Writing prompts are short phrases, questions, quotes, or images that are used to inspire ideas for writing. They act as a starting point or jumping off point to get the writing process going.
Writing prompts can cover a wide range of topics and genres, from creative fiction stories to personal journal entries to persuasive arguments. They provide writers with a theme, subject, setting, or opening line to build upon in their writing.
Some common types of writing prompts include:
Creative and Narrative Prompts
Creative and narrative prompts encourage imaginative writing like short stories, poems, or scene descriptions. For example:
- Describe your perfect day.
- Write a story that begins with “The envelope was heavy in my hands…”
Personal and Memoir Prompts
Personal and memoir prompts elicit reflective, autobiographical writing. For instance:
- What is your earliest childhood memory?
- Who has been the biggest influence in your life so far?
Persuasive and Argumentative Prompts
Persuasive and argumentative prompts require taking a stance and supporting it with evidence. Such as:
- Should cell phones be allowed in school? Why or why not?
- What change would make the world a better place?
Benefits of Using Writing Prompts
Using writing prompts offers many advantages for writers of all skill levels:
Overcome Writer’s Block
The blank page can be intimidating for many writers. Writing prompts give a starting point so you don’t have to face that blank page. They help stimulate ideas to get the writing flowing.
Practice Writing Skills
Writing prompts provide opportunities to work on writing technique, style, voice, pacing, description, and more. They allow writers to experiment and strengthen their skills.
Explore New Ideas
Prompts introduce new topics and perspectives writers might not have considered on their own. They push writers out of their comfort zones to uncover fresh ideas.
Build a Consistent Writing Habit
Using daily writing prompts helps develop the regular writing habit that is essential for growth and improvement. The prompts give a reason to write every day.
Types of Writing Prompts
There are endless writing prompts out there to suit any writing goal. Here are some of the main types:
General Prompts
General prompts are very open-ended and can lead in many directions. For example:
- What does your ideal future look like?
- If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?
Themed Prompts
Themed prompts narrow the focus by providing a specific motif, concept, or subject as a jumping off point:
- How has social media changed friendships?
- What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
Constrained Prompts
Constrained prompts place defined limitations around the writing like word count, format, point of view, or inclusion of certain elements. For instance:
- Describe your morning routine in 100 words or less.
- Retell a fairy tale from the villain’s perspective.
Visual Prompts
Rather than words, visual prompts use images, paintings, or photographs to inspire writing. Writers interpret the visuals to launch their piece.
First Line Prompts
First line prompts provide an opening sentence that sets the scene, mood, conflict, or character. The writer then develops the story from there.
Useful Websites for Writing Prompts
Here are some great websites offering thousands of writing prompts:
So whether you’re working to build your daily writing habit, overcome writer’s block, explore new ideas, or sharpen your skills, writing prompts can help you meet your writing goals. With the variety of prompt types and categories available, you’re bound to find inspiration for your next writing project.