Writing Prompts

Everyone hits a dead-end at one point or another. A great way to get inspired is by using writing prompts. Listed below are the first 20 to get you started.

Pick one of the prompts and write 500 words about it. You'll be surprised where it takes you.

1. You’re stuck in traffic in a taxi, when the driver looks at you, smiles, and locks the doors. You quickly discover that you are locked inside. And a glass barrier separates you from him. What do you do?

2. A beautiful woman walks by your table and hands you a napkin discreetly. You open up the napkin and it says…

3. A man is running down the alley screaming. He has blood all over his clothing. He bumps into you and explains what happens. You listen, and begin to tremble in fear. What did the man just tell you?

4. A woman is jogging down the street with a black lab. You smile pleasantly at her and continue down the road. The woman stops jogging and shouts a warning to you. You can’t hear that well because of the traffic. You ask her to repeat it, what does she tell you?

5. Alone on the beach, the wind whips a little boy’s hair. He looks around but cannot find his family. He is in a strange country on vacation. He does not remember the last two days. What's happened to him? Where is his family?

6. You have an assignment for school. You need to come up with fifteen writing prompts. Do you obey and write the writing prompts? If so, what are they? If not, why not?

7. Your friend is convinced his wife is cheating on him. He explains a story about how he followed her to a night club when she was supposed to be working. How do you handle it?

8. You’re a soldier in a war. You just watched your best friend get shot in the leg. You know you only have a few minutes to escape. What do you do? Do you run, do you try to help your friend? Or do you shoot back at the enemy?

9. The woman lay on the pavement watching the pool of blood grow. She knew she only had a few seconds left to live. Desperate, she uses the blood as ink and leaves a message for the world. What did she write?

10. The boat groans loudly. Everywhere passengers are screaming. You know you don’t have much time but need to find your friend. You look around but can only see panicked people who are boarding the lifeboats. You don’t want to leave without her, but you don’t want to stay on a sinking ship…what do you do?

11. A friend has gotten married, and you are the maid of honor. Write a speech about your best friend, and why she is so great.

12. You’ve just won $1,000,000 how are you going to spend it? Are you going to make a difference? Are you going to change the world? Or are you just going to spend it on yourself? 13. If you had the chance to speak to any political leader, what would you say? And who would it be?

14. If you could create one law, what would it be? And why?

15. You’ve just been dumped by your boyfriend of three years. Instead of feeling bad you decide to do something fun. What is it? And who do you invite to tag along with you?

16. The loud clicking of her heels hit the pavement. She had to keep running. Her breath was hot and thick, and she was tired, but she couldn’t stop. If she stopped that would be the end. Why is she running?

17. You’re at a peace protest when police officers break it up. They are standing between you and your friends. You can get away without being arrested, but that would mean leaving your friends behind…if you try to get to your friends you’ll be arrested too. What do you do?

18. You’re at a birthday party when you suddenly realize you didn’t get your friend a gift. Do you tell her? Make a quick excuse to slip out? Or hope she doesn’t notice? Or get her something later?

19. You’ve just witnessed a crime. The criminal knows you're a witness and has told you to keep your mouth shut, or you will be hurt. Do you listen? Or do you tell someone? Also, what crime did you witness?

20. You’ve just been promoted. Instead of feeling happy, you feel bad because your best friend was also up for the job. You have the chance to reject the position and give it to your friend. It’s a lot more money, and it’s something you’ve always dreamed about. What do you do?

Writing prompts are great for getting your creative juices flowing. If you need more inspiration check out writing prompts 21-40.