Writing prompts have been an important tool for writers to warm-up their writing or practice new formats by being simple creative ideas that take as little effort as the author wants.

Many simple writing prompts can get writers inspired, especially if one is suffering from writer’s block. They can also just be fun little things to do when you’re bored, whether you do creative writing as a hobby or not. 

Vague writing prompts can get your creative juices running with original thoughts and ideas, while more in-depth prompts can be great chances to practice new skills.

Here are some examples of writing prompts (both vague and specific): 

• Diary entries where each day gets more and more ridiculous
• Haunted Halloween Party where Character A can see ghosts
• Dialogue between a heart-driven character and a mind driven character
• Moving Day
• You’ve woken up, but something is inexplicably off (Try 2nd person perspective)
• First Date
• Comedic ghost hunting
• Witches
• Police chase
• Cursed
• Cozy day off
• Nightmare/dream
• Fantasy
• A character walks into a bar. What happens next?

A writer could use these prompts to practice skills or even try something completely new. A writer could work on their narration and description skills, or try a new genre, like going from horror to comedy. A writer could also change up some more intense things like tense, perspective, style, and feel.

Of course, a writer doesn’t have to practice any new skills at all! Prompts are meant to be fun. Follow the prompt to a tee or just get inspired and realize you haven’t followed it at all! The most important thing is to be creative!