Get all 50 prompts in a beautiful PDF format
Getting Started (No Experience Required)
Personal Reflection Prompts
- Write about a moment when you felt completely at home somewhere
- Describe the best advice someone gave you (and whether you took it)
- What’s something you believed as a child that you now know isn’t true?
- Write about a time you had to be braver than you felt
- Describe your morning routine like you’re explaining it to an alien
Memory Lane Prompts
- Write about your first job and the weirdest thing that happened there
- Describe a teacher who changed how you see something
- What’s the most embarrassing thing that happened to you that you can laugh about now?
- Write about a family tradition that outsiders might find strange
- Describe the house or apartment where you felt most comfortable
Observation & Opinion Prompts
Everyday Life
- Write about something everyone seems to love that you just don’t get
- Describe the most annoying sound in the world (and why it bothers you)
- What’s a simple pleasure that makes your day better?
- Write about a rule you think should be changed
- Describe what your neighborhood is like through the eyes of your pet (or an imaginary pet)
People Watching
- Write about the most interesting person you’ve seen in a coffee shop or restaurant
- Describe someone who does their job with unusual kindness
- What’s something adults do that kids would think is silly?
- Write about a conversation you overheard that stuck with you
- Describe someone who has a skill you wish you had
“What If” & Imagination Prompts
Light & Fun
- If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), what would you serve?
- Write about what your life would be like if you were really, really tall
- Describe your ideal day if money wasn’t a factor
- What would you do if you found $100 on the ground?
- Write about what animals would complain about if they could talk
Thought Experiments
- If you could give your younger self one piece of practical advice, what would it be?
- Write about a problem in your community and one small thing that might help
- What would happen if everyone in the world had to be honest for one day?
- Describe what you’d put in a time capsule for people to find in 100 years
- If you had to teach someone your most useful skill, how would you do it?
Storytelling Without Pressure
Micro-Stories
- Write about the shortest friendship you ever had
- Describe a moment when you realized you were wrong about something
- Write about a time you got lost (literally or figuratively)
- Describe the best gift you ever gave someone else
- Write about a conversation that changed your mind about something
Letters & Messages
- Write a thank-you note to someone who helped you when you were struggling
- Write a letter to your future self one year from now
- Describe your hometown to someone who’s never been there
- Write instructions for something you do well, as if explaining to a friend
- Write a letter of encouragement to someone facing a challenge you’ve overcome
Creative & Playful Prompts
Different Perspectives
- Write about your morning routine from your coffee mug’s point of view
- Describe a busy day from the perspective of your shoes
- Write about a family gathering from the family dog’s perspective
- Describe your commute as if it’s an adventure story
- Write about grocery shopping like you’re a nature documentary narrator
Fun Formats
- Write a “user manual” for being your friend
- Create a “day in the life” of your phone
- Write a review of your favorite childhood toy
- Describe your perfect Saturday using only questions
- Write about your biggest fear as if it’s actually silly and harmless
How to Use These Prompts
Start Small
- Pick one prompt that makes you curious or smile
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes
- Don’t worry about being “good”—just write
No Rules Approach
- Write in whatever format feels natural (paragraphs, lists, dialogue)
- Use your own voice like you’re talking to a friend
- It’s okay to go off-topic if something more interesting comes up
Make It Yours
- Change details to fit your life
- Combine two prompts if that sparks ideas
- Stop when you feel done—there’s no minimum length
Remember
- You’re not trying to be a “writer”—you’re just capturing thoughts
- Nobody has to see this unless you want them to
- “Bad” writing is still better than no writing
- Getting started is the only goal that matters
The best prompt is the one that makes you think, “I have something to say about that.” Trust that instinct and start there.