5 Creative Writing Prompts for Your Next Story
I’ve been asked before why I’m not constantly writing if I love it so much. But honestly, I’m terrible at coming up with ideas. I love writing, but I’m weirdly uncreative. Staring at a blank page is overwhelming.
I hated writing assignments in college where we were allowed to write about anything. It always took me until the last minute because I couldn’t think of anything. I went around asking all my friends for ideas.
I wasn’t surprised when my best friend bought me a book of writing prompts when I graduated. Since then, I’ve become obsessed with them. I save good ones for later and even subscribe to emails to get more. They’re the best way to get my thoughts flowing.
I also love that there’s no right way to use them. Five different people can read them five different ways and come up with five completely different stories.
All that being said, I’d love to share some creative writing prompts to help you get started!
Writing Prompts
Prompt 1:
Write about someone who sees something they shouldn’t have seen.
Prompt 2:
Your character is struggling to make a big decision. The catch? No matter what they choose, there’s no good outcome.
Prompt 3:
A woman receives a letter with no name or return address. It’s dated ten years in the future.
Prompt 4:
Someone tells you a secret that changes your relationship with them forever.
Prompt 5:
Start a story that begins with the line, “It was time to open the window.”
How to Use These Prompts
Don’t overthink it. Go with whatever comes to mind first (or maybe second). You can always change it up later on.
If you think of something that seems a little out there, go with it. That’s where some of the best ideas come from.
Try setting a timer for ten or fifteen minutes. It becomes a challenge, which can be surprisingly helpful for a lot of people. Write anything that comes to mind until the timer goes off.
Forget perfection. Just write. It’s okay if it’s messy or bad. You just have to get it out if you ever want it to get better.
Don’t judge yourself. Writers have enough critics. Don’t be one for yourself.
Your Turn!
To start, just pick one prompt and see where it goes. You don’t need to write the next bestselling book. Just get some words out. Just start writing.
And don’t aim for perfection! I can’t say that enough. That’s not what it’s about. The more you write, the better you’ll get. Progress is more important than perfection.