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Writing Prompts

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

Showing 2655 prompts

Tell a story using a series of diary or journal entries.

– 137 stories

It took a few seconds to realize I was utterly and completely lost.

– 72 stories

At the intersection, I could go right and head home — but turning left would take me...

– 81 stories

He looked between us once more and said, “It’s either her or me…”

– 37 stories

I stared at the crowd and told the biggest lie of my life.

– 55 stories

You know what? I quit.

– 102 stories

Set your story in a writing class, workshop, or retreat.

– 37 stories

Center your story around a character facing a tight deadline.

– 38 stories

Write about someone who can only find inspiration (or be productive) at night.

– 55 stories

Center your story around an author, editor, ghostwriter, or literary agent.

– 59 stories

Write a story in which the first and last words are the same.

– 96 stories

Write a story with the line “I didn’t have a choice.”

– 87 stories

Center your story around someone who makes an irreversible decision — knowing it will haunt them forever.

– 73 stories

Write about a character who becomes the villain in another character’s story.

– 39 stories

Center your story around a character who breaks the rules for someone they love.

– 46 stories

Write about someone who chooses revenge — even though forgiveness is an option.

– 64 stories

Write a story with the line “I don’t understand.”

– 86 stories

Center your story around an important message that reaches the wrong person.

– 29 stories

Write a story where someone gets into trouble and a stranger helps them out.

– 51 stories

Center your story around a mix-up that leads to huge (or unexpected) consequences.

– 39 stories

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