Creative Writing Prompts
Creative writing prompts help writers get words on the page. That is what a writer does.
It’s all about getting words on the page…and more.
Not all creative writing prompts are the same though. Take, for example, the following creative writing prompt: Imagine you woke up one morning and found yourself transformed into a giant cockroach. What would you do?
Such a writing prompt is fantastic (in the sense that we are dealing with fantasy) in nature, but it would not inspire me to take up my pen and put it to paper. Rather, I would be tempted to get up from my desk and sprinkle some roach powder around the dark corners of the room.
And yes, I am disparaging Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, which brings me to my second point. Most people don’t want to read The Metamorphosis. I certainly wouldn’t want to write something like that. Nor did I enjoy reading it. Instead, I want my writing to entertain.
Thus, the writing prompts found herein are intended to help writers write commercial fiction. The stuff that people actually want to read.
Not literary fiction.
No one wants to read that sort of stuff and I certainly don’t want to write that sort of nonsense. So without further ado, I give you some writing prompts to help you get words on the page…and maybe just a little more.
Creative Writing Prompt #1: Accidentally in Love
An attractive young woman is having a bad day. She’s in a rush and accidentally bumps into a man. She is not contrite. It’s been one of those days. In fact, she gives him a look…a look that he notices and does not appreciate. He raises an eyebrow and makes a comment. What does he say? Or what happens next?
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Why is this a good writing prompt? Because there is tension – a conflict – between a man and a woman. Girl meets boy is a great way to start a story. It could become a full-fledged romance. Or a mystery/thriller.
Creative Writing Prompt #2: Expensive Tastes
This next writing prompt is a little longer. For a reason. I want to provide you with enough fodder so that you can write more than a page or two. I want you to be able to take what I’ve given you and write a chapter. Or a short story. Or more. That is what a writing prompt should do.
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Zoë stared.
“And…” he continued. “Just like that fancy purse, I prefer leather and ladies that aren’t so expensive.”
Her eyes narrowed. This man, whoever he was, was not easily ruffled by her verbal barbs, and he was right about one thing.
The purse. It was expensive. A gift. One that she could not afford on her own – not on her salary. She herself did not have expensive tastes and was suddenly contrite at having snapped at the man.
Somewhat.
Despite the man’s drawl, Zoë found herself intrigued. Briefly, she wondered what would happen if she continued to spar with him. Would he parry and riposte? Would he pick up a lance and joust with her? Would he take the bait?
“Maybe I’m worth it?”
His smile grew wider.
“You’d have to be pretty special to be as expensive as I think you are,” he said. For a long moment, he considered her, sizing Zoë up. Squinting with one eye, he said, “Okay, prove it. Show me something.”
Zoë stared in surprised confusion for just a split second, then raised an eyebrow at his challenge. She set her feet apart, put one hand on her hip, and brought the other up to her mouth. She took a deep breath and let loose with a whistle that threatened to break glass.
His left eye barely twitched as he winced in pain.
“And…” she said, after the piercing sound faded. “I can spit between my teeth.”
Zoë spat on the ground at the man’s feet.
Mark laughed.
Her eyes crinkled in amusement as she stood, smiling at the stranger, and waited for his retort.
“It had better be good,” she thought.
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What happens next?
More Writing Prompts?
Yes, there will be more writing prompts added to this page.
Not silly prompts that don’t help you to get good words on the page. Real writing prompts for real stories.
Pen & Paper
Do you need more that just a writing prompt? Do you need help understanding how to properly craft a story worth reading? Pen & Paper is an online course in the craft of writing commercial fiction.
There are several ways to learn. You can enroll in the course, study the Études de Plume, or even take a private lesson in writing.
To find out more, click on the link below.