140+ Creative Writing Prompts for Any Purposes

Creative writing is the “art of inventing” and expressing one’s thoughts in an original way. It can take various forms, such as poetry, prose, drama, songs, and more. Creative writing has a long “storied” history.

Creative writing skills are often exercises in the creation of literary texts. Sometimes, “creative writing” refers to the general writing technique itself. Here, we are not talking about creating poetic and prose texts but about freewriting – creating texts without boundaries, writing for the sake of writing.

Not everyone is ready to write a novel, but everyone can learn to express themselves freely in writing. Since modern people are surrounded by texts and, largely through texts, find response and recognition in society, creative writing can even help a person to socialize, to share inspiration, to announce their political views, to show their love, admiration, and so forth. Creative writing is not monopolized by poets, screenwriters, or even professional authors – it is the province of anyone and everyone. Creativity even has a place in journalism, copywriting, and business presentations.

Why Do You Need Creative Writing Skills?

Creative writing skills have applications in various fields. Even if you are not involved in professional writing, the ability to work with text and words is a valuable skill. In your personal life, writing can be used for therapeutic purposes and for self-development. While studying, creative writing skills can help high school students to write better papers. In your professional life, it can be useful for writing advertising and persuasive copy, preparing texts for speeches, and creating engaging and informative materials.
Creative writing will always come in handy (unless we become slaves to the machines, in some sort of Terminator dystopia). Everyone has their own, unique reasons to start writing creative texts. For some, it is to express their dreams; for others, it is a way to cope with loneliness or some kind of trauma. Some people believe that creative writing satisfies the need to speak out. In any case, it is useful for most people to express themselves clearly and succinctly on paper.

Some people have a blog and write texts for it; others, staring into the void and seeing only nothingness staring back, dream of escaping the grim reaper’s scythe – so they etch their exploits upon the page and perhaps extend the utterance of their name just a bit longer before all memory of them fades into the eternal black. Some people write essays for admission to universities, while others need to help their children in writing the same texts. The reasons are so multitudinous that they hint at infinity, and so are the consequences of training, particularly in the writer’s craft.

Creative writing is something that, in the near future, may become not just an interesting activity but also a necessary skill. As borne witness by the 17,000-year-old cave paintings of Lascaux, the desperate need to tell stories burns in the human soul like an unquenchable and sometimes all-consuming fire. Storytelling is already everywhere: not only in literature but also in business – the religion of capitalism, blogging – our desperate attempt to escape onism, cinema – the shaper of worlds, religion – the opium for the masses, raising children – our evolutionary burden, computer games – the ironic expression of the simulation in which we live, etc. Creative writing is also one of the best forms of self-expression and even independent psychotherapy. We can use words to help us express ourselves and the world even if the subtlest feelings and sensations remain close to ineffable, like the shadows of smoke on the Neanderthals’ cave walls.

However, people being people face fears that prevent them from starting to write. But as Paul Atreides is taught in Frank Herbert’s seminal work, Dune: “Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.” These fears may be related to age, doubts talent, uncertainty about a new career, or having to look in the mirror and one day see your true self staring back at you with cruel eyes. But don’t be afraid, because most outstanding writers once started their writing path, not being sure that they could cope with it. We are going to share some prompts that can help you deal with creative writing. Your job is to take these prompts and then run with them, nay, fly with them, nay, explode with them. Let your creative juices burst from your chest like a xenomorph. Our ideas will help you start your journey into the battlefield, Spartan. Choose a writing prompt that suits you, either to the prom or to the grave.

Fiction Writing Prompts

1. A story about a time traveler.
2. A story starting with the phrase: “It was a dark and stormy night…”
3. A story about a person who wakes up with memory loss.
4. A story that begins with the phrase: “The door into the secret room creaked open.”
5. A story told by an inanimate object.
6. A story about a person who lives in a world of superheroes but is not one themselves.
7. A story about the life of a perfectionist in an imperfect world.
8. Start your story with the phrase: “I finally found the answer to the most important question in my life…”
9. Start your story with the phrase: “The reason for the murder was quite simple; one might even say primitive.”
10. A story about what builds your trust and a sense of security.
11. Start your story with the phrase: “Thanks to thousands of photos online, I was able to find the perfect place for me.”
12. A story about what a cat dreams about.
13. Start a story with the phrase: “He visited this cafe every morning at exactly 9 o’clock.”
14. Start a story with the phrase: “I was making sandwiches when suddenly there was a knock on the door.”
15. A story about a man who wakes up as the famous writer Terry Pratchett.
16. A story about a person who decided to quit their high-paying job to travel.
17. A story about the perfect match.
18. A story about how a person’s destiny changed completely overnight.
19. A story about a detective who is trying to solve a mysterious case.
20. A story about how being a father is a superpower.
21. A story about a man who wants to take a vacation but spends it away from their family.
22. A story about how all people suddenly lost their taste.
23. A story about a person who one morning stopped recognizing their family.
24. A story about how smartphones came into being in the early 20th century.
25. A story about how your life would turn out if you didn’t have children/had children.
26. A story about a scarecrow who tells children that he will take them to his place.
27. A story about a person who ignores all advice and the consequences that arise from this.
28. A story about twins who were separated at birth.
29. A story about a man who lied all the time so as not to hurt other people’s feelings.

Poetry Writing Ideas

1. A poem about a piece of hope that will always help.
2. A poem about the changing of seasons.
3. A poem about nature that is slowly dying.
4. A poem about silence.
5. A scary poem about living dolls.
6. A poem about the ocean.
7. A poem where you use colors to describe your emotions.
8. A poem that is presented in the form of a love letter.
9. A poem describing the night sky.
10. A poem about the beauty of nature.
11. A poem about your favorite food.
12. A poem about unrequited love.
13. A poem about the concept of time.
14. A poem about your fears.
15. A poem where weather serves as a metaphor.
16. A poem about your favorite childhood memory.
17. A poem about a specific historical event.
18. A poem about light and darkness.
19. A poem about lost love.
20. A poem about social justice.
21. A poem about identity.
22. A poem about your best friend and what brings you together.
23. A poem about a sunny day.
24. A poem about your parent/parents.
25. A poem about a song that changed your life.
26. A poem about the greatest experience of your life.

Non-Fiction Prompts

1. An essay about how not to let statistics deceive you.
2. A personal essay about your biggest fear.
3. Thoughts on the origin of time.
4. Thoughts on the impact of technology on society.
5. An essay about strength, comfort, and support.
6. Tips for self-care and mental health.
7. An essay about the secret of success.
8. An essay about a life-changing experience and how it has shaped you.
9. An essay about volcanoes.
10. An essay about the importance of recycling.
11. Thoughts on how dialogue with the unconscious helps you get out of a dead end in life.
12. Thoughts on the concept of fate versus free will.
13. An essay about the history of modern masculinity.
14. An essay about a travel destination you have always wanted to visit and why.
15. An essay about the history of a pixel.
16. An essay about a difficult decision you had to make and its consequences.
17. An informative piece about cargo containers.
18. An informative piece about a topic you are passionate about.
19. Thoughts on how to protect your brain in the digital age.
20. Thoughts on the power of storytelling.
21. An essay about myths and legends of gastroenterology.
22. A book or movie review that left an impact on you.
23. An essay about the origin of intelligence in the animal kingdom.
24. An essay about a lesson you learned from a mistake.
25. An essay about the influence of social media on relationships.
26. Thoughts on the role of education in society.
27. An essay about the person whose ideas you support and why.
28. An essay about a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone.
29. An opinion piece on a current event or social issue.
30. Thoughts on the concept of beauty and society’s standards.
31. An essay about a new hobby or skill you recently picked up and its benefits.
32. An essay about a person who has had a significant impact on your life.
33. An article on how to overcome negative thoughts.
34. An article about why men should perceive women as equals.
35. An article that supports the idea that parents should teach both boys and girls certain skills like cooking, hammering nails, cleaning houses, understanding the working of cars, etc.
36. A paper about how to have time to study, work, do household chores, and spend time with family.
37. A guide on how to learn to sew.
38. An essay about the benefits of smoothies.

Funny Writing Prompts

1. A funny story about a group of aliens who are trying to take over the Earth, but they fail.
2. A parody of your favorite fairy tale.
3. A dialogue between two people who can only speak in movie quotes.
4. A funny story about animals who can talk, including their dialogues.
5. A funny story about a superhero with ridiculous powers.
6. A story about people who wear their clothes inside out.
7. A funny story about people who suddenly get superpowers.
8. An article about stupid inventions that can actually be useful in life.
9. An article about the struggles of being a clumsy person.
10. A funny story about how all the food suddenly disappeared at Thanksgiving dinner.
11. Write a parody of your favorite song in the style of “Weird Al” Yankovic.
12. A story about a person who takes everything literally and the funny situations that arise because of this.
13. A funny story about the struggles of being an introvert.
14. A story about a world where all communication occurs through emojis.
15. A story about a person and their pet where the latter is more responsible than the former.
16. A funny story about someone who keeps having déjà vu moments at the most inconvenient times.
17. A story about a world where there is a “pause” button and the funny moments that can arise because of it.
18. A funny story about a group of friends who accidentally switch bodies with each other.
19. A funny story about a person who can only communicate through puns.
20. A story about time travel, but only in order to correct awkward and embarrassing moments in life.
21. A story about a man who cannot live without water for even five minutes and the funny stories that arise because of this.
22. A funny story about a person who is constantly tired from any activity.
23. A funny story about a person who constantly falls asleep at the most inopportune moments.
24. A funny story about how one-year-old children would talk about philosophical topics.
25. A funny story about how all people move exclusively on roller skates.
26. A funny story about how potatoes would attack the Earth.
27. A funny story about how adults expect help from children and how children solve all the most difficult issues in life.
28. A funny story about pregnant men and the difficulties they face.
29. A funny story about a midget who finds themself in a world of giants.
30. A funny story about a shrimp that tries to become a lobster.

Historical Writing Prompts

1. A fictional diary about an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
2. A journal entry about the first explorers’ experience discovering the New World.
3. A dialogue between two famous historical figures who never actually met in real life.
4. A letter from one soldier to another during World War II.
5. A journal entry about your experience as a passenger on the Titanic.
6. A dialogue between two medieval knights before the battle.
7. An alternate ending to the moon landing.
8. A journal entry about Cleopatra’s life.
9. A fictional story about the legend of King Arthur.
10. A letter from a suffragist to her daughter about the importance of fighting for women’s rights.
11. A journal entry about a person who is a spy during the Cold War.
12. A dialogue between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
13. A fictional story about one day in a gladiator’s life.
14. A journal entry from a person who was present during the fall of the Berlin Wall.
15. A story about conspiracy theories related to John F. Kennedy’s death.
16. A letter from a sailor aboard the Mayflower to their loved one.
17. A journal entry about Marie Antoinette’s life.
18. A dialogue between two soldiers on opposite sides during the American Civil War.
19. An alternate story about a historical event that turned out differently.
20. A journal entry about a person who took part in the Olympic Games.

Creative Writing Tips

Simple and clear creative writing attracts readers’ attention better than complex and confusing text. The main task of the one who writes is to share information, convey an important idea, and attract attention. How can you achieve this goal? What techniques will help you create interesting and useful material?

The main thing is the beginning

For new writers, the first paragraph, or the lead is usually considered the most important part of the article. Many people say that you can fall in love in the first three seconds of knowing someone. Why then should you neglect the beginning? You do what you want, but typically, and this is often called for in academic settings, you give the main idea at the beginning so that the reader knows what they’re getting into. Perhaps say something titillating. A person determines whether they are interested in the information within the first 5–7 seconds – that’s what statistics says.

Simplify

Decorating the text with unnecessary introductory words, epithets, and subordinate clauses is not always a good idea. Is it really necessary to be so gaudy and tacky? Don’t be such a show-off! Verbosity, complex constructions, descriptions, and special terms can make it difficult to understand. Short, succinct sentences are easy to understand. Re-read the text – if it is difficult to say it out loud and the idea isn’t even clear even to you, the reader may not understand it – or worse yet, the reader may actually come to understand how muddled your thinking really is.

Structure

Texts are divided into parts like the intro, body, and conclusion. Paragraphs are the Lego pieces. Music is similarly divided – intro, pre-chorus, chorus, chorus, verse, etc. Often, your creative writing essay should have a title just like a song has a name. Or, like you have a name for that matter, you might need to give some background information at the beginning and a short conclusion at the end. If you keep paragraphs around 6-8 lines – it will probably be easier to read. However, if you’re Michel Foucault or David Foster Wallace, you might prefer to immerse your readers in the psychedelic haze of your grammatically correct, yet unapologetically long sentences. Your creative writing will depend on the task. In some cases, you can use lists, you can use italics for quotes, you can use bold fonts for questions, or in some rare cases, you can ride a horse under the moonlight.

Read books

Reading classical and popular science literature can help expand your vocabulary, gain new knowledge, and improve your creative writing. Perhaps try paying attention to new words and interesting phrases – you can even write them down in a separate notebook if you please. Reflect on why the book is or is not interesting to you. It could help you to develop your memory, imagination, and creative writing.

Ask for help

When faced with intricate assignments or tight deadlines, turning to a creative writing service can alleviate stress and ensure high-quality content tailored to specific requirements. Additionally, leveraging the expertise of professional writers can offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to complex topics, enhancing the overall quality of the work produced.

Conclusion

The common phrase “It’s never too late to start” is absolutely true when it comes to creative writing. If you are able to read this sentence, then you are ready to do some creative writing. As for talent, there is also a well-known expression, “If you don’t try, you won’t know.” Some aren’t even aware of the massive writing talent they harbor. And as with most skills, you can develop the skill of writing with practice, even if you don’t think you’re a “natural,” it’s likely that you can create a story that will find its reader.

Creative writing is about telling your story. You can become the god of an imaginary city, world, galaxy, or universe. As a result, you can even see your name on the bookshelf next to the famous writers’ books.

Regularly devoting time to writing can be a major challenge for many aspiring writers: it can be difficult to immediately overcome procrastination and set a comfortable and workable writing schedule. The prolific writer and godfather of horror, Stephen King, writes five pages a day. The habit of writing is very important if you actually dream of writing a novel. You can do it, starting out with limited but constant practice – write a little, but write regularly at the beginning to develop your writing muscles. And if you don’t know where to start, a creative writing service can come to your aid. You can order a sample of a creative paper and use it for inspiration.