creative writing prompt ideas

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BEST NOVEL WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

Showing 30 prompts reset

Fright night, write about a character who makes a dramatic life change to pursue a goal they’ve secretly always wanted., start your story with one character telling another, “it doesn’t count if you’re already planning your defeat.”.

• Start your story with two characters deciding to spend the night in a graveyard.

Write about someone who’s been sent to boarding school.

Write about a character arriving in a place unlike anywhere they’ve ever been..

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• Write a story where the readers are in on a secret that the characters are unaware of.

Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances."

Write a story that starts with a life-changing event., write a rags-to-riches story..

• Write a story around the theme: Be careful what you wish for.

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It's a literary fiction story about growing up.

Write a story in which something seemingly innocent symbolizes something much darker., write a story in which someone experiences discrimination., write a story about someone trying to escape their situation., write a story based on the metaphor: “the curtain of night fell upon us.", write a story about a character who is cautious and careful, no matter what..

• Write a story inspired by the most recent text message you received.

Write a story about a character who goes to great lengths to cover up a mistake.

Write a story that begins with the sentence: "it was a dark and stormy night.".

• Write a story where the villain is the protagonist. Try to get readers on their side.

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The best novel writing prompts

Every novel springs from the seed of a story idea. So, where is your story idea going to come from?

If you’re struggling to let loose your imagination, let a creative writing prompt help you. Writing prompts for novels can provide the inspiration that writers need to come up with ideas for their next book. Best of all, they’re multi-purpose: you can use them to develop your characters, practice writing from a different perspective, explore other genres, or simply overcome writer’s block. 

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's our top ten list of novel writing prompts:

• Write a story about a TV show called "Second Chances."
• Write a story that starts from the perspective of the antagonist.
• Write a story that starts in one time period and ends in another.
• Write a story where the protagonist dies in the first paragraph.
• Write a story about a professional hypnotizer.

If you're interested in learning more about how to write a novel, check out our free resources on the topic:

• Top tips for crafting your first novel (blog post)— All novels, including the great ones, have the same basic components: plot, structure, and characters. Learn more about these all-important elements of a story—and how you can subvert them to make your own book great. 

Ready to start writing? Check out  Reedsy’s weekly short story contest  for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of  writing contests  or our directory of  literary magazines  for more opportunities to submit your story.

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