Fiction writing prompts
Fifteen creative writing prompts to get you started.
Want to go further than an exercise? Write a real book with Makebook.
Write my book with MakebookThe guide
Writing regularly beats writing perfectly. A well-set prompt gives you a constraint, and constraint is what frees the imagination.
Take a prompt, set a timer and write without stopping. Don't look for beauty: look for material. You'll keep or throw away afterwards.
Then reread, looking for the sentence that surprised you. That's often where the start of a real story hides.
Frequently asked questions
What are writing prompts for?
They break the blank-page block and train you to write regularly, without the pressure of a whole novel.
How long should I spend on a prompt?
Ten to twenty minutes is enough. Write without rereading, you can fix it afterwards.
Can a prompt become a real piece?
Yes, many short stories and novels start as an exercise. Keep the ones that obsess you.