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Best Dramatic Writing Prompts

Join our ongoing contests and win up to $1,500. Flex those creative muscles with these writing prompts.

Showing 228 prompts reset

This week's contest:
Win $250

Against the Odds with Jessica Brody

27 contest entries /
21 stories

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View contest
Closes at 23:59 - Jun 12 EST

Write about someone who receives a gift or message that changes their life forever.

– 88 stories

Write a story with the line “I wasn’t expecting that.”

– 63 stories

Write a story that ends with a huge twist.

– 80 stories

Write a story where someone who has done something wrong seeks a fresh start.

– 25 stories

Write a story that begins with an apology.

– 77 stories

Write a story that includes the line “Be careful what you wish for.”

– 36 stories

Start or end your story with someone receiving a strange — and possibly sinister — gift.

– 52 stories

Write about a mysterious guest who arrives at a party — but no one knows who they are.

– 55 stories

Write a story that includes someone (or something) saying, “No, don’t!”

– 41 stories

Center your story around a character who overhears others talking about them.

– 37 stories

On their deathbed, a relative/friend/partner admits to a horrible crime. Will the narrator reveal the secret or keep it hidden?

– 59 stories

A court or disciplinary hearing is taking place — but the person accused does not know what they’re apologizing for.

– 24 stories

An apologetic letter or email from an old flame suddenly arrives — many years too late.

– 68 stories

A character gets caught red-handed breaking the rules, but they refuse to admit any wrongdoing. What happens next?

– 44 stories

Center your story around a character who longs for something they’ve lost.

– 85 stories

Start or end your story with two friends who become enemies/rivals, or vice versa.

– 21 stories

Center your story around someone who’s being haunted — by what or whom is up to you.

– 96 stories

Start your story with a character being led somewhere by a black cat.

– 65 stories

Use a personal memory to craft a ghost story.

– 69 stories

Write a story that hides something from the reader until the end.

– 105 stories

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How to Write a Novel
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