creative writing prompts april

Unleash Your Creativity: 30 April Writing Prompts to Get the Words Flowing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on November 2, 2022

Categories Writing , Inspiration

It’s officially April, so it’s time to start unleashing your creativity! Whether you’re a writer, artist, or just someone who loves to dabble in creative endeavors, we’ve got the perfect prompts for you. These 30 writing prompts help get the words flowing and inspire you to create something amazing. So get inspired and get creative!

30 April Writing Prompts

• Imagine you’re a character in a thrilling adventure story and set out on an epic quest to save the world from evil forces.
• What if you discovered a magical portal that transported you to a fantastical new land filled with hidden secrets and incredible mysteries?
• Write about the most awe-inspiring natural landscape, whether it’s a picturesque mountain range, rolling green hills, or crystalline blue ocean waves.
• Describe what it would feel like to be a superhero who had just been given their secret lair where you could train and practice your skills.
• Imagine walking through a dark, dreary forest when suddenly you get lost and separated from your friends.
• Write about what it would be like to go on an epic quest with a group of brave adventurers.
• Write about your most obscure and mysterious dream – maybe you can figure out what it means when you wake up.
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
• If you could only drink one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
• Write about a time when you were really mad, but you could control your anger and channel it into something more productive and respectful.
• Share a story about your favorite pet – a dog, a cat, or goldfish!
• What would your ideal world be like if there were more or less of a particular thing, like how tall trees should be or how many clothes people wear?
• Imagine that you’re a character in an exciting adventure story and must confront your greatest fears.
• A mysterious emerald ring that grants you wishes! Write about the weirdest thing you would wish for and why.
• Write about a time that you did something amazing, incredible, or heroic, even if you didn’t think so at the time.
• What if you realized a secret about someone you cared about, or you have such a huge secret that you’re worried it could destroy everything you know?
• Write about a moment when someone contradicted themselves, but that contradiction made you see them in a more sympathetic light.

18 . What book you loved that you suspect shouldn’t be appreciated or understood?

• If you’re still looking to find your one and only, whether that means finding true love, a best friend, or a family member, what qualities do you look for in that special person?
• Imagine you’re a famous character from a classic novel, perhaps from a book you’ve read in school or have read over and over again. 21. Write about when you were truly scared, either for yourself or someone else.
• Write about a time when you had to fight your way out or escape a dangerous situation.
• Write about a time you failed at something, whether as small as accidentally breaking your favorite mug or as big as failing a major exam or project.
• If you could change anything about your home, what would you do?
• What is something that you love that others may not appreciate as much?
• What would it be if you could go back to any point in your life and make a small change to your younger self?
• If you could have dinner with any one person from history, who would it be?
• If today you had the chance to change your name, what would your new name be, and how would you feel about having it?
• If you could go back in time and meet yourself as a kid, what would you do, and what would you want to say to your younger counterpart?
• What is your ambition in life? What makes you continue to strive to be the best version of yourself?

The Meaning of April for Writers

Spring has sprung, with it comes a renewed sense of hope and possibilities. For many people, April is a time to start fresh, set new goals, and put the past behind them. But for writers, April means something different. Here are four reasons why April is the best month for writers.

It’s National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for writers to get involved in poetry readings, open mics, and other events celebrating the written word. This is a perfect time if you want to connect with other poets in your community. And if you’re looking to flex your poetic muscles and try something new, National Poetry Month is also a great time to experiment with different poetry forms and styles.

It’s a Time for New Beginnings

Spring is traditionally a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start fresh than by putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)? Whether starting a new project or revising an old one, April is the perfect month to get those creative juices flowing. If you’ve been stuck, use the energy of the season to break out of that rut and get writing!

The Weather is Perfect for Writing Outdoors

One of the best things about spring weather is that it’s finally warm enough to write outdoors without freezing your hands off. So take advantage of the warmer temperatures and head outdoors to your favorite parks or coffee shops to get some writing done. There’s nothing like a change of scenery to jumpstart your creativity.

There’s No Time Like the Present

April is the perfect month to start writing that book you’ve always wanted to write or to finally finish that project you’ve been working on for months (or years). The present is always the best time to start writing because there’s no time like the present! Why not use National Poetry Month as motivation to finally start (or finish) that writing project you’ve been meaning to tackle?

April Tropes to Avoid Like the Plague

As a writer, you know that April is the time for new beginnings. The trees bloom, birds chirp, and love is in the air. But beware! Just because the world is full of new life doesn’t mean your story needs to be. Some of the most overused tropes make their home in the springtime. Here are four April tropes to avoid like the plague.

The Dying Parent/Mentor Figure

One of the most used—and most cheap—ways to create drama is to kill off a parent or mentor figure. This allows the protagonist to embark on their Hero’s Journey without pesky guidance. It also conveniently removes any moral compass the character might have since they’ve just been orphaned/grieved/etc. We get it; you want your protagonist to be an angsty loner. But there are other ways to achieve this without resorting to such a hackneyed old trope.

The Fake Death/ Disappearance

This one goes hand-in-hand with the dying parent trope but with a bit of a twist. In this case, the parent or mentor figure “dies” or “disappears,” leading the protagonist on a wild goose chase that takes up the entirety of Act II. The Fake Death is a frustrating plot device because it not only wastes page space with fruitless searching, but it also, 9 times out of 10, leads to an anti-climactic reveal in which the audience learns that Person X was alive/never disappeared at all/etc. We’re not saying you can never use this trope—be sure to do so sparingly and with good reason. Otherwise, you run the risk of your audience feeling cheated.

The Deus Ex Machina

Ah, yes. The classic deus ex machina. This trope occurs when some external force intervenes to resolve the story’s conflict in an unforeseen way. It’s often seen as lazy writing because it allows the writer to circumvent having to come up with a believable resolution on their own. It’s often used as a last-ditch effort to save an otherwise doomed plot line. If you are tempted to use this trope, ask yourself if there’s another way your story could conclude more satisfactorily. Chances are, there is — you have to dig a little deeper to find it.

The Love Triangle

The love triangle is probably one of the oldest tropes in fiction. And for good reason — who doesn’t love a good love triangle? The problem with this trope is that it’s so overdone that it often becomes clichéd and corny. If you use a love triangle in your story, be sure to put your spin on it. Otherwise, you risk your story coming across as trite and unoriginal.

A Creative Writer’s Guide to Depicting Spring Weather

One of the most wonderful things about spring is the change in weather. As the days grow warmer and the nights grow shorter, nature comes alive in a way that inspires writers of all genres. But how can you capture the feeling of spring weather in your writing? Read on for some tips and ideas.

• One way to depict spring weather is by focusing on the colors. From the first green buds of life peeking out from the ground to the vibrant flowers that bloom in abundance to the fresh green leaves on the trees, nature is alive with color in spring. Use sensory language to describe what your characters see, smell, and touch as they experience the changing season.
• Another way to show spring weather is through its effects on people. For many, spring is a time of renewed energy and hope after a long winter. Describe how your characters are affected by the longer days and warmer temperatures. Do they feel invigorated? Are they able to think more clearly? Do they find themselves drawn outdoors after being cooped up indoors for months? Or does the change in season bring about feelings of sadness or anxiousness? Showing how different people react to the arrival of spring can give your readers a greater understanding of your characters and their motivations.
• Finally, don’t forget about sound! The birds singing, the breeze rustling through the trees, children laughing as they play outside…all of these sounds can create a scene that feels like spring. And when writing about the weather, always remember that less is more. A few well-chosen details can go a long way in setting the tone and atmosphere of your story.

• Time & Season
• Miscellaneous

35 Captivating April Writing Prompts

April, with its showers and blooming flowers, has long inspired writers and poets. This month, full of new beginnings and the magic of spring, offers countless narratives of transformation and hope.

To harness the beauty and energy of April, we’ve curated a list of april writing prompts to inspire stories, poems, and reflections. Whether you’re drawn to the mysteries of a foggy April morning or the whimsy of cherry blossoms, these prompts will help you capture the essence of this enchanting month.

35 April Writing Prompts:

• The first April shower brings not just flowers, but mysterious messages in each droplet.
• A new tradition begins: April Kindness Day, where pranks are replaced by acts of kindness.
• A magical cherry blossom tree grants wishes only in the month of April.
• Describe a spring festival in a world where seasons last for decades.
• April 15th: The day when everyone’s biggest secret is revealed.
• The legend of an April storm that can erase memories.
• On April 1st, animals gain the ability to speak to humans.
• April in a world where it’s always winter: how do people celebrate the arrival of spring?
• A letter arrives in April, dated a year in the future.
• The diary of a butterfly chronicling its life from April to June.
• April 22nd: Earth Day in a post-apocalyptic world.
• An annual April festival where the young and old exchange roles for a day.
• April in Paris: A romantic mystery unfolds beneath the Eiffel Tower.
• The year when April had two full moons, and the world changed forever.
• The town where flowers sing in April and share tales from their roots.
• A magical rain in April turns everything it touches into gold.
• The April wind carries whispers from lost civilizations.
• Every April, a mysterious carnival appears, offering glimpses into alternate universes.
• The challenges of organizing a spring wedding in a town where April is unpredictable.
• A poem about the beauty and transience of April cherry blossoms.
• A mysterious April fog that transports people back in time.
• A story set in an April when the sun forgot to rise.
• The first day of April, where reflections come to life and offer guidance.
• April’s arrival brings forth a dance of fireflies, but one shines brighter than the rest.
• A family tradition of planting a tree every April leads to a magical forest.
• The diary of a raindrop that began its journey in April.
• A town celebrates April by sharing their most cherished memories.
• April’s full moon grants the wish of one child.
• Every year in April, a mysterious bridge appears connecting two rival towns.
• An April thunderstorm that awakens mythical creatures.
• The story of a gardener who plants dreams in April and harvests them in autumn.
• An April morning when all the world’s colors got mixed up.
• April 7th: The day shadows went on strike.
• The last April on Earth: How do people cherish the beauty of spring?
• The tale of an April night where stars descended to dance with humans.

Conclusion:

April’s charm is undeniable. As the days grow longer and nature awakens from its winter slumber, there’s a sense of renewal and wonder in the air. With these April writing prompts, you can dive deep into tales of change, growth, and the magic that springtime brings. Let the spirit of April guide your pen and fill your pages with stories as fresh as spring rain.

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• Writing Challenges

April Writing Prompts + FREE Calendar Printable

This month, our April writing prompts are a combination of fun and thoughtfulness. We have some funny April Fools Day writing prompts to start the month off, along with some quick Easter prompts . Then we’ll end the month off with some thought-provoking environmental prompts to honour Earth Day . Get your pencil out and set yourself up for our 30 day April writing challenge! 

Did you complete last month’s challenge? See our March writing prompts challenge with a free calendar .

April Prompts Challenge

Can you complete our 30 day April writing challenge?

• Make a list of at least five funny pranks you can play on your friends and family.
• A bad April’s Fool Day prank gets the Easter Bunny trapped in a maze. Can the Easter bunny get out in time for Easter?
• Complete this sentence in ten different ways: The best thing about Easter is…
• What is the true meaning of Easter in your own opinion?
• The Easter Bunny gets kidnapped by Jack Frost – Replacing Easter Eggs with candy canes. Continue this story.
• Write down at least 10 ways to reduce stress in your life.
• Create your own healthy eating menu for world health day. You could create a whole week’s meal schedule. 
• Write a short story about a boy who played pranks on everyone, until one day someone played a huge prank on him.
• For Unicorn day, write a poem about a magical unicorn appearing in the night.
• Write a short story about a ferret who loves to garden, but everything he grows keeps on getting eaten by the other animals.
• For Pet Day, write a heroic newspaper article on how one pet saved millions of lives.
• Write a poem inspired by grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Every Thursday night, my brother and I play scrabble, but tonight was different. Continue this story starter.
• Research five funny facts about dolphins and add them to your animal fact file. 
• Write a poem inspired by your favourite cartoon character.
• It’s Save The Elephant Day! Create a poster encouraging others to protect elephants. 
• Write a haiku poem titled, April Showers.
• Write a newspaper article titled, ‘Is global warming a scam?’
• Make a list of at least 10 ways to protect the environment on a daily basis in your lives.
• The effects of global warming have made mother nature very angry. As revenge she… Finish this story.
• It’s Banana day! Write down a recipe that includes bananas as the key ingredient.
• Write a poem inspired by Planet Earth.
• Use the word, ‘Flabbergasted’ in at least five different sentences.
• For Save The Frogs day, write down at least five things you love about frogs. 
• Imagine you are a penguin who has lost its home because of global warming. On the hunt to find a new home, you meet many new friends. Continue this story.
• Write a how-to guide on how to take care of a horse. 
• Tell a story based on your favourite past memory.
• It’s Superhero day! Create your own superhero who wants to protect the environment.
• If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of the sun on a cloudy day. 

Looking for more April writing prompts? Check out our post on  365 daily writing prompts .

FREE April Writing Prompts Calendar Printable

Print out our free April prompts calendar 2021, so you remember to complete each writing challenge this month:

Did you manage to complete all 30 April writing prompts this month? Let us know in the comments below! Finished with all our April writing challenges? Check out our May writing prompts challenge .

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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30 Daily April Journal Prompts For Writing Motivation

These April journal prompts are the ideal way to keep you motivated for your daily journal habit as we enter into the fourth month of the year.

April, often associated with spring and fresh beginnings, is a time to reflect on growth, change, and new possibilities. These April writing prompts are designed to guide you on this reflection journey, helping you embrace transformation, foster personal development, and maintain a positive mindset.

Today, I’m sharing 30 daily journal prompts for April to ensure your journaling momentum continues.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read my full privacy policy for more info.

Daily Journal Prompts For April

A new month is always an opportunity for a reset, just as a new week is and a new year.

What better way to step into April than by maintaining your daily journaling habit with these creative writing prompts for April?

If you’ve been keeping up with my previous prompts, you’ll already have experienced how enlightening and empowering this practice can be. I have added links to each of the monthly prompts at the bottom of this article.

But if you’re new to this, no worries!

These April journaling prompts offer a new writing prompt each day in the month of April to help you stay focused and inspired.

Bid farewell to writer’s block with these April prompt ideas!

Advantages of Using Prompts for Daily Journaling

Studies have indicated that journaling can be a powerful tool in managing depression, alleviating anxiety and stress, and even supporting recovery from past trauma .

You might wonder, “Why should I use writing prompts?”. Isn’t it better to just write whatever crosses my mind?

If you find it easy to decide what to include in your daily journal entry, you might not need journal prompts . Nonetheless, many of us appreciate a little extra nudge to stimulate our daily introspection.

Journal writing prompts serve as catalysts, igniting your creativity and self-reflection.

They offer an initial direction, simplifying the task of overcoming the intimidating blank page. They steer your writing, assisting you in exploring diverse themes and ideas.

Incorporating a daily prompt helps establish a routine, integrating journaling into your everyday life and presenting you with fresh topics to explore, preventing repetition.

Above all, they add a thrilling element to journaling!

30 April Journal Prompts

Here are 30 daily April journal prompts for your April writing prompts calendar to help you reflect on each day of the month:

• What was the best thing that happened to you last month?
• What is 1 thing you want to change about your current life in April?
• Which holiday or celebration do you love most?
• Describe the most meaningful conversation you had recently.
• What are 3 ways you can practice self-love this month?
• Who is one person who has made a positive impact on your life?
• How can you give an area of your home an upgrade?
• Reflect on something that happened last year that filled you with joy
• Who was the last person that made you smile and why?
• Sweet or savoury? Which do you prefer?
• What does your morning routine look like?
• Describe your most treasured possession.
• How can you show yourself more self-compassion?
• Write about your favourite family tradition.
• Describe one thing that makes you unique.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• What are you currently reading?
• What is your favourite way to exercise?
• Do you prefer warm weather or cold weather?
• What is your favourite way to relax?
• How can you show appreciation for the people in your life?
• When was the last time you treated yourself and how?
• What is your dream car?
• Describe your perfect meal.
• How can you save yourself time during the week ahead?
• What is your most loathed chore?
• What is something you wish you could do?
• Describe your favourite scent or smell.
• Reflect on your month. What went well and what did not?

Choosing the Right Journal for You

The ideal journal is one that you will consistently use!

It could be a sophisticated leather-bound journal, a practical option with replaceable covers, a basic notebook, or even a digital app.

Opt for something that feels easy and comfortable to use. If it feels too complex, it might deter you from maintaining your daily habit!

If you’re not particularly fond of writing, consider typing into an electronic document such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or use a journaling app on your phone for convenience.

If a digital approach doesn’t resonate with you, a good old-fashioned pen and paper are simple and portable alternatives!

Here are some great options for journals:

• PAPERAGE Lined Journal
• BEECHMORE BOOKS Ruled Notebook With Vegan Leather Cover
• A5 Pink Hardcover Leather Journal

Remember, the goal of a journal lies not in its appearance, but in the thoughts and feelings you pour into it.

Strategies for Sustaining a Daily Journaling Habit

Cultivating a daily journaling habit isn’t second nature for most people. Building any new habit requires time and conscious effort.

Here are some strategies to help you maintain your daily journaling habit:

• Begin Small – Don’t put pressure on yourself to fill pages every day. Start with a few sentences or bullet points about your day. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually extend your entries.
• Integrate it Into Your Routine – Make journaling a part of your daily routine, whether it’s part of your morning or evening schedule.
• Don’t Strive For Perfection – Your journal is a private space for you alone. Don’t worry about judgment. The aim here is free expression!
• Leverage Journal Prompts – If you’re unsure what to write about, use prompts, such as these April journal prompts, for daily inspiration.
• Make it Fun – Journaling shouldn’t feel like a task. It should be a quick self-care activity . If you associate journaling with positive feelings, you’re more likely to stick with it.
• Patience is Key – Developing a new habit takes time. Don’t be disheartened if you miss a day or two. Simply resume where you left off and keep going.

The goal of journaling is to provide a private platform for expressing your feelings, delving into your emotions, challenges, and experiences, and learning from them.

Journaling is all about personal growth, not about crafting a literary masterpiece!

Conclusion: Journal Prompts For April

These April journal prompts are the perfect tool for struggling writers to maintain momentum with a daily journal practice. This simple practice can improve your well-being and help you to learn more about yourself at each step of the way.

More Journaling Resources:

• January journal prompts
• February journal prompts
• March journal prompts
• May journal prompts
• June journal prompts
• July journal prompts
• August journal prompts
• September journal prompts
• October journal prompts
• November journal prompts
• December journal prompts
• Self-love journal prompts
• Intentional journal prompts
• How to journal with intention

Holly is a mum of two with a passion for intentional living. Following a career in psychology, she now shares practical tips on creating a meaningful life and adapting a positive mindset.

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Writing Prompts for April: Embrace Springtime Stories

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

1. Embracing the Spirit of Spring: Exploring the Symbolism‍ and Themes of Renewal in your Writing

2. delightful descriptions: capturing ​the sights, sounds, ⁤and smells of⁢ springtime in⁣ your stories, 3. seasonal ⁣sensations: crafting engaging narratives inspired by spring⁤ activities‌ and ​traditions, 4. blossoming characters: creating dynamic ​and multidimensional ⁣personalities in your springtime tales, how to harness the beauty and power of nature:, 6. rains and rainbows: crafting compelling storylines around the‌ emotional rollercoaster⁢ of ‍spring, 7. from showers to‍ showdowns: infusing your stories with ⁢unexpected twists and turns inspired by april, 8. writing for change: exploring environmental, social, or personal transformations in spring-woven narratives, frequently ⁣asked questions, closing remarks.

The arrival of ‍April brings with it a vibrant season ⁢of blooming flowers, gentle breezes, and new beginnings. As nature awakens from⁣ its slumber, so does our creativity. This month’s ‍writing prompts encourage you to embrace the beauty of springtime and delve into captivating stories that capture the essence of this delightful season. So, grab a pen and let your imagination bloom!

Explore the magical sights and scents of a hidden garden.‌ Describe ⁢the vibrant colors, enchanting fragrances, ​and the secrets‌ that‌ lie within. Take⁢ your readers on an immersive journey that leaves​ them yearning for their own hidden sanctuary of nature.

What happens when a young artist discovers an⁢ unusual paintbrush ‌that allows their creations to ⁢come alive? Dive into a tale of imagination and adventure as ⁢their magical paintings spring to life, blurring the ‍lines between art and reality. Explore ​the consequences and responsibilities that ​come with this newfound power.

As the winter frost begins to thaw and nature​ awakens, the season of ⁣spring invites us to ​embrace its spirit ⁢of⁤ renewal and rejuvenation. Just as​ the blooming flowers and ⁣chirping​ birds⁣ breathe life into the world around us, writers can tap into this transformative energy ‌to breathe new life into ⁢their words and stories. ‍In this section, we will delve into the symbolism and‌ themes of renewal that spring offers, and how you can‌ infuse⁣ them into‌ your writing for a fresh and captivating narrative.

1. ‌ Metaphorical Language: ‍Spring is a beautiful metaphor for rebirth and⁤ rejuvenation. Use vivid language ⁢and⁣ sensory⁢ details to capture the essence of this season. Explore how the gentle warmth of the sun can signify new beginnings, or how ​the sprouting buds on tree branches can symbolize⁤ growth and hope.​ By incorporating these metaphors into ​your writing, you can ⁤evoke emotions and‍ create a sense of optimism and‌ transformation in your ⁣readers. 2.‍ Themes of Growth and Change: Spring is ⁢a season of change, a time when the world sheds ⁤its‌ winter blanket and transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. Reflect this theme of ⁢growth and change⁣ in your stories by exploring characters who undergo personal transformations ⁢or by portraying settings that undergo ⁣significant shifts. Allow your characters​ to blossom like the flowers in spring, overcoming obstacles⁣ and embracing new opportunities as they navigate their‌ own journeys of renewal.

Springtime ⁤is a season that awakens our senses and stirs our imagination. As writers, we have the power to transport⁣ our readers to this enchanting time of year by infusing‌ our stories with vivid and captivating ⁤descriptions. Painting a sensory-rich ⁢picture allows our ‌readers to fully immerse themselves in the world we’ve created. Here are‌ some techniques‌ to help you master the art of capturing the⁣ sights, sounds, and smells of springtime:

• 1. Visualize the lush​ landscapes: Describe the vibrant colors that burst forth during spring. From the bright pink cherry blossoms ⁣to⁣ the fresh green⁢ buds on trees and the patchwork of wildflowers carpeting meadows, evoke imagery that brings nature to life in your readers’ minds.
• 2. Embrace the ⁤symphony of sounds: ⁣Tap into‌ the melodious ambiance of ⁢spring. Whether it’s the cheerful chirping of birds building their ⁢nests, the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on newly sprouted leaves, or the laughter ‍of children playing outside, immerse⁤ your readers in the ⁤auditory tapestry of the season.
• 3. Invoke the scents that delight: Spring has ​a distinct aroma that can be beautifully woven into‌ your stories. Describe the intoxicating ‍fragrance of blooming flowers, ‌the ⁢earthy scent ​of⁢ freshly cut grass after the rain, or the sweet perfume ⁢of a morning breeze carrying the promise of ⁤warmer days.

By focusing on delightful descriptions that capture the essence of spring, you can transport ⁢your readers to a world bursting ⁢with⁣ life and renewal. So, ‍put on​ your writer’s hat, grab your ​metaphorical paintbrush, and indulge ​in the picturesque imagery, harmonious‍ melodies, and‌ enchanting scents of this magical season.

Spring is a⁤ magical season that brings new ​life, ⁤vibrant colors, and a sense of renewal. It is‍ bursting with opportunities‍ to create captivating narratives that capture the⁣ essence of this joyful time of year. Whether you are a writer, marketer, or storyteller, tapping into the spirit of spring can infuse your content with freshness and inspiration.⁣ Here are some ideas and activities that can help you⁣ craft engaging ‍narratives⁢ inspired by the wonders of spring:

1.​ Exploring ⁣New Beginnings: Spring is the perfect time‌ to explore themes of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. You can craft narratives that revolve⁢ around personal transformations, overcoming challenges,⁤ or starting fresh. ⁣Consider weaving in ​elements such as blossoming flowers, ​chirping ‌birds, ​or the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies to symbolize the beauty of change.

2. ​Celebrating Spring Traditions: Spring is rich with cultural traditions and festivities that vary from country ⁤to country. Celebrate the diversity of‍ spring by‍ incorporating ‌narratives that highlight unique customs, such as the vibrant ⁤Holi‌ festival in India, the cherry blossom viewing parties‍ in⁢ Japan, or the bustling⁤ May ⁢Day ​parades in Europe. These⁣ traditions can add depth ‍and authenticity ‍to‍ your storytelling, giving your audience a glimpse into the rich tapestry of spring celebrations around ⁤the world.

When it comes to crafting captivating springtime tales, it is essential to develop characters that truly bloom on the pages. So, how​ can you ⁤create​ dynamic and multidimensional personalities that ⁢captivate your ⁣readers? Here are some ⁢exciting techniques to breathe life into your characters and make them ‍spring to life in your stories:

• Backstory Exploration: Delve into your characters’ pasts ⁢and uncover what events and experiences shaped them. This will provide⁤ valuable insights into their ⁣motivations, fears, and aspirations, ultimately contributing to their multidimensionality.
• Contrasting Traits: ⁢Add depth to your characters by giving them contrasting qualities. Pair ⁤an introvert with an undeniable charisma or a lighthearted nature with hidden depths. These contradictions create intrigue⁢ and ⁣complexity, mirroring the vibrant ‍contrasts found in nature during spring.
• Evocative Descriptions: ⁣ Transport your readers into your characters’ worlds by using vivid and sensory-rich descriptions. Engage all their senses with scents​ of ⁢blooming flowers, the feel of⁣ gentle spring ⁢breezes, or the taste of freshly picked strawberries . This attention to detail will make​ your characters come alive.

By employing these‍ techniques, your characters will transform from‌ mere words⁢ on ⁢a ‌page into dynamic beings that ⁢resonate with your readers. Immerse‌ yourself in the beauty of spring and let‌ your​ characters blossom ‌into captivating personalities⁣ that drive your springtime tales forward!

5. Nature as a ⁤Muse: Harnessing the Beauty and Power⁤ of the Outdoors ‍in ‌Your April Writing

Spring has sprung, and what better time to‌ let the⁤ wonders of nature inspire your ​writing? As April brings forth blooming flowers, vibrant ⁢colors, and soothing breezes, it’s the ⁣perfect opportunity to tap into the beauty and power of⁣ the outdoors. Whether you’re a ⁢poet, a storyteller, or simply someone looking to infuse your writing with a touch of⁢ freshness, exploring ‍nature as a muse can ‌take your⁢ words to new heights.

To⁣ begin your journey of​ harnessing nature’s essence, start by immersing ‌yourself in its sights, sounds, and ‍scents.⁢ Take ‍leisurely walks through lush green parks,⁢ venture ‍into enchanted forests, or simply find a cozy spot under⁢ a blossoming tree.‌ Pay attention to the intricate details, ⁢noticing the delicate dance of petals in the wind, the trickle of a nearby stream, or the symphony of birdsong enveloping the air. As you⁢ absorb these sensory experiences, allow them to stir your imagination and ignite your creativity.

• Observe and absorb: Take the time to ‍observe the⁣ natural world ‍around you,⁣ allowing it to fill your senses and inspire new ideas.
• Connect with the ⁣elements: Feel the earth‍ beneath your ⁢feet, listen to the rustle of leaves, and let ​the warmth of the sun or the chill ​of ⁢a​ gentle rain invigorate your writing.
• Use nature as a metaphor: Draw parallels‍ between the natural world and human‍ emotions, events, and relationships. Compare the growth of a ‍seedling to personal development or describe a‍ stormy sea as a tumultuous journey.
• Play ⁤with descriptive⁤ language: Experiment with vivid adjectives and sensory details to transport your readers to the‍ heart of nature’s beauty.
• Capture fleeting moments: Celebrate the ephemeral magic of blooming flowers, bird migrations, or mesmerizing ⁢sunsets, reminding your readers to appreciate life’s transient ⁤wonders.

Embrace April as your inspiration-filled month, bridging the gap between the‍ literary world ⁤and the splendor of nature. Allow the great outdoors to become your writing companion, and watch as your words come alive with the⁢ vibrant energy of a new season.

Spring is a time of renewal, and emotions often‍ ride a rollercoaster during this season of growth. Crafting ⁢compelling storylines around the ‍emotional journey‍ of spring allows us to captivate readers and connect with their own experiences. Here ‌are some tips to create engaging narratives that mirror the unpredictable and beautiful nature of spring:

• Play with contrasting ⁢emotions: Just as rainy ⁢days can give ⁢way ⁢to magnificent rainbows, weaving conflicting emotions into‍ your story can add ‌depth⁤ and‌ resonance. Explore the bittersweetness of love or the turmoil of inner struggles. Let your characters experience the full spectrum of emotions, showcasing the complexities of human nature.
• Introduce symbolic elements: Spring ‌is rife with symbolism, and‍ incorporating ⁤these elements into your storyline⁤ can add layers of meaning. Use ⁤rain as a metaphor ‌for personal⁢ growth or‌ rebirth, and use rainbows to represent the ⁤beauty that can arise from‍ overcoming adversity. Symbolism helps to create a rich and ⁤thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers.

Unpredictable ‍weather ⁤patterns ⁤during spring provide an excellent‌ backdrop for crafting compelling storylines that resonate with readers’ emotions. Here are a few more tips to help you craft a captivating narrative around the emotional rollercoaster of spring:

• Explore the theme of transformation: Just as nature transforms during spring, explore the concept of personal ⁢transformation within your characters. Delve into their inner journeys as ⁣they‌ navigate through challenges and ‌emerge as stronger individuals. This theme will ⁣resonate⁣ with readers who also experience personal growth during this season.
• Embrace the beauty of imperfection: Spring‍ brings forth new ‌life, but it is also ⁢a time of imperfections. Embrace the beauty in​ flaws and explore ⁢the acceptance of imperfections in your characters. Showcasing their growth, as they ​learn to appreciate both⁢ the beauty‍ and imperfections in themselves ⁣and others, can ‍create a relatable and inspiring storyline.

April is a month‌ known for its unpredictable ‌weather, and just⁢ like the rain showers that can suddenly drench us,‌ our stories can benefit‌ from unexpected twists and turns. Infusing your storytelling with surprises not only keeps your⁢ audience engaged but also ​adds depth and excitement to⁤ your narrative. Here ‍are some creative ways to bring unexpected elements into your tales:

• Character Betrayal: Introduce a trusted character who suddenly turns ​against the protagonist, leading to ⁢an intense ‍showdown.
• Plot Twist: Take a common storyline and flip it on its head. Subvert the reader’s expectations and challenge⁣ their assumptions.
• Unforeseen‌ Consequences: Have⁤ your protagonist make a seemingly innocent choice ​that sets off a chain of events ⁢with far-reaching consequences.

The key to⁤ incorporating unexpected twists and turns is to strike a​ delicate ​balance ‍between‌ maintaining believability and surprising ⁤your audience. Make sure the surprises make ‍sense‌ within the context of your story and are motivated by your characters and ⁢their actions. Remember, twists should⁤ enhance the narrative, not feel forced or contrived. So, grab your metaphorical umbrella and let your stories shower your readers with unexpected thrills!

Spring-woven narratives offer a ⁢unique ​opportunity for writers to delve into the realms of environmental, ⁤social, or personal transformation. Through the power of ‌storytelling, these narratives hold the potential​ to⁤ inspire change, ignite empathy, and foster a greater understanding of the world around us. In this section, we will explore how writing can be a‌ catalyst for transformation and how we can harness its potential to make a difference.

Writing for change​ in the context of ⁢environmental transformation involves highlighting‌ the urgent need for sustainability and conservation. By weaving vivid descriptions of natural landscapes, ⁢the writer can evoke a sense of wonder and admiration​ for the Earth’s beauty, inspiring readers to become ‌stewards of the‍ environment. Additionally,⁤ addressing social transformation through writing enables us to challenge prevailing norms and‌ question societal structures. By shining a light⁢ on the injustices and inequalities that exist,⁤ writers can raise awareness and ⁣advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Q: What are some writing prompts related to ‌springtime‍ stories? A: Spring offers a wealth of inspiration for writers. Here are ​a few prompts to ignite ⁢your creativity this April:

Q: Can you suggest a prompt that captures the essence of spring? A: Sure! How about this: “Write a⁤ story about⁤ a gardener who discovers a magical flower that only blooms​ during the spring and holds a secret power.”

Q: ⁢Are there any prompts‍ specifically focused‍ on‍ nature in spring? A: Absolutely! You ⁢might find ⁢this one intriguing: “Describe a forest awakening from its winter‍ slumber, with animals⁢ coming out⁣ of hibernation and flowers blooming. ​Tell the story from the perspective of a curious squirrel.”

Q: Are there ⁣any ​prompts that delve into the themes⁣ of renewal and rejuvenation during springtime? A: Yes, ‍indeed. Consider this prompt: “Write ​a poem about someone who undergoes a personal transformation during the ​spring‍ season, inspired by the blooming flowers and‌ the ‍fresh scent in the air.”

Q: Can spring folklore be⁢ used as inspiration for writing? A: Certainly! Try this prompt for size: “Create a short story based on a local spring myth or legend, incorporating‍ elements of magic and the changing‍ seasons.”

Q: Are there any prompts that encourage writers ​to explore​ social dynamics during spring? A: Of course!‍ This prompt ‍might interest ⁤you: ⁤”Craft a dialogue-driven scene where two characters, who​ are close friends, slowly drift apart as their interests evolve‌ during the spring semester of their ⁣senior year in high school.”

Q: How can these prompts be utilized effectively to ⁤inspire writing? A: First, choose a⁤ prompt ​that resonates with you. Spend some time thinking about ​the‌ central idea and the emotions it ‍evokes. Then, let your imagination run wild as you create​ characters, plots, and settings. The key is to allow yourself‍ the ​freedom to explore various perspectives and possibilities.

Q: Can these prompts ‍be adapted to ‍different types of writing, such ⁤as ​short⁤ stories or poetry? A: Absolutely! These prompts are versatile and can be adapted to suit any form of writing you prefer. Whether you want to pen a short story, compose a ‍poem, or even start ⁢a novel, these prompts can be a valuable source of inspiration.

Q: Is it ⁢necessary to stick strictly to the prompts, or can⁣ writers modify them? A: While ‌the prompts provide​ a starting‍ point, ⁢feel free to modify them to suit ⁢your writing style and preferences. The primary goal is to get ⁢your creative juices flowing, so feel empowered​ to make⁢ adjustments that enhance the prompt and⁣ make⁣ it ⁢your own.

Q: How can writers make the most of these prompts and fully embrace⁣ springtime stories? A: To make⁢ the most of​ these ⁢prompts, ‍try immersing yourself in the​ atmosphere of spring. Take walks outside, observe nature,⁤ and capture the scents, sights, and sounds that inspire you.⁢ Be open to the magic of⁢ the ‌season and let it guide your writing. ⁣Remember, embracing the spirit of spring will help you⁢ craft captivating stories that truly come ⁣alive.

In conclusion, writing prompts ​for April provide an opportunity to embrace springtime stories, allowing us ​to explore the beauty and renewal that the⁣ season brings. ​Whether ​it’s capturing the⁢ vibrant colors or the sense of growth,⁣ these prompts encourage us to let our imagination bloom and‌ share our unique perspective with the world. Happy writing!

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April 3, 2023 | Blog  |  No comments

10 Writing Prompts for April

By Michelle Chalkey

What better month to reignite that creative spark than April? A month of spring, blooming, and renewal – nature is enough to inspire some beautiful writing. Whether you write fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry, we have writing prompts to help you get ink on the page this month.

1.Fiction/CNF: Write a story about a prank gone wrong.

2. Fiction/CNF: Create a story about an unexpected guest at an Easter celebration.

3. Fiction/CNF: Think about one of the most memorable, vivid dreams you’ve ever had. Create a story inspired by this dream.

4. Fiction/CNF: ‘Tis the season for spring cleaning. Reflect on cleaning for a few moments, maybe a chore you do regularly. How has your attitude toward or experience with this chore changed over the different ages and seasons of your life? Turn it into a story, framed around housework.

5. Fiction: Create a story based on a conversation you overheard.

6. Poetry: April is National Poetry Month. If you’re not a poetry writer, give it a try this month. Take a short story or essay you’ve written, and try telling the story in poetry form.

7. CNF/Journal: Make a list of memories you have when rainy weather changed your plans. Reflect on what the rain cleansed and renewed for you.

8. CNF/Journal: We’re 3 months into 2023 – what themes are emerging in your life so far this year? What is 2023 the “year of” for you? Do you want these themes to continue for the rest of the year or do you want to change them?

9. Journal: What is one alternative career you dreamed about at one point in your life? How do you think your life would be different if you’d taken that career path?

10. Journal: Reflect on your favorite book or author. How has the book or author had an impact on your writing? What can you take from them to inspire you in your current work in progress?

Get writing!

If you write something inspired by one of these prompts and share it on a blog or social media, we’d love to see your work. You can leave a link in the comments below, or tag  Literary Mama  on  Instagram ,  Facebook , or  Twitter . 

Tagged: April , April Prompts , Literary Mama , Mama Writers , Writer , Writing , Writing Prompt

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51 April Journal Prompts For Fun Spring Writing

This post was updated 3rd March 2024.

It’s April, and that means one thing. Spring is officially here.

New Year is so last season.

51 April Journal Prompts.

Now is the time to take action on your goals..

Time for some new journal prompts.

Jump into the new Season with a heart full of possibility with these April writing prompts.

What does Spring bring up for you? Let me know below!

When I think of April and Spring, I imagine; days in my garden, planting out seeds with the kids, creative projects and the first camping trips of the year.

Ready to sprinkle some Spring magic?

It’s a beautiful time of year, so why not grab your notepad and let’s get writing.

Pin me for later!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. What this simply means is if you click on a product or service, and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please read my full disclaimer policy here .

Before you get started, let’s quickly remember why journalling as an adult (especially as a mom) is so powerful.

Journal writing can spark creativity, be an output for stress , clarify your goals, dreams and all the important things. Plus, it’s actually fun and a great way to relax before bed.

What are some good journal topics?

Monthly journal prompts can help you become more rooted in the place and time you are in . I am ALL for living with intention , but it’s not as simple as it sounds.

So here is your 52 April Journal Prompts (or you can grab the free printable at the end of the post).

52 April Journal Prompts.

April journal prompts for spring wellbeing..

• Why is Spring such a positive season?
• How does Spring feel for you? Sit outside and use all your senses, then free write about everything you see, smell, taste and touch.
• What are your favorite things about warmer weather and longer days?
• How do you enjoy an April rainy day with your family?
• Why is World Health Day so important this year? (April 7th).
• Free write for ten minutes about your perfect Spring day.
• List five things you could get rid of to declutter your home.
• Make a list of four things you are grateful for this April.
• Why do you love your life right now?
• Why are April showers so much fun? How else can you reconnect with your inner child self?
• How can you connect with nature more this Spring?
• What one self-love habit can you commit to this new month?
• What one healthy body habit can you commit to this month? (just think one more glass of water, ten minutes of walking a day).

April Journal Prompts for Spring Creativity.

• What Spring animal do you love seeing?
• What are your favorite fairy tales relating to Spring? (some great ideas here from Fairy Tale Magazine).
• What magical creatures do you think of in Spring? Field mice, hares and deer or something mystical?
• Write a short story about the first day of Spring. What magic and possibility can you weave into your story? (good for adults and a young writer if you have one at home).
• What is your favorite poem? (April is National Poetry Month).
• What does being wild and free mean to you? How do you use your inner wildness in life (and as a Mom)?
• What is your favorite book? Why do you keep re-reading it?
• How do you feel when you dance at home, with nobody watching? Why does this feel so good?
• Creativity comes in many forms. How are you creative? (in your garden, cooking, stories you create for your kids; think outside of the box here).
• Write a positive mantra to start your day.
• Write a haiku (short, unrhymed poetry originally from Japan) about your ideal Spring morning.
• What does adventure mean to you? When do you feel most adventurous?
• Write a letter to yourself as a child.

April Journal Prompts for Spring.

• What is the best thing about the month of April for you?
• Do you like or loathe April fools day?
• What are your family’s favorite Spring activities?
• Do you prefer flowers or chocolates from the Easter Bunny?
• How does your family support Earth Day ? (April 22nd in 2022).
• List five fun ideas to be more joyful and light this Spring.
• What does Spring fever mean for you? (organising, business building, learning a new skill, spring cleaning).
• Where in the world would you love to visit in Spring?
• What would you take on a Spring picnic?
• What is your favorite Spring time flower? Can you describe it in 5 words and draw it? (April 13th is International Plant Appreciation Day, show your plants some love!)
• What food do you most love to make and eat in April? Why do you love it?
• What 10 songs would you have on a Spring playlist?
• Spring is the perfect time to change your style. How do you want to look this year?

Journal Prompts for April Goals.

• What is your favorite memory from last month?
• What activities have you ticked off your bucket list so far this year?
• How are your goals going for this year? Do you need to reset or are you happy with your progress?
• How can you show the important people in your life more love this Spring season?
• Do a future self meditation. What did you see? Where do you want to head? What do you need to do to achieve this?
• What is your biggest goal for this month?
• What one daily step can you take to achieve your April goal?
• What do you need to do less of this month?
• What is the biggest lesson you have ever learnt from a failure?
• What one strength do you have that will ensure you achieve your goals?
• Write a positive affirmation to use every day this month.
• Why are your goals and dreams so important? What wider impact can they provide? (needed in the world right now).
• What are your top four priorities in life right now? How do you honour them?

Do I actually need writing prompts?

No. Of course not. You might love to write freely with no help.

Or you might find the idea of writing a little overwhelming and need some gentle inspiration to get going.

This is where journal prompts can help. They take the pressure off coming up with an idea and give yourself more time to benefit from creative writing.

It should be fun and relaxing. Not feel like another chore to tick off the list.

How do you come up with journal prompts?

Prefer to make your own unique journal prompts? I hear you.

There’re no rules really for creating daily writing prompts. I just like to keep these three things in mind;

Start with scribbling. Just scribble out ideas whenever they pop into your head. Keep a note on your cell phone if you like a digital version or in a paper diary (if you are old school like me).

Keep them positive and optimistic. Even if you are not feeling either of those things (we have all been there). Create daily prompts that inspire positivity.

Write them in your own style and vibe. This will ensure it sounds more natural when you come to journal on that prompt. Tip: if you are using any of my prompts, then don’t be afraid to change the wording to sound more authentic. Make them in your own words.

Feeling excited about Spring now?

I hope so. I certainly am.

April is such a powerful month.

Full of new possibilities, warm days and happy days outside.

If you were wondering “what should I write in April”, I hope you have some ideas now.

Don’t forget to look out for the Pink moon on April 20th. The moon won’t actually be pink though, just so you know.

Full moon of the year is a great time to set some intentions (or just stare at the sky with joy in your heart).

Final thoughts on April journal prompts.

Hopefully these prompt sets got your creative juices going. Journal writing is a fun way to practice self-care but it might not work for you. I always like to say you need to find your own formula for wellbeing.

That’s where the magic is.

Mine is running, meditation, time in nature, journal time and being present with my children. I wouldn’t say no to a bunch of wild May flowers either.

Just on the topic of magic. If you feel you don’t have a creative bone in your body you need to read Big Magic. Have a look at this video below by Elizabeth Gilbert (courtesy of Acumen Academy ) about what creative living actually is. You don’t need to paint a masterpiece to be creative.

The only thing I know; you need to work out what your formula is. Especially if you are busy momma.

Live life with intention, joy, and a sprinkling of chaos.

What’s your favorite April journal prompts?

What are the best things about April for you? Have I missed out a gem? Do you have any great national days I should be talking about? Please let me know in the comments below.

Don’t forget to pin and download your free printable April Journal Prompts pdf file right above and get adding some ideas to your journal prompt calendar.

The first thing to remember is to start today and don’t overthink it. April might just be new beginning for you.

I hope you have a beautiful April. Look out for next month’s post: May spring writing prompts .

33 comments

Thanks for sharing a wonderful prompts for journaling.

You are welcome Rameen.

Very cool post. I love following writing prompts!!

Thank you for your kind words.

Wow – these are such thoughtful and inspiring journal prompts! I lead a sales meeting every few weeks, and as a leader am responsible for interactive discussion; I’m definitely including some of these prompts for the group! And I appreciate the prompt on finding our creativity. I’ve been writing a lot lately and didn’t realize how much I needed a creative outlet. Thank you for these wonderful prompts!

Hi Dana. Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. Yes I believe creativity is so important too. Enjoy!

Wow!! Such an amazing resource! This resonated with me as a person, mom, and teacher! Thank you so much for sharing.

Glad they help. Happy journaling!

I’m excited to dive into my journal over spring break and use some of your awesome prompts to spark my creativity! My goal is to write at least once a day and see where the inspiration takes me. Can’t wait to see what insights and revelations I uncover!

Thanks for sharing your ideas and motivating me to embrace my journaling practice.

That’s great to hear Danielle. Spring is the time for new inspiration.

What a great list of journal prompts to get us started, there are so many i don’t know where to start, but so helpful

That’s good to hear! Pick what resonates with you.

I’ve really been wanting to start journaling! This is a great guide to start!

That’s great to hear Gabby!

Thank you for soooo many inspiring ideas! Writing a haiku about Spring morning sounds sooo great.

Yes I am trying that one myself!

I love how you broke this down into sections!! So many good journal prompts 🙂

I have been utterly slacking on journaling lately, so these April journal prompts look like a fantastic way to get back into it. I love to free-write in my journal but when I’m having a hard time doing that, I turn to prompts to help spark my creavitity.

Same! I bounce between free writing and prompts. I totally believe April is the time to get started again. Enjoy!

Love these!

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I love journaling!

Me too! It’s a really simple and free form of self love I think.

This is so inspiring. I like the Mantra idea. Perfect way to start the day. Thanks!

Agree. Mantras are powerful little tools… Glad you got something from the post!

Great post. Sometimes we get writers block n this will definitely help.

That’s really good to hear! Happens to me too.

What a great list of journal prompts to get us started! 🙂 I love journaling for different reasons. Gratitude journaling is my favorite, as it helps me put each day in perspective. And I love the prompt about what we can declutter, too!

Gratitude journaling is so powerful!

Great post shared to Pinterest because we all need a prompt sometimes 🙂

Thank you. Yes I feel I need lots of prompts and nudges at times!

Thank you for sharing a lot of wonderful prompts for journalling.

You are very welcome!

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• Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

• NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
• Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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April Writing Prompts for Kids

In April, we have lots to celebrate, including Earth Day, April Fools’ Day, World Penguin Day, and International Children’s Book Day. It is also the first full month of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. To kick-off the festivities and welcome April with open arms, we’ve gathered some fantastically fun April writing prompts that will inspire your child all month long!

• April 1st is April Fools’ Day! Can you write a letter to a friend to convince them you saw a flying giraffe on your latest trip?
• Write about a time that you could not stop laughing. What made you laugh so much?
• Story Starter: One day while I was walking home from school some thunderclouds started to roll in. But instead of water, it started raining…. What did it start raining? Tell us what happens next!
• Write a list of the top 10 things you want to accomplish during the month of April.
• April 2nd is International Children’s Book Day! What is your favorite book? Write a persuasive piece to tell us why we need to read this book.
• Rewrite the ending of your favorite book. Is it a happy ending or a sad ending?
• Can you write an acrostic poem using the word “April”? Want more help with acrostic poems? We have a free printable worksheet .
• April 8th is “National Zoo Lovers Day”! Can you describe your perfect day at the zoo? Where is it? Who are you going with? What animal(s) are you most excited to see?
• During the month of April, we celebrate all types of art. Can you draw a magical creature or place and then write an adventure story about it?
• Happy Earth Day (22nd of April)! Could you write an inspirational speech about what humans need to do to make Earth a better place?
• To celebrate World Penguin Day (April 25th), can you write a story about a penguin who dreams of living on a tropical island?
• What is the best thing about April and why is it a beautiful month? Write an argumentative essay explaining your point of view.
• April is Poetic Earth Month! Can you write a poem about the 3 best things about Earth? These can be your personal opinions or fun facts!
• April Journal Prompt: Challenge yourself to do a daily writing prompt where you start each entry with “I am....”. Fill in the blank to tell us about your day.
• What do you think a mouse does during a rainy day? Write a short story about it.
• Would you rather explore the ocean or outer space? Why?
• Write a play that has the following characters: a very excited turtle, a bossy penguin, and a very silly bear.
• Arbor Day (April 29th) encourages people to plant trees and to be kind to the Earth. Can you write a report about why trees are so important?
• Write a story about a magical umbrella that can take you anywhere that you want to go. How did you get this umbrella and where are you going first?
• Write a short story about a magical rabbit that teams up with a wise owl to help save the forest.
• In April, it can be very cloudy. Imagine that every day during the month of April is a cloudy day. You are tired of not seeing the sun so you go on a quest to try and change the weather. Tell us about it.
• You are playing a game of hide and seek in a park. As you are trying to find a place to hide, you find a door standing in the middle of some trees. What happens next?
• Write about a pet that you have or would like to have. What is their name? What do they look like and what do you like to do together?
• Imagine that you find an old journal in your attic. You look at the journal pages and everything is blank. You accidentally spill water on it and a message appears. What does it say and what do you do next?
• Write a story about a magical pair of shoes. What happens when you put these shoes on?

Spring Writing Prompts

• Make a writing checklist of everything that you would need for the perfect Spring Break vacation. Tell us a story about how you are going to accomplish the things on your checklist.
• Imagine that you are on a Spring Break trip to a tropical beach. Write a short story about finding a magical seashell that sends you on a hunt for buried treasure.
• What is something that you can only do during the Spring? Why can you only do it then?
• Write a letter telling your friend about something that happened to you this Spring.
• Write a poem about how Spring makes you feel.

More Spring Writing Prompts !

Autumn/Fall Writing Prompts

• Write a story about a pumpkin that falls off the back of a truck. How is it going to make its way back to the pumpkin patch?
• Write a poem about the different colors of Autumn.
• What is your favorite Autumn memory? Tell us a story about it.
• What is your favorite food to eat once it starts to get colder? Write us the recipe telling us how to make it.
• If Autumn were a person, what would they look like and what would they do?

More Autumn/Fall Writing Prompts !

Encourage your child to get creative this April with these amazing writing prompts. Your child is set to improve their writing skills while feeling inspired to get in some great writing practice!

For more fun writing activities, try Nightzookeeper.com ! Our reading and writing program includes amazing writing games that will keep your child so engaged, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Try it for free for 7 days!

Looking for more creative writing prompts? Check these out:

• Picture Writing Prompts For Kids
• Elementary Writing Prompts

Try our April writing prompts and share your child’s writing with us on social media using the hashtag #nzkwritingprompts! You can tag us on:

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March Writing Prompts for Kids

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Spring and April Writing Prompts

Creative writing ideas and journal topics for spring and april.

• You will be directed to another page on Unique Teaching Resources that contains detailed lesson plan ideas and printable worksheets for those April writing prompts.
• You will be directed to another website that contains useful information related to those particular April writing prompts.

General Spring and April Writing Prompts:

• Click on the link below to view the page where this S.P.R.I.N.G. acrostic poem can be found: S.P.R.I.N.G. Rainbow Poetry Templates
• The best part about Spring is ...
• Ideas for what to do on a rainy day.
• The best thing about a rainy day is ...
• Click on the link below to view the page where this spring bee worksheet can be found: Spring Bee Worksheet
• This spring I am going to be a busy bee and ...
• I am going to "bee helpful" this spring by ...
• Have you ever been stung by a bee or another insect?
• Write a spring story from a bee's point of view.
• Click on the link below to view the page where this Bee Cool worksheet can be found: Bee Cool Worksheet
• A cool person that I admire is ...
• Bee Cool and stop bullying by ...
• Bee Cool and read this book ...
• Bee Cool and practice the 3R's this spring: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
• Click on the link below to view the page where this Earth Day April 22 worksheet can be found: Earth Day April 22 Creative Writing Worksheet
• Create a poster about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
• Click on the link below to view the page where this Earth Day acrostic poem template can be found: Earth Day April 22 Acrostic Poem
• What do you think is the Earth's most serious environmental problem? What can children do to help?
• Make a list of ideas of how your school, community, or family can be friendly to the environment and celebrate Earth Day this year.
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. Write a letter to your family describing one way that your family can be more environmentally friendly this year.
• Think about the water cycle and write why you think that rain is important for the Earth.
• Click on the link below to view the page where this butterfly worksheet can be found: Spring Butterfly Worksheet
• Spring is a beautiful time of year because ...
• Spring is a colorful time of the year because ...
• Design a venn diagram comparing spring and fall.
• Click on the link below to view the page where these unique butterfly story writing templates can be found: Butterfly Writing Templates
• Describe the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly using the beginning, middle, and end sections of these butterfly shaped creative writing templates.
• Click on the link below to view the page where these spring flower worksheets can be found: Spring Flower Worksheets
• Describe the colors of spring.
• Describe the smells of spring.
• I am an "egg-cellent" student/friend/son/daughter because ...
• Click on the link below to view the page where these unique sunflower shaped creative writing templates can be found: Sunflower Creative Writing Templates
• This book is "blooming" great because ...
• Integrate science and English together by writing a description about the life cycle of a seed or plant.
• Many people do spring cleaning in April. Do you have a messy room, desk, or locker? What do you need to clean and organize this spring?
• Describe your spring break vacation.
• Click on the link below to view the page where these kite poetry templates can be found: Kite Poetry Templates
• Write poem about a time that you "flying high" in the air and happy.
• Write a poem about a time that you were proud of yourself.
• Flying high in Grade ___.
• Write a story about an April thunderstorm.
• Research rainbows and then describe what causes a rainbow to sometimes form in the sky after it has rained.
• Write the beginning, middle, and end sections of the story in one template of the caterpillar's body. Draw a picture in the last section.
• This unique creative writing project measures 30 x 9 inches when it has been assembled together
• Click on the link below to view the page where these caterpillar story writing templates can be found: Caterpillar Writing Templates
• Describe the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly using the beginning, middle, and end sections of these caterpillar shaped creative writing templates.
• For spring, have each of your students write a poem about caterpillars . These unique caterpillar shaped templates will help you to create an extra long poetry display in your classroom this spring.
• For this unique poetry project , each students writes a poem in one section of the caterpillar.
• If you have 25 students in your classroom, you can create an extra long caterpillar poetry display that is over 15 feet with this unique set of poetry lesson plans.
• Click on the link below to view the page where this long caterpillar poetry project can be found: Caterpillar Poetry Templates
• Butterfly Book Report Projects
• Caterpillar Book Report Projects
• Sunflower Book Report Projects
• Cause and Effect Tree Book Report Projects
• Reading Umbrella Sticker Charts : This umbrella sticker chart template has 20 raindrop shaped sticker boxes to reward your students for reading books.
• Reading Rainbow Sticker Charts : This rainbow sticker chart template has 25 sticker boxes to use for encouraging your students to read books independently.
• Spring Flower Sticker Charts : There are 12 different flower templates in this set (only one is shown on the right). You can design a colorful garden themed spring bulletin board display filled with flower sticker charts in a variety of shapes and colors!

Specific April Writing Prompts:

Celebrations, events, holidays, and dates in history:, scroll through this page, or click on the links below, to read about each of these april writing prompts and holidays..

• April - National Poetry Month
• April - Keep America Beautiful Month
• April 1 - April Fools' Day
• April 2 - International Children's Book Day April 2 (1805) - Hans Christian Andersen's Birthday
• April 3 (1860) - Pony Express Began
• April 12 - D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read Day) April 12 (1916) - Beverly Cleary's Birthday
• April 12 - First Space Shuttle Launch
• April 21 - Kindergarten Day
• April 22 - Earth Day
• Last Friday of April - National Arbor Day
• Download a free copy of the National Poetry Month April 2012 Poster from Poets.org.
• 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month
• Poetry Tips for Teachers
• You can find detailed poetry lesson plan activities and unique poem templates on this page of my website: Poetry Lesson Plans - Make Poetry Fun!
• Spring Acrostic Poem (rainbow templates)
• Earth Day Poems (April 22)

Kite Poetry Templates

• Caterpillar Poems and Templates
• All About Me Poems (pencil templates)
• Simile Lesson Plans (snake templates)
• Color Poems (ice cream templates)
• Thank You Acrostic Poem
• What are some ways that you can help keep your own community beautiful?
• What is your favorite park or beautiful place to visit in your community? Describe this place.
• What is the most beautiful place that you have seen in America? Describe this place.
• Design a poster for Keep America Beautiful month.
• On Earth 911's websiste, your students can read about 8 Ways to Help Keep America Beautiful .
• Have your students read the lyrics to America the Beautiful . Then, students can draw a picture of the image that the lyrics painted in their minds.
• Bates originally wrote the words to America the Beautiful as a poem, so this will tie in well with National Poetry Month , which is also in April.
• On the National Park Service website, students can find information about state by state national parks and there are also resources for teachers .
• Write about the best April Fools' Day joke that you have played on someone, or write about a joke you would like to play on someone. Remember that your joke must be safe and not hurt anyone's feelings.
• Many of these jokes were advertising methods used by companies to get people's attention.
• Have your students design an advertising April Fools' Day joke for a well known company such as McDonalds, Coke, or Nike.
• What is your favorite fairy tale? Explain why.
• On my creative writing templates page, you will find some uniquely shaped writing projects. Some of my favorite templates to use for writing stories with my own students include:
• sword creative writing templates (example shown on the right)
• butterfly creative writing templates
• caterpillar creative writing templates
• sunflower writing templates
• Your students would enjoy completing this reading response activity using the First Place Trophy book report projects that are shown below.
• Describe how the delivery of mail has changed since 1860 to the present.
• An advertisement for riders to join the Pony Express could have read as: "Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Design a poster advertising the Pony Express.
• The youngest Pony Express rider was 11 years old. Pretend that you are this 11 year old and write a letter to your family back at home describing your new job.
• Visit Wikipedia's Pony Express page to learn more about this fast mail service from 1860 - 1861.
• On Ponyexpress.org page , students can read about the history of the Pony Express.
• D.E.A.R. time is when kids can read and enjoy the books they want, just for the pleasure of reading and with no questions asked! If you do not have this time set aside at your school, consider having it with your own students.
• Start reading a book by Beverly Cleary to your students today and have them respond to the first section of the book that you read to them.
• What book do you plan to read tonight with someone in your family?
• Which book is "dear" and special to you? Why?
• There is a special website devoted to Drop Everything And Read that explains D.E.A.R. Day, contains D.E.A.R. book lists, and resources for teachers.
• On Reading Rockets D.E.A.R. page , there are resources for teachers that they can use on this reading celebration day.
• Students will enjoy visiting Bevery Cleary's web page where they can read her biography, learn more about her books, and play fun games.

Click on the link below to read more information about the fun book report projects that are shown above: Go To: Unique Book Report Templates and Projects

• You have just won the National Science Fair competition and the prize is to join the next group of astronauts on their space mission. How will your science experiment or invention help the astronauts on their next mission?
• NASA has selected you for the next space mission that will last over 6 months. You are allowed to bring 2 personal items with you. Which two items would you choose and why?
• You have been selected as the pilot for the next NASA space flight and you get to choose your destination. What planet or other space destination would you choose to visit and why?
• Students can visit NASA.gov K-4 and NASA.gov Space Shuttle to learn more about NASA and the space shuttle program.
• On NASA Kids Club page , children can learn more about space and play some fun games.
• April 12 is a great date to begin a fun reading project that has a space theme with your students. The video below shows examples of the Rocket Book Report Projects that are found on Unique Teaching Resources .

Click on the link below to read more information about these fun rocket report projects : Go To: Rocket Book Report Projects

• Write about a memory that you have from kindergarten or about your kindergarten teacher.
• Pretend that you are visiting a kindergarten today as a guest reader. What book will you choose to bring with you to read to the kindergarten students? Explain why you selected this book.
• Design a venn diagram that compares the grade that you are currently in with kindergarten.
• Earth Day Parts of Speech Powerpoint: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, and Adverbs
• Earth Day Stationery and Matching Banner Set
• E.A.R.T.H. Day Globe Shaped Acrostic Poems
• Think Green: Environmental Awareness Teaching Resources Set

Go To: Heidi's Earth Day Lesson Plans Web Page

• Write an acrostic poem with the word A.R.B.O.R. to express the importance of planting new trees.
• Arbor Day in the Classroom has lesson plan ideas for English, math, science, social studies, and P.E.
• Many states observe Arbor Day on different dates according to their best tree-planting times. Check the Arbor Day Map and Dates Across America to find out when your state observes Arbor Day.
• Click on the link below to view the page where you can view my lesson plan activities for this book: The Giving Tree Lesson Plans For Teachers
• During the last week of April prior to Arbor Day, have your students learn about their roots by completing a unique family tree project (shown below).
• For a fun reading response project related to Arbor Day, assign your students a cause and effect tree book report project (shown below).

Family Tree Templates

Are you looking for a unique way for your students to create a family tree ? Your students will be branching out to learn about the members of their family as they design their own family trees.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Family Tree Lesson Plans

Cause and Effect Tree Project

Your students will branch out and learn about cause and effect relationships with this fun tree shaped project. Students write the causes in the tree's branches and the effects in the tree's leaves .

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Cause and Effect Tree Projects

End of April Writing Prompts

April printable calendar set, click here to go to my free printable classroom calendars page..

Note : On the above page, you will find links to download all 12 of my FREE classroom calendar sets for January - December!

My printable calendar sets are designed to fit inside the monthly calendar pocket charts that many teachers use.

My holiday calendar sets contain the following printable worksheets:

Above: The large April calendar title is a 2 page banner template that is glued together and cut out.

Above: This printable calendar set for April includes large days of the week templates for the 7 days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are shown above).

This printable calendar set for April includes smaller calendar pieces for the 7 days of the week that will fit inside your calendar pocket chart.

There are 31 square calendar number dates in this teaching resources set.

There are squares for you to print and write your students' names and birthdays on.

There are 11 printable calendar worksheets in this April teaching resources classroom display set.

Note: At the top of this box, there is a free download link for this April calendar set.

Below are some examples of Spring powerpoint lesson plans that are ideal to use during the month of April:

Earth day parts of speech.

Earth Day is April 22. This lesson reviews 4 parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. It is similar to the game Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, but it has an Earth Day theme.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Earth Day Parts of Speech

Spring Into Colorful Writing

This spring set of teaching resources is designed to be a daily writing warm up activity. There are 25 different sentences for students to rewrite using more descriptive word choices.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Spring Into Colorful Writing

Busy Bees Grammar Comparison

This lesson reviews the comparative and superlative forms of these 15 words: large, fat, fast, hot, high, late, sad, pretty, loud, many, delicious, bad, good, difficult, and little.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Busy Bees Grammar Comparison

Rainy Day Punctuation Marks

This lesson has a rain theme and reviews 3 end punctuation marks: period, question mark, and exclamation mark. Students write their answers in raindrops inside a cloud on their worksheets.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Rainy Day Punctuation Marks

Old McDonald Word Problems

Students use addition and multiplication to solve word problems that have a farm theme. These problems involve money, so students are reviewing decimal points and place value as well.

Click below for more information about: Old McDonald Word Problems

Spring Into Math Squares

Students solve addition , subtraction , and multiplication equations using these fun math puzzles that contain butterfly themed animations. There are 5 puzzles in this set of resources.

Click below for more information about: Spring Into Math Squares

Below are some ideas and examples of teaching resources that can be used for some of the Spring and April writing prompts that are found on this page:

Earth day april 22.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. This is a perfect opportunity for your students to write an acrostic poem with an environmental theme that is set inside a globe template.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts E.A.R.T.H. Day Acrostic Poems

S.P.R.I.N.G. Rainbow Poem

This is a S.P.R.I.N.G. rainbow shaped acrostic poem. This acrostic poem is different because the key letters appear in the middle of the poem, instead of at the beginning of the poem.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Spring Acrostic Poem

Butterfly Writing Templates

These butterfly writing templates will make your students fly away with creative ideas. Students write each section of their story in a separate wing of the butterfly.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Butterfly Writing Templates

Caterpillar Writing Templates

These caterpillar writing templates will make your students march away with creative ideas. Students write each section of their story in a separate section of the caterpillar's body.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Caterpillar Writing Templates

Caterpillar Poetry Templates

If you have 25 students in your classroom, you can create a caterpillar display that is over 15 feet long with these unique poetry lesson plans. Each student writes a poem in one of the caterpillar templates.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Caterpillar Poems

These poetry lesson plans will have your students' poetry flying high in the air! Students write a shape poem where each line of their poem is shorter in length than the previous line.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Kite Poetry Templates

Turtle Writing Templates

These turtle templates would be ideal to use for a short writing assignment, poetry, or a science unit . These cute turtle creative writing templates measure 10 inches in width and 6 in. in height.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Turtle Writing Templates

Sunflower Writing Templates

Do you want your students' writing to bloom with creative ideas? This unique creative writing set is designed in the shape of two sunflowers inside a plant pot template .

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Sunflower Writing Templates

Earth Day April 22 Worksheets

Earth Day is on April 22 and you can use these printable worksheets to have your students write an essay about ways that they can help protect our planet.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Earth Day April 22 Worksheets

We Are Busy Bees Worksheets

I use these We Are Busy Bees language arts worksheets in the spring, but they can be used any time of the year for a wide variety of creative writing topics.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts We Are Busy Bees Worksheets

Colorful Butterfly Stories

I use these Colorful Butterfly language arts worksheets in the spring, but they can be used any time of the year for a wide variety of creative writing topics.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Colorful Butterfly Stories

Our Writing is Blooming!

I designed these Our Writing is Blooming! language arts worksheets for the spring, but they can be used any time of the school year.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Our Writing is Blooming!

Bee Cool Worksheets

Your students will Bee Cool as they write stories using these colorful language arts worksheets that are appropriate for a wide variety of different topics.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Bee Cool Worksheets

Mother's Day Flowers

Every mother loves to receive flowers on Mother's Day! Students write Mother's Day poems or messages inside these unique flower templates.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Mother's Day Flowers

Below are some examples of sticker charts that are ideal to use for Spring and April themes:

It's raining books.

These colorful umbrella sticker charts will encourage your students to get drenched in reading books.

These incentive charts are perfect for a spring reading theme. This set includes 9 different colored umbrella templates to choose from and each umbrella has 20 raindrops for 20 stickers.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Reading Umbrella Sticker Charts

Reading Rainbow Sticker Charts

Provide your students with an extra incentive to read 25 books with these colorful reading rainbow sticker charts.

This set includes a colored rainbow template, as well as 6 bright reading rainbow accent pieces that contain reading slogans on them that promote a colorful reading theme.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Reading Rainbow Sticker Charts

Flower Sticker Charts

If you are looking for a dynamic and bright spring bulletin board display idea, these charts are a blooming great resource!

There are 12 different shaped flower templates, so you can design a colorful garden themed bulletin board display filled with flower sticker charts in a variety of shapes and colors!

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Flower Sticker Charts

Amazing Reading Race

The "athletes" in your class will have fun racing around the world reading 7 books, which represent the 7 continents.

For each book, students fill out the pages in their reading passports by writing a summary about the book and drawing a picture. Then, students color that continent on their world maps.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Amazing Reading Race Passports

Turtle Sticker Chart

These turtles will motivate your students to come out of their shells and make steady progress towards a goal.

There are 20 boxes for you to place stickers in on these turtle templates. This set includes turtle accent pieces to help you with decorating your bulletin board display.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts Turtle Sticker Charts

Recycling Sticker Chart

Encourage your students to Think Green with these environmental trash can sticker charts.

Click below for more information about: April Writing Prompts "Think Green" Recycling Sticker Chart

Click on one of the rainbows below to go to a specific category of Spring Teaching Resources :

Click on one of the calendars below to go to a specific page of monthly writing prompts:

On these pages, you will find creative writing prompts that pertain to each month's themes , holidays , and events .

Thank you for visiting my April writing prompts page.

Please be sure to check out the other pages on Unique Teaching Resources for a large variety of fun lesson plan activities that will engage your students in learning and save you valuable time.

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ThinkWritten

365 Creative Writing Prompts

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to help inspire you to write every single day! Use them for journaling, story starters, poetry, and more!

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If you want to become a better writer, the best thing you can do is practice writing every single day. Writing prompts are useful because we know sometimes it can be hard to think of what to write about!

To help you brainstorm, we put together this list of 365 creative writing prompts to give you something to write about daily.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire:

Whether you write short stories, poems, or like to keep a journal – these will stretch your imagination and give you some ideas for topics to write about!

1. Outside the Window : What’s the weather outside your window doing right now? If that’s not inspiring, what’s the weather like somewhere you wish you could be?

2. The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?

3. The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

4. Dancing: Who’s dancing and why are they tapping those toes?

5. Food: What’s for breakfast? Dinner? Lunch? Or maybe you could write a poem about that time you met a friend at a cafe.

6. Eye Contact: Write about two people seeing each other for the first time.

7. The Rocket-ship: Write about a rocket-ship on its way to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far, away.

8. Dream-catcher : Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.

9. Animals: Choose an animal. Write about it!

10. Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.

11. Dragon : Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

12. Greeting : Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello” or another greeting.

13. The Letter: Write a poem or story using words from a famous letter or inspired by a letter someone sent you.

14. The Found Poem : Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines.

15. Eavesdropper : Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you’ve overheard.

16. Addict: Everyone’s addicted to something in some shape or form. What are things you can’t go without?

17. Dictionary Definition : Open up a dictionary to a random word. Define what that word means to you.

18. Cleaning: Hey, even writers and creative artists have to do housework sometimes. Write about doing laundry, dishes, and other cleaning activities.

19. Great Minds: Write  about someone you admire and you thought to have had a beautiful mind.

20. Missed Connections: If you go to Craigslist, there is a “Missed Connections” section where you can find some interesting storylines to inspire your writing.

21. Foreclosure : Write a poem or short story about someone who has lost or is about to lose their home.

22. Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

23. Sugar: Write something so sweet, it makes your teeth hurt.

24. Numbers:  Write a poem or journal entry about numbers that have special meaning to you.

25. Dread: Write about doing something you don’t want to do.

26. Fear: What scares you a little? What do you feel when scared? How do you react?

27. Closed Doors: What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

28. Shadow: Imagine you are someone’s shadow for a day.

29. Good Vibes: What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

30. Shopping:  Write about your shopping wishlist and how you like to spend money.

31. The Professor: Write about a teacher that has influenced you.

32. Rewrite : Take any poem or short story you enjoy. Rewrite it in your own words.

33. Jewelry: Write about a piece of jewelry. Who does it belong to?

34. Sounds : Sit outside for about an hour. Write down the sounds you hear.

35. War and Peace: Write about a recent conflict that you dealt with in your life.

36. Frame It: Write a poem or some phrases that would make for good wall art in your home.

37. Puzzle: Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles.

38. Fire-starters: Write about building a fire.

39. Coffee & Tea: Surely you drink one or the other or know someone who does- write about it!

40. Car Keys: Write about someone getting their driver’s license for the first time.

41. What You Don’t Know: Write about a secret you’ve kept from someone else or how you feel when you know someone is keeping a secret from you.

42. Warehouse : Write about being inside an old abandoned warehouse.

43. The Sound of Silence: Write about staying quiet when you feel like shouting.

44. Insult: Write about being insulted. How do you feel? Why do you think the other person insulted you?

45. Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you? What might the mirror say?

46. Dirty: Write a poem about getting covered in mud.

47. Light Switch : Write about coming out of the dark and seeing the light.

48. The Stars : Take inspiration from a night sky. Or, write about a time when “the stars aligned” in your horoscope.

49. Joke Poem : What did the wall say to the other wall? Meet you at the corner! Write something inspired by a favorite joke.

50. Just Say No : Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.

51: Sunrise/Sunset : The sun comes up, the sun goes down. It goes round and round. Write something inspiring about the sunrise or sunset.

52. Memory Lane : What does Memory Lane look like? How do you get there?

53. Tear-Jerker : Watch a movie that makes you cry. Write about that scene in the movie.

54. Dear Diary: Write a poem or short story about a diary entry you’ve read or imagined.

55. Holding Hands : The first time you held someone’s hand.

56. Photograph : Write a story or journal entry influenced by a photograph you see online or in a magazine.

57. Alarm Clock: Write about waking up.

58. Darkness: Write a poem or journal entry inspired by what you can’t see.

59. Refreshed: Write a poem about a time you really felt refreshed and renewed. Maybe it was a dip into a pool on a hot summer day, a drink of lemonade, or other situation that helped you relax and start again.

60. Handle With Care : Write about a very fragile or delicate object.

61. Drama: Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other.

62. Slip Up: Write about making mistakes.

63. Spice: Write about flavors and tastes or a favorite spice of yours.

64. Sing a New Song: Take a popular song off the radio and rewrite it as a poem in your own words.

65. Telephone: Write about a phone call you recently received.

66. Name: Write a poem or short story using your name in some way or form.

67. Dollhouse: Write a poem or short story from the viewpoint of someone living in a doll house.

68. Random Wikipedia Article : Go to Wikipedia and click on Random Article . Write about whatever the page you get.

69. Silly Sports: Write about an extreme or silly sport. If none inspire you, make up the rules for your own game.

70. Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, such as a feeling.

71. Famous Artwork: Choose a famous painting and write about it.

72. Where That Place Used to Be : Think of a place you went to when you were younger but it now no longer there or is something else. Capture your feelings about this in your writing.

73. Last Person You Talked to: Write a quick little poem or story about the last person you spoke with.

74. Caught Red-Handed: Write about being caught doing something embarrassing.

75. Interview: Write a list of questions you have for someone you would like to interview, real or fictional.

76. Missing You: Write about someone you miss dearly.

77. Geography: Pick a state or country you’ve never visited. Write about why you would or would not like to visit that place.

78. Random Song: Turn on the radio, use the shuffle feature on your music collection or your favorite streaming music service. Write something inspired by the first song you hear.

79. Hero: Write a tribute to someone you regard as a hero.

80. Ode to Strangers: Go people watching and write an ode to a stranger you see on the street.

81. Advertisement: Advertisements are everywhere, aren’t they? Write using the slogan or line from an ad.

82. Book Inspired: Think of your favorite book. Now write a poem that sums up the entire story in 10 lines.

83. Magic : Imagine you have a touch of magic, and can make impossible things happen. What would you do?

84. Fanciest Pen: Get out your favorite pen, pencils, or even colored markers and write using them!

85. A Day in the Life: Write about your daily habits and routine.

86. Your Muse: Write about your muse – what do they look like? What does your muse do to inspire you?

87. Convenience Store : Write about an experience you’ve had at a gas station or convenience store.

88. Natural Wonders of the World: Choose one of the natural wonders of the world. Write about it.

89. Status Update: Write a poem using the words from your latest status update or a friend’s status update. If you don’t use sites like Facebook or Twitter, you can often search online for some funny ones to use as inspiration.

90. Green Thumb: Write about growing something.

91. Family Heirloom: Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family.

92. Bug Catcher: Write about insects.

93. Potion: Write about a magic potion. What is it made of? What does it do? What is the antidote?

94. Swinging & Sliding: Write something inspired by a playground or treehouse.

95. Adjectives: Make a list of the first 5 adjectives that pop into your head. Use these 5 words in your story, poem, or journal entry.

96. Fairy Tales: Rewrite a fairy tale. Give it a new ending or make it modern or write as a poem.

97. Whispers: Write about someone who has to whisper a secret to someone else.

98. Smile: Write a poem about the things that make you smile.

99. Seasonal: Write about your favorite season.

100.  Normal: What does normal mean to you? Is it good or bad to be normal?

101. Recycle : Take something you’ve written in the past and rewrite it into a completely different piece.

102. Wardrobe: Write about a fashion model or what’s currently in your closet or drawers.

103. Secret Message : Write something with a secret message hidden in between the words. For example, you could make an acrostic poem using the last letters of the word or use secret code words in the poem.

104. Vacation: Write about a vacation you took.

105. Heat: Write about being overheated and sweltering.

106. Spellbinding: Write a magic spell.

107. Collection : Write about collecting something, such as salt shakers, sea shells, or stamps.

108. Taking Chances: Everyone takes a risk at some point in their life. Write about a time when you took a chance and what the result was.

109. Carnival: Write a poem or story or journal entry inspired by a carnival or street fair.

110. Country Mouse: Write about someone who grew up in the country visiting the city for the first time.

111: Questions: Write about questions you have for the universe. Optional: include an answer key.

112. Rushing: Write about moving quickly and doing things fast.

113. Staircase : Use a photo of a staircase or the stairs in your home or a building you love to inspire you.

114. Neighbors: Make up a story or poem about your next door neighbor.

115. Black and Blue: Write about a time you’ve been physically hurt.

116. All Saints: Choose a saint and create a poem about his or her life.

117. Beach Inspired: What’s not to write about the beach?

118. Shoes: What kind of shoes do you wear? Where do they lead your feet?

119. The Ex: Write a poem to someone who is estranged from you.

120. My Point of View: Write in the first person point of view.

121. Stray Animal: Think of the life of a stray cat or dog and write about that.

122. Stop and Stare : Create a poem or story about something you could watch forever.

123. Your Bed: Describe where you sleep each night.

124. Fireworks : Do they inspire you or do you not like the noise and commotion? Write about it.

125. Frozen: Write about a moment in your life you wish you could freeze and preserve.

126. Alone : Do you like to be alone or do you like having company?

127. Know-it-all: Write about something you are very knowledgeable about, for example a favorite hobby or passion of yours.

128. The Promise: Write about a promise you’ve made to someone. Did you keep that promise?

129. Commotion: Write about being overstimulated by a lot of chaos.

130. Read the News Today : Construct a poem or story using a news headline for your first line.

131. Macro: Write a description of an object close-up.

132. Transportation : Write about taking your favorite (or least-favorite) form of transportation.

133. Gadgets: If you could invent a gadget, what would it do? Are there any gadgets that make your life easier?

134: Bring on the Cheese: Write a tacky love poem that is so cheesy, it belongs on top of a pizza.

135. Ladders: Write a story or poem that uses ladders as a symbol.

136. Bizarre Holiday : There is a bizarre holiday for any date! Look up a holiday for today’s date and create a poem in greeting card fashion or write a short story about the holiday to celebrate.

137. Blog-o-sphere : Visit your favorite blog or your feedreader and craft a story, journal entry, or poem based on the latest blog post you read.

138. Mailbox: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry based on a recent item of mail you’ve received.

139. Sharing : Write about sharing something with someone else.

140. Cactus: Write from the viewpoint of a cactus. What’s it like to live in the desert or have a prickly personality?

141. It’s a Sign : Have you seen any interesting road signs lately?

142. Furniture: Write about a piece of furniture in your home.

143. Failure: Write about a time you failed at something. Did you try again or give up completely?

144. Mystical Creatures: Angels or other mystical creatures – use them as inspiration.

145. Flying: Write about having wings and what you would do.

146. Clear and Transparent: Write a poem about being able to see-through something.

147. Break the Silence : Record yourself speaking, then write down what you spoke and revise into a short story or poem.

148. Beat: Listen to music with a strong rhythm or listen to drum loops. Write something that goes along with the beat you feel and hear.

149. Color Palette: Search online for color palettes and be inspired to write by one you resonate with.

150. Magazine: Randomly flip to a page in a magazine and write using the first few words you see as an opening line.

151. The Grass is Greener : Write about switching the place with someone or going to where it seems the “grass is greener”.

152. Mind & Body: Write something that would motivate others to workout and exercise.

153. Shaping Up : Write something that makes a shape on the page…ie: a circle, a heart, a square, etc.

154. Twenty-One: Write about your 21st birthday.

155. Aromatherapy: Write about scents you just absolutely love.

156. Swish, Buzz, Pop : Create a poem that uses Onomatopoeia .

157. What Time is It? Write about the time of day it is right now. What are people doing? What do you usually do at this time each day?

158. Party Animal: Have you ever gone to a party you didn’t want to leave? Or do you hate parties? Write about it!

159: Miss Manners : Use the words “please” and “thank you” in your writing.

160. Cliche: Choose a common cliche, then write something that says the same thing but without using the catch phrase.

161. Eco-friendly : Write about going green or an environmental concern you have.

162. Missing You: Write about someone you miss.

163. Set it Free: Think of a time when you had to let someone or something go to be free…did they come back?

164: Left Out : Write about a time when you’ve felt left out or you’ve noticed someone else feeling as if they didn’t belong.

165. Suitcase: Write about packing for a trip or unpacking from when you arrive home.

166. Fantasy : Write about fairies, gnomes, elves, or other mythical creatures.

167. Give and Receive : Write about giving and receiving.

168. Baker’s Dozen: Imagine the scents and sights of a bakery and write.

169. Treehouse: Write about your own secret treehouse hideaway.

170.  Risk: Write about taking a gamble on something.

171. Acrostic : Choose a word and write an acrostic poem where every line starts with a letter from the word.

172. Crossword Puzzle: Open up the newspaper or find a crossword puzzle online and choose one of the clues to use as inspiration for your writing.

173. Silver Lining : Write about the good that happens in a bad situation.

174. Gloves: Write about a pair of gloves – what kind of gloves are they? Who wears them and why?

175. All that Glitters: Write about a shiny object.

176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

178. Jury Duty : Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

181. Discovery: Think of something you’ve recently discovered and use it as inspiration.

182. Complain:  Write about your complaints about something.

183. Gratitude: Write a poem or journal entry that is all about things you are thankful for.

184. Chemistry: Choose an element and write a poem or story that uses that word in one of the lines.

185. Applause: Write about giving someone a standing ovation.

186. Old Endings Into New Beginnings:  Take an old poem, story, or journal entry of yours and use the last line and make it the first line of your writing today.

187. Longing: Write  about something you very much want to do.

188. I Am: Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

189. Rainbow : What is at the end of a rainbow? Or, take a cue from Kermit the Frog, and ask yourself, why are there so many songs about rainbows?

190. Museum: Take some time to visit a nearby museum with your journal. Write about one of the pieces that speaks to you.

191. Cartoon: Think of your favorite cartoon or comic. Write a poem or story that takes place in that setting.

192. Copycat: Borrow a line from a famous public domain poem to craft your own.

193. From the Roof-tops:  Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and broadcast a message to everyone below – what would you say?

194. Time Travel: If there was a time period you could visit for a day, where would you go? Write about traveling back in time to that day.

195. Changing Places: Imagine living the day as someone else.

196. Neighborhood: Write about your favorite place in your neighborhood to visit and hang out at.

197. Pirates: Write about a pirate ship.

198. Interview : Write based on a recent interview you’ve read or seen on TV or heard on the radio.

199.  Hiding Spaces : Write about places you like to hide things at. What was a favorite hiding spot for you as a child playing hide-and-seek?

200. Extreme Makeover: Imagine how life might be different if you could change your hair color or clothing into something completely opposite from your current style.

201. Empathy: Write about your feelings of empathy or compassion for another person.

202. Opposites: Write a poem or story that ties in together two opposites.

203. Boredom: Write about being bored or make a list of different ways to entertain yourself.

204. Strength : Think of a time when you’ve been physically or emotionally strong and use that as inspiration.

205. Hunger: Write from the perspective of someone with no money to buy food.

206. Greed: Write about someone who always wants more – whether it be money, power, etc. etc.

207. Volcano: Write about an eruption of a volcano.

208. Video Inspiration : Go to Vimeo.com or YouTube.com and watch one of the videos featured on the homepage. Write something based on what you watch.

209. Sneeze: Write about things that make you sneeze.

210. Footsteps on the Moon:  Write about the possibility of life in outer-space.

211: Star-crossed: Write a short modern version of the story of Romeo and Juliet or think of real-life examples of lovers who are not allowed to be together to use as inspiration for your writing.

212. Font-tastic: Choose a unique font and type out a poem, story or journal entry using that font.

213. Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and use the schedule for inspiration in writing.

214. Grandparents: Write about a moment in your grandparent’s life.

215. Collage: Go through a magazine and cut out words that grab your attention. Use these words to construct a poem or as a story starter or inspiration for your journal.

216. Oh so Lonely: Write a poem about what you do when you are alone – do you feel lonely or do you enjoy your own company?

217. Waterfall: Think of a waterfall you’ve seen in person or spend some time browsing photos of waterfalls online. Write about the movement, flow, and energy.

218. First Kiss: Write about your first kiss.

219. So Ironic: Write about an ironic situation you’ve been in throughout your life.

220. Limerick: Write a limerick today.

221. Grocery Shopping: Write about an experience at the grocery store.

222. Fashion : Go through a fashion magazine or browse fashion websites online and write about a style you love.

223. So Close: Write about coming close to reaching a goal.

224. Drinks on Me: Write a poem or short story that takes place at a bar.

225. Online Friends: Write an ode to someone online you’ve met and become friends with.

226. Admiration: Is there someone you admire? Write about those feelings.

227. Trash Day: Write from the perspective of a garbage collector.

228. Mailbox: Open your mailbox and write something inspired by one of the pieces of mail you received.

229. Fresh & Clean: Write about how you feel after you take a shower.

230. Energized: Write about how you feel when you’re either at a high or low energy level for the day.

231. Rhyme & No Reason: Make up a silly rhyming poem using made up words.

232. Tech Support: Use computers or a conversation with tech support you’ve had as inspiration.

233. Hotel: Write from the perspective of someone who works at a hotel or staying at a hotel.

234. Underwater: Write about sea creatures and under water life. What’s under the surface of the ocean? What adventures might be waiting?

235. Breathing: Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing relaxation techniques. Once your mind is clear, just write the first few things that you think of.

236. Liar, Liar: Make up a poem or story of complete lies about yourself or someone else.

237. Obituaries: Look at the recent obituaries online or in the newspaper and imagine the life of someone and write about that person.

238. Pocket: Rummage through your pockets and write about what you keep or find in your pockets.

239. Cinquain: Write a cinquain poem, which consists of 5 lines that do not rhyme.

240. Alphabetical: Write a poem that has every letter of the alphabet in it.

241.  Comedy Club: Write something inspired by a comedian.

242. Cheater: Write about someone who is unfaithful.

243. Sestina: Give a try to writing a sestina poem.

244. Fight: Write about witnessing two people get in an argument with each other.

245. Social Network : Visit your favorite Social Networking website (ie: Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, etc.) and write a about a post you see there.

246. Peaceful: Write about something peaceful and serene.

247. In the Clouds: Go cloud watching for the day and write about what you imagine in the clouds.

248. At the Park: Take some time to sit on a park bench and write about the sights, scenes, and senses and emotions you experience.

249. Sonnet: Write a sonnet today.

250. Should, Would, And Could: Write a poem or story using the words should, would, and could.

251. How to: Write directions on how to do something.

252. Alliteration: Use alliteration in your poem or in a sentence in a story.

253. Poker Face: Write about playing a card game.

254. Timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about it making sense or being perfect.

255. Dance: Write about a dancer or a time you remember dancing.

256. Write for a Cause: Write a poem or essay that raises awareness for a cause you support.

257. Magic : Write about a magician or magic trick.

258. Out of the Box: Imagine finding a box. Write about opening it and what’s inside.

259. Under the Influence: What is something has impacted you positively in your life?

260. Forgotten Toy : Write from the perspective a forgotten or lost toy.

261. Rocks and Gems: Write about a rock or gemstone meaning.

262. Remote Control: Imagine you can fast forward and rewind your life with a remote control.

263. Symbolism: Think of objects, animals, etc. that have symbolic meaning to you. Write about it.

264. Light at the End of the Tunnel: Write about a time when you saw hope when it seemed like a hopeless situation.

265. Smoke and Fire : “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Use this saying as inspiration to write!

266. Railroad: Write about a train and its cargo or passengers.

267. Clipboard: Write about words you imagine on an office clipboard.

268. Shipwrecked: Write about being stranded somewhere – an island, a bus stop, etc.

269. Quotable: Use a popular quote from a speaker and use it as inspiration for your writing.

270. Mind   Map it Out: Create a mind map of words, phrases, and ideas that pop into your head or spend some time browsing the many mind maps online. Write a poem, story, or journal entry inspired by the mind map.

271. Patterns : Write about repeating patterns that occur in life.

272. Scrapbook : Write about finding a scrapbook and the memories it contains.

273. Cure: Write about finding a cure for an illness.

274. Email Subject Lines: Read your email today and look for subject lines that may be good starters for writing inspiration.

275. Wishful Thinking: Write about a wish you have.

276. Doodle : Spend some time today doodling for about 5-10 minutes. Write about the thoughts you had while doodling or create something inspired by your finished doodle.

277. Chalkboard: Imagine you are in a classroom. What does it say on the chalkboard?

278. Sticky: Imagine a situation that’s very sticky, maybe even covered in maple syrup, tape or glue. Write about it!

279. Flashlight : Imagine going somewhere very dark with only a flashlight to guide you.

280. A Far Away Place : Envision yourself traveling to a fictional place, what do you experience in your imaginary journey?

281. On the Farm : Write about being in a country or rural setting.

282. Promise to Yourself: Write about a promise you want to make to yourself and keep.

283. Brick Wall : Write a poem that is about a brick wall – whether literal or figurative.

284. Making a Choice: Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

285.  Repeat: Write about a time when you’ve had to repeat yourself or a time when it felt like no one was listening.

286. Outcast : Write about someone who is not accepted by their peers. (for example, the Ugly Ducking)

287. Scary Monsters: Write about a scary (or not-so-scary) monster in your closet or under the bed.

288. Sacrifice: Write about something you’ve sacrificed doing to do something else or help another person.

289. Imperfection: Create a poem that highlights the beauty in being flawed.

290. Birthday Poem: Write a poem inspired by birthdays.

291. Title First : Make a list of potential poem or story titles and choose one to write from.

292. Job Interview : Write about going on a job interview.

293. Get Well : Write a poem that will help someone who is sick feel better quick!

294. Lost in the Crowd: Write about feeling lost in the crowd.

295. Apple a Day: Write about a health topic that interests you.

296. Cravings: Write about craving something.

297. Phobia: Research some common phobias, choose one, and write about it.

298. In the Moment: Write about living in the present moment.

299. Concrete : Write about walking down a sidewalk and what you see and experience.

300. Battle: Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative.

301. This Old House : Write about an old house that is abandoned or being renovated.

302. Clutter: Is there a cluttered spot in your home? Go through some of that clutter today and write about what you find or the process of organizing.

303. Go Fly a Kite: Write about flying a kite.

304. On the TV: Flip to a random TV channel and write about the first thing that comes on – even if it is an infomercial!

305. Fruit: Write an ode to your favorite fruit.

306. Long Distance Love: Write about a couple that is separated by distance.

307. Glasses: Write about a pair of eyeglasses or someone wearing glasses.

308. Robotic : Write about a robot.

309. Cute as a Button: Write about something you think is just adorable.

310. Movie Conversation: Use a memorable conversation from a favorite movie to inspire your writing.

311. Easy-Peasy : Write  about doing something effortlessly.

312. Idiom: Choose from a list of idioms one that speaks to you and create a poem around that saying or phrase. (Ie: It is raining cats and dogs)

313. Playground: Whether it is the swings or the sandbox or the sliding boards, write about your memories of being on a playground.

314. Romance: Write about romantic things partners can do for each other.

315. Rock Star: Imagine you are a famous rock star. Write about the experience.

316. Come to Life: Imagine ordinary objects have come to life. Write about what they do and say.

317. Airplane: Write about meeting someone on an airplane and a conversation you might have.

318. Health & Beauty: Take some time to peruse your medicine cabinet or the health and beauty aisles at a local store. Write a poem, short story, or journal entry inspired by a product label.

319. Determination: Write about not giving up.

320. Instrumental Inspiration: Listen to some instrumental music and write a poem that matches the mood, beat, and style of the music.

321. Wait Your Turn: Write about having to wait in line.

322. Personality Type : Do you know your personality type? (There are many free quizzes online) – write about what type of personality traits you have.

323. Decade: Choose a favorite decade and write about it. (IE: 1980’s or 1950’s for example)

324. I Believe: Write your personal credo of things you believe in.

325. Lost and Found: Write about a lost object.

326. Say it: Write a poem or story that uses dialogue between two people.

327. The Unsent Letter: Write about a letter that never made it to its recipient.

328. The Windows of the Soul: Write a poem about the story that is told through someone’s eyes.

329. Trial and Error: Write about something you learned the hard way.

330. Escape : Write about where you like to go to escape from it all.

331. What’s Cooking: Write something inspired a favorite food or recipe.

332. Records : Go through your file box and pull out old receipts or records…write something inspired by what you find!

333. Banking: Write about visiting the bank.

334. Sweet Talk: Write about trying to convince someone of something.

335. Serendipity: Write about something that happened by chance in a positive way.

336. Distractions: Write about how it feels when you can’t focus.

337. Corporation: Write about big business.

338. Word of the Day: Go to a dictionary website that has a word of the day and use it in a poem, story or journal entry you write.

339. Pick Me Up:  What do you do when you need a pick me up?

340. Unfinished: Write about a project you started but never completed.

341. Forgiveness: Write about a time when someone forgave you or you forgave someone.

342. Weakness: Write about your greatest weakness.

343. Starting: Write about starting a project.

344. Mechanical: Think of gears, moving parts, machines.

345. Random Act of Kindness : Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone or someone has done for you, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed.

346. Underground: Imagine living in a home underground and use that as inspiration for writing.

347. Classic Rock: Pick a classic rock love ballad and rewrite it into a story or poem with a similar theme.

348. Night Owl : Write about staying up late at night.

349. Magnetic : Write about attraction to something or someone.

350. Teamwork: Write about working with a team towards a common goal.

351. Roller-coaster : Write about the ups and downs in life.

352. Motivational Poster: Look at some motivational posters online and write a poem or journal entry inspired by your favorite one.

353. Games: Write about the games people play – figuratively or literally.

354. Turning Point: Write about a point in life where things turned for the better or worse.

355. Spellbound: Write about a witch’s spell.

356. Anniversary: Write about the anniversary of a special date.

357. Gamble:  Be inspired by a casino or lottery ticket.

358. Picnic: Write about going on a picnic.

359. Garage: Write about some random item you might find in a garage.

360. Review: Review your week, month, or year in a journal entry or poem format.

361. Detective: Write about a detective searching for clues or solving a mystery.

362. Camera: Take your camera for a walk and write based on one of the photographs you take.

363. Visiting : Write about visiting a family member or friend.

364. Trust: Write about putting trust in someone.

365. Congratulations : Did you write a poem, short story, or journal entry every day for a whole year? Write about what you’ve learned and celebrate your achievement!

We hope you enjoy these creative writing prompts! And of course, if you write anything using these prompts, we’d love to know about it! Tell us how you’ll use these everyday creative writing prompts in the comments section below!

And of course, if you’d like the printable ad-free version of these prompts to reference again and again or to use in your classroom, you can find them at our Etsy shop !

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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191 comments.

I have been on a reading binge since being on vacation from school. By rereading Little House, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women among others, one wonders about writing a book. I stumbled across this while looking up unit supplements for my kiddos, and thought, hey, write a page a day and see what happens! Thank you for this collection of prompts! I’ve linked back to this page several times so others can try their hand at writing. Thank you again!

The Flicker, The Teeth, and A Warehouse in the Dark (the warehouse prompt)

I am in a large abandoned warehouse with a flickering light The only light in the whole room. It flickered leaving me in temporal darkness It flickered again and as it was dark I swore I saw something glowing It looked like glowing teeth The lights return and I see nothing Flickers on Flickers off I see the teeth closer Flickers on I see nothing Flickers off The teeth so close Flickers on An empty warehouse Flickers off The glowing teeth are inchings away bright red blood drips from their tips Flickers on Panic rises in my chest but nothing is there Turns off The mouth of bloody teeth is before my eyes I wait for the light to flicker back on I wait in complete darkness I wait And wait And wait The teeth open wide I try to scream by the darkness swallows it A hear the crunch of my bones I see my blood pore down my chest But I wait in darkness for the pain I wait And wait And wait The mouth of teeth devours my lower half I wait for pain and death I wait And wait And wait The light flickers on I see no monster Only my morphed body And blood And blood And blood And so much blood The light flickers off The monster eats my arm Flickers on I wait for pain Flickers off I watch as the creature eats my limbs Flickers on I wait for death Flickers off Slowly the teeth eat my head All I see is dark I wait for it to flicker on Where is the warehouse light? Where is the only light in the room? Where is the flicker? Where am I? Where are the bloody teeth? I wait for the light to come back And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait And wait in eternal darkness

WOW. Thank you!

This is such a helpful tool! I’ve learned a lot about my self through picking a random prompt and writing the first thing that comes to mind. I’d love to see a follow up list of possible! Definitely a recomended sight!

I agree. Very helpful.

I am new at the blogging game. You have provided some wonderful ideas for blog posts. Great ideas just to get used to writing every day. Thanks

This list is really impressive and useful for those of us who are looking for good topics to blog about. Thanks!

Thank you! That somes in handy

Very nice list. Thanks for compiling and posting it. It’s not only good for bloggers, but poets, as well.

yess im using it for my new years resolution, which is to write a poem daily!

Wow, thanks so much for all these wonderful prompts! They are lots of fun and very helpful. I love how you’ve provided 365 of them–A prompt for every day of the year! 🙂

Not if it’s a leap year…

Haha. Yea. This is great though all the same.. ;-;

Lol actually there’s 364 days in a year and 365 in a leap year so……yeah

are you fucking stupid

There are actually 366 days in a leap year so… yeah

I use this for my homeschooling-I love it! Thank you so much!! This is a wonderful list. So creative! 🙂 🙂

Thanks! I’m preparing for writing every day next year and this will come in really handy. It’s just 364 writing prompts though. 164 is missing. 😉

MiMschi is wrong 164 is there i looked

I think they meant that as a joke, 164 is called left out…

Good it is useful

no its not you nonce

You Don’t Love Me, Damn You

things left unsaid

and then some

anger strangles the baby

in its crib,

flowers wilt,

rivers dry up

harsh words clatter upon the day,

echo unfortunately

till silence smothers

in its embrace

you wish you could take it back

what’s done is done

never to be undone

though things move on

part of you remains

locked in the middle of protesting

one last thing,

mouth open,

no words emerging

why must you be misunderstood?

why must everything you say

no way of straightening things out

gestures halted mid-air

an accusatory finger

shoulders locked

in sardonic shrug

dishes smash on the floor

spray of fragments

frozen mid-air

slam the door

it doesn’t open

but in spite of yourself

you turn and look

one last time…..

(Greg Cameron, Poem, Surrey, B.C., Canada)

Love these. Thank you!

This is really amazingly deep. I love it so much. You have so much talent!!

Thanks SOOO much for the prompts but I have another suggestion!

A Recipe for disaster- write a recipe for a disastrous camping trip…

that one sounds awesome.

Haha. Reminds me of the old twin’s show.. what was it.. where the two girls switch places when they meet at camp?

Pretty sure I know what you’re talking about. The Parent Trap, right? Never seen the whole movie, but it seems funny.

and also #309, everyone should have thought of a hamster “write” away XD!

May I have permission to use this list at my next Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers meeting. Thank you for consideration.

Hi Leah, please send some more info here: https://thinkwritten.com/contact

i am using it for my homeschooling and i love it

i am using it for my homeschooling

where is prompt 165?

sorry I meant 164, my mistake.

well kay, there is a 164 AND 165. So your head is clearly ????????????

What I like most about these is how you can combine them and get really weird ideas. For example, empathy from the rooftops: what if you shouted something positive in public every day – or if everyone did so? It might be fun to try, and then write a diary about it. Online time travel: if people could live virtually in incredibly well=constructed versions of different time periods, what would the effects be on today’s society? Could it change our language or customs?

It would be cool if we could have goggles that showed places during a certain time period. Like Seattle 1989. And you could buy special plugins, like specific people you want to hang out with, famous or non.

That one about online time travel is crazy brilliant!!! And highly thought-provoking.

It is amazing what creative writing could do to you. Daily prompts have proven to be very inspiring and overtime writers develop their own style of writing depending on how passionate they are about it. I would love to write about all 3, online, space, and time travel. cheers! and Don’t stop writing!

I belong to a writing club. We seem to have a lot of prompts to use. I love stories having to do with rain. Would you join me. I am jim

Wow! Inspiration right here.

May I use this list for a speech at my Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers?

Love the inspiration

THANK YOU. THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THANK YOU.

What about a leap year? You’re missing one topic.

Wonderful! I love writing and these prompts are very helpful. Thank you very much! ♥

It’s been really useful in getting me to write again! Thank you very much!

I really love the list of writing ideas you have compiled here. I will be using it and others to get myself back into writing every single day if I can be away with it. Also, I have noticed a few problems with this list. One is a repeat topic. Those are numbers 76 and 162. And you skipped a number. And have only 364 days of writing. Still through! All these ideas are absolutely amazing and awesome ideas! I commend you for putting it all together in an easy to read format too. Thank you so very much.

I think we have the list all fixed now, but thanks for catching a couple of early mistakes!

Thank you for helping me edit Lora! I don’t always have a second pair of eyes + appreciated this to fix + update the post! I always say my readers are my best editors. 🙂

these days get brighter, mine gets darker, why does it has to be me , why not life.

Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you?

u r awesome man

Wonderful compilation of ideas! I will send your blog along to my many Creative Writing students. I’m enjoying reading your posts.

wow!! great tips! but how long did it take you to write that? its a lot of words!! lol great stuff though..

This is so cool! I love these prompts and will definitely recommend some to my teacher!!

The promise “I made a promise with my best friend, I said i’d never break, Our personalities really did blend, But then I lied awake, The people disappearing, Her gaze was always leering. I never thought she was serious, I always took it as a joke, But it really made me curious, When she was digging around that oak, My best friend is a serial killer, And i knew the truth, My life turned into a thriller, And eating at me took away my youth, I couldn’t take it any long living with this weight, To the police I went to tell my tale, Looking at me with eyes of hate, she smiled and said, without her I would fail. Now i sit in the prison cell, Waiting for my call My friend across the room smiling, my eyes begin to swell, My neck snapping on the, from my sides my hands fall

Although my writing style is dark, that’s the way I enjoy writing, and thank you for this list, even though I didn’t do one per day, scrolling through I was able to see keywords that formed ideas in my mind

I love this <3 It's amazing :))

These are really nice I absolutely love them.

This is very helpful and I’ve been finding a way to help improve my creative writing!!! Thank you very much!

You are such a life developer, who can virtually transform a life busy with unnecessary activities humans are posted to through internet. And who can restore the appetite of people to purchase pen and paper which have considered the last commodity in the market at the expense of that great vampire ‘social media’ that left both old and young paralyzed. Thanks to the proponent of this great idea.

These are great. The Closed door one gives me a great idea for a new story! Thank you so much!

man what the fuck is this shit! i was looking for short story writing prompts and I get stuck with shit like “write about the weather outside”. Damn this shit is disappointing.

Hi John, the weather might seem boring, but there are a lot of ways you can springboard from that – maybe you write a story about a character who despises the sunshine or melts if they get rained on or they live in a underground tunnel and the house gets flooded…You can also use it as an exercise in developing more descriptive writing that shows, not tells for the scenes in your story. Writing about the weather seems “easy and boring” but seriously challenge yourself to write about it in a way that makes it interesting – it is not so easy to avoid the cliches as you might think!

I LOVE IT SO MUCH i do not know why but my kids, they will just like come on this website every time it is time to have a little bit of video games! XD

The weather outside that day was dark.

It was a perfectly reasonable sort of darkness. The kind of darkness you might get if you wake up an hour before sunrise. But it was late in the morning.

He had to make sure of that. He checked his alarm clock, his microwave oven clock, and his cell phone.

The sun was supposed to be out. But the moonlit sky was starlit and clear.

And as he looked outside again, he saw that people were out, going about their business, as if none of this really mattered at all.

What was he missing here?

(There. Now you have a short story writing prompt..)

You know what “John” i think this website is great so fuck you.

yeah you tell him john

It depends on how you view it. That one topic for instance has given me a beautiful story telling. I am currently about to round up with it and trust me the feedback has been amazing.

That is great! I’m glad it helped inspire you!

Dude kids go on here so stop swearing “John”

Maybe you need to work on improving the quality of your writing. Your use of expletives is totally uncalled for. I see nothing wrong with “writing about the weather outside”. In fact, this is a great topic and can lead to awesome discussions.

Very useful indeed. Thank u

i think this is a good prompted

I think it’s awesome, I looked for inspiration, I found inspiration, thank you

well! i fall in love with all these ideas! i loved this page! thanks for sharing these amazing ideas!

Great stuff mat Keep up the good work

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH IT IS VERY HELPFUL BUT FOR A SUGGESTION YOU COULD DO DIARY STUFF MAYBE

When I read your comment, I thought you said “DAIRY,” not “DIARY.”

So… why not both? Write something based on a dairy farmer’s diary. Or… a dairy COW’S diary. Tell their stories, their private dreams. Or hidden shame…

That’s the way to think + use this list 🙂

Great idea!

Awesome list! Thank you!

Thanks so much! I’ve always been told I’m a great writer and should publish. I haven’t done a lot of leisure writing because I’m afraid I might realize I’m NOT a good writer. My therapist wants me to write more and these prompts are perfect!

This is fun i will keep doing this no matter what every year. I can’t stop writing either. Thanks for making this, it is very fun.

This helps so much! love these ideas

Can this website give me a write on the following topic. –

Imagine that the scientists could replace the human brains with computers or invent the computers with human feelings. What do you think would happen?Would the world become a better place to live in???

I’ve been looking for prompts to work through my creative art/collage journal for 2017…and love the ones you offer here….LOVE THEM! I like that they are more than just one word and give me something to think about before I start creating each day as a warm up to what is ahead.

I hope don’t mind, but I shared them on both Instagram and my FaceBook page in hopes to get my artist/creative friends to follow along with me in creating each day. I would like to include a link to your page in a near future blog post about my creative journal.

Thank you for posting and sharing you prompts…I’m excited to get started!

I’m on number 43 and I’ve already discovered a whole bunch about myself! These prompts are amazing and I can’t wait for the next 322 of them. I’ve recommended this to several of my friends. Totally worth several notebooks chock full of prompts and a years worth of writing 🙂

Very inspiring….

Hello! Is it alright if I add some of these to a little book I’m making for my Grandmother? She hasn’t opened a computer in her life but I know these prompts would do her a world of good. I believe in the importance of asking permission to use the creative property of another person 🙂 Cheers!

Hi Maxx, of course you may share with your grandmother – the only thing we would worry about is if you were to publish them for monetary gain. Enjoy! 🙂

This is really helpful. I’m glad I saw it first. ♥

OMG!! I’ve never been in this website before!!

Thank u so much this was so helpful. Idk how u came up with all thoughts prompts. It was very helpful. Thank u again.

For the first time in a long time it finally felt like I knew was going to happen next. I was gazing into her eyes and she was gazing back. I remember it like it was just yesterday, when she was still the one for me but never forgave me. I miss the sweet sound of her laughter and now all i hear are friends. I have tried to go back and apologize to her just to see if the answer will change but even I know that it will never change because I will never be enough for her. But if she ever decides that she wants me back she can have me because a life without love is one not worth living.

gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

can u give me one using the prompt “normal”

Thanks for this!!!!! Will definitely help me in learning to tap into my creative writing genius 🙂

Thanks, this helped me a lot!

u have a typo!!!! 364

Thanks for pointing out, got it fixed 🙂 Sometimes my brain goes faster than the computer. 🙂

I wrote this, tell me what you think; prompt #4-dancing You see her tapping her toes, always listening to music. Although she doesn’t like the music, what she doesn’t know yet is it will be stuck in her head for the next year. She’s as graceful as a butterfly yet as strong as a fighter. Many only see a pretty face yet those close enough to the fire know the passion burning deep inside of her. At home she’s quiet, always in her room yet making loud noises through the floorboards. Her parents know what she’s up to but her little brothers don’t quite understand yet. All they know is that when she goes up there she’s listening to music and soon she will play it for the whole neighborhood to hear. They don’t know that she’s practicing, practicing for the most important day of the year. The one she’s been waiting for since she’s been a little girl. Tapping her toes at the table only stops when her parents beg her to rest. Even in her dreams she on stage, dancing like a swan. Yet deep down she’s scared of the failure that she will feel if this one day goes a bit to south. Tapping her toes to the beat of her music gives her a bit of pip in her pep when she walks down the halls. No one quite understands the stress she’s going through. Through her smile she’s worries, scared that one misstep might end it all for her. But she won’t let anyone see that she’s nervous. She’s used to getting bruises, she falls on the ground but always gets back up. Because she’s a dancer, the show must go on.

Brilliant. Loved it.

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m working on a site in Danish about writing and I would love to translate these awesome prompts into Danish and use it on the site. Would that be OK? I’ll credit with links of course!

Hi Camilla, you cannot copy + post these on your site, but feel free to link to the article – our site is compatible with Google translate 🙂

Hi Camilla, this list cannot be republished, even if translated into another language. However, if you would like to link to our website that would be great, your readers are able to translate it into any language if they use a web browser such as Google Chrome.

My goal is to write all of these prompts before 2018

This is amazing! I am writing for fun and this is a list of amazing prompts!

Ha, Ha . I see what you did , #164 was missing and now it say write about being left out .

Thanks a ton !!!

This link has been really helpful for my blog, loved the ideas.

Thanks for not publishing my email address

You are welcome! We never publish email addresses. If you’d like to learn more about how we collect and use information you may provide us with on this website, you can read more on our privacy policy page. Hope that helps! https://thinkwritten.com/privacy/

I have another suggestion, What about “The Secret Journey to the Unknown”. I reckon it’s awesome!

I was wondering if you could please send new ideas to me, much appreciated thanks.

I love all of these so much and i try to write referring to these at least once everyday thank you so much for these!

Trust, It is a beautiful thing. You give it to others, For them to protect. They can keep it forever, Or they can destroy it.

Wow what a treasure! Am glad I have found the right place to begging my writing journey.Thanks guys

Super awesome! Thanks so much for this collection of writing prompts!!

Today is the last day of the year 2017. I’m proud to say that I was able to complete this challenge. Thank you for the inspiring prompts! 🙂

That is awesome! We might just have to think of some new ones!!

how about one with sports like the NBA

I thought my life was over when I couldn’t access this for a couple weeks. These prompts are excellent. I write two page short stories on one every day. I hope you guys never take down this site but I’m printing these for insurance because it truly was devastating. I’m very emotionally attached to this list. Thank you so much for sharing.

Yes, we did have a small glitch in our hosting services for a few days! Fortunately, it was only temporary and unexpected! {Though I’m sure it did feel like 2 weeks!} Good to hear you are using the prompts!

Very nice article. Very useful one for improving writing skills

Thank you Sid! Glad it is useful for you!

Oh my god.. This is something a different, thought provoking and a yardstick to those who cultivated passion on writing, like me, beginners. Wishes for this website. I really wanted to try this 365 days of writing. Thanks in tons.

Glad you find it helpful! I hope it keeps you inspired to keep growing as a writer!

i love writing too! i am writing a book and this website inspired me too!

i have been writing lots of things and am getting A + on writing

thxs for your time with the web

i am making a epic book. it is because of this website. you really help. i will share a link of my book once i am done with it to your awesome cool really helpful website! thank you for your time

That is great to hear Christopher! Would love to see some of your work when you are ready to share! 🙂

WOOOOOOOOW BEST SITE!

I’m going to write few marvelous essays based on ideas in your impressive list. Thanks!

Just to tell some people that 165 or 164 is not missing because some people probably can’t see but just to let u know that 164 is a prompt called “Left Out”

Dang. The second idea about writing about what it feels like to love someone who doesn’t love you back, I wrote something like that BEFORE I found this website.

You can always try writing it again, maybe from the other person’s perspective this time? That is the beauty of the open-ended writing prompts – you can always interpret them in a way to push and challenge you as a writer!

Thank you for these prompts! I enjoyed looking through them and writing them! They gave me great ideas and inspired me so much.

This is my favorite website to find inspiration to write. I had run out of ideas and i had a huge writers block but this made it all go away. Here’s something i wrote:

He is a mess She is beautiful He has tears streaming down his face She glides across the room as if it were her kingdom And she’s The reigning queen He’s curled up in a ball In the corner of the room He looks at me I wonder what he thinks I can’t take my eyes off her The way she subtly smiles when she realizes Someone is looking She seems to be happy all the time But I can see through the smile It’s my first time noticing It’s not complete That was the first time I wanted to say hi But I thought Why would he look at me? The nerd with all the answers in her head All the books in her hands And Her sleeves full of hearts She looked at me From the corner of her eye She saw me looking The boy with the tear stains She saw me His tears were no longer streaming He had finally stood up Tall and handsome As he is Eyes Bluer than the blue jay that sat outside my bedroom window She had opened a book and started reading She hadn’t changed pages for a while Safe to assume She was distracted She looked up and Without knowing I was in front of her “Hi” Her brown eyes Stared in to my soul Erased the memory of why the tears Were streaming in the first place “Hi”

I love it Cynthia, thank you for sharing and glad that it inspired you to keep writing! 🙂

Thank you for so many amazing ideas! I love the sound of mirror, mirror!

Glad you found it inspiring Ar!

read the whole thing and didn’t find anything I’d enjoy writing 🙁

What kinds of things do you like to write? We have a whole collection of additional writing prompts lists here. Sometimes challenging yourself to write something you don’t like all in its own can be a good exercise for writing. Hope that helps!

These are ingenious!

I love these prompts! They’re inspiring! I’ve chosen to challenge myself by using one of these prompts every day of this 2019 year. I posted my writings for the first prompt on my Tumblr and Facebook pages with the prompt and a link back to this article- I hope that’s alright. If not, I can take it down, or I would love to discuss a way I could continue to do this. I hope more people can see and use these prompts because I have already found joy in using the first one.

Hi Elizabeth! Glad you are enjoying the prompts! You can definitely post what you write with these prompts as long as you do not copy the entire list or claim them as your own. Linking back to our website or this post will help others find the prompts so they too can use them for writing! If you have any questions feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form. Thanks!

Amazing original prompts Thank you so much!

Good list, but you’re not supposed to mistake it’s for its. Not on a website for writers, of all places!

I appreciate your comment, especially because after triple checking the article AND having a few grammar-police personality type friends do the same we could not find any typos. All of the instances of its and it’s are the correct usage.

However, one thing we did remember is that it is very easy for the person reading to accidentally misunderstand and not interpret it the way as the writer intended.

To clarify when we should use it’s vs. its:

We use it’s when we intend the meaning as the contraction. This is a shortened way of writing it is . We use its without an apostrophe when we use it as a possessive noun. Any instances you may note here are correct for their intended meaning.

Some examples:

Prompt #141 It’s a Sign : In this case we intend it to be interpreted as IT IS a Sign , where the usage is a contraction.

Prompt #7 The Rocket Ship : In this case we intend it to be interpreted as the possessive form.

I hope that helps clear up any possible confusion for you!

Thank you soooo much! That helped me a lot!

You’re welcome Keira! Glad you enjoyed our list of writing ideas!

It is so rich in bright and thought-provoking ideas. Thank you so much. Get inspired to have more, please

Thanks for this. I love to write things like this. Some of these though, weren’t as interesting as I wanted it to be, not saying that they aren’t interesting. I like the help you’ve added in, such as being led into a dark room with only a flashlight to help so it gets us started. Great job!

Thanks Maya, I’m glad you like the prompts. Sometimes the prompts that seem boring are the best ones to help you practice your skills as a writer to make them interesting topics. Some of the best writers can make the most mundane topics fun!

Nice….I don’t think I’ll ever lack something to write on … I so appreciate your ideas ..,they are great

Thank you, glad you enjoyed them!

Thank you for providing these writing prompts! They are great!

Thank You so much, these are amazing to start of with to get the creative juices flowing

Thank you very much

Sweet! Thank you so much! I plan to use some of these for some creative writing on CourageousChristianFather.com

I’m glad they inspired you Steve! I always love seeing what everyone writes with these prompts – I really enjoyed your post about the cookie ad jingle! 🙂

Thanks so much for this list. I needed something to kickstart my writing. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I just wrote #1. WooHoo!!

Thank you for your list. This is great!

I write feature articles for our church library’s monthly newsletter. Perusing this list has helped me come up with a couple dozen ideas to consider for future issues! Thanks much for putting this together – it is being used beyond the scope of what you intended, I think!

That’s wonderful Debbie! There are so many ways to apply these prompts to any sort of project – thank you for sharing how you are using them!

Thanks for your prompts, an idea I have for a prompt is write a story based on your favorite story for example I’m writing a fantasy book based on the game dungeons and dragons…

i guss its ok

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Just needed to ask: I’d like to think these prompts are for free writing with no pauses? But, does one edit and polish the piece after that? I keep reading about writing every day…like brain dumping. But, there is never a mention of what one does with the piece after that??

This article has been written with sheer intelligence. Such 365 creative writing prompts has been written here. This article is worth marking as Good. I like how you have researched and presented these exact points so clearly.

Thank you for this list! You’ve inspired me to take up the challenge, though I haven’t written anything in years!

I have even created a blog to post my ideas, and keep myself accountable. I hope this is okay, I will credit, and provide a link back to this page on each post. https://thefishhavegotitright.blogspot.com/

I love it Ariadne, I’ll definitely come check out your site! Keep at it!

This is really Helpful thanks I love it😊

I never knew how much I had to write about. This should definitely keep me busy! Thank you so much for the list.

Hi! I saw a note saying this had been updated for 2020. I was curious if there are plans to update it for 2021. If so, when would the 2021-updated list become available?

Hi Gabrielle, I am not sure when we will next update this list, but feel free to check out some of our other writing prompts lists if you’ve exhausted this one! Writing Prompts for Kids {which is for grown-ups too!} and Poetry Writing Prompts are two great ones to check out. Hope that helps!

Loved this a lot! I would like to ask permission for using these prompts for my poetry and stories page on Instagram. Kindly let me know if I can use these and let my followers write on them too.

Hi, Piyusha, I’m just a user of the site like you, so I’m not “official”. But if you hit CTRL + F in your browser, that should open the “Find” dialog. Search on “Camilla”, and that will take you to a post and response concerning your request. Have a great and productive writing day. K. B. Tidwell

very informative thank you

I have always had problems finding something to write about. My problem is solved🥰 Thank you

I love this

Oh great. Good for everyone who enjoys picking the pen and writing something readable

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99 Creative Writing Prompts For Overcoming Writer’s Block

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

32. Write an essay about your childhood home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

40. Write a summer scene that begins with dialogue. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

71. Write a poem about shadows. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

79. Write about the last time you felt hopeful.

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

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

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

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

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

85. Write a letter to your younger self.

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

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

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

89. What are you most grateful for this year?

December 

90. Write a poem about your favorite sound.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED READING

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 105 creative writing prompts to try out.

General Education

The most common advice out there for being a writer is, "if you want to write, write." While this is true (and good advice), it's not always that easy, particularly if you're not writing regularly.

Whether you're looking for help getting started on your next project, or just want to spend 20 minutes being creative, writing prompts are great ways to rev up your imagination. Read on for our list of over 100 creative writing prompts!

feature image credit: r. nial bradshaw /Flickr

10 Short Writing Prompts

If you're looking for a quick boost to get yourself going, these 10 short writing prompts will do the trick.

#1 : Write a scene starting with a regular family ritual that goes awry.

#2 : Describe exactly what you see/smell/hear/etc, right now. Include objects, people, and anything else in your immediate environment.

#3 : Suggest eight possible ways to get a ping pong ball out of a vertical pipe.

#4 : A shoe falls out of the sky. Justify why.

#5 : If your brain were a tangible, physical place, what would it be like?

#6 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "The stage was set."

#7 : You have been asked to write a history of "The Summer of [this past year]." Your publisher wants a table of contents. What events will you submit?

#8 : Write a sympathetic story from the point of view of the "bad guy." (Think fractured fairy tales like Wicked or The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! , although the story doesn't have to be a fairy tale.)

#9 : Look at everyday objects in a new way and write about the stories one of these objects contains.

#10 : One person meets a stranger on a mode of transportation. Write the story that ensues.

11 Writing Prompts for Kids

Any of these prompts can be used by writers of any age, but we chose the following 11 prompts as ones that would be particularly fun for kids to write about. (Most of them I used myself as a young writer, so I can vouch for their working!)

#1 : Include something falling in your writing.

#2 : Write a short poem (or story) with the title, "We don't know when it will be fixed."

#3 : Write from the perspective of someone of a different gender than you.

#4 : Write a dumb internet quiz.

#5 : Finish this thought: "A perfect day in my imagination begins like this:"

#6 : Write a character's inner monologue (what they are thinking as they go about their day).

#7 : Think of a character. Write a paragraph each about:

• An important childhood experience that character had.
• The character's living situation.
• Two hobbies or things the character likes to do.
• The room where the character sleeps.
• An ambition of the character.
• Two physical characteristics of the character.
• What happens when a second person and this character meet.
• Two important defining personal traits of this character.

#8 : Start a story with a quote from a song.

#9 : Begin a story with, "It was the summer of ______ when ______"

#10 : Pretend everyday objects have no names. Think about what you would name them based on what they do, what you can use them for, and what they look like.

#11 : Start a story with the phrases "My grandparents are/were," "My parents are/were," or "My mother/father/parent is/was."

15 Cool Writing Prompts

#1 : List five issues that you're passionate about. Write about them from the opposite point of view (or from the perspective of a character with the opposite point of view).

#2 : Walk around and write down a phrase you hear (or read). Make a story out of it.

#3 : Write using no adjectives or adverbs.

#4 : Write a character's inner dialogue between different aspects of a character's self (rather than an inner monologue).

#5 : Write a true story from your past that involves light or darkness in some way.

#6 : "Saying goodbye awakens us to the true nature of things." Write something in which someone has to say goodbye and has a realization.

#7 : Begin by writing the end of the story.

#8 : Write a recipe for an intangible thing.

#9 : Write a horror story about an ordinary situation (e.g., buying groceries, going to the bank, listening to music).

#10 : Write a story from within a bubble.

#11 : Write down 2-3 short character descriptions and then write the characters in conversation with one another.

#12 : Write a story in second person.

#13 : Write a story that keeps contradicting itself.

#14 : Write about a character with at least three big problems.

#15 : Write something that takes place on a Friday, the 13th (of any month).

15 Funny Writing Prompts

#1 : Write a story which starts with someone eating a pickle and potato sandwich.

#2 : Write a short script where the plot has to do with evil dolls trying to take over something.

#3 : Write about writers' block.

#4 : List five election issues that would be ridiculous to includes as part of your election platform (e.g. outlawing mechanical pencils and clicky pens, mandating every person over the age of 30 must own an emergency last rites kit). Choose one of the ridiculous issues and write a speech in favor of it.

#5 : Write a children's story that is insanely inappropriate but can't use graphic language, curses, or violence.

#6 : List five careers. Write about someone with one of those careers who wants to quit it.

#7 : Write down a list of murder methods. Choose one at random from the list to use in a story.

#8 : Write a romance story in which the hero must have a last name corresponding with a physical characteristic (e.g. Jacques Hairyback or Flora Dimple).

#9 : Come up with 10 different ways to:

• order a pizza
• congratulate someone on a job well done
• return to the store something that's broken

#10 : Search for "random Renaissance painting" (or any other inspirational image search text you can think of) on any online internet image search engine. Picking one image, write half a page each of:

• Statements about this image (e.g. "I meant bring me the BREAD of John the Baptist").
• Questions about this image (e.g. "How many of those cherubs look like their necks are broken?").
• Explanations of this image (e.g. "The painter ran out of blue paint halfway through and had to improvise for the color of the sky").
• Commands said by people in this image or about this image (e.g. "Stop telling me to smile!" or "Bring me some gasoline!").

#11 : Write starting with a word that sounds like "chute" (e.g. "chute," "shoot," "shooed").

#12 : Write about a character named X "The [article of clothing]" Y (e.g. Julie "The Yellow Darted Skirt" Whyte) or simply referred to by their clothing (e.g. "the man in the brown suit" or "the woman in black").

#13 : Write down a paragraph each describing two wildly different settings. Write a story involving both settings.

#14 : Think of a fictional holiday based around some natural event (e.g. the Earth being at its farthest point from the sun, in memory of a volcanic eruption, that time a cloud looked like a rabbit riding a bicycle). Write about how this holiday is celebrated.

#15 : Write a "Just-So" type story about a fictional creature (e.g. "how the dragon got its firebreath" or "how the mudkip got its cheek gills").

54 Other Writing Prompt Ideas

#1 : Borrow a character from some other form of media (or create your own). Write from that character's perspective.

#2 : Write for and against a non-consequential controversy (e.g., salt vs. pepper, Mac vs. PC, best kind of door).

#3 : Choose an ancestor or a person from the past to write about or to.

#4 : Write a pirate story with a twist.

#5 : Have a character talk about another character and their feelings about that other character.

#6 : Pick a season and think about an event in your life that occurred in that season. Write a creative nonfiction piece about that event and that season.

#7 : Think of something very complicated and long. Write a page about it using short sentences.

#8 : Write a story as a dream.

#9 : Describe around a food without ever directly naming it.

#10 : Write a monologue (one character, talking to the audience/reader) (*not* an inner monologue).

#11 : Begin a story with the phrase, "It only took five seconds to..."

#12 : List five strong emotions. Choosing one, write about a character experiencing that emotion, but only use the character's actions to convey how they are feeling (no outright statements).

#13 : Write a chapter of the memoir of your life.

#14 : Look through the (physical) things you're currently carrying with you or wearing. Write about the memories or emotions tied with each of them.

#15 : Go be in nature. Write drawing your story from your surroundings (both physical, social, and mental/emotional).

#16 : Write from the perspective of a bubble (or bubble-like creature).

#17 : A person is jogging along an asphalt road. Write a story.

#18 : Title your story (or poem, or play, etc) "Anti-_____". Fill in the blank and write the story.

#19 : Write something that must include an animal, a mineral, and a vegetable.

#20 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "6 weeks later..."

#21 : List 5-10 office jobs. Pick one of them and describe a person working in that job as if you were a commentator on an Olympic sporting event.

#22 : Practice your poetic imagery: overwrite a description of a character's breakfast routine.

#23 : Write about a character (or group of characters) trying to convince another character to try something they're scared of.

#24 : Keep an eye out in your environment for examples of greengrocer's apostrophes and rogue quotation marks. Pick an example and write about what the misplaced punctuation implies (e.g., we have the "best" meat or we have the best "meat" ).

#25 : Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind: "_______ Riot!" Write a newspaper-style article describing the events that that took place.

#26 : Write from the point of view of your most-loved possession. What does it think of you?

#27 : Think of five common sayings (e.g., "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"). Write a horror story whose plot is one of those common sayings.

#28 : Write a scene in which two characters are finally hashing out a long-standing misunderstanding or disagreement.

#29 : You start receiving text messages from an unknown number. Tell the story of what happens next.

#30 : Write one character bragging to another about the story behind their new tattoo.

#31 : Superheroes save the world...but they also leave a lot of destruction in their wake. Write about a normal person in a superhero's world.

#32 : Sometimes, family is who we are related to; sometimes, family is a group of people we gather around ourselves. Write a story about (some of) a character's found family and relatives meeting for the first time.

#33 : Write a story that begins in the middle of the plot's action ( en media res ).

#34 : Everyone says you can never have too much of a good thing. Write a story where that isn't true.

#35 : What do ghosts do when they're not creating mischief? Write about the secret lives of ghosts.

#36 : Every year, you dread the last week of April. Write a story about why.

#37 : Write a story about what it would be like to have an animal sidekick in real life.

#38 : Heists don't just have to be black-clad thieves stealing into vaults to steal rare art or money. Write about a group of people (adults or children) who commit a heist for something of seemingly little monetary value.

#39 : "Life is like a chooseable-path adventure, except you don't get to see what would have happened if you chose differently." Think of a choice you've made and write about a world where you made a different choice.

#40 : Write a story about a secret room.

#41 : You find a message in a bottle with very specific directions. Write a story about the adventure you embark upon.

#42 : "You'll always be okay as long as you know where your _______ is." Fill in the blank and write a story (either fictional or from your life) illustrating this statement.

#43 : Forcing people into prolonged proximity can change and deepen relationships. Write about characters on a road trip together.

#44 : In music, sonata form includes three main parts: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Write a short story that follows this format.

#45 : Begin writing with a character saying, "I'm afraid this simply can't wait."

#46 : Write a story with a happy ending (either happily-ever-after or happy-for-now).

#47 : Write about a character before and after a tragedy in that character's life.

#48 : Choose an object or concept you encounter in everyday life (e.g. tables, the feeling of hot or cold, oxygen) and write an infomercial about it.

#49 : "Life is a series of quests, whether important or mundane." Write about a quest you've gone on (or would like to go on, or will have to go on).

#50 : List 10 different ways to learn. Choose one (or more) and write a story where a character learns something using that one (or more) method.

#51 : You've been called to the principal's office for bad behavior. You know what you did. Explain and justify yourself.

#52 : A character discovers their sibling owns a cursed object. Write about what happens next.

#53 : Write a character description by writing a list of items that would be on a scavenger hunt about them.

#54 : The slogan for a product or service you're advertising is, "Kid-tested, _____." Fill in the blank and write the copy for a radio or podcast advertisement for your product.

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts

There's no wrong way to use a creative writing prompt (unless it's to harass and hurt someone)—the point of them is to get you writing and your imagination flowing.

To help you get the most out of these writing prompts, however, we've come up with the six tips below. Try them out!

#1: DON'T Limit Yourself to Prose

Unless you're writing for a particular assignment, there's no reason everything you write in response to a writing prompt has to be prose fiction . Instead of writing your response to a prompt as a story, try writing a poem, nonfiction essay, play, screenplay, or some other format entirely.

#2: DON'T Edit as You Write

The purposes of writing prompts is to get you writing, typos and weird grammar and all. Editing comes later, once you've finished writing and have some space from it to come back to what you wrote.

It's OK to fix things that will make it difficult to read what you've written (e.g., a weird autocorrect that changes the meaning of a sentence), but don't worry too much about typos or perfect grammar when you're writing; those are easy enough to fix in edits . You also can always insert asterisks or a short note as you're writing to remind yourself to go back to fix something (for instance, if as you're writing it seems like you want to move around the order of your paragraphs or insert something earlier).

#3: DO Interpret the Prompt Broadly

The point of using a writing prompt is not to write something that best exemplifies the prompt, but something that sparks your own creativity. Again, unless you're writing in response to an assignment with specific directions, feel free to interpret writing prompts as broadly or as narrowly as you want.

For instance, if your prompt is to write a story that begins with "The stage was set," you could write about anything from someone preparing to put a plan into motion to a literal theatre stage constructed out of pieces of old sets (or something else entirely).

If you're using a writing prompt, it doesn't have to be the first sentence of your story or poem, either; you can also use the prompt as a goal to work towards in your writing.

#4: DO Try Switching Up Your Writing Methods

If it's a possibility for you, see if you write differently in different media. Do you write the same kind of stories by hand as you would typing at a computer? What about if you dictate a story and then transcribe it? Or text it to a friend? Varying the method you use to write can affect the stories you're able to tell.

For example, you may find that it's easier for you to tell stories about your life to a voice recorder than to try to write out a personal essay. Or maybe you have trouble writing poetry, but can easily text yourself or a friend a poem. You might even find you like a writing method you've not tried before better than what you've been doing!

#5: DO Mix and Match Prompt Ideas

If you need more inspiration, feel free to combine multiple prompts (but don't overwhelm yourself with too much to write about).

You can also try switching genres from what might be suggested in the prompt. For instance, try writing a prompt that seems funny in a serious and sad way, or finding the humor in something that otherwise seems humorless. The categories we've organized the prompts into are by no means limiters on what you're allowed to write about.

#6: DO Try to Write Regularly

The more regularly you write, the easier it will be to write (with or without writing prompts).

For some people, this means writing daily; for others, it means setting aside time to write each weekend or each month. Set yourself an achievable goal (write 2x a week, write 1000 words a month) and stick to it. You can always start small and then ramp your wordcount or frequency up.

If you do better when you have something outside yourself prompting to write, you may also want to try something like morning pages , which encourages you to write at least 750 words every day, in any format (story, diary entry, social media postings, etc).

What's Next?

Thinking about attending college or grad school for creative writing? Our articles on whether or not you should major in creative writing and the best creative writing programs are there for you! Plus, if you're a high schooler, you should check out these top writing contests .

Creative writing doesn't necessarily have to be fiction. Check out these three examples of narrative writing and our tips for how to write your own narrative stories and essays .

Just as writing prompts can help give form to amorphous creative energy, using specific writing structures or devices can be great starting points for your next story. Read through our discussion of the top 20 poetic devices to know and see if you can work at least one new one into your next writing session.

Still looking for more writing ideas? Try repurposing our 100+ easy drawing ideas for characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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