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The notion of sitting down and writing is one thing, but what do you actually write about? It may not always be possible to simply start writing something, and writing prompts can be a handy way to warm up those creative muscles.

As I write this, I am approaching the end of the Novel November challenge, with the goal of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. It has been a while since I have attempted a work in longer form, and extra effort has definitely been required. There hasn’t been much space for other writing during this time, but recently, I put the novel draft aside and wrote 500 words based on a prompt.

There is something about the constraints of writing to a prompt that I truly enjoy. Typically, there is a time limit (e.g. 15–20 minutes) or a word limit. I find that an image, character, or place comes to mind quickly, and I’m off and running. The many hours spent in writing groups working together on prompts over the years has honed this skill. There may still be a moment or two when I look at the prompt and think my mind is utterly blank, but before long the pen or my typing fingers are off and racing.

Prompts are a great way to experiment with writing styles that are outside your usual writing zone. They can spark ideas or characters that evolve into longer works, or take off in an entirely different direction. If I’ve been away from creative writing for a while, one of the ways to reconnect is to grab a writing notebook and a couple of prompts and get some writing practice underway.

Here are some other writing prompt sources that I’ve found helpful:

1. There are many books with writing prompts, but one that I return to is A Writer’s Book of Days by Judy Reeves. There are also writing practice prompts in other books by Judy, including Writing Alone, Writing Together and the Daily Appointment Calendar for Writers. The importance of writing practice, and of creating and maintaining a writing habit, is listed as a great way to help develop confidence in your writing.
2. There are many writing prompts on The Writer’s Year desk calendar. I’ve written on some of these, and kept others for future sessions.
3. At different times, I’ve participated in Bloganuary and similar short-term challenges, and often use the prompts for flash fiction. And although I’ve only just learned about FlashNano, which is celebrating its 15th and final year, there are some great prompts there too.
4. Postcards and images can be a great starting point for writing prompts, and there are writing cards, dice and apps that can generate ideas.

Something that keeps me coming back to prompts is the sense of play and possibility. These short bursts of writing are frequently surprising, sometimes mundane, but always worth the effort.

Do you use writing prompts to keep your creative muscles working? Are there any tools or resources that you find helpful? Please share any tips in the comments below.

Photo: writing prompt cards (The Storymatic and Small Pleasures by The School of Life)

Writing resources:

Weekly writing prompts are popular. On reedsyprompts, you can find over 2,000 story starters which can be filtered by genre, and there is the option to share your creations inspired by the weekly story ideas.

Another great resource for weekly writing inspiration which has generated a few blog posts for me over the years is the Writer’s Digest Weekly Writing Prompt. The combination of a prompt, image and some context provides a good leaping off point.

For something a little different, you can sign up to the Furious Fiction challenge which is hosted on the first weekend of each month through the Australian Writers’ Centre. There is a set challenge criteria, tips, and time pressure as well to reduce procrastination! The next challenge goes live on Friday 5 December 2025.