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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 2605 prompts

Write a story with a big twist.

– 183 stories

Set your story in a world where conversation about one particular topic is banned — but there are ways to get around the rule.

– 23 stories

In a small town, a powerful family have a dark secret that nobody wants to discuss. One day, an outsider arrives, who's not happy to simply drop it.

– 45 stories

Write a story that includes the line, "Is nobody going to say it?".

– 81 stories

Place your characters in a tough situation, where nobody wants to acknowledge the reality of what's happening.

– 80 stories

Write a story about two people who aren't admitting their true feelings for one another, despite it being obvious to outsiders.

– 56 stories

A photographer captures an image of something unexplainable. What happens next?

– 73 stories

Start your story with someone who has lost everything but finds solace in photography.

– 63 stories

Write a story where a photograph could change the course of history if it’s delivered to the right (or wrong!) person.

– 31 stories

Center your story around two strangers who bond over their shared love of photography.

– 27 stories

A forgotten photograph tucked away somewhere is the catalyst for an unexpected journey.

– 82 stories

Set your story during rehearsals for a production of a Shakespeare play.

– 27 stories

Write a story about a tragic hero.

– 55 stories

Write a story in which a case of mistaken identity plays a pivotal role.

– 22 stories

Write your story in the form of a script, complete with stage directions.

– 31 stories

Write a story named after, and inspired by, one of Shakespeare's plays. Think modern retellings, metanarratives, subversions, etc.

– 69 stories

Write a story about two sporting rivals having to work together.

– 23 stories

Write about a moment of defeat.

– 51 stories

Write a story about an underdog, or somebody making a comeback.

– 41 stories

Write about someone who has trained all their life for one moment.

– 44 stories

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