driving force behind your story . Readers connect with them , root for them, and follow them on their journey. To make your characters stand out, they need to be relatable, complex, and dynamic.

Character Development

Character development begins with understanding who your character is at their core . Think of your character as a real person. They should have goals, motivations, and flaws. Goals drive your character forward , giving them something to strive for. For example, a character might want to win a race, solve a mystery, or find love. These goals give your story direction.

Motivations explain why your character wants to achieve their goals . They add depth and make your character’s actions believable. If your character wants to win a race, their motivation might be to prove their worth, escape a difficult past, or fulfill a promise. Understanding these motivations helps you write actions and decisions that feel true to the character .

Flaws make your character human . No one is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be either. Flaws could be anything from stubbornness to insecurity to a quick temper. These flaws create tension and conflict in your story, making it more engaging. For instance, a character who is too stubborn might refuse help when they need it, leading to further challenges.

With bibisco's character development tools, you can craft believable characters who resonate with your readers.

Character Arcs

A character arc describes how a character changes throughout your story . A well-written arc adds depth and makes your story more satisfying. There are different types of character arcs, and the one you choose depends on your story.

A positive arc shows a character growing or improving . They start with a flaw or a false belief, but through the events of the story, they learn, change, and become better. For example, a character who begins as selfish might learn the value of helping others.

A negative arc shows a character’s downfall . Instead of growing, the character makes poor choices or refuses to change, leading to their decline. This arc can be powerful in tragedies or dark stories.

A flat arc involves a character who doesn’t change much but influences the world around them . This type of character often has strong beliefs or principles and helps others grow. Think of a mentor figure who stays consistent while guiding the protagonist.

Dialogue and Voice

Dialogue is a key tool for revealing character . It’s not just about what your characters say, but how they say it . To write authentic dialogue , consider each character’s background, personality, and current emotional state. A well-educated character might speak formally, while a teenager might use slang or short sentences.

Differentiating your characters through their speech patterns is crucial. It helps readers instantly recognize who is speaking, even without dialogue tags. For example, one character might be sarcastic, always making jokes, while another might be straightforward and serious. These differences make your characters more distinct and memorable.

Voice is another important aspect of a character. It refers to the unique way a character views and describes the world. A character’s voice should match their personality and background. For instance, a cynical character might describe things with a negative twist, while an optimistic character sees the bright side. This consistency in voice strengthens your character and makes them feel real.

How to Write a Story: Crafting the Plot

Learning how to write a story involves mastering the art of plot crafting. The plot is the backbone of your story. It guides your characters from beginning to end and keeps your readers engaged. To create a strong plot, you need to understand plot structure, pacing, tension, and the use of subplots.

Plot Structure

Plot structure is the framework that shapes your story . It provides a roadmap for your characters’ journey. Two common plot structures are the three-act structure and the Hero’s Journey.

In the three-act structure , the story is divided into three parts: setup, conflict, and resolution. The setup introduces the characters, the world, and the main problem. The conflict is the core of the story where challenges build, leading to the climax. The climax is the peak of the story, where everything comes to a head. After the climax, the resolution ties up loose ends and concludes the story.

The Hero’s Journey is another popular structure. It follows a character (the Hero ) who starts in their ordinary world but is soon called to an adventure. Along the way, they face trials, make allies, and confront their greatest challenge. After overcoming this challenge, the hero returns home, transformed by their experiences .

How to write a story: the Hero's Journey.

Both structures provide clear steps to follow, making it easier to organize your story. Whether you use the three-act structure or the Hero’s Journey, the goal is to create a plot that feels complete and satisfying.

Pacing and Tension

Pacing is how you control the speed of your story . It’s important to maintain a balance between fast-paced action and slower, more reflective moments. If your story moves too quickly, readers might miss important details. If it moves too slowly, they might lose interest.

To maintain good pacing, vary the length of your scenes . Short, quick scenes can build excitement and move the story forward. Longer scenes can slow things down and give readers a chance to catch their breath. Also, consider where you place important events. Spacing out major plot points keeps readers engaged and eager to see what happens next.

Tension is what keeps readers on the edge of their seats . It’s the sense that something important is at stake and that the outcome is uncertain. To build tension, gradually increase the obstacles your characters face. Start with smaller challenges, then escalate to bigger, more threatening situations. For example, in a mystery story, the tension might rise as the detective uncovers clues, leading to a final confrontation with the villain.

Subplots are secondary stories that run alongside your main plot. They add depth and complexity to your narrative, making it richer and more engaging. Subplots can explore side characters, develop themes, or provide a different perspective on the main story.

When creating subplots, ensure they complement the main plot . They should not distract from the primary narrative but instead enhance it. For example, if your main plot is about a hero saving the world, a subplot might explore the hero’s relationship with a close friend, adding emotional depth.

Weaving subplots into your story requires balance . Introduce them naturally, and make sure they connect to the main plot at key points. This connection helps to maintain the story’s focus and ensures that all elements of the plot work together.

How to Write a Story: Setting the Scene

When learning how to write a story, setting plays a crucial role. A well-crafted setting does more than provide a backdrop; it immerses the reader in your world and shapes the entire narrative. Let’s explore how to build a compelling setting and use it to enhance your story.

World-Building

World-building is the process of creating a believable and immersive setting for your story. Whether your story takes place in a real location or a fictional one, the setting must feel real to the reader .

Start by developing the physical landscape . Think about the environment—are there mountains, forests, cities, or oceans? What’s the climate like? How does the weather affect the characters’ daily lives?

Next, consider the cultural landscape . What are the customs, traditions, and values of the people who live in this world? How do these influence the characters and their actions? For example, in a society where honor is highly valued, a character might go to great lengths to protect their reputation.

Finally, think about the emotional landscape . How does the setting make the characters feel? A bustling city might create a sense of excitement or stress, while a quiet village could evoke feelings of peace or isolation. These emotional cues help the reader connect with the setting on a deeper level.

Create a rich and detailed setting for your story with bibisco's world-building tools.

Using Setting to Enhance the Story

The setting is not just a backdrop; it influences the mood, theme, and character actions . Use the setting to create a specific atmosphere. For example, a story set in a dark, rainy city might feel tense and mysterious, while a story set in a bright, sunny field might feel warm and hopeful.

Setting can also reinforce the theme of your story. In The Great Gatsby , for example, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the opulent settings of West Egg and East Egg to highlight the theme of wealth and its corrupting influence.

By carefully crafting your setting and using it to enhance the story, you can create a world that feels alive and integral to the narrative . As you continue to learn how to write a story, remember that a strong setting can be as important as the characters and plot.

How to Write a Story: Writing the First Draft

When learning how to write a story, the first draft is a crucial step. It’s where your ideas take shape on the page. This stage can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can overcome the fear of the blank page and start writing with confidence.

Getting Started

Starting your first draft can be intimidating. The blank page often feels like a huge obstacle. To overcome this fear, remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t need to be perfect . It’s about getting your ideas down, not about crafting flawless prose. Think of it as building the foundation of a house—you’re just putting up the framework. The details can come later.

To start strong, consider beginning with a scene or moment that excites you . Don’t worry about writing in order. If there’s a particular scene that’s clear in your mind, write that first. This helps you build momentum. Once you’re in the flow, it becomes easier to tackle other parts of the story.

Writing Techniques

Several writing techniques can help you move through your first draft. Freewriting is a useful method. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write without stopping. Don’t edit or second-guess yourself; just let the words flow. This technique helps you bypass your inner critic and get your ideas on paper.

Word sprints are another effective strategy. Set a timer for a short period, like 20 minutes, and challenge yourself to write as much as possible. The pressure of the timer can push you to write faster and worry less about making it perfect.

Setting daily goals can also keep you on track. Decide on a specific word count to hit each day, whether it’s 300 words or 1,000. Consistent progress, even in small amounts, adds up over time.

Remember, the goal of the first draft is to get the story down. Don’t get caught up in editing or fixing every sentence. There will be time to refine your work later. For now, focus on moving the story forward.

How to write a story: bibisco helps you set and track your writing goals and stay motivated

Dealing with Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common challenge during the first draft. When you feel stuck, it’s important to take a step back. Breaks are crucial . Step away from your writing, take a walk, or do something else you enjoy. This gives your mind a chance to reset.

Changing your scenery can also help. If you’ve been writing at your desk, try moving to a different room, a coffee shop, or even outside. A new environment can spark fresh ideas and break through mental barriers.

Revisiting your inspiration can reignite your creativity. Look back at what inspired you to write this story in the first place. Read a favorite book, watch a movie that relates to your theme, or browse through your notes. These activities can remind you of your passion for the story and help you push past the block.

How to Write a Story: Revising and Editing

Once you’ve completed your first draft, the real work begins. Learning how to write a story doesn’t stop at getting your ideas down; it involves shaping and refining those ideas into a polished narrative. Revising and editing are essential steps in this process.

Importance of Revisions

The first draft is just the start. Think of it as the rough clay that you’ll now mold into its final form. Revisions allow you to step back and see the bigger picture . This is your chance to rework the plot, deepen character development, and improve pacing. For example, you might find that a subplot needs more attention or that a character’s motivations aren’t clear. Revising helps you address these issues and strengthen your story.

During revision, focus on the structure of your story . Does the plot flow logically? Are the character arcs satisfying? Is the pacing consistent? These questions guide your revisions and help you see where changes are needed. For instance, if the middle of your story drags, you might need to cut unnecessary scenes or add more conflict.

Self-Editing Techniques

After revising, it’s time to edit your work. Self-editing is a crucial skill in learning how to write a story. Start by checking for consistency . Ensure that characters act in ways that align with their personalities and that the plot doesn’t have gaps or contradictions. For example, if a character is afraid of heights, they shouldn’t suddenly climb a mountain without explanation.

Next, tighten your prose . Look for areas where you can be more concise. Remove unnecessary words, redundant phrases, and anything that doesn’t serve the story. This makes your writing clearer and more engaging. Also, watch out for clichés . These overused expressions can weaken your story. Replace them with original descriptions that better capture your unique voice.

Ensure your story's logical and chronological consistency with bibisco's timeline tool.

Seeking Feedback

External feedback is vital in the revision process. After you’ve done your self-edits, consider sharing your story with beta readers or a writing group. These readers can spot issues you might have missed, such as unclear plot points or characters that need more development.

When receiving feedback, it’s important to stay open and objective . Criticism can be tough, but it’s meant to help you improve. Focus on the suggestions that resonate with you and use them to strengthen your story. For example, if multiple readers mention that a certain scene feels out of place, it’s worth re-examining that part of your story.

Final Steps: Polishing Your Story

You’ve revised and edited your story, and now it’s time to polish it. This final stage is crucial in learning how to write a story that’s ready to share with the world. Polishing involves careful proofreading, proper formatting, and preparing your story for submission or publication.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the last line of defense before your story goes out into the world . It’s about catching those small errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that can distract readers and undermine your professionalism. Take the time to read through your manuscript slowly, line by line. Look for common mistakes like misplaced commas, incorrect verb tenses, or misspelled words.

A clean, error-free manuscript shows that you care about your work and respect your readers . It also makes a better impression on agents, publishers, or anyone else who might read your story. Consider reading your story out loud . Hearing the words can help you catch mistakes that your eyes might skip over.

Formatting and Presentation

Once your manuscript is error-free, focus on formatting. Proper formatting makes your manuscript look professional and easy to read. If you’re submitting to a publisher or agent, follow their specific guidelines. Common formatting standards include using a readable font like Times New Roman, double-spacing the text, and including page numbers.

Different formats may require different presentation styles . For instance, a manuscript intended for print might need different margins or paper size than one intended for digital platforms. If you’re self-publishing, make sure your manuscript is formatted correctly for the platform you’re using, whether it’s an eBook or a print-on-demand service.

Presentation matters because it’s the first thing a reader or publisher sees. A well-formatted manuscript shows that you’ve taken the time to present your story in the best possible way.

Submitting or Publishing Your Story

After polishing your story, it’s time to decide how you want to share it with the world. There are several avenues for publishing, each with its own process.

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to agents or publishers . If you choose this route, you’ll need to write a query letter. This letter is your pitch, a brief introduction to your story, and why it would be a good fit for the publisher. Keep it concise and professional. Highlight the main points of your story, such as the genre, the central conflict, and what makes it unique.

Self-publishing is another option. It allows you to maintain control over your work and how it’s presented. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark make it easy to publish your book as an eBook or in print. However, self-publishing requires more responsibility , as you’ll handle everything from editing to marketing.

Online platforms , like blogs or writing communities, offer a way to share your story with a wide audience. These platforms often have less formal submission processes, making them a good option if you’re looking to get feedback or build an audience quickly.

How Bibisco Novel Writing Software Can Help You Write Your Story

bibisco novel writing software is a powerful tool that simplifies the writing process. It offers features designed for creative writing , helping you organize your ideas and stay focused. With bibisco, you can create and develop your characters, structure your plot, and manage your scenes.

How to write a science fiction novel: bibisco chapters and scenes management tools

bibisco provides a clear overview of your story , making it easier to see how all the pieces fit together. You can track your progress, set writing goals, and keep everything in one place.

Whether you’re just starting or refining your draft, bibisco supports every step of your writing journey .

Conclusion: How to Write a Story

In this guide, we’ve explored the key steps a writer should follow to learn how to write a story. Each step brings you closer to creating a story that resonates.

Writing is a journey, and every story you create is a step forward. Embrace the creative process, even when it feels challenging.

Remember, storytelling has the power to connect people and share experiences across time and place. Your story, no matter how small it seems, has the potential to touch someone’s life. Start writing and let your voice be heard.

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6 Responses

Adorei as orientações! Um resumo muito útil inclusive para professores de linguagens.

I enjoyed reading this article as it gives a complete guide to creative writing in a quick read rather than a 400-page book. Thank you.

Thank you for reading, Hamish.

Very informative and easy to read. Gives a great insight into writing without overloading the reader with too much information. Thank you.

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Home / Book Writing / How to Write Dark Fantasy: A Guide for New Authors

How to Write Dark Fantasy: A Guide for New Authors

One of the (many) great things about the new publishing landscape is the plethora of books available for all different tastes. No matter how strange or niche you think your tastes are, you're likely to find something that will scratch that particular itch.

While dark fantasy isn't all that niche, it's a broad enough genre that it contains a number of different subcategories and story types to appeal to a broad audience of avid readers.

So in this article, I'll go over how to write dark fantasy readers will love.

The definition of dark fantasy
What to do before you start writing your dark fantasy novel
Tips for writing your dark fantasy

What is Dark Fantasy?

Dark fantasy is characterized by the mixture of sinister elements commonly found in horror, and fantastic settings and storylines commonly found in fantasy. While traditional fantasy novels usually have happy endings, this is not always the case for dark fantasy. Likewise, the books of this fantasy genre explore darker themes than the often black-and-white, good-vs-evil of other fantasy genres.

The worlds in dark fantasy are often just that—dark. It's not always easy to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys. Morally ambiguous antiheroes are common protagonists in dark fantasy novels.

Different Types of Fantasy

To understand dark fantasy, it's important to make a distinction between it and other types of fantasy. Here's a brief overview of the most common fantasy subgenres .

High Fantasy – Sometimes called epic fantasy, these stories have clear heroes and villains and usually feature a wide-ranging conflict with extremely high stakes. You can often spot a high fantasy story by its extensive cast of characters and its epic storyline.
Low Fantasy – These stories usually feature some sort of magic from a fantasy world coming into the real world. In essence, these stories are a little more grounded in our reality than epic fantasy stories.
Urban Fantasy – Urban fantasy narratives usually take place in the modern day, in our world, where magic is used but not widely, and often not with the knowledge of the world at large.
Grimdark – Grimdark fantasy is dark fantasy cranked up to the utmost. Where there may be some pockets of goodness in a dark fantasy world, there's nothing but evil, war, pestilence, and backstabbers in a grimdark fantasy world.

It’s worth noting that there’s overlap between genres and definitions can vary depending on the source.

Dark Fantasy Novels to Read

To get a feel for a good dark fantasy story , it's good to read what others have done before. The most well-known dark fantasy series is probably A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, thanks to the Game of Thrones HBO show. (That series could also be considered epic fantasy.) But it's important to read widely in the genre.

Here are just a few excellent examples to get you started:

The Citadel of Fear by Gertrude Barrows
The Black Company series by Glen Cook
Most of Clive Barker’s catalog
Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

Research Your Genre Before You Write

While there aren't a ton of dark fantasy categories on Amazon, it's still important to do your genre research before you start writing.

There is a dark fantasy category under the broader horror category, but there's also one in the teen and young adult category. In the past, Amazon would let you put your book in both adult and teen/young adult categories, but they've been cracking down on this recently.

While they won't explicitly prevent you from selecting both major dark fantasy categories (yet), they're likely to simply remove your book from whichever category they feel doesn't fit and put it into one they feel suits the novel better, even if they're way off.

This is why it's so important to research your genre first and determine which categories you will put your book in. If you're planning on writing a really dark and violent fantasy, you'll probably want to stick to the non-young adult categories. But then that begs the question: which three will you choose?

The less competitive the category, the more likely you are to rank in the top 100 . And if you can get into the top 100, you're more likely to get the algorithm to work for you to get organic sales.

This is one big reason why we created Publisher Rocket. This tool pulls information directly from Amazon to give you easy-to-understand information about:

Customer search terms related to dark fantasy and similar genres.
Category data to help you decide which three categories to put your book in.
Competition data so you can know what you’re up against in a given category.
Amazon ads keywords to use in your marketing efforts.

Using this tool can help you get your dark fantasy novel out on the right foot from the moment you press publish. Check out Publisher Rocket here to learn more.

How to Write Dark Fantasy: Writing Tips

Formatting has never been easier.

Write and format professional books with ease. Never before has creating formatted books been easier.

The following tips can get you started on your dark fantasy story. Whether you like to outline or just fly by the seat of your pants, these tips can help you flesh out your story idea.

Contemplate Your Fantasy World

One trope common among all types of fantasy is the world in which the story takes place. In a dark fantasy, the world is often dark and gritty. Maybe there's a curse on the land and the people within, or a vicious army that has come in and taken over what was once an idyllic kingdom. These are pretty basic examples, but you get the idea.

Part of the fun is determining the logic of your fantasy world and why it is the way it is. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fantasy . You can create an entire magic system that operates within the world, or you can make magic a rarity in your world, only used by a select few crazy enough to try and tame it. It's completely up to you.

When it comes to any societies in your fantasy world (those not already besieged by some Great Evil, anyway), don't shy away from the more unpleasant modes of operation. You'll often find that societies in dark fantasy novels are brutal and unforgiving, operating on the backs of slaves and crushing the weak under the constantly churning wheels of civilization.

In some dark fantasy series, there's no such thing as a “good” society with a benevolent ruler. If there is, they're usually conquered during the course of the story. More often, you'll find bad and “less bad” societies, along with hordes of wild people and/or creatures who live outside the walls of “civilization,” such as it is.

Craft Your Protagonist

When I'm crafting a dark fantasy protagonist, I like to think of your average protagonists from Disney fairy tales and then do the opposite of that. Whether your main character is male or female, they should be deeply flawed, gruff, and the furthest thing from a traditional hero as you can think.

Often, the protagonist in a dark fantasy doesn't have any truly heroic tendencies—just a goal in opposition to that of the antagonist. This goal is usually driven by pure selfishness, such as seeking riches, power, or revenge.

However, while dark fantasy readers expect these kinds of protagonists, it's still important to give the reader a reason to like yours. There are a number of ways to do this, such as making them funny, giving them a sympathetic past, or just having them demonstrate how not as bad they are compared to other brutes in your dark fantasy world.

Consider Magic and Creatures

As mentioned above, dark fantasy has elements of horror in it, often in the form of magic and magical creatures. While a traditional high fantasy novel may have cute unicorns and benevolent elves, a dark fantasy novel is more likely to have unicorns who are vicious and elves who kill anyone who crosses them with no questions asked.

A dark fantasy book may also feature other fictional creatures , such as vampires, werewolves, and Eldritch gods in the vein of Cthulhu.

When it comes to magic in a dark fantasy story, it's not going to be pretty. Often, using magic takes a terrible toll on the user, or requires some heinous sacrifice to use it in the first place. Those who wield it use it for evil, creating death, destruction, and disfigurement for pleasure or power.

Other times, magic is barely used due to its difficulty or limited usefulness. When it is used, bad things tend to happen.

Conjure Your Antagonist

There's something about a good antagonist that really gets the heart pumping. If you can make your readers understand but hate the Big Bad in your dark fantasy novel, it will go a long way to getting them invested in the story.

Since there's no guarantee of a happy ending in these stories, the reader will want to see whether the villain is vanquished or not. Since dark fantasy doesn't often hold back on the gritty and brutal, you can really turn your antagonist up to eleven.

Keep in mind that this doesn't have to be a human or even a human-like character. Although the books fall under the epic fantasy heading, Sauron from The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a great non-human antagonist.

Your antagonist doesn't even have to be a single being. It could be a group, a curse, or even some powerful and destructive magical element that no one truly understands.

Create Conflict

The key to any compelling fantasy story is conflict. What kind of conflict will depend on the story and characters, but it should be the driving force behind the plot.

It's never a bad idea to study plot structures like the Hero's Journey , which has conflict built into it (as do other plot structures ). The conflict often starts when something pulls the main character out of their “ordinary world” (even if that world is filled with magical creatures and horrendous curses).

The primary conflict should make sense for your characters. Again, this isn't usually the heroic prince heading off to save a damsel in distress. In dark fantasy, the protagonist is often acting out of purely selfish motivations.

Speaking of motivations, let's talk about character development.

Develop Characters

While you'll often see a positive character arc for main characters in most other fantasy fiction. This is where the character changes for the better by the end of the story.

Dark fantasy is a little different. While there's no rule against having a positive character arc in your novel, it's more common to have a flat arc or a negative arc.

As you can probably imagine, a flat arc is where the character doesn't noticeably change. They may learn a new skill or overcome challenges, but they don't change internally.

A negative arc is where the character changes for the worse. This is possible even when your character accomplishes their goal. If they're motivated by revenge or a quest for riches at the cost of their morality, a negative arc is common even when there's a “happy” ending for the character.

Consider Your Ending

Like other genre fiction, you'll want to end your fantasy story with an exciting climax . While this often includes action of some sort, like a battle or a head-to-head confrontation, any action you include should be meaningful for the characters involved.

Remember your dark fantasy book doesn't have to have a happy ending. It can have an unhappy ending or a neutral one where the outcome is neither good nor bad for your main character—they end up not accomplishing their goal but not losing everything either.

The part of your book after your climax is also the place to set up the next book if you're writing a series.

Stick to a Writing Habit

Like all artistic endeavors, creative writing only pays off when you do it consistently. In the beginning, creating a writing habit can be difficult, but you can do small things to reinforce the habit and help you do it every day.

This is why the team at Atticus has added a writing goal tool. You simply set your goal for whatever days of the week you want, and Atticus will record your words as you write in the app. It will let you know when you've reached your goal and how many words you have left. This is a simple but effective way to reinforce your writing habit.

When you're ready to bring your dark fantasy world to life, having the right tools can make all the difference. That's where Atticus comes in. This powerful book writing and formatting software is designed with authors in mind, offering features that are particularly useful for fantasy writers.

With Atticus, you can easily organize your complex world-building notes, keep track of your gritty characters, and set writing goals to maintain consistency in your dark fantasy writing journey. Its distraction-free writing environment allows you to immerse yourself fully in your brooding universe.

Once your manuscript is ready, Atticus seamlessly transitions to formatting, ensuring your dark fantasy novel looks as professional and captivating on the page as it does in your imagination. Whether you're publishing an ebook or print version, Atticus has you covered.

Ready to elevate your dark fantasy writing experience? Check out Atticus at and see how it can transform your writing process.

How to Write Dark Fantasy: Conclusion

As a dark fantasy author, you get to create a brutal and unforgiving world populated by unique characters and creatures with a one-of-a-kind set of rules. This type of dark fiction has a ready-made audience of hungry readers looking for books similar to the ones they love. If you can hit all the right tropes and present your book with a professional cover and a great-looking interior, it's very possible to make a living as a fantasy writer!

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

How to write a book using microsoft word, how to plot a novel: a step-by-step guide for writers, best book writing software 2024 [writing, editing & focus], sell more books on amazon, amazon kindle rankings e-book.

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being Hardcover – January 17, 2023

Print length 432 pages
Language English
Publisher Penguin Press
Publication date January 17, 2023
Dimensions 6.25 x 1.38 x 8.81 inches
ISBN-10 0593652886
ISBN-13 978-0593652886
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From the Publisher

Image of the cover of THE CREATIVE ACT by Rick Rubin. With text that reads: Everyone is a creator.

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Press (January 17, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593652886
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593652886
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.38 x 8.81 inches
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Customers find the book inspiring and easy to read. They appreciate the writing style as easy to understand and the process broken down and explained. Customers also describe the book as very special and wonderful. Opinions are mixed on the length, with some finding it short and others saying it's extremely repetitive.

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Customers find the book has much inspiration, guidance in new directions, and thoughts to meditate on. They also say Rick Rubin has a wonderful, centered perspective on life. Readers say the book is one of the major reference resources they've found. They mention that musicians will also find valuable insights.

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Customers find the book very easy to read. They also say the very short chapters are great for ADHD.

"...own creative genius inside and this book is a wonderful text to read and reread for inspiration , thoughts to meditate on, and invite conversations..." Read more

"...And the content is fantastic . I wasn’t sure what to expect but Rick Rubin has a wonderful, very centered perspective on life...." Read more

"This book was a wonderful treatise on what it means to be and live as an artist...." Read more

"For all creatives this is fantastic . I will read this again. I don't like keeping so many books, but this one is worth it for my library." Read more

Customers find the writing style very easy to digest, artfully written, simple, and spare but full of meaning. They also say it's a mixture of poetry, storytelling, and personal.

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Customers find the book a tremendous gift that you give to your creativity.

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Customers find the pacing of the book short, precise, and quick to the point. They also say it invites them to read slowly and reread sections, but has a logical flow and progression.

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Customers have mixed opinions about the length of the book. Some find it has short chapters and engaging prose, while others say it feels forced and boring after a few pages. They also say the book is long and technical in the beginning.

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Book Ideas From Your Experiences

2. Do Something Remarkable, Then Write About It.

3. Start a Blog and Write Chapters One Post at a Time.

4. Create a Podcast and Write a Book Based on What You’ve Learned from Guests.

5. Write and Self-Publish a Short eBook to Test the Waters.

6. Write a Book and Publish One Chapter at a Time with Amazon Kindle Singles.

7. Ask Your Friends What They Like Reading Most, Write Something For Them.

8. Jot Down Everything You Laugh About for 1 Full Week, Write a Story About It.

9. Write About What Makes You Laugh Hardest.

10. Write About the Most Upsetting Experience You’ve Ever Had.

11. Write About the Person Who’s Had the Most Impact on Your Life.

12. Take Photographs of Your City and Write About Your Experiences.

13. Write About One of Your Hobbies.

14. Take Inspiration From Your Favorite Songs and Musicians.

15. Write About Your Career Experience Within Your Industry.

16. Write About the Biggest Problem Facing Your Industry (and Potential Solutions).

17. Commit a Random Act of Kindness Every Day for a Month and Write About the Experience.

18. Take a Spontaneous Trip and Write About Your Experiences.

19. Record Talks or Workshops You Give and Have Them Transcribed.

20. Have Your Webinars and Videos Transcribed and Compiled.

21. Write About the Answers to the Questions You’re Asked Most By Friends and Co-Workers.

Book Ideas From Running Experiments

23. Get Creative with Your Content Medium.

24. Experiment with Radical Changes in Your Daily Routine and Write About the Effects.

25. Take a Different Class Every Day for a Month and Write About the Effects.

26. Completely Cut Out Social Media and Write About the Effects.

27. Experiment with Your Diet and Exercise Regimen.