🎉 Our next novel writing master class starts in – ! Claim your spot →

BEST HIGH SCHOOL WRITING PROMPTS

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

Showing 103 prompts reset

The talk of the ton, set your story at a wedding reception, where a group of high school friends are meeting for the first time in years., write a story about an unconventional teacher., what was the last daydream that you dreamt while in class (be honest.) turn that into a short story..

High School

Write a story inspired by your favorite Tiktok reel.

You're trapped on a version of groundhog day... and the day that keeps looping for you is the day right before summer break starts..

creative writing prompts for high schoolers

Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!

🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE .

Write a letter to your middle school self. What would you want them to know?

Interview your favorite fictional villain. what questions would you ask them, you have to escape from a house on fire. what are the first three things you grab why, explain a computer to someone from the 16th century., define what trust means to you., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

Never miss a prompt! Get curated writing inspiration delivered to your inbox each week.

Write a letter describing yourself and your modern life to a pen pal who lives in the year 1905.

What's your first memory describe it on paper using all five senses., write a guidebook for someone from outer space who is visiting your neighborhood for the first time., re-write a famous fairy tale from the villain's perspective., would you rather be able to change the past or change the future why, write about a time when you did something without thinking it through., if i were a superhero, i would..., describe the color blue to someone who's never seen it before., write a story that takes place completely in the dark., write an essay about technology, and the role that it plays in your life., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #254 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest.

This week's theme: The Talk of the Ton

Prize money

Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - jun 13, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

#253 – Slow Down

#252 – Obsession

#251 – Lost and Found Books with BookTrib

#250 – All Ears

Recent winners 🏆

Danielle LeBlanc – read

Adam Perschbacher – read

VJ Hamilton – read

Dena Linn – read

Leaderboard 🥇

#1 Zilla Babbitt

32376 points

#2 Deidra Whitt Lovegren

28745 points

#3 Abigail Airuedomwinya

22424 points

#4 Graham Kinross

14548 points

#5 Scout Tahoe

13199 points

#6 Chris Campbell

11434 points

#7 Thom With An H

10684 points

#8 Rayhan Hidayat

10216 points

#9 Michał Przywara

9947 points

#10 Deborah Mercer

9610 points

RBE | Bring your stories to life (TOF) | 2022-10

Bring your stories to life

Our free writing app lets you set writing goals and track your progress, so you can finally write that book!

The best writing prompts for high school

Ah, high school. The birthplace of future geniuses, the setting of a million Young Adult books — and the cutting ground of many a brilliant young author. Writing in the classroom is often the best outlet of creativity for kids, and what better way to get your students excited about it than through creative writing prompts for high school students?

Whether you use journal prompts or story ideas to kickstart your high school student’s imagination, writing prompts are sure to help broaden their thinking, sharpen their writing skills, record their thoughts, and get them to engage with the world around them.

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's a top ten list of writing prompts for high school students:

  • In the form of diary/ journal entries, write about someone who's just experienced a big "first."
  • Just then, your phone rings. It's your friend and they have some interesting news...
  • Write a short story where the protagonist has a doppelgänger.
  • Write a story about a misunderstanding.
  • Write a story about a strange family tradition, with at least two characters from the family narrating in the course of the story.
  • Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as: kind.
  • Write a story that centers on an Instagram post.
  • Write a story that spans a month during which everything changes.
  • Write about a group of people determined to win an award for making the biggest cookie ever.
  • Write about someone going to extreme lengths to return an overdue library book.

If you have a high school student who’s interested in becoming an author, check out our free resources on the topic:

Develop a Writing Routine (free course) — Any high schooler who’s serious about becoming a published author should know that writing a book doesn’t just take talent. 90% of the process is sitting in front of a blank piece of paper, and having the drive and commitment to put words to paper. That’s why we created this free course, which shows people of any age how to develop a writing routine that works for you. It’s never too early to start the process today!

Want to encourage your high school students 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.

NEW VIDEO COURSE 🎉

How to Write a Novel

Join Tom Bromley for a writing master class and finish your first draft in 3 months . Learn more →

Explore more writing prompt ideas:

Adults Writing Prompts ⭢

Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

Fantasy Writing Prompts ⭢

Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Fluff Writing Prompts ⭢

Funny Writing Prompts ⭢

Halloween Writing Prompts ⭢

High School Writing Prompts ⭢

Historical Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Holiday Writing Prompts ⭢

Horror Writing Prompts ⭢

Kids Writing Prompts ⭢

Middle School Writing Prompts ⭢

Mystery Writing Prompts ⭢

Narrative Writing Prompts ⭢

Nonfiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Novel Writing Prompts ⭢

Poetry Writing Prompts ⭢

Romance Writing Prompts ⭢

Sad Writing Prompts ⭢

Science Fiction Writing Prompts ⭢

Short Story Writing Prompts ⭢

Spring Writing Prompts ⭢

Summer Writing Prompts ⭢

Teens Writing Prompts ⭢

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts ⭢

Thriller and Suspense Writing Prompts ⭢

Valentine's Day Writing Prompts ⭢

Vampire Writing Prompts ⭢

Winter Writing Prompts ⭢

Oops, you need an account for that!

Log in with your social account:

Or enter your email:

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts.  This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

  • Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
  • Describe a family ritual.
  • Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
  • Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
  • Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
  • Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
  • Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
  • What’s your earliest memory?
  • Who was your first friend?
  • Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
  • Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
  • Write about the best month of the year.
  • Write about the worst day of the year.
  • Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
  • Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
  • Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
  • Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
  • Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
  • Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

  • Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
  • Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
  • Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
  • Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
  • Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
  • Tell the story of a piece of trash.
  • Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
  • Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

  • Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
  • Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
  • Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
  • Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
  • Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
  • Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
  • Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
  • Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
  • Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
  • Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
  • Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
  • Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
  • Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
  • Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

  • Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
  • Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
  • Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
  • Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
  • Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
  • Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
  • Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
  • Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
  • Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
  • Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
  • Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

  • Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
  • Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
  • Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
  • Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
  • Invent a mode of time travel.
  • Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
  • Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
  • Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
  • Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
  • Write like you’re telling a secret.
  • Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

  • Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
  • Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
  • Write a story that begins with the ending.
  • Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
  • Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
  • Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
  • You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
  • Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
  • Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
  • Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
  • Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
  • Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
  • Invent a bank or museum heist.
  • Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
  • Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
  • Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

  • Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
  • Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
  • Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
  • Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
  • You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
  • Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
  • Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
  • Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
  • Write about your day, but lie about some things.
  • Tell the story of your birth.
  • Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
  • Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
  • Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

  • Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
  • Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
  • Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
  • Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
  • Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
  • You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
  • Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
  • Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School 

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

  • College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
  • 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
  • Good Transition Words for Essays
  • High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

  • 2-Year Colleges
  • Application Strategies
  • Best Colleges by Major
  • Best Colleges by State
  • Big Picture
  • Career & Personality Assessment
  • College Essay
  • College Search/Knowledge
  • College Success
  • Costs & Financial Aid
  • Data Visualizations
  • Dental School Admissions
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Graduate School Admissions
  • High Schools
  • Homeschool Resources
  • Law School Admissions
  • Medical School Admissions
  • Navigating the Admissions Process
  • Online Learning
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Private High School Spotlight
  • Research Programs
  • Summer Program Spotlight
  • Summer Programs
  • Teacher Tools
  • Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

50 Exclusive Writing Prompts For High School Students

Chukwudumebi Amadi

  • February 23, 2024

Table of Contents Hide

What is a writing prompt, types of writing prompts for high school students, 1. combating writer’s block, 2. skill development, 3. self-discovery and expression, frequently asked questions, we also recommend.

Writing is an essential skill for high school students, whether they are working on essays, creative writing pieces, or research papers. However, sometimes it can be difficult to come up with new and interesting topics to write about. This is where writing prompts come in handy. They can help you explore different themes, genres, and styles of writing, pushing you to think outside the box and expand your writing abilities.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 50 exclusive writing prompts specifically tailored for high school students. These prompts cover a wide range of subjects and genres, from personal narratives to persuasive essays to fictional stories.

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a new writing style or simply want to explore different themes, these prompts are sure to inspire you and help you improve your writing skills.

A writing prompt serves as a cue to guide individuals toward a particular topic, task, or objective. It can take the form of text, a single word, or an image, prompting individuals to engage in writing about a specified topic in a specific manner. These prompts are often utilized in assessments or activities to encourage critical thinking and expression, providing students with a starting point for their writing endeavors.

There are various types of writing prompts suitable for high school students. Here are a few examples:

1. Narrative Prompts: This prompt encourages students to develop characters, setting, plot, and conflict within a story

  • Example : You discover a mysterious note tucked inside an old book. What does it say and where does it lead you?

2. Descriptive Prompts: This prompt focuses on using sensory details to create a vivid image

  • Example : Describe the feeling of sand slipping through your fingers as you watch the sunset on a beach.

SEE ALSO: 50 Creative Narrative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

3. Expository Prompts:

  • Example: Explain the process of photosynthesis to a young child. (This prompt requires students to break down complex information into clear and understandable language)

4. Persuasive or Argumentative Prompts: This prompt encourages students to research, develop a stance, and provide evidence to support their argument

  • Example: Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation?

5. Reflective Prompts: This prompt encourages students to look inward, reflect on personal experiences, and articulate their growth

  • Example: Describe a time you faced a difficult decision and how you overcame it.

6. Creative Prompts: This prompt allows for imaginative expression and experimentation with different forms of writing

  • Example: Write a poem from the perspective of a tree witnessing the changing seasons.

7. Analytical Prompts: This prompt requires critical thinking and interpretation of literary elements

  • Example: Analyze the symbolism used in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and its significance to the play’s themes.

What Are The Benefits of Writing Prompts?

Writing prompts offer a lot of benefits for high school students, from conquering writer’s block to honing their storytelling skills . Here are some key advantages:

Stuck staring at a blank page? Prompts act like magic sparks, igniting your imagination and providing a launchpad for creative ideas.

With diverse prompts covering different genres, themes, and styles, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest and unlocks your storytelling potential.

You can practice specific skills like descriptive writing, dialogue, or world-building through targeted exercises woven into prompts. To make the best of it, use prompts as springboards to explore emotions, values, and perspectives, weaving them into captivating narratives that reflect your unique voice.

READ ALSO: 10 Effective Writing Strategies to Enhance Your Writing Skills

You can use prompts for introspection and reflection, writing about experiences, feelings, and lessons learned, fostering personal growth. It also helps in unleashing your personal voice and perspective through your writing, showcasing your creativity and individuality.

Descriptive :

  • Capture the chaotic energy of a school lunchroom at peak hour, using all five senses to immerse the reader in the experience.
  • Describe a character’s most prized possession, revealing their personality and aspirations through its details and history.
  • Paint a picture with words of a breathtaking natural landscape you’ve witnessed, conveying its raw beauty and emotional impact.
  • Transport the reader to a bustling marketplace in a foreign country, highlighting the sights, sounds, and smells that paint a vivid cultural portrait.
  • Imagine a world where emotions have colors and auras. Describe how a specific emotional state manifests visually and how it affects the surroundings.
  • You wake up in a completely white room with no furniture or windows. Describe the disorienting atmosphere and how your senses adapt to the sensory deprivation.
  • Detail the transformation of a familiar object as it ages, focusing on the subtle changes in its appearance and the emotions it evokes.
  • Capture the quiet intimacy of a rainy evening spent indoors, emphasizing the comforting sights, sounds, and smells that create a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Describe a character’s most treasured memory, using sensory details and evocative language to transport the reader back in time and experience it alongside them.
  • Imagine you can taste memories. Describe the flavor and texture of a particularly significant memory, explaining what it reveals about your past and yourself.

Related Post: 50 Exclusive 2nd Grade Writing Prompts That are Printable for Free

Expository/Informative:

  • Explain the history and cultural significance of a traditional dish from your family heritage, detailing its ingredients, preparation process, and meaning within your community.
  • Create a step-by-step guide for a unique skill or hobby you possess, making it clear and accessible even for beginners.
  • Research and explain the science behind a natural phenomenon that fascinates you, using clear language and engaging examples to captivate your reader.
  • Write a detailed profile of a historical figure who inspires you, highlighting their achievements, struggles, and impact on the world.
  • Compare and contrast two opposing ideologies or social movements, clearly explaining their core principles, similarities, and key differences.
  • Explore the ethical implications of a recent technological advancement, presenting a balanced perspective on its potential benefits and drawbacks.
  • Research and explain the cultural traditions and customs of a specific community, emphasizing their unique practices and their significance to its members.
  • Create an informative guide to navigating a challenging experience, such as starting a new school, overcoming a fear, or making a major life decision.
  • Research and explain the different learning styles and how they can be applied to improve academic performance.
  • Investigate and describe the unique ecosystem of a local park or nature reserve, highlighting its biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

Narrative :

  • You discover a dusty journal in your attic filled with cryptic entries. As you decipher them, they lead you on a thrilling adventure to uncover a family secret.
  • Imagine you can communicate with animals. Write a story about a unique friendship you develop with a local creature and the challenges and joys it brings.
  • You wake up on a deserted island with no memory of how you got there. Craft a story about your struggle for survival and the mysteries you unravel along the way.
  • Write a coming-of-age story about a character facing a pivotal decision that will shape their future. Explore their internal conflict, external pressures, and the ultimate choice they make.
  • Imagine a world where dreams become reality. Write a story about the exciting possibilities and unexpected dangers that arise in this unique setting.
  • You receive a mysterious letter inviting you to join a secret society. Describe your decision-making process and the thrilling adventures that await you if you accept.
  • Rewrite a classic fairytale from the perspective of the villain, revealing their motivations and shedding light on their side of the story.
  • Write a story about a time you faced a difficult situation and the unexpected heroes who emerged to help you overcome it.
  • Craft a narrative set in a dystopian future where a specific aspect of life is drastically different from our world. Explore the challenges and consequences faced by its inhabitants.
  • You find a magic lamp containing a mischievous genie who only grants ironic wishes. Write a humorous story about how you outsmart them and achieve your desired outcome.

READ ALSO: 50 Exclusive First Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

  • Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation? Present your stance with supporting arguments and evidence.
  • Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity or a tool for progress? Analyze both sides of the debate and express your informed opinion.
  • Are standardized tests an effective measure of student learning? Explain your view and suggest alternative methods for assessing academic achievement.
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory in all public schools? Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks and justify your opinion.
  • Should schools prioritize mental health education and resources for students? Offer your opinion and suggest specific recommendations.
  • Is it ethical to use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture? Analyze the arguments for and against and state your position.
  • Should space exploration be a priority when there are so many problems on Earth? Defend your stance with well-reasoned arguments.
  • Are video games a positive or negative influence on young people? Explain your viewpoint based on research and personal experience.
  • Is social media more harmful than helpful for society? Explore both sides of the debate and express your informed opinion.

Persuasive :

  • Write a persuasive essay convincing your school board to implement a new program or initiative you believe would benefit students.
  • Craft a letter to the editor urging your community to take action on an important environmental issue.
  • Develop a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness about a social injustice you care about.
  • Write a speech persuading your classmates to participate in a specific school event or fundraiser.
  • Create a blog post advocating for a cause you believe in, using compelling arguments and emotional appeals.
  • Research and write a report on the history and future of a specific technology that interests you.
  • Investigate and analyze the impact of a particular historical event on society and its lasting effects.
  • Explore the scientific evidence behind a controversial topic and present your findings in an objective and balanced manner.
  • Research and explain the cultural diversity of a specific region or country, highlighting its unique traditions and customs.
  • Investigate the different career paths available in a field you’re interested in and present your findings to help others explore their options.
  • Choose an ancient proverb or famous saying from another language and research its original meaning, historical context, and how it’s interpreted in today’s world.

These 50 writing prompts for high school students offer a diverse landscape of possibilities, inviting you to traverse genres, explore emotions, and delve into self-discovery. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, grab your pen, embrace the adventure, and see where your words take you. You might surprise yourself with the stories you tell and the worlds you create.

While answers can provide inspiration and ideas, it’s crucial to develop your own voice and perspective. Use them as starting points, not complete scripts.

You can find more writing prompts through online resources, books, writing workshops, teacher recommendations, and even everyday observations.

It depends! Some prompts might lead to short stories, while others inspire poems or journal entries. There’s no specific length requirement.

Absolutely! Prompts are meant to be springboards, not limitations. Adapt them to fit your style, interests, and desired outcome.

Share your work with trusted friends, teachers, or writing communities for feedback. Focus on improving your skills and expressing yourself authentically.

  • storywritingacademy.com –  60 Creative Journal Prompts for Teenagers
  • creativewritingedu.org –  What is a Prompt in Writing?
  • 50 Exclusive 3rd Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free
  • 50 Exclusive 6th Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free
  • What is a Prompt in Writing? Choosing the Right Writing Prompt for Your Genre and Style
  • 50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

Related Posts

Best blog post format for freelance writers: the worst thing you can do.

  • May 9, 2024

42 Common Poetry Terms to Know as a Writer

  • April 28, 2024

How Many Word Count Are in a Novel? Word Count by Genre

  • April 24, 2024

37 Creative Writing Prompts for High School

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Creative writing prompts for high school students can be a good way to coax reluctant writers into getting their thoughts down on paper. Writing prompts can be silly or serious and work for fiction, nonfiction, and any other type of writing project. A writing prompt is simply meant to spark an idea and get you brainstorming ideas for writing.

Creative High School Poetry Writing Prompts

One type of creative writing is poetry. You can use poetry prompts for high school for language arts class assignments or to create your own personal poems at home.

  • Choose a song lyric that best describes your personality and expand it into a poem.
  • Use the name of your favorite band or music group to start an acrostic poem.
  • Write a haiku about the first class you have at school each day.
  • Use your school name, mascot, and colors to write a rhyming school spirit chant.
  • Write an ode to your favorite outfit or piece of clothing.
  • Write down the first 10 words you think of and then use each word in one line of your poem.
  • Write one verse about each year of high school.
  • Turn your favorite meme or any viral meme into a poem using the line on the meme as the opening line of your poem.
  • Use the name of a video game as your title and write a poem about whatever the opposite of that title would be.
  • 70+ Unique Youth Group Name Ideas
  • 67 School Jokes for the First Day & Beyond That'll Get You on the Humor Roll
  • 200+ Birthday Party Names to Celebrate Every Age & Milestone

Fun Writing Prompts for Creative Fiction in High School

Creative fiction writing prompts can help you get started on any piece of creative writing. You can use real life to inspire the fantasy world you'll create in your work of fiction.

Writing Prompts for Short Works of Creative Fiction

Whether you need to write a short story, flash fiction, or a letter, these prompts will help you get a short work of fiction going.

  • What magical thing might happen to you when you turn 16 or 18?
  • Your parents have decided to move you to the first human colony in space. What's it like?
  • You're all trapped in your high school and may be the last teens who can save the world.
  • Write a letter to yourself at 60 years old.
  • Choose a book or movie that eerily parallels your life. How did they get your story?
  • Social media is now the only way people can communicate, so what does this world look like?
  • A monster you've imagined is now terrorizing the world. What does it look like? What motivates it to grow? How can you stop it?

Writing Prompts for Long Works of Creative Fiction

If you want to pen your first novel, screenplay, or skit, these prompts can give your storyline a heavy dose of originality.

  • Two weather phenomena combine to create a super storm.
  • The entire world reaches an epic peace agreement where there are no longer separate countries, but instead one country.
  • Each of your closest friends exists in a parallel universe that only you can access.
  • People create a world where kids are never allowed to grow up.
  • Your high school is taken over by scientists.
  • Whenever you hear a song, it opens up a door to another place.

Creative Nonfiction Writing Prompts for Teenagers

From persuasive essays to high school journal topics , nonfiction writing prompts can be just as creative as fiction writing prompts. Take inspiration from journal writing prompts for high school or current news headlines.

  • Global warming has hit its worst point; now what does the world look like?
  • No one cares about actors, singers, and athletes anymore, so who becomes the new celebrities?
  • You are 45 years old and the parent of a teenage daughter who has just told you that she is pregnant. Describe how you would handle this difficult situation.
  • You find a time machine that allows you to travel back into the past. What things would you tell your younger self based on the knowledge you have now?
  • A Hollywood executive sees your Instagram and wants to make a movie of your life.
  • What would happen if you swapped places with the person you most admire for one day?
  • What would happen if you swapped places with your worst enemy for the same amount of time?
  • Teenagers in your town stage a protest at your school.
  • Your town hires a teenager as the new mayor.

Visual Writing Prompts for High School Creative Writing

Using photographs as writing prompts or other forms of visual writing prompts is a great alternative to wordy writing prompts, especially for visual learners. Everything from memes to movie stills can help inspire your creative writing.

High School Creative Writing Games Using Prompts

Using creative writing games in high school doesn't have to feel immature and can help teens get their creative juices flowing.

  • Play a drawing board game like Pictionary, only have players write poems or flash fiction about the prompts instead of drawing pictures.
  • Host a story starter bee where each student is shown an image, instead of being given a word, and they have 30 seconds to shout out a writing prompt based on the image. The last answer given by the last student standing is the prompt everyone has to use.
  • Have each student write a prompt on a piece of paper and crumple it up. Let the teens have a mini paper war, but when you say "Stop!" they each have to pick up the closest crumpled prompt to use for their assignment.

Spark an Idea With Writing Prompts

When you need good writing topics for creative writing assignments or journaling, writing prompts for kids and teens can help spark an idea. If you're teaching writing skills to high school students, creative writing prompts, and even high school journal prompts , geared toward this age group will get them excited about your lesson.

  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Lindsay Ann Learning English Teacher Blog

55 Journal Writing Prompts High School Students Love

journal-writing-prompts-high-school

September 28, 2020 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   10 Comments

Sharing is caring!

Do you use a writer’s notebook in your English classroom? Do you find yourself wishing that you had a list of journal writing prompts high school students will like? 

In this post, I will be sharing 55 different journal prompts. That’s enough for the whole year of fun writing prompts, used 1x per week, for the whole semester if used 2-3x per week, and enough for the whole quarter if used every day.

Digital vs. Paper Writer’s Notebooks

Two years ago, I was determined to have my students write. Every day. Inspired by 180 Days, I wanted to be the writer’s notebook queen of the world and change students’ lives through journal writing prompts. 

journal-writing-prompts-high-school

I went to the nearest Staples store and bought .20 cent composition notebooks. I gave them to students on the first day of school. We wrote in them, pasting in mentor texts for the first three weeks of school. Then, for various reasons, the writer’s notebooks stayed closed more often than not. It was not sustainable for me. 

Now, I’ve written in a previous post about choosing ONE thing to be your precious at the beginning of each school year. If paper writer’s notebooks are your jam, then rock on, friend! 

As for me, I now use and love digital writer’s notebooks. These fun writing journal prompts notebooks are created in Google Slides and shared with students via Classroom. These writing prompts for journals never get lost, are less time-consuming than regular writer’s notebooks, and can use all sorts of colors and design elements to capture students’ attention.

Journal Writing Prompts for High School Students

Below you’ll find 55 journal writing prompts. High school students will find plenty to say about these topics, but I suggest setting ground rules for writing and setting a time limit (with timer projected). 

First: Write for the whole time. 

Second: Don’t worry about making sense or making sure what you write is perfectly-edited. 

Third: Be honest and be specific. 

1st Set: Imaginative Journal Writing Prompts High School Students 💜

  • If you could invent anything, what would it be? Describe why you want to invent it, what it would look like, what it would do, etc. 
  • Choose the animals that best represent your family members and closest friends. Explain why you have chosen each animal. 
  • What if the world was made of Jello?
  • If your life was suddenly a hit reality television show, what would it be called and what would viewers say about it? 
  • Describe your survival plan in the event of a zombie apocalypse. 
  • Create the perfect alien. 
  • You have three doors in front of you: red, blue, and green. The red door says “wing.” The blue door says “want.” The green door says “woke.” Which door would you choose and why? Describe what you imagine to be behind each door.
  • Explain what a forest looks like to someone who cannot see. 
  • Write a recipe for happiness. What would the ingredients be? In what order and amounts would you add them? What instructions would you include for baking and serving? 
  • Create your own original, symbolic names for five locations you visit every day. 
  • Write a guidebook for the older generation to help them understand your generation.

journal-prompts

2nd Set: Past, Present, Future Journal Prompts

  • If you woke up tomorrow with amnesia, what memories would you want to return? To forget forever? 
  • What would your five year old self have to say to your current self if you met for coffee? What would your current self say to your 10-years-from-now self? 
  • What are you most thankful for? 
  • Do you think the past is the best predictor of your future? Why or why not? 
  • How have you changed from when you were a child? Why?
  • What does the future hold for you? 
  • Do you think your generation will “change the world”? Why or why not? 
  • In what ways do you look to the adults in your life for guidance? In what ways can they learn from you? 
  • What present-day issues are you the most concerned about? Why?
  • What do you hope you will always remember about high school? 
  • What is trending right now on social media and what are your thoughts on it?

personal-beliefs-essay

3rd Set: Personal Beliefs Writing Prompts

  • Do you believe in karma? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe in the law of attraction? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe animals fully understand human conversation? Why or why not? 
  • What are your “rules to live by”? Which one is the most important and why?
  • Do you believe in “carpe diem”? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe in an “eye for an eye”? Why or why not? 
  • How have your family and friends influenced your beliefs? 
  • Do you believe that people are the product of their environment? Why or why not? 
  • Do you believe in second chances? Why or why not?
  • Do certain characteristics make people more likely to succeed? Explain.

personal-writing-prompts-high-school

4th Set: Top Ten Lists as Journal Prompts

  • 10 things I should have learned by now.
  • 10 words others would use to describe me. 
  • 10 of the weirdest things in my room. 
  • 10 things I want to do before I die. 
  • 10 of the best words in the English language.
  • 10 things that are highly underrated / overrated.
  • 10 reasons to wake up in the morning. 
  • 10 songs on my playlist right now. 
  • 10 of the weirdest dreams I’ve ever had. 
  • 10 things I know to be true.
  • 10 things I want to give a “makeover” to.

journal-writing-prompts-middle-school

5th Set: Hard Questions for Journal Writing

  • What is the meaning of life? 
  • Which is better: too much of something or too little of something? 
  • Which is better: truth or beauty? 
  • Is social media a blessing or a curse? 
  • What two questions would you ask to find out someone’s true self? Now, answer these questions yourself. 
  • What does it mean to be human?
  • Define intelligence.
  • To what extent do gender, ethnicity, social background influence your life? 
  • Is society today better off than it was 100 years ago?
  • What labels could others give you? Are labels helpful or harmful? Explain.
  • Do you believe human nature is evil or good?

journal-topics-for-teens

Wrapping Up Writing Prompts for Journals

Feel free to save the images for each set of fun writing prompts questions and use them in an agenda slideshow or to post on Google Classroom.

If you are interested in ready-made digital journals, please take a moment to check out these popular journal prompts resources! I appreciate your support!

Hey, if you loved this post, I want to be sure you’ve had the chance to grab a FREE copy of my guide to streamlined grading . I know how hard it is to do all the things as an English teacher, so I’m over the moon to be able to share with you some of my best strategies for reducing the grading overwhelm.  Click on the link above or the image below to get started!

grading-papers

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

short-stories-ideas

20 Short Stories Students Will Read Gladly

book-projects

6 Fun Book Project Ideas

learning-styles

Tailoring Your English Curriculum to Diverse Learning Styles

measure-of-academic-progress

Teacher Toolbox: Creative & Effective Measures of Academic Progress for the Classroom

teaching-strategies-examples

10 Most Effective Teaching Strategies for English Teachers

ap-lang-exam

Beyond Persuasion: Unlocking the Nuances of the AP Lang Argument Essay

trauma-informed-teaching

Trauma Informed Education that Doesn’t Inflict Trauma on Educators?

nonfiction-texts

Book List: Nonfiction Texts to Engage High School Students

prompts-for-writing

12 Tips for Generating Writing Prompts for Writing Using AI

informational-texts-for-high-school

31 Informational Texts for High School Students

tardies

Tardies & Chronic Absenteeism: Fighting the Good Fight

open-ended-questions

Open Ended Questions That Work

books-to-read-for-high-school

Reader Interactions

' src=

March 3, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Lindsay, I think that these writing prompts you have come up with are just brilliant. I mean granted these are merely thoughts and questions we either ask ourselves, others or just think about and never bring out. I personally think it is important for people to actualize and put thoughts out verbally and visually. In this case, fellow writers and English students and anyone for that matter are able to see it and realize that these are actually not silly ideas that you might have thought of and overlooked at some point in your lives. But good reflective pannels for us to channel our inner writers and inquisitive thinking into and curiosity upon. I am still a beginner English teacher but have always been fascinated with power of what a few words put together becoming, a sentence, a sentence becomes a paragraph, a paragraph becomes an essay, an essay becomes a thesis, a thesis becomes a spark of curiosity and that curiosity becomes a revolution that bit by bit becomes the answer to a question being asked somewhere. Thank you for the ideas!

' src=

March 20, 2022 at 1:10 pm

My pleasure, William! You’ve put into words the beauty of inquiry and writing, even if it is only for one’s own eyes. Thank you for reading!

' src=

March 23, 2022 at 11:02 pm

i really hope these work i really think they will thanks so much

April 7, 2022 at 7:22 pm

You’re welcome! I hope that they work well for you. 🙂

' src=

April 26, 2022 at 8:13 pm

I really just LOVE these writing prompts! They are very concise and spark my imagination. Been teaching since fall Y2K and visited many of these types of posts. Yours are a cut above the rest.

April 30, 2022 at 8:23 pm

Thank you, James! I hope that you and your students have fun with these. 🙂

' src=

June 3, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Do you have a TpT store where we can buy your digital writer’s notebook?

June 4, 2022 at 5:56 pm

Yes, absolutely! Here are a couple of options:

1. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Creative-Writing-Mentor-Sentences-Digital-Notebook-2885186 2. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Creative-Writing-Journal-2729748 3. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/300-Google-Drive-Journal-Writing-Prompts-2715746

Hope this helps! Lindsay

' src=

July 23, 2023 at 9:00 am

These are so, so good! It’s hard to find writing prompts that don’t make my high school students roll their eyes, lol, but these are fantastic and sure to spark creativity. Thank you!

[…] growth, and a clearer sense of identity. Sources such as Journal Buddies, Story Writing Academy, Lindsay Ann Learning, and Money Prodigy provide many creative writing prompts for journaling, article writing, and story […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

journal-writing-prompts-high-school

Write_The_World_LogoType_RGB_Black

30+ Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

By: Asiyah Jilani

Here are some unique creative writing prompts for high school that students can use to think creatively, expand their writing skills, and find enjoyment in writing. The prompts are sorted by genre, including poetry, science fiction, flash fiction, narrative, and even some creative and open choice prompts.

creative writing prompts for high school notebook

Poetry Prompts for High Schoolers

  • Beginnings - Write a poem where every line begins with the same letter.
  • Diminishing Verse - Write a poem in which the end word in a line is the same end word in the previous line, but with the first letter removed. A three line stanza, for example, could have the following end words: “smart”, “mart”, and “art” Or, rather than removing a letter and keeping the spelling of the remaining word the same, you have the option to remove sounds. “Stare” could turn into “tear”, for example, and “tear” into “air”.
  • Collective Nouns - Write a poem with a collective noun as its genesis and theme, highlighting the characteristics of a creature we share the planet with. Seek to emphasize the poetic nature of these terms; for example, alliteration in ‘a parcel of penguins’ or the imagery of ‘a bouquet of hummingbirds’. If you’re feeling extra creative, invent a collective noun of your own to include as the basis of your poem.
  • Life through a Window - Write a poem that captures the images of life and activity seen through a window over the course of one single morning, day, evening or night.
  • Fan Poetry - Write a poem imitating the style of a popular poet, whether it be a Shakespearean sonnet or a naturalistic poem like those of Mary Oliver’s. Be sure to include a footnote, crediting the poet or poem that inspired your piece.

Science Fiction Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

  • Solar Power - In 1960, physicist Freeman Dyson proposed a hypothetical megastructure that could encompass a star and suck energy from it to power the earth—an idea known today as a "Dyson sphere." What are the benefits of energy captured from a star? The consequences? Imagine what the world would be like with a Dyson sphere. In prose or poetry, take us into a scene or offer a description of this reimagined world.
  • False Familiarity - Medically, déjà vu is false familiarity. Your brain creates an illusion of a feeling that you have lived this moment before. But what if there was more to the story? Write a story explaining déjà vu through fantasy or the supernatural. Is there more to the illusion? Maybe it’s a wild mind control conspiracy in a distant future world, or maybe a disorganized higher power forgot to finish sculpting human minds properly. Be as creative as you like!

Personal Narrative Prompts for High School Students

  • Lost things - Anywhere from a paragraph to a page long, tell the story of an object that you’ve lost, detailing: 1. How it was lost. 2. How it changed you. 3. Where you imagine it is now.
  • Your world in three senses- Think of a place you love... transport your readers there with three detailed and telling descriptions, each using a different sense: SIGHT, SMELL, SOUND, TASTE, or TOUCH. Perhaps it's the feeling of the dry desert wind that defines this place for you. Perhaps it's the sound of the dogs howling. Perhaps the smell of smog or sea salt. Pick details that are particular and specific, and bring them to life with vivid sensory language.
  • Subtotals - In his story, “Subtotals,” Gregory Burnham shares details of his life in number form. For example, he tells us how many rotten eggs he's thrown (1), the number of postcards he's sent (831), the number of miracles he's witnessed (0). Write a story composed of subtotals from your life. Try to select and pair subtotals that speak to each other. For example, the following two numbers aren't very interesting on their own, but together they tell a story: "Number of compliments, given: 4,051; accepted: 2,249."

creative writing prompts for high school students

Flash Fiction Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

  • 99 words - “There was more room to think,” wrote novelist David Gaffney on becoming a flash fiction convert, “more space for the original idea to resonate, fewer unnecessary words to wade through.” Stories of the sudden/skinny/mini/micro variety pack the best parts of fiction into brimming, half-pint packages. Celebrate the art of concision, and write a story in 99 words or less.
  • All in a minute - Write a story that takes place in one minute of your character's life. Avoid flashbacks (memories or information from the past) and flash forwards (projecting into the future). Instead, focus on the details of the moment.
  • Countdown - Write a story in which your first sentence should have ten words, your second nine words, your third eight, etc., until you’re down to one in your final line.

Check out more flash fiction and other writing resources .

Other Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

  • Global Correspondence - Respond to a current event, whether it be local, regional, or global, in your choice of writing form.
  • Advertising - Write an advert for a product that doesn’t exist.
  • Feel the Music - Write a story about a pair of headphones that actually take you inside a song.
  • Personality traits - Write about an argument between two different traits of someone’s personality.
  • Other shoes - Put yourself in shoes that you wouldn’t normally imagine yourself in. Create a scenario for that fictional character. Embody a protagonist that showcases your wit, empathy, and imagination as a writer.
  • Selecting a Reader - In his poem, ‘ selecting a reader ’ Ted Krooser cleverly imagines whom he would want to be his reader, and how he would like them to treat his work. imagine your reader in vivid detail - their appearance, thoughts, actions, inner world… how might they have arrived at your writing? How do they interact with it? Describe their idiosyncrasies, intentions, and consider how your writing will affect them!
  • Musical - Write a piece inspired by your favorite song.
  • 200 years ago - Imagine traveling back 200 years, to the exact spot where you are right now. Who was here? How did the landscape look different? Write a passage of historical fiction that takes place in your current location!
  • The Pangram - A Pangram, or “holoalphabetic” sentence, contains every letter of the alphabet at least once. Take the following, rather infamous, pangram: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Try your hand at crafting a perfect pangram, or instead use this restricted form to craft the basis of a longer sentence, or even story. You could even link a few pangrams of varying length together.
  • First meeting - Think of your favorite fictional character. What would you say to each other?
  • Lens change - Write about a particular memory of yours, but in third person instead of first person.
  • You - Write a passage of fiction, employing the second person—“you”—point of view.

tips for using creative writing prompts for high school

Tips for Using Creative Writing Prompts in the Classroom

Writing prompts and other activities are low-stakes and can help to create a culture of writing in your classroom. Here are a few tips to getting started:

  • Mix up the types of prompts to connect to your curriculum or promote creative thinking.
  • Leave time to share some responses out loud and build a sense of community.
  • Write when students write to model continuous learning.
  • Keep it brief and open to interpretation.

Looking for more tips for using writing prompts as a daily classroom practice? Check out the full Tips for Using Daily Writing Prompts and other resources for teaching writing .

New call-to-action

Share this post:

Share on facebook

Similar Blogs

Science Fiction Writing: Books to Read

Science Fiction Writing: Books to Read

by Lisa Hiton

It is in our nature to ask gigantic questions. What are stars? What happens when...

Meet the Flash Fiction Competition Winners 2022

Meet the Flash Fiction Competition Winners 2022

The art of flash fiction lies in its ability to make an impact in the briefest way possible. In...

How to Write Flash Fiction with Tara Lynn Masih

How to Write Flash Fiction with Tara Lynn Masih

Like so many of you, Tara Lynn Masih started to take writing more seriously during high school. As...

20 Engaging Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

avatar

Introduction

Welcome, High School Students , to the captivating world of creative writing ! This form of expression holds immense power for individuals like you, offering a unique avenue to explore your thoughts and emotions. As a high school student, you stand at the threshold of endless possibilities, and creative writing can serve as your key to unlocking a realm of imagination and self-discovery.

The Power of Creative Writing for High School Students

Creative writing isn't just about putting words on paper; it's about unlocking Your Creative Potential . Studies have shown that engaging in creative writing can significantly enhance your cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills. By delving into the realms of fiction, poetry, or personal narratives, you can tap into a wellspring of creativity that lies within you.

Moreover, the Role of Writing Prompts in this process is crucial. These prompts act as guiding stars in your creative journey, sparking ideas and nudging you towards new horizons of storytelling. Whether it's a simple sentence starter or a thought-provoking question, writing prompts can ignite the flames of inspiration within you.

In fact, research has highlighted the benefits of incorporating creative writing into academic pursuits. It not only enhances academic performance but also fosters self-expression, boosts mental health , and nurtures confidence and creativity among School Students like yourself.

So, are you ready to embark on this transformative journey through the realm of words? Let's dive into these engaging creative writing prompts together!

5 Creative Writing Prompts for Self-Exploration

In the realm of creative writing prompts , there lies a treasure trove of opportunities for high school students to embark on a journey of self-discovery. These prompts act as guiding stars, illuminating paths to explore your innermost thoughts and emotions. Let's delve into five captivating prompts designed to spark your imagination and introspection .

Dive Into Your Dreams: A Prompt for Future Aspirations

Imagine a world where all your aspirations come to life. High school students , what dreams do you hold in the depths of your heart? Write a vivid narrative detailing your future self achieving those dreams. Explore the emotions, challenges, and triumphs along this path of fulfillment. Let your pen dance with hope and ambition as you paint a picture of the extraordinary life you aspire to lead.

The Letter to Your Past Self: Reflecting on Growth

Reflect on the journey that has brought you to this moment. School students , write a heartfelt letter to your past self, offering words of wisdom, comfort, or encouragement. Share the lessons learned, the hurdles overcome, and the growth experienced along the way. Embrace vulnerability as you revisit moments that shaped you into the resilient individual you are today.

The Unseen Perspectives: Writing from Another's Viewpoint

Step into someone else's shoes through the power of storytelling. Choose a character - real or fictional - and narrate a day in their life from their perspective. High school students , explore empathy and understanding as you delve into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of another individual. Uncover new dimensions of compassion and insight through this exercise in perspective-taking .

Crafting Your Utopia: Designing an Ideal World

Imagine a realm where the boundaries of reality blur, and students like you hold the brush to paint a utopia of their own creation. In this world of boundless possibilities, what does your ideal society look like? Envision a place where harmony reigns supreme, where equality is not just a dream but a reality etched in every corner. Write a narrative that breathes life into this utopian vision, detailing the intricate tapestry of values, systems, and interactions that define this perfect world.

Crafting your utopia isn't merely an exercise in imagination; it's an exploration of the deepest desires and aspirations that reside within you. Through this creative endeavor, you have the power to shape a world free from the constraints of our current reality—a world where compassion, understanding, and progress intertwine seamlessly.

As you delve into the realms of your utopia, consider the lessons it holds for our present society. What can we learn from this ideal world you've envisioned? How can we bridge the gap between imagination and actualization to create a better tomorrow for all?

Let your pen dance across the pages as you weave together a tapestry of hope and possibility. Embrace the limitless potential that lies within your words to inspire change and ignite writing prompts for others to envision their own utopias.

Overcoming Obstacles: A Story of Triumph

Life is a journey fraught with challenges and obstacles waiting to be conquered by resilient souls. As students , you have encountered hurdles that tested your strength and resolve. Now is the time to write about a moment when you faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious—a story of triumph that echoes with resilience and perseverance.

In these tales of overcoming obstacles lie profound lessons about resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit that resides within each one of us. Share your narrative with honesty and vulnerability, allowing others to draw inspiration from your journey towards triumph.

Whether it was conquering self-doubt, navigating personal struggles, or surmounting academic challenges, every obstacle overcome has shaped you into the resilient individual you are today. Let your story serve as a beacon of hope for those who may be facing similar trials, showing them that victory awaits on the other side of perseverance.

Embrace the power of storytelling as you recount your triumph over adversity. Your words have the potential to uplift spirits, instill courage, and spark resilience in those who read them.

5 Imaginative Prompts for Fantasy and Science Fiction

Welcome, dear students , to the realm where the ordinary transcends into the extraordinary through the magic of creative writing. In this section, we invite you to embark on a journey beyond the confines of reality, where fantastical worlds and futuristic adventures await your pen's touch. Let your imagination soar as you explore these five imaginative prompts crafted to ignite your creativity and transport you to realms unknown.

The Portal in Your Backyard: A Gateway to Another World

Imagine a mysterious portal hidden in the depths of your backyard—a gateway to realms uncharted and adventures untold. As you step through this shimmering threshold , describe the world that unfolds before your eyes. Write about the sights, sounds, and sensations that greet you on the other side. Will you encounter mythical creatures, futuristic technologies, or enchanted landscapes? Let your imagination run wild as you craft a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.

The Day Earth Stopped: A Sci-Fi Adventure

Picture a world where time stands still, where the hustle and bustle of life comes to a sudden halt. On the day Earth stopped spinning , what unfolds in this sci-fi saga? Students , envision the repercussions of this cosmic event on humanity and the planet itself. Will chaos reign supreme, or will new beginnings emerge from the stillness? Delve into themes of resilience, adaptation, and human nature as you spin a tale set against the backdrop of a world frozen in time.

Magic in the Mundane: Finding Fantasy in Everyday Life

In the tapestry of everyday life lies hidden magic waiting to be discovered by keen eyes and curious hearts. High school students , look around you with fresh perspective and seek out enchantment in the seemingly ordinary. Write about a moment when mundane reality transforms into something extraordinary—a fleeting glimpse of wonder that defies logic and reason. Uncover beauty in simplicity as you infuse elements of fantasy into the fabric of daily existence.

The Last of Its Kind: A Tale of Discovery and Protection

In the vast expanse of an uncharted wilderness, a lone creature roams—a majestic being, the last of its kind. Its fur glistens under the dappled sunlight, a testament to a lineage that once thrived across these lands. As you observe this enigmatic creature from afar, a sense of awe and melancholy washes over you. What secrets does it hold? What stories linger in its ancient eyes?

High school students , it is up to you to unravel the mysteries surrounding this solitary being. Write a tale that delves into its past, tracing the footsteps of its ancestors and the trials they faced. Explore the bond between this creature and the natural world it inhabits, weaving a narrative that speaks of harmony, loss, and resilience.

As your words dance across the page, consider the themes of conservation and protection that echo through this tale. What lessons can we learn from the plight of this last survivor? How can we safeguard endangered species and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems? Through storytelling, you have the power to raise awareness, inspire action, and ignite a passion for environmental stewardship among your peers.

In crafting this narrative of discovery and protection, remember that every voice has the potential to spark change. Your words hold the key to advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves—the dwindling species teetering on the brink of extinction. Let empathy guide your pen as you breathe life into this poignant tale of survival against all odds.

A Message from the Future: Warnings and Wisdom

Imagine receiving a letter from your future self—a missive filled with warnings, wisdom, and revelations yet to unfold. Students , what insights would your future self impart upon you? Write a message that transcends time, offering guidance gleaned from years yet to come.

In this epistolary exchange with your future self, explore themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. What choices would your future self urge you to make? What pitfalls would they caution you to avoid? Embrace introspection as you navigate this dialogue between past actions and future consequences.

As you pen down these words from beyond the veil of time, consider how they resonate with your present reality. How can glimpses into a possible future shape your decisions in the here and now? Let this exercise in foresight serve as a compass guiding you towards paths rich with fulfillment and purpose.

Through this act of writing to your future self, you bridge the gap between aspirations and actualization—transforming distant dreams into tangible goals. Embrace the wisdom that echoes through time's corridors as you embark on a journey towards self-discovery and growth.

5 Realistic Writing Prompts for Everyday Inspiration

Welcome, dear students , to a realm where the ordinary transforms into extraordinary tales waiting to be penned. In this section, we present five realistic writing prompts that will ignite your creativity and inspire you to delve into the depths of everyday life. These prompts are designed to uncover the beauty in simplicity and spark your imagination as you craft narratives that resonate with authenticity and inspiration.

The Unheard Voices: Telling the Stories Around You

In a world bustling with activity, there are countless untold stories waiting to be shared. High school students , take a moment to listen—to truly listen—to the voices that often go unheard. Write about the narratives woven into the fabric of your surroundings—the laughter of a street performer, the whispers of autumn leaves, or the silent struggles of a classmate. Embrace empathy as you give voice to these stories, shedding light on experiences that deserve to be heard and understood.

A Day in Reverse: Rewriting a Day from End to Start

Imagine unraveling the threads of time and rewinding the tapestry of your day backward. Students , embark on a journey through reverse chronology as you rewrite a day starting from its end. Begin with the closing moments—the setting sun, the final words spoken—and work your way back through each event, revelation, and emotion experienced. Explore how this unique perspective shapes your narrative and illuminates hidden connections within the seemingly mundane moments of daily life.

The Power of Kindness: A Chain Reaction Story

Kindness is a force that transcends boundaries, sparking ripples of positivity wherever it lands. High school students , write about a chain reaction of kindness—a story where one act of compassion sets off a cascade of goodwill. Explore how a simple gesture—a smile, a helping hand, a word of encouragement—can transform lives and uplift spirits in ways both seen and unseen. Delve into the profound impact of kindness as it weaves its way through communities, leaving hearts brighter and spirits lifted in its wake.

Let these prompts serve as windows into worlds waiting to be explored within the tapestry of everyday life. Embrace the power of storytelling as you craft narratives that celebrate authenticity, empathy, and inspiration found in even the simplest moments.

Life Through a Lens: A Day as a Documentary

Welcome to a unique exploration of everyday life through the lens of creativity. Imagine stepping into the shoes of a documentary filmmaker, capturing the essence of a day in your life with precision and artistry. As high school students , you have the opportunity to transform mundane moments into captivating narratives that resonate with authenticity and insight.

In this prompt, envision yourself as both the subject and the storyteller of your own documentary. From the moment you awaken to the final embrace of sleep, document each scene, emotion, and interaction with meticulous detail. Write about the subtle nuances that define your daily routine—the laughter shared with friends, the quiet moments of solitude, or the bustling energy of a school day.

As you delve into this creative endeavor, consider how each frame contributes to the larger narrative of your life. What themes emerge from this visual storytelling? How do seemingly ordinary moments hold profound significance when viewed through the lens of introspection?

Through this exercise in documentary writing , you have the power to uncover hidden truths about yourself and the world around you. Embrace the role of both observer and participant as you craft a narrative that celebrates the beauty found in simplicity and authenticity.

The Unsung Hero: A Tribute to an Unnoticed Influence

Every story is woven with threads of influence—some overt, others subtle; some celebrated, others unseen. In this prompt, we shine a spotlight on those unsung heroes who shape our lives in quiet yet profound ways. High school students , it's time to pay tribute to an unnoticed influence that has left an indelible mark on your journey.

Think about individuals or forces that have guided your path without seeking recognition—a teacher who believed in your potential, a friend who offered unwavering support, or even an experience that sparked newfound perspective. Write a heartfelt tribute honoring their impact on your growth and development.

As you pen down these words of gratitude and appreciation, reflect on how these unnoticed influences have shaped your character and aspirations. How has their presence illuminated new paths or provided strength during challenging times? Embrace empathy as you acknowledge the invaluable contributions of these unsung heroes to your narrative.

Through this act of tribute writing, you not only honor those who have touched your life but also recognize the interconnectedness of our journeys. Every unsung hero carries within them stories of resilience, compassion, and unwavering support—stories that deserve to be celebrated and shared with students like yourself.

5 Journal Writing Prompts for Personal Reflection

In the realm of journal writing , lies a sanctuary for introspection and self-discovery. These prompts serve as windows into your innermost thoughts and emotions, guiding you on a journey of personal reflection. Let's explore five evocative prompts designed to unravel the tapestry of your experiences and aspirations.

Gratitude Unveiled: Listing the Unnoticed Blessings

Take a moment to pause and reflect on the blessings that often go unnoticed in the hustle of daily life. High school students , grab your pen and write down a list of simple joys, moments of kindness, or unexpected gifts that have graced your path. Embrace gratitude as you unveil the beauty woven into the fabric of everyday existence—the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of a sunlit morning, or the comfort of a familiar embrace. Let your words illuminate these hidden blessings, turning moments of insignificance into treasures of the heart.

The Fork in the Road: Decisions and Their Impact

Life is a series of choices—some small, others monumental; each shaping our journey in unique ways. Reflect on a pivotal decision you've faced—a fork in the road where paths diverged, altering the course of your narrative. Students , delve into the complexities of decision-making as you write about the factors that influenced your choice, the emotions that accompanied it, and the repercussions that unfolded thereafter. Explore themes of uncertainty, courage, and growth as you navigate this introspective journey through crossroads and consequences.

The Soundtrack of Your Life: Songs That Define You

Music has a way of capturing emotions too profound for words—a melody that echoes our joys, sorrows, and dreams. Consider the soundtrack that accompanies your life's narrative—the songs that resonate with your soul and define chapters of your story. Write about these musical companions, exploring how each lyric, rhythm, or chord mirrors facets of your identity and experiences. Dive into memories evoked by melodies, emotions stirred by harmonies, and dreams kindled by verses. Let music be your guide as you craft a symphony of self-discovery through this reflective prompt.

The Art of Forgiveness: Letting Go and Moving Forward

Forgiveness is a transformative act, a conscious choice to release the burdens of resentment and anger that weigh upon the heart. High school students , delve into the art of forgiveness as a path towards liberation and healing. Explore the profound impact of letting go of grudges and embracing compassion for oneself and others.

In the tapestry of life, forgiveness serves as a thread that weaves together broken pieces, mending wounds and fostering growth. Write about a moment when forgiveness became a beacon of light in a sea of darkness—a decision to release pain and embrace peace. Reflect on the emotions that accompany this act—relief, acceptance, vulnerability—and the liberation that follows in its wake.

As you navigate the complexities of forgiveness, consider how this practice shapes relationships, nurtures empathy, and cultivates resilience. How can forgiveness pave the way for reconciliation, understanding, and personal growth? Embrace the power of empathy as you extend grace to yourself and others through acts of forgiveness.

Moving forward from past hurts requires courage, strength, and a willingness to embark on a journey towards inner peace. As students , you hold the pen that scripts your narrative of forgiveness—a story that transcends pain to embrace healing and renewal.

The Joy of Firsts: Recounting Moments of New Experiences

Life unfolds in moments of firsts—first steps taken with trepidation, first words spoken with wonder, first dreams dreamt with boundless imagination. High school students , immerse yourself in the joy of first experiences as you recount tales woven with excitement, curiosity, and discovery.

Write about a moment that marked a significant first in your life—a milestone that opened doors to new horizons or sparked passions yet unexplored. Whether it was your first solo adventure into uncharted territories or your first performance on stage trembling with anticipation, each first carries within it lessons learned and memories cherished.

In these tales of firsts lie echoes of courage, resilience, and the unyielding spirit that propels us towards growth. Embrace vulnerability as you revisit moments tinged with uncertainty yet brimming with possibility—the thrill before taking a leap into the unknown or the quiet triumph after conquering fears.

As you pen down these narratives of new beginnings, consider how each first experience shapes your identity and aspirations. How do these moments define your journey towards self-discovery and personal growth? Let joy be your guide as you celebrate these milestones etched in time—a testament to your resilience in embracing the unknown with open arms.

Your Journey Through Creative Writing

Embarking on the path of creative writing is akin to setting sail on a voyage of self-discovery and imagination. As high school students , you have delved into the depths of storytelling, weaving narratives that transcend time and space. Through the power of words, you have explored realms unknown, crafted characters brimming with life, and painted landscapes vibrant with color.

Margaret Kerrison , an advocate for the transformative essence of storytelling, highlights how stories serve as vessels that transport readers to different worlds, fostering empathy and offering unique experiences. Just as you have embarked on this journey through creative writing prompts, your narratives have the potential to resonate with others, evoking emotions, sparking reflections, and igniting imaginations.

In each tale spun from your pen lies a fragment of your essence —a reflection of your dreams, fears, hopes, and aspirations. The stories you craft hold the power to inspire change, provoke thought, and kindle connections that bridge hearts across distances.

Embracing the Challenge

As you reflect on the myriad prompts explored in this blog post—from self-exploration to fantasy realms to everyday inspirations—you have embraced the challenge of unearthing your creative potential. Each prompt served as a catalyst for introspection, innovation, and growth—nurturing skills that extend beyond the realm of writing into all facets of life.

The challenges encountered along this creative odyssey have sculpted you into resilient storytellers—individuals unafraid to venture into the unknown recesses of their minds and hearts. Every obstacle overcome has been a stepping stone towards honing your craft and amplifying your voice in a world hungry for authentic narratives.

The Path Ahead

As you stand at this crossroads where creativity meets possibility, remember that your journey through creative writing is an ongoing narrative—one filled with twists, turns, triumphs, and tribulations. The path ahead beckons with new horizons to explore, characters waiting to be brought to life, and stories yearning to be told.

Margaret Kerrison's insights remind us that storytelling transcends mere words on paper—it is a gateway to empathy , understanding, and shared experiences. As you continue along this path of self-expression and creativity, embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth; each story as a vessel for connection; each word as a brushstroke painting the canvas of your narrative.

So pick up your pen with courage in hand and embark on the next chapter of your creative odyssey. Let your imagination soar beyond boundaries; let your words resonate with authenticity; let your stories echo through hearts eager to listen. The path ahead is yours to tread—a tapestry waiting to be woven with threads of creativity and passion.

In every story penned lies a universe waiting to be discovered—an invitation extended from one soul to another through the timeless art of storytelling. Embrace this journey with open arms; for within it lies the magic of creation—the power to shape worlds anew with every stroke of your pen.

About the Author : Quthor, powered by Quick Creator , is an AI writer that excels in creating high-quality articles from just a keyword or an idea. Leveraging Quick Creator 's cutting-edge writing engine, Quthor efficiently gathers up-to-date facts and data to produce engaging and informative content. The article you're reading? Crafted by Quthor, demonstrating its capability to produce compelling content. Experience the power of AI writing. Try Quick Creator for free at quickcreator.io and start creating with Quthor today!

Embrace Spring: Creating a New Blog Post for the Season

Perfecting Your Abitur Blog Post Writing Skills

Creating Captivating Blog Posts for the Indian Writing Season

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Blog Essay with Compelling Content

Discover How to Craft a Personal Blog with Compelling Examples

Loved This Read?

Blitz Your Engaging Blog Post Now with Quick Creator! Craft posts grounded in real facts, seamlessly integrate visuals and links, and effortlessly solve all your SEO woes.

© Copyright 2024 writing - All Rights Reserved.

Home › Study Tips › Creative Writing Resources For Secondary School Students

Creative Writing Prompts For High School Students – 12 Categories

  • Published January 3, 2023

creative writing prompts for high schoolers

Table of Contents

Are you a high school student struggling to find inspiration for your creative writing assignments? Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to come up with new and exciting ideas? If so, you’re not alone. 

Many students struggle with coming up with ideas for creative writing, especially when they feel pressure to produce something original and engaging. 

But the good news is that there are ways to break through the block and find inspiration for your writing. 

For instance, by attending our award-winning creative writing summer programme , you’ll learn how to conquer the fear of the blank page. How? By learning proven formulas for creating brilliant stories. 

Another way to have that creative spark is to use creative writing prompts. 

This article will provide creative high school students like yourself with a list of creative writing prompts. So you’ll get the inspiration you need to get into the flow and start writing!

What are Writing Prompts?

Writing prompts are ideas that help writers overcome writer’s block and get started with their writing. They can come in various forms, including a

  • Or series of questions. 

Creative writing prompts get your creative juices flowing. When you encounter a writing prompt, it encourages you to start writing!

What types of writing, you ask? It can be anything from fiction writing to essay writing. Creative writing prompts are even used to get you started with freewriting in your daily journal.

So you see, many writers find writing prompts a quick and easy way to begin a new writing project. Or to overcome writer’s block when they are stuck.

How Do You Use Writing Prompts?

There are many different ways to use writing prompts. Here are a few ideas:

Use writing prompts to start a new writing project. 

Are you having trouble coming up with ideas for a new writing project? Try using a writing prompt to get started. You can use a writing prompt as the starting point for a 

  • Short story
  • Essay, or any other type of writing.

Use writing prompts to overcome writer’s block. 

Stuck on a particular piece of writing and can’t seem to move forward? Use writing prompts to brainstorm on how to proceed!

Use writing prompts to practice your writing skills. 

As the old adage says, practice makes perfect! You can use writing prompts to practice different writing techniques or styles. Or try out different writing genres!

Use writing prompts to challenge yourself. 

You can use writing prompts to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try writing about things you might not usually write about.

Say your comfort zone is writing fantasy stories. And you want to try something new. Why not use scary writing prompts as a starting point?

To use a writing prompt, choose a prompt that interests you and start writing. There are no hard and fast rules about how to use writing prompts – the important thing is to just start writing and see where the prompt takes you!

Creative Writing Prompts High School Students will Love

Write a story about a character who:

  • discovers a mysterious, abandoned house in the woods  
  • suddenly gains the power of time travel
  • has to confront their greatest fear
  • is given the opportunity to live in a different time period
  • discovers a secret underground society
  • is given a magical object that can grant wishes.

Or, check out the other prompts too:

  • Write a poem about a summer day you will never forget.
  • Imagine that you are stranded on a deserted island. Write a story about your experience.
  • Write a letter to your future self ten years from now.
  • Imagine that you are a detective trying to solve a mysterious crime. Write a story about your investigation.

Creative High School Poetry Writing Prompts

Write a poem about a/an:

  • summer romance you will never forget
  • memorable experience you had with a friend
  • place that holds special meaning for you
  • moment of clarity or realisation that you had
  • person who has had a significant impact on your life
  • object that holds special meaning for you
  • dream that you had and can’t seem to forget
  • time when you felt completely lost
  • time when you felt completely free
  • moment of beauty that you witnessed

Writing Prompts with an Element of Suspense

  • is being stalked by an unknown assailant
  • wakes up with no memory of the past 24 hours
  • receives a series of mysterious, threatening letters
  • discovers a hidden room in their house filled with grotesque objects
  • is trapped in a strange, unfamiliar place
  • is being pursued by a dangerous, unknown entity
  • is being watched by an unknown pair of eyes
  • is being followed by a shadowy figure
  • hears strange noises in the middle of the night
  • finds a mysterious, unmarked package on their doorstep

Writing Prompts for Stories That Start with Dialogue

Start your story with a conversation between two characters who are:

  • meeting for the first time
  • meeting each other for the first time in ten years after graduation
  • trying to solve a problem
  • discussing a secret
  • trying to keep a secret from someone else
  • discussing their future plans
  • trying to make amends after a misunderstanding
  • reminiscing about the past
  • trying to persuade each other of something

Writing Prompts That Ask “What if?”

What if you:

  • woke up one morning with the ability to fly? How would you use this ability?
  • could time travel? Where would you go and why?
  • woke up one day to find that everyone in the world had switched bodies? How would you cope with this?
  • could read minds? How would you use this ability?
  • suddenly had access to unlimited wealth? How would you use this wealth?
  • could talk to animals? How would this change your life?
  • were the only person on Earth who knew how to speak a certain language? How would you use this knowledge?
  • could turn invisible at will? How would you use this power?
  • developed the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead? How would this change your life?
  • could teleport anywhere in the world instantly? How would you use this ability?

Funny Writing Prompts for High School

  • wakes up to find that they’ve turned into a giant chicken
  • has a magic lamp that grants them absurd wishes
  • becomes the world’s worst superhero
  • accidentally becomes the president of the United States
  • is chased by a giant hamster
  • discovers that their reflection is actually an alternate dimension
  • becomes a world-famous rapper after a misunderstanding at a karaoke bar
  • becomes the world’s worst detective
  • is constantly followed by a cloud of bees
  • becomes the world’s worst secret agent

Do you have a brother or sister in middle school? Our middle school writing prompts are a great way for them to get into the flow of creative writing effectively.

Journal Prompts for High School Creative Writing

  • Write about a time when:
  • you felt particularly proud of yourself
  • you had to confront your greatest fear
  • you had a moment of clarity or realisation
  • you felt that life was wonderful
  • Write about a place that holds special meaning for you.
  • Write about a person who has significantly impacted your life.
  • Write about a moment of beauty that you witnessed.
  • Write about a dream you had and can’t forget.
  • Write about a memorable experience you had with a friend.

Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

Write an essay about a/an:

  • significant event in your life and how it has impacted you
  • person who has inspired you and why
  • current issue that is important to you and why
  • time when you had to overcome a challenge and how you did it
  • place that you have visited and why it was meaningful to you
  • hobby or activity that you are passionate about and why
  • book, movie, or TV show that has had a significant impact on you and why
  • social issue that you feel strongly about and what you are doing to make a difference
  • goal that you have set for yourself and how you plan to achieve it
  • person who has made a positive impact on your community and how they did it

Adventurous Short Story Prompts

Write a story about a character who goes on a:

  • solo hike in the wilderness and becomes lost
  • treasure hunt and faces unexpected challenges along the way
  • safari and encounters a rare and dangerous animal
  • white water rafting trip and gets stranded in the wilderness
  • mountain climbing expedition and faces unexpected challenges
  • scuba diving trip and discovers a hidden underwater world
  • hot air balloon ride and gets carried away by the wind
  • skydiving trip and has to make an emergency landing
  • parasailing trip and gets caught in a storm
  • snowboarding trip and gets caught in an avalanche

Science Fiction Short Story Prompts

  • Write a story about a character who is:
  •  given a device that can predict the future
  •  the only survivor of an alien invasion
  • recruited by a secret organization to fight against an alien threat
  • the only one who can communicate with newly-discovered alien species
  • the only one who can stop a group of rebels from taking over the world
  • the only one who can save the world from an asteroid heading towards Earth
  • the only human on a distant planet
  • Write a story about a character who travels through time and encounters their future self.
  • Write a story about a character discovering a portal to an alternate dimension.
  • Write a story about a character who is given a device that allows them to control time.

Scary Short Story Prompts

  • Write a story about a character who is 
  • being stalked by a demon
  • trapped in a haunted house
  • haunted by the ghost of a loved one
  • terrorized by a clown
  • Write a story about a character who
  • discovers a cursed object and starts having strange, terrifying experiences
  • starts seeing strange, supernatural creatures in their dreams
  • hears a lady cry every night, but no one is there
  • notices a strange doll appear in their house, not knowing where it came from
  • listens to neighbours report they’ve been seeing a toddler running around the house, but your character lives alone

Fantasy Short Story Prompts

  • Write a story about a character who 
  • discovers that they are a witch or wizard with magical powers
  • finds out they are the chosen one, destined to save the world from an ancient evil
  • realises they are a fairy or other mythical creature
  • is given a magical object that can grant wishes
  • discovers a magic book with secrets to the universe
  • receives a magical potion that transforms them into a different creature
  • accidentally stumbles into a world where everything is the opposite of what they know
  • gains a legendary staff that gives them the power to control the elements
  • enters a magical, mythical land ruled by an evil king
  • discovers that they are the reincarnation of a mythical hero

Need more Creative Writing prompts? Check out this article entitled “ 308 Creative Writing Prompts To Unlock Your Writing Skills .”

How Else Can I Improve My Creative Writing Skills?

1. read widely.

Reading improves your writing skills by exposing you to different 

  • And Techniques you can incorporate into your own writing.

Did you know reading widens your vocabulary? It does! And vocabulary is an essential aspect of effective writing. The more words you know, the more effectively you can communicate your ideas.

Also, reading helps improve your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Both of these are valuable for analysing and synthesising information. So you’ll learn how to present ideas clearly in your writing.

2. Write Regularly…and Don’t Stop!

Think of writing as a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes! Writing regularly makes you feel more comfortable and confident. 

What’s more, it helps you develop your own voice and style. Once you hone the aspects that make you unique , you’ll stand out more! 

Writing regularly also gives you a better sense of what works and what doesn’t. And you’ll be able to refine your writing accordingly. 

The more you write, the better you will become at it. So maximise our creative writing prompts and make time to write every day. Even if it’s just for a few minutes!

3. Experiment with Different Writing Styles

Do you know that experimenting with different writing styles and techniques expands your writing skills? Why? Because doing so makes you a versatile writer. Able to adapt your style to different situations and audiences. 

For example, writing poems even when you’re not used to poetry-writing forces you to think . To imagine and create! As a result? You get out of your comfort zone and explore. And you’re better able to reimagine your craft. 

What are the common writing styles?

  • Descriptive – often uses similes and metaphors to help the reader experience the writing (e.g. songs, poems)
  • Narrative – flashbacks and foreshadowing are common elements of a narrative style with a clear, fleshed-out plot (e.g. novels)
  • Or Persuasive writing – convinces the reader to believe what the writer believes (e.g. essays, sales copy)

4. Join a Writing Community!

What better way to keep you motivated than by joining a writing community? A writing community provides support and encouragement. Being surrounded by like-minded folks passionate about writing can be a great source of inspiration!

Plus, you’ll be exposed to different writing styles and techniques. Which can help you expand your horizon and help you become a more versatile writer.

Joining a writing community can also be a great way to get feedback on your writing. Helping you identify areas for improvement. 

Finally, do you know a writing community can be a great source of information and resources? Members often share valuable writing tips and strategies.

5. Enrol In A Creative Writing Course

What is one of the most effective methods in fast-tracking you to massive improvement in your writing skills? Taking a creative writing course!

Why does taking a creative writing course help you improve your writing skills? Because you’ll learn from experienced writers. While having the opportunity to practice writing under the watchful eye of expert tutors. 

Creative writing prompts are useful for high school students looking for inspiration for new and original ideas. You can overcome writer’s block by tapping into your creativity in a new and exciting way.

These prompts will challenge and inspire you. So give them a try and see what amazing stories and ideas you can come up with!

Related Content

Immerse education: is london the ideal study destination for you.

creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  • B.A., English, University of Michigan

Whether you're a student or a teacher, these writing prompts for high school students are going to come in handy if you're looking to inspire better writing . Often, kids get stuck – confused, exasperated, irritated – putting their thoughts on paper, because they're bored with the same old book reports, essays and summaries. But one of the only ways to become a better writer is to keep at it whether the assignment is motivational or not. You're never going to become a better 3-point shooter if you don't stand behind the line and make the shots. Writing is the same way. You have to get in there and give it a go. Here are some writing prompts for high school students that may just inspire you or your students to give those ideas rattling around in your brain some room to breathe.

4-Item 1-Paragraph Story

Come up with four things:

  • A specific source of light (a flashing neon light reading: "21 and Over", a flickering fluorescent bulb, moonlight filtering through drawn shades)
  • A specific object (a pink hairbrush with blonde hair matted in the bristles, a discarded replica of a Dali painting, a baby robin poking its wobbly head from a rickety nest)
  • A sound using onomatopoeia (the pinging of a glass bottle ricocheting across a cobblestone street, the ching of a handful of coins in a man's pocket, the wet splat of phlegm hitting the sidewalk from the old lady smoking near the laundromat)
  • A specific place (the dingy alley between Brooks St. and 6th Ave., the empty science classroom filled with glass beakers, hot plates and frogs floating in formaldehyde, the darkened, smoky interior of Flannigan's Pub)

Once you create the list, write a one-paragraph story using each of the four items and a single protagonist of your choosing. The story has to briefly introduce the protagonist, put him or her through a struggle (large or mild) and resolve the struggle in one way or another. It's much more fun to write if you keep the list items as random as possible and to put them all together at the end. Don't plan your story prior to creating the list!

Teacher Alternative

Students must write one of each list item (light, object, sound and place) on a slip of paper, and then place each in separately marked boxes on your desk. To write the story, students must draw an item from each of the boxes and write their story after, ensuring they can't plan the story prior to selecting the items.

Crazy Lyrical Dialogue

  • Go to a lyrics website and select a song randomly, preferably one you've never heard or one to which you don't know the lyrics. For instance, Fergie's "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)."
  • Then, scroll through the song and select the craziest lyric you can find that would be appropriate for school. In Fergie's song, it might be "What do you think, GoonRock?" because it's the nuttiest phrase on there.
  • Repeat this process twice more, selecting two more songs and two more crazy lyrics.
  • Then, start a conversation with the first lyric you selected between two people very unlikely to use the phrase. For instance, you might write something like, "What do you think, GoonRock?" Aunt Ida asked Bernie, sitting two wheelchairs away in Serenity Meadows Assisted Living Center.
  • Once you get the conversation going, insert the other two lyrics elsewhere, shifting the dialogue to make sure the conversation between the two characters makes sense. Continue until you can end the conversation definitively, with a resolution that meets the needs of one of the characters.

Have the students complete the first part of the assignment themselves, then exchange lyrics with people next to them so they end up with a set of three they've never seen. Assign a dialogue length or number of exchanges and grade the punctuation.

Choose three popular characters . They can be cartoon characters (Ren from Ren and Stimpy, Michelangelo from TMNT), protagonists from plays or novels, (Bella from the Twilight series, Benvolio from Romeo and Juliet ) or characters from movies or TV shows (William Wallace from "Braveheart", Jess from "New Girl").

Choose a popular fairy tale . (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Goldilocks and the Three Bears , Hansel and Gretel, etc.)

Write three, one-paragraph summaries of your selected fairy tale using each of your chosen character's voices. How would William Wallace's version of Tom Thumb differ from Bella Swan's? Think about the details each character would notice, the words he or she would use, and the tone in which he or she would relate the story. Bella might wonder about the safety of Tom Thumb, whereas William Wallace might commend him on his bravery, for example.

After going through a novel or play with your students, assign one character from the unit to each of your students. Then, group your students in threes to write a summary of an act in the play or a chapter in the novel from each of the three character's perspectives.

  • Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders
  • 3 Poetry Activities for Middle School Students
  • January Writing Prompts
  • Great Summer Creative Writing Programs for High School Students
  • Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
  • Journal Writing Prompts for Easter
  • Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
  • 4th Grade Writing Prompts
  • May Writing Prompts
  • Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling
  • Classroom Rules for High School Students
  • 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students
  • List of Supplies for High School Students
  • 14 Ways to Write Better in High School
  • Writing Prompt (Composition)
  • Great Summer Music Programs for High School Students

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 105 creative writing prompts to try out.

General Education

feature_creativewritingprompts

The most common advice out there for being a writer is, "if you want to write, write." While this is true (and good advice), it's not always that easy, particularly if you're not writing regularly.

Whether you're looking for help getting started on your next project, or just want to spend 20 minutes being creative, writing prompts are great ways to rev up your imagination. Read on for our list of over 100 creative writing prompts!

feature image credit: r. nial bradshaw /Flickr

10 Short Writing Prompts

If you're looking for a quick boost to get yourself going, these 10 short writing prompts will do the trick.

#1 : Write a scene starting with a regular family ritual that goes awry.

#2 : Describe exactly what you see/smell/hear/etc, right now. Include objects, people, and anything else in your immediate environment.

#3 : Suggest eight possible ways to get a ping pong ball out of a vertical pipe.

#4 : A shoe falls out of the sky. Justify why.

#5 : If your brain were a tangible, physical place, what would it be like?

#6 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "The stage was set."

#7 : You have been asked to write a history of "The Summer of [this past year]." Your publisher wants a table of contents. What events will you submit?

#8 : Write a sympathetic story from the point of view of the "bad guy." (Think fractured fairy tales like Wicked or The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! , although the story doesn't have to be a fairy tale.)

#9 : Look at everyday objects in a new way and write about the stories one of these objects contains.

#10 : One person meets a stranger on a mode of transportation. Write the story that ensues.

body_modeoftransportation

11 Writing Prompts for Kids

Any of these prompts can be used by writers of any age, but we chose the following 11 prompts as ones that would be particularly fun for kids to write about. (Most of them I used myself as a young writer, so I can vouch for their working!)

#1 : Include something falling in your writing.

#2 : Write a short poem (or story) with the title, "We don't know when it will be fixed."

#3 : Write from the perspective of someone of a different gender than you.

#4 : Write a dumb internet quiz.

#5 : Finish this thought: "A perfect day in my imagination begins like this:"

#6 : Write a character's inner monologue (what they are thinking as they go about their day).

#7 : Think of a character. Write a paragraph each about:

  • An important childhood experience that character had.
  • The character's living situation.
  • Two hobbies or things the character likes to do.
  • The room where the character sleeps.
  • An ambition of the character.
  • Two physical characteristics of the character.
  • What happens when a second person and this character meet.
  • Two important defining personal traits of this character.

#8 : Start a story with a quote from a song.

#9 : Begin a story with, "It was the summer of ______ when ______"

#10 : Pretend everyday objects have no names. Think about what you would name them based on what they do, what you can use them for, and what they look like.

#11 : Start a story with the phrases "My grandparents are/were," "My parents are/were," or "My mother/father/parent is/was."

body_mygrandfatherwasprompt

15 Cool Writing Prompts

#1 : List five issues that you're passionate about. Write about them from the opposite point of view (or from the perspective of a character with the opposite point of view).

#2 : Walk around and write down a phrase you hear (or read). Make a story out of it.

#3 : Write using no adjectives or adverbs.

#4 : Write a character's inner dialogue between different aspects of a character's self (rather than an inner monologue).

#5 : Write a true story from your past that involves light or darkness in some way.

#6 : "Saying goodbye awakens us to the true nature of things." Write something in which someone has to say goodbye and has a realization.

#7 : Begin by writing the end of the story.

#8 : Write a recipe for an intangible thing.

#9 : Write a horror story about an ordinary situation (e.g., buying groceries, going to the bank, listening to music).

#10 : Write a story from within a bubble.

#11 : Write down 2-3 short character descriptions and then write the characters in conversation with one another.

#12 : Write a story in second person.

#13 : Write a story that keeps contradicting itself.

#14 : Write about a character with at least three big problems.

#15 : Write something that takes place on a Friday, the 13th (of any month).

body_somethingfridaythe13thprompt

15 Funny Writing Prompts

#1 : Write a story which starts with someone eating a pickle and potato sandwich.

#2 : Write a short script where the plot has to do with evil dolls trying to take over something.

#3 : Write about writers' block.

#4 : List five election issues that would be ridiculous to includes as part of your election platform (e.g. outlawing mechanical pencils and clicky pens, mandating every person over the age of 30 must own an emergency last rites kit). Choose one of the ridiculous issues and write a speech in favor of it.

#5 : Write a children's story that is insanely inappropriate but can't use graphic language, curses, or violence.

#6 : List five careers. Write about someone with one of those careers who wants to quit it.

#7 : Write down a list of murder methods. Choose one at random from the list to use in a story.

#8 : Write a romance story in which the hero must have a last name corresponding with a physical characteristic (e.g. Jacques Hairyback or Flora Dimple).

#9 : Come up with 10 different ways to:

  • order a pizza
  • congratulate someone on a job well done
  • return to the store something that's broken

#10 : Search for "random Renaissance painting" (or any other inspirational image search text you can think of) on any online internet image search engine. Picking one image, write half a page each of:

  • Statements about this image (e.g. "I meant bring me the BREAD of John the Baptist").
  • Questions about this image (e.g. "How many of those cherubs look like their necks are broken?").
  • Explanations of this image (e.g. "The painter ran out of blue paint halfway through and had to improvise for the color of the sky").
  • Commands said by people in this image or about this image (e.g. "Stop telling me to smile!" or "Bring me some gasoline!").

#11 : Write starting with a word that sounds like "chute" (e.g. "chute," "shoot," "shooed").

#12 : Write about a character named X "The [article of clothing]" Y (e.g. Julie "The Yellow Darted Skirt" Whyte) or simply referred to by their clothing (e.g. "the man in the brown suit" or "the woman in black").

#13 : Write down a paragraph each describing two wildly different settings. Write a story involving both settings.

#14 : Think of a fictional holiday based around some natural event (e.g. the Earth being at its farthest point from the sun, in memory of a volcanic eruption, that time a cloud looked like a rabbit riding a bicycle). Write about how this holiday is celebrated.

#15 : Write a "Just-So" type story about a fictional creature (e.g. "how the dragon got its firebreath" or "how the mudkip got its cheek gills").

body_justsostory

54 Other Writing Prompt Ideas

#1 : Borrow a character from some other form of media (or create your own). Write from that character's perspective.

#2 : Write for and against a non-consequential controversy (e.g., salt vs. pepper, Mac vs. PC, best kind of door).

#3 : Choose an ancestor or a person from the past to write about or to.

#4 : Write a pirate story with a twist.

#5 : Have a character talk about another character and their feelings about that other character.

#6 : Pick a season and think about an event in your life that occurred in that season. Write a creative nonfiction piece about that event and that season.

#7 : Think of something very complicated and long. Write a page about it using short sentences.

#8 : Write a story as a dream.

#9 : Describe around a food without ever directly naming it.

#10 : Write a monologue (one character, talking to the audience/reader) (*not* an inner monologue).

#11 : Begin a story with the phrase, "It only took five seconds to..."

#12 : List five strong emotions. Choosing one, write about a character experiencing that emotion, but only use the character's actions to convey how they are feeling (no outright statements).

#13 : Write a chapter of the memoir of your life.

#14 : Look through the (physical) things you're currently carrying with you or wearing. Write about the memories or emotions tied with each of them.

#15 : Go be in nature. Write drawing your story from your surroundings (both physical, social, and mental/emotional).

body_writinginnature

#16 : Write from the perspective of a bubble (or bubble-like creature).

#17 : A person is jogging along an asphalt road. Write a story.

#18 : Title your story (or poem, or play, etc) "Anti-_____". Fill in the blank and write the story.

#19 : Write something that must include an animal, a mineral, and a vegetable.

#20 : Begin your writing with the phrase, "6 weeks later..."

#21 : List 5-10 office jobs. Pick one of them and describe a person working in that job as if you were a commentator on an Olympic sporting event.

#22 : Practice your poetic imagery: overwrite a description of a character's breakfast routine.

#23 : Write about a character (or group of characters) trying to convince another character to try something they're scared of.

#24 : Keep an eye out in your environment for examples of greengrocer's apostrophes and rogue quotation marks. Pick an example and write about what the misplaced punctuation implies (e.g., we have the "best" meat or we have the best "meat" ).

#25 : Fill in the blank with the first word that comes to mind: "_______ Riot!" Write a newspaper-style article describing the events that that took place.

#26 : Write from the point of view of your most-loved possession. What does it think of you?

#27 : Think of five common sayings (e.g., "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"). Write a horror story whose plot is one of those common sayings.

#28 : Write a scene in which two characters are finally hashing out a long-standing misunderstanding or disagreement.

#29 : You start receiving text messages from an unknown number. Tell the story of what happens next.

#30 : Write one character bragging to another about the story behind their new tattoo.

#31 : Superheroes save the world...but they also leave a lot of destruction in their wake. Write about a normal person in a superhero's world.

#32 : Sometimes, family is who we are related to; sometimes, family is a group of people we gather around ourselves. Write a story about (some of) a character's found family and relatives meeting for the first time.

#33 : Write a story that begins in the middle of the plot's action ( en media res ).

#34 : Everyone says you can never have too much of a good thing. Write a story where that isn't true.

#35 : What do ghosts do when they're not creating mischief? Write about the secret lives of ghosts.

body_secretlivesofghosts

#36 : Every year, you dread the last week of April. Write a story about why.

#37 : Write a story about what it would be like to have an animal sidekick in real life.

#38 : Heists don't just have to be black-clad thieves stealing into vaults to steal rare art or money. Write about a group of people (adults or children) who commit a heist for something of seemingly little monetary value.

#39 : "Life is like a chooseable-path adventure, except you don't get to see what would have happened if you chose differently." Think of a choice you've made and write about a world where you made a different choice.

#40 : Write a story about a secret room.

#41 : You find a message in a bottle with very specific directions. Write a story about the adventure you embark upon.

#42 : "You'll always be okay as long as you know where your _______ is." Fill in the blank and write a story (either fictional or from your life) illustrating this statement.

#43 : Forcing people into prolonged proximity can change and deepen relationships. Write about characters on a road trip together.

#44 : In music, sonata form includes three main parts: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Write a short story that follows this format.

#45 : Begin writing with a character saying, "I'm afraid this simply can't wait."

#46 : Write a story with a happy ending (either happily-ever-after or happy-for-now).

#47 : Write about a character before and after a tragedy in that character's life.

#48 : Choose an object or concept you encounter in everyday life (e.g. tables, the feeling of hot or cold, oxygen) and write an infomercial about it.

#49 : "Life is a series of quests, whether important or mundane." Write about a quest you've gone on (or would like to go on, or will have to go on).

#50 : List 10 different ways to learn. Choose one (or more) and write a story where a character learns something using that one (or more) method.

#51 : You've been called to the principal's office for bad behavior. You know what you did. Explain and justify yourself.

#52 : A character discovers their sibling owns a cursed object. Write about what happens next.

#53 : Write a character description by writing a list of items that would be on a scavenger hunt about them.

#54 : The slogan for a product or service you're advertising is, "Kid-tested, _____." Fill in the blank and write the copy for a radio or podcast advertisement for your product.

body_kidtestedwritingprompt

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts

There's no wrong way to use a creative writing prompt (unless it's to harass and hurt someone)—the point of them is to get you writing and your imagination flowing.

To help you get the most out of these writing prompts, however, we've come up with the six tips below. Try them out!

#1: DON'T Limit Yourself to Prose

Unless you're writing for a particular assignment, there's no reason everything you write in response to a writing prompt has to be prose fiction . Instead of writing your response to a prompt as a story, try writing a poem, nonfiction essay, play, screenplay, or some other format entirely.

#2: DON'T Edit as You Write

The purposes of writing prompts is to get you writing, typos and weird grammar and all. Editing comes later, once you've finished writing and have some space from it to come back to what you wrote.

It's OK to fix things that will make it difficult to read what you've written (e.g., a weird autocorrect that changes the meaning of a sentence), but don't worry too much about typos or perfect grammar when you're writing; those are easy enough to fix in edits . You also can always insert asterisks or a short note as you're writing to remind yourself to go back to fix something (for instance, if as you're writing it seems like you want to move around the order of your paragraphs or insert something earlier).

#3: DO Interpret the Prompt Broadly

The point of using a writing prompt is not to write something that best exemplifies the prompt, but something that sparks your own creativity. Again, unless you're writing in response to an assignment with specific directions, feel free to interpret writing prompts as broadly or as narrowly as you want.

For instance, if your prompt is to write a story that begins with "The stage was set," you could write about anything from someone preparing to put a plan into motion to a literal theatre stage constructed out of pieces of old sets (or something else entirely).

If you're using a writing prompt, it doesn't have to be the first sentence of your story or poem, either; you can also use the prompt as a goal to work towards in your writing.

#4: DO Try Switching Up Your Writing Methods

If it's a possibility for you, see if you write differently in different media. Do you write the same kind of stories by hand as you would typing at a computer? What about if you dictate a story and then transcribe it? Or text it to a friend? Varying the method you use to write can affect the stories you're able to tell.

For example, you may find that it's easier for you to tell stories about your life to a voice recorder than to try to write out a personal essay. Or maybe you have trouble writing poetry, but can easily text yourself or a friend a poem. You might even find you like a writing method you've not tried before better than what you've been doing!

body_switchwritingmethods

#5: DO Mix and Match Prompt Ideas

If you need more inspiration, feel free to combine multiple prompts (but don't overwhelm yourself with too much to write about).

You can also try switching genres from what might be suggested in the prompt. For instance, try writing a prompt that seems funny in a serious and sad way, or finding the humor in something that otherwise seems humorless. The categories we've organized the prompts into are by no means limiters on what you're allowed to write about.

#6: DO Try to Write Regularly

The more regularly you write, the easier it will be to write (with or without writing prompts).

For some people, this means writing daily; for others, it means setting aside time to write each weekend or each month. Set yourself an achievable goal (write 2x a week, write 1000 words a month) and stick to it. You can always start small and then ramp your wordcount or frequency up.

If you do better when you have something outside yourself prompting to write, you may also want to try something like morning pages , which encourages you to write at least 750 words every day, in any format (story, diary entry, social media postings, etc).

body_planouttimetowrite

What's Next?

Thinking about attending college or grad school for creative writing? Our articles on whether or not you should major in creative writing and the best creative writing programs are there for you! Plus, if you're a high schooler, you should check out these top writing contests .

Creative writing doesn't necessarily have to be fiction. Check out these three examples of narrative writing and our tips for how to write your own narrative stories and essays .

Just as writing prompts can help give form to amorphous creative energy, using specific writing structures or devices can be great starting points for your next story. Read through our discussion of the top 20 poetic devices to know and see if you can work at least one new one into your next writing session.

Still looking for more writing ideas? Try repurposing our 100+ easy drawing ideas for characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Follow us on Facebook (icon)

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

OWL logo

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

A Message From the Assistant Director of Content Development 

The Purdue OWL® is committed to supporting  students, instructors, and writers by offering a wide range of resources that are developed and revised with them in mind. To do this, the OWL team is always exploring possibilties for a better design, allowing accessibility and user experience to guide our process. As the OWL undergoes some changes, we welcome your feedback and suggestions by email at any time.

Please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact page  if you have any questions or comments.

All the best,

Social Media

Facebook twitter.

JournalBuddies.com

JournalBuddies.com

Journal Buddies Jill | June 6, 2024 June 7, 2024 | List of Prompts

Power Up Your Pen: 157 Writing Prompt a Day Ideas

Writing Prompt a Day Ideas for Daily Doses of Writing Fun— Calling all writers! I share your passion for writing. That’s why I’m thrilled to offer you a treasure trove of inspiring writing prompts. Get ready – these prompts are guaranteed to spark your imagination and get you writing every day. Let’s dive in.

creative writing prompts for high schoolers

Do you ever find yourself staring at a blank page, willing the words to appear? Keeping up with a daily writing habit can be tough sometimes. You might feel super inspired one minute, and then suddenly, you hit a wall—yup, that’s when writer’s block strikes.

We’ve all been there. Wonderfully there’s help for you right here. Oh yeah!

You see…

In this blog post, you’ll find loads of engaging writing prompts and topic ideas to jumpstart your creativity across various genres and topics.

Plus…

These prompts are perfect for getting your creative juices flowing and overcoming that pesky writer’s block.

From the bottom of my heart, I truly hope you enjoy these lists of topics and find some real inspiration here. Perhaps you’ll even discover new styles of writing or choose to write on a daily basis here forward.

Imagine having a writing coach right in your pocket—someone who creates for you fun writing prompt ideas. That’s what these lists of writing prompts a day are all about.

They’re packed with great ideas and inspiration to get going and keep you writing.

Let’s get to it.

33 Fresh Journal Prompts for Writers

Whether you’re eight years old or 80 years old, there’s always something you can learn about yourself and the world around you when you take a few minutes to write and reflect.

To help you get started, we’ve put together 33 new topics to write about that are suitable for writers of all ages.

Answers will vary dramatically based on the author’s age—but it’s the way that our perception is shaped by experience and time that truly makes these prompts so special.  A simple question like “What was the best decision you ever made?” takes on an entirely different shape at 60 than it does at 16.

Fresh Journal Prompts for Writers of All Ages

We encourage you to write and reflect on these topics in a special journal or through a digital format so that you can then revisit them again at a later date. Reread your answers and take some time to think about how things have changed.  Or, for an instant perspective shift, try answering the question now—and then write about the answer you might have given 5, 10, or 20 years ago. How did things change? And how did they stay the same?

Whether you’re looking for a little fresh inspiration for your journal or trying to find some new insights into your life, we know you’ll love these topics to write about.

33 Fresh Writing Prompt a Day Topics

  • What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever seen?
  • Write about a song that always reminds you of a special memory.
  • If you had to eat one food for dinner every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
  • What would you do if you knew there would be no consequences?
  • Write about a person in your life who has proven that you can always count on him or her.
  • What has been your favorite age so far? Why?
  • Where do you like to go when you need some peace and quiet?
  • What is the happiest sound in the world?
  • What is something that you will never understand?
  • Do you believe miracles can happen? Why or why not?
  • Would you like to have a surprise party thrown for you? Why or why not?
  • If someone could tell you the exact date of your death, would you want to know it? Why or why not?
  • Write about somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit.
  • What types of dreams do you typically have? Do you think they mean anything? Why or why not?
  • When is your birthday? Do you like having your special day fall during that month? Why or why not?
  • Would you ever want to try skydiving? Why or why not?
  • Write about something interesting that you learned recently.
  • What was the best decision you ever made? How did it impact your life?
  • What would you say if you had the chance to ask your great-great-great-great-grandmother a question?
  • Write a poem about your favorite thing that can be found in nature.
  • What is your worst habit? Where did you pick it up? Is it something you want to change about yourself?
  • Write about a time when you were truly speechless.
  • Spend five minutes looking in a mirror. What do you notice about yourself that you don’t normally pay attention to?
  • What is the first thing you would do if you found out you had a long-lost twin?
  • Write about a time when you did something that made another person’s day.
  • What is your favorite game? What do you enjoy most about it?
  • What would you do if you could be invisible for a day?
  • Have you ever done something that you immediately regretted? Describe your experience.
  • What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Did you take it?
  • If you could change one thing that happened to you in the past, what would it be? Why?
  • What historical event would you most like to witness? Why?
  • What is your greatest fear? How do you cope with it?
  • Write about a time when you did something you shouldn’t have—because you knew it would be worth it.

And now for these…

32 Writing Prompt a Day Ideas Absolutely Anyone Can Use

Everyone can benefit from flexing their creative muscles with some good writing prompt a day inspirations. This list is full of positive things to write about.

Some people might see writing prompts as a beginner’s tool but trust us—even your favorite famous authors use creative exercises like these to unblock themselves or sometimes simply to find a new perspective. 

Writing Ideas for Anyone

Ideas and inspiration can spring forth from anywhere if you open yourself to the possibility of finding them, and writing prompts are an easy way to tap into that potential.

Looking for a fresh way to approach a story you’re working on—or perhaps a way to connect with yourself a little better? These 32 new writing prompts for all writers are a great way to explore new ideas and see where your pen takes you.

32 Writing Prompt a Day Ideas to Ignite Your Creative Mind

  • Write about the person who loves you more than anyone else in the world.
  • What is the first thing most people tend to notice about you? How does this make you feel?
  • If you could change any one thing about your life, what would it be? What ramifications would this change have?
  • Do you have a positive relationship with one or both of your parents? Why or why not?
  • What would you do if you received a life-changing amount of money? What amount would it need to be—and where is the first place you would spend some of it?
  • When you woke up this morning, how did you feel? How did that feeling change throughout the day?
  • Do you believe people deserve second chances? Why or why not?
  • What is your earliest distinct memory? Why do you think that memory is significant to you?
  • When you look at your life, which year was the best? Why?
  • Do you think it’s ever okay to tell a lie?  What about a white lie? Why or why not?
  • After a hard day, would you rather be alone or go out with a close friend? Why?
  • What are you excited about right now?
  • Write about a time when no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t seem to stop laughing.
  • If you could be anyone else in the world, who would you be? Why?
  • Do you have a healthy relationship with technology? Why or why not?
  • Describe your perfect day from start to finish, using as much detail as possible.
  • Do you consider yourself more of an optimist or a pessimist? How does this affect your daily life?
  • What is the healthiest thing you do for yourself each day?
  • What is one bad habit that you plan to keep forever? 
  • Write about a time when you were really in trouble.  What did you do to get out of the situation?
  • Think about one major way that you’ve changed in the last several years. Then, imagine what your life would be like if you hadn’t changed that aspect of yourself.
  • Do you think the perks of being a celebrity would be worth dealing with the lack of privacy? Why or why not?
  • Write about your most embarrassing moment. Does it still make you cringe or does it make you laugh?
  • What would you like more people to realize about you? Why?
  • What do you struggle with the most? Why is it a challenge for you?
  • If you could go on a dream vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Describe your ideal trip.
  •  Write the story of how you met your very first best friend. What drew the two of you together?
  • Write about an aspect of your life today that you hope will always stay the same.
  • Are you a procrastinator or someone who always does things ahead of schedule? How does this affect your life?
  • Do you like surprises? Why or why not?
  • Write about a time when things worked out much differently than you expected.
  • What is your greatest wish for yourself?

Oh yeah. What a fantastic list of writing prompts a day.

Writing Prompt a Day Writing Topics

It’s time to check out this list of…

30 What to Write Prompts You Have to See

If you’re looking for what to write, take heart. There’s help for you here. Now, writing prompts are a useful tool that can give you ideas and help you get started on your next incredible piece.

30 What to Write Ideas

Sometimes these writing prompts will serve as an outline for what you can write. 

In other cases, they may spark the inkling of an idea in your head that you can continue to develop as you write.

30 Writing Prompt Ideas You Can Use When You Don’t Know What to Write

  • Write a short story from the perspective of the first pet you ever had.
  • Imagine what life would be like without social media. Write a journal entry about whether you would like to live in that world or not.
  • Craft a haiku poem about your favorite vacation destination.
  • Write a character profile about someone who has just discovered that they have a superpower.
  • As she opened the door, she realized that life would never be the same again…
  • Write about how your parents managed their roles as a couple. Are their roles similar or different to the ones you have now as an adult?
  • Write a short story about a character whose life changes completely when their post on Facebook goes viral.
  • What was your dream job as a child? Is it similar or different to your career goals now?
  • Write a poem describing your favorite type of flower.
  • Interview a local leader that you admire, and write a blog post about them.
  • Write about the top five qualities that you look for in a friend.
  • Draft an outline for a sequel to your favorite classic novel.
  • The CEO walks into a board room, and she has to deliver bad news. However, she’s prepared to face the next chapter of her life…
  • Play your favorite song of the moment. For the duration of the song, simply write down what comes to your mind.
  • Write a detailed, descriptive paragraph about a recent memory that makes you smile.
  • Write a short story about a zookeeper who forms a strong bond with one of the animals that he is caring for.
  • Identify three things you can do in order to transform a bad day into a good one.
  • Write a short story that takes place on a ranch in Wyoming.
  • Write a story about two friends who have been separated by time and distance for more than a decade, but who reunite as the result of a tragedy.
  • Write a story from the perspective of a cat that roams the local library.
  • Think about a decision that you made in your life that put you on the path you are on today. Now, write about what you think life might be like if you made a different choice at that moment.
  • The dream roused her from her sleep. It was so clear, it was as if it was real. Now, she knew what she had to do next…
  • Which emoji best suits your personality? Why?
  • Write a poem from the perspective of a child who is just learning how to ride their bike.
  • Describe a moment in life when you experienced loneliness. How did you overcome this feeling?
  • What song reminds you most of your adolescence? Write about how songs help us stay connected to our memories.
  • Life is a lot different today than it was 10 years ago. What has changed for the better? What has changed for the worse?
  • Write a journal entry about why you enjoy being a writer.
  • It was an unlikely friendship, but they were determined to make it work…
  • Write a review of the most recent book you have read.

Ok, time to explore this…

Wonderful Writing Prompt a Day List of 30 Super Ideas

This prompt list writing ideas are for kids by kids. And, so are the introductions. I hope you get as much joy from these words and ideas as I did. Way to go, Amber and Anika! You both did a wonderful job.

Hi Jill, Here are some prompts for practice and creative journaling to write about including stories. I hope you like them. Write on!

Regards, Amber

Hi, my name is Anika. My mom’s friend Jill asked if I would be willing to write an intro for this group of writing prompts that my sister and I contributed to. Cool, huh?

If you’re a kid like me and you love writing, then this prompt list is for you! If you’re older and like typing, this list is for you, too. 

Writing to me is like when I draw, I can create something cool. I can write a story that goes with a drawing. There are so many possibilities when you can express what you want on paper. You are able to share it or keep it to yourself.

Some things that I like to write about are random things that pop up in my mind like fruits and animals mashed together, where anything is possible. If you think of something, believe that you can create it and it’ll be yours.

30 Writing Prompts a Day Ideas List Written by Kids

  • Write about an awesome person you have seen on the news.
  • Imagine that a sushi comes to life and sees a dancing bear in a place in a book.
  • Write a letter to an author. You can find the author’s address by asking your mother to ask him/her in social media (unless he/she keeps it a secret).
  • Choose a scene from a book or movie and turn it into a comic.
  • Choose a quote from a story or book. Use it as the first line in a separate story and run with it! For example: ‘ Everything is possible. It’s true. Because disability can turn into something awesome. It all started with….’
  • Write a story using emojis. See if your friend can decode them.
  • If you could give a story you read a new ending, what would you choose? Write the ending or write a journal on what you think.
  • Think of a word, then write another word that is related to it, and so on.
  • Write about a person who suddenly discovers that he/she can get powers by reading.
  • Write a story about a scientist on an adventure. What does he/she encounter? How does he/she overcome it?
  • If you could give your pet a superpower, what would it be?
  • Pretend you own a restaurant. What is the name of it? What type of food do you serve? What is the most popular dish on the menu?
  • Pretend you own a dance studio. What is the name of it and what style(s) of dance do you teach?
  • What’s your favorite condiment? What do you put it on?
  • What chores are you assigned to do at home? Do you get paid for them?
  • What’s your favorite smell?
  • Do you have a favorite restaurant? What do you order?
  • If you painted your room any color, what color would you paint it? Would all of the walls be the same color?
  • Describe a time that you went to a waterpark or amusement park. What was the weather like? Who did you go with?
  • Does your state have a State Fair? Have you ever gone?
  • Would you rather drive a minivan or a race car?
  • Describe a time that you were disappointed.
  • Have you lost any teeth? Were you surprised by whether it hurt or not?
  • Pretend that you broke a bone – what color cast would you pick? Would you let people sign it or not?
  • Tell a story about when you learned how to ride a bike.
  • Write a story about a monarch caterpillar.
  • Make up a story about a family who lives in a small treehouse. How many people are in the family?
  • Do you think your mom is cool? How about your dad?
  • Are you allowed to wear makeup or dye your hair? Why or why not? Do you want to?
  • Write a haiku about your best friend.

Alrighty, see this writing prompts a day list with…

32 Wonderful Writing Prompt a Day Ideas for Students

Oh yeah. As students reflect on what they like best about themselves and what they aspire to achieve in the future, they’ll develop a deeper appreciation of their unique strengths and skills. Take a look at this excellent list of writing prompts for students now.

Why Use Writing Prompts for Students

Students today face more social pressures and constant stimulation than ever before and as a result…

It can be incredibly challenging for kids to retain their individuality and their own unique ideas. Particularly in classroom environments where some degree of compliance is required, it’s especially tough for young kids to feel comfortable fully expressing themselves.

Wonderful Writing Prompts for Students

Fortunately…

Teachers can still promote individuality and teach kids that their ideas matter by assigning creative writing. Creative journal prompts are one of the best ways to help students in any grade learn that self-expression is a beautiful and freeing thing.

And… 

Our wonderful daily writing prompts are a great way to get started. 

These writing prompts for students give writers the chance to exercise their creativity as they consider everyday occurrences like household conveniences, works of art, and spending time with family from a brand new lens.  

Plus, each question is designed to help your students ask questions of themselves—and most importantly to give them the freedom to create and express their own answers. From elementary to middle school and beyond, these writing ideas are great for self-reflection. 

Ok, get to it and use these 32 daily writing prompts for students today and inspire creativity, individuality, and self-confidence in your writers.

32 Daily Writing Prompts for Students (or Any Writer) to Inspire Creativity

  • What would you do if you found a large bag of money or a lost purse lying in the street?
  • Write about a time when something you were excited to do didn’t live up to the hype.
  • Should schools require students to take classes in all subjects, or should students be allowed to focus their studies on the subjects they are most interested in? Why?
  • Have you ever met a celebrity or other famous person? What was he or she like?  If you haven’t met anyone famous, whom would you like to meet?  Why?
  • What is your greatest aspiration in life? Why?
  • What does creativity mean to you? Do you consider yourself to be a creative person?  Why or why not?
  • Is it better to be very late or very early to something? Why?
  • Have you ever lost something very important to you? How did you feel when you realized the item was gone?  Did you ever find it again?
  • If you had the opportunity to time travel to any place and time in the world, where would you go? Why?
  • Sometimes it’s easier to be critical of yourself than it is to compliment yourself. Today, make a list of five specific things that you like about yourself—and then write about your favorite one and why it makes you feel so good.
  • Think about some of the good qualities you listed about yourself yesterday. Then, choose one attribute and write about how you could use that talent or skill in a professional career when you get older.
  • Pair up with another classmate and write five good things about one another. Then, share your lists.  After you’re done, write about your experience and how it felt to hear about how another person sees you.
  • What inspires you? Why?
  • Think about all of the modern conveniences we are able to enjoy because we live in the 21 st century, and then choose one that you are most grateful for. Write about what your life would be like if you didn’t have this technology in it.
  • What world record would you be most likely to hold? Why?
  • What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced? What made it so frightening?
  • What is the greatest piece of artwork (movie, book, painting, song, etc.) that you’ve ever experienced? What was so amazing about it?  How did the piece of art make you feel?
  • If you were a color, what color would you be? Why?
  • Write a brief story about your happiest memory. Be sure to include details using your five senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and, taste.
  • Write about a time when you got to try a new game or activity that your parents didn’t want you to do. What was your experience like? Did you enjoy it? Did your parents come around and enjoy it, too?
  • What is the meaning of family? Why is family important? What role does family play in your life?
  • If you could meet any single person you admire, who would you choose—and why?
  • Where will you be five years from today? What will you be doing? What kind of person will you be?
  • What makes you happier than anything else? What do you love about it?
  • Write about a time when you had a unique experience that most other people probably haven’t had.
  • If you could change any one thing about yourself, what would it be? Why would you change it?
  • What thing about yourself would you never change? Why?
  • What would you do if money actually did grow on trees? How would the world be different?
  • In what way have you changed the most in the past five years? What about you has stayed the same?
  • What is the most impressive thing you’ve ever accomplished? How do you feel when you think about it?
  • If you met a fortune-teller who could tell you what would happen to you in the future, would you want to hear what he or she had to say? Why or why not?
  • Write about a time when you earned a special privilege or reward through hard work. What did you do?  What privilege or reward did you get? Was it worth the effort?

Sweet. Now see this!

383 More Free Prompts for You

  • 35 Interesting Things to Write When Bored
  • 64 Interesting Writing Topics and Prompts List
  • 33 Delightful Things to Write About
  • 251 Creative Writing Prompts

And then check out…

A Few Thoughts About Our Lists of Writing Prompt a Day Ideas

Writing prompts and journal ideas can help you decide on a new topic or idea to write about next. You can use them to craft short stories or as inspiration for your next piece of poetry. You also can use them for simple journal entries, which are an easy way to practice your writing daily. 

Now that you have writing inspiration, the time is now to get started. When you keep on writing, you will find that you continue to become a better writer day after day.

Daily Writing Prompts

Now it’s time for a bit about…

Daily Writing Benefits

Did you know writing is like a mini-workout for your brain?

It can make you feel better by letting you express yourself and explore new ideas. Writing about your dreams, what happened during your day, or even making up stories can help you understand more about yourself. 

Pair it with some physical activities or chill-out time, and you’re set for a healthy mind and happy heart.

So, grab your writing gadget of choice (and maybe a pencil too), and let your imagination run wild. These lists of writing prompt-a-day ideas are here to make sure your journey in writing is as fun and fruitful as possible. 

Ignite Your Creativity, Bust Through Writer’s Block, and Love Your Writing Process

There are many people — of all ages — who aspire to become writers. However, they often feel intimidated, assuming that they have to have been published or earned a few bylines in order to call themselves a writer.

The reality is, though, that anyone who puts a pen to paper and jots down a few ideas is considered to be a writer. Writers are not part of an elitist club or an exclusive group of esteemed professionals — they are simply people who like to express themselves through their words.

Once you know that you are a writer and that you can practice your technique to improve your skill over time, the process of writing becomes fun. 

Indeed…

Writing becomes an enjoyable activity that can help you stretch your imagination or relieve your mind of its worries. It’s a craft that allows you to create your own world and develop characters whose lives jump right off the pages of your notebook.

In Your Own Words

Writing as frequently as possible is the best way to perfect your voice and improve your prose, but sometimes it can be difficult to know what topic to write about and explore. 

Knowing what to write is often half the battle. 

The good news is that once you have an idea to get you started, the words often flow easily and freely from your mind.

Whenever you are in need of inspiration, you can use these prompts to help you ignite your muse and figure out what to write next.

5 Highly Helpful Times to Use Writing Prompts

Consider these five times when you may want to try a writing prompt to improve your writing process.

1. When You’re Suffering from Writer’s Block

Anyone who writes regularly will tell you that writer’s block is the worst. There’s nothing quite like the frustration of having something to say and feeling like you can’t find the words to say it.   When you’re feeling blocked and unable to write what you want to write, try putting everything away for a while and focus instead on a fresh writing prompt. Sometimes, the path a prompt provides is all you need to begin—and the lack of pressure to achieve a particular outcome can make it easier to continue. 

2. When You Want to Warm Up Before Writing 

Of course, a guided prompt can still be beneficial even if you aren’t experiencing writer’s block. In fact, many writers begin their sessions with a brief prompt simply to get the creative juices flowing and to stretch those writing muscles out.  

Think of a pre-session writing prompt as a little workout for your imagination, and you’ll be amped up to get in some more productive work when you’ve finished your prompt.

3. When You’re Looking for a Way to Get to Know Yourself Better 

Writing prompts are a great way to exercise your creativity, but they aren’t just a functional tool. They are also one of the best ways to dive deep into yourself and to become more aware of your own thoughts and behaviors.

Whether you’re interested in reflecting on your memories or you’re looking for a guide to use as a part of writing therapy, writing prompts are a helpful way to get to know yourself and explore the aspects of yourself that make you who you are.

4. When You’re Looking for a Meditative Practice

Similarly, some people also use daily writing time as a sort of spiritual practice. The act of self-reflection, especially when it is done consistently, can be quite meditative and relaxing.

If you’re interested in using writing prompts as a therapeutic tool, try setting yourself up in a calm environment before you begin writing. Create a ritual around your writing time (such as lighting a candle or pouring a mug of your favorite tea) to develop the association in your mind that this is your quiet, meditative, writing time.

5. When You Need to Write Something New

Finally, writing prompts are also a great tool to use if you simply feel like your writing has been stuck in a rut. If you feel like your work has been stale or routine lately, a writing prompt is an effective way to try something new without having to tackle a whole new project.

For best results, look for writing prompts that ask you to consider something from a new perspective—or that ask you to use a particular type of form or language in your writing. Sometimes, trying something different is all you need to freshen up your creativity and breathe some new life into your regular work.

Finally…

Embracing the Digital Revolution: How Modern Tech Can Enhance Your Daily Writing Ritual

As anyone engaged in creative pursuits can tell you, maintaining a daily writing habit is no small feat. Often, the muse of inspiration is as fickle as the wind, and writer’s block strikes just when you feel most motivated. 

Thankfully, the digital age offers a plethora of tools and platforms to ensure that your writing day is as productive as possible. From iPads to iPhones and apps like Daily Prompt provide a structured way to keep your creativity flowing.

Harnessing Devices for Daily Writing Success

In our digitally-driven world, iPhones, iPads, and other devices have become more than just tools for communication and entertainment—they are gateways to boundless creativity.

For writers, these devices offer unparalleled convenience, allowing us to jot down ideas as inspiration strikes, whether at a café or during a commute. Their portability ensures that no thought goes unrecorded, making them perfect companions for every writing day.

I mean…

Imagine having a writing coach that fits in your pocket—one that provides you with fresh writing prompts daily, helps in tracking your writing progress, and even offers the chance to participate in contests with cash prizes. 

That’s what apps such as Daily Prompt bring to the table. With features like unlimited word count and the ability to sync progress across devices, such platforms are designed to cater to both novice and experienced writers.

For those who yearn for a deeper connection, being part of a supportive writing community can make all the difference. Again, the app Daily Prompt gives you access to a family group of fellow writers, allowing for sharing of work, receiving constructive feedback, and fostering connections that inspire and motivate.

From Writer’s Block to Productivity: Structured Assistance Through Technology

The journey from staring at a blank page to writing compelling content is often riddled with obstacles. Tools and subscriptions available on your devices can help navigate through these challenges. 

Whether it’s through premium prompts packages that provide novel writing pointers or simple yet captivating daily journal prompts, these resources aim to spark creativity and ensure steady progress in your writing goals.

While embracing technology, it’s also vital to consider aspects like an app’s privacy practices and handling of data. Most reputable apps, like Daily Prompt, are transparent about their terms of service and developer’s privacy policy, ensuring that your data remains secure. Customizations in the app also allow you to tailor your experience to suit your writing style and preferences, making it the easiest way to integrate technology into your daily routine.

Writing isn’t just about articulating thoughts; it’s a therapeutic exercise that can significantly impact mental health. 

Regular writing can foster self-awareness, aid in self-discovery, and even act as a dream journal to help you understand your subconscious mind better. By coupling writing with physical exercises or mindfulness workouts, you create a daily routine that promotes overall well-being.

Adopting modern technology in your writing day isn’t just about staying with the trends—it’s about making the most of the resources available to optimize creativity, maintain productivity, and achieve personal growth. 

So, grab your pencil, or rather, your iPhone, and let the words flow freely, knowing you’ve got the best tools right at your fingertips to support your journey of self-expression and discovery. Welcome to the future of writing.

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed this Writing Prompt a Day ideas and article , please share them on social media via TikTok. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it .

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

PS Check out these –> 5 Things to Do to Jumpstart Your Writing Muse

Tap to See Prompts Daily Journals for Students 32 Ideas to Inspire 60 Daily Creative Prompts for Inspired Writing 100 Wonderful One Word Prompts for Writers Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7-8 Grade 9-12 All Ages ------------End of Om Added --------- Tags Daily , daily writing , daily writing activity , Daily Writing Ideas , Daily writing prompts , practice daily writing , writing daily , writing ideas , Writing Prompt a Day , Writing Prompt a Day Ideas , writing topics div#postbottom { margin-top: 12px; } Search Now Offering You 18,000+ Prompts!

Jill -- Owner and Curator of JournalBuddies.com

IMAGES

  1. 150+ Fun Creative writing prompts for high school

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  2. 😝 Creative writing prompts for high school students. Creative Writing

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  3. 50 Writing Prompts For High School Sophomores [PDF Included

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  4. 61 Great High School Writing Prompts

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  5. 🎉 Interesting writing prompts for high school. 20 Interesting Writing

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

  6. Great-Writing-Prompts-for-High-School-Students-SMI.jpg

    creative writing prompts for high schoolers

VIDEO

  1. 31 High School Writing Prompts for 9th Graders

  2. Writing Prompt: Reinvent Fantasy Football

  3. How to Write With Creative Writing Prompts!

  4. Top 10 Creative Writing Prompts for Authors

COMMENTS

  1. Best High School Writing Prompts of 2023

    Write a story about a misunderstanding. Write a story about a strange family tradition, with at least two characters from the family narrating in the course of the story. Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as: kind. Write a story that centers on an Instagram post. Write a story that spans a month during which ...

  2. 35 Great Writing Prompts for High Schoolers » JournalBuddies.com

    Find thought-provoking and creative writing prompts for high school students on various topics, such as identity, success, love, art, and more. These prompts can help students reflect on their ideas, values, and experiences in the high school classroom or elsewhere.

  3. 30 Creative Writing Prompts High School » JournalBuddies.com

    Find fun and engaging writing prompts for high school students to spark their creativity and critical thinking. Choose from topics such as TED Talks, holidays, blogs, dreams, social justice, and more.

  4. 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School

    Find inspiration for writing in various genres and styles with these prompts that use memories, objects, senses, and more. Learn how to use prompts, experiment with formats, and write consistently with tips from College Transitions.

  5. 50 Exclusive Writing Prompts For High School Students

    Find diverse and creative writing prompts for high school students to explore different genres, themes, and styles. Learn the benefits of writing prompts and how they can help you improve your writing skills.

  6. 100 Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

    Creative writing is an essential skill for high school students, as it fosters imagination, enhances writing proficiency, and encourages critical thinking. Whether you're preparing for college applications or simply looking to improve your writing, creative writing prompts can serve as a valuable tool to inspire and guide you. Below are 100 creative writing prompts designed…

  7. 37 Creative Writing Prompts for High School

    Find poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual writing prompts for high school students to spark their creativity and imagination. Learn how to use writing prompts for assignments, journaling, or fun activities.

  8. 55 Journal Writing Prompts High School Students Love

    Find creative and engaging journal writing prompts for high school students on various topics, such as imaginative, past-present-future, personal beliefs, and hard questions. Use digital or paper writer's notebooks and save the images for easy access.

  9. 30+ Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

    Here are some unique creative writing prompts for high school that students can use to think creatively, expand their writing skills, and find enjoyment in writing. The prompts are sorted by genre, including poetry, science fiction, flash fiction, narrative, and even some creative and open choice prompts. Poetry Prompts for High Schoolers

  10. 20 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire High School Students

    Explore your thoughts, emotions, and imagination with these 20 creative writing prompts designed for high school students. From self-reflection to fantasy, from utopia to sci-fi, these prompts will inspire you to write and express yourself.

  11. High School Creative Writing Prompts: Unleash Your Imagination

    High school creative writing prompts play a crucial role in the development of imagination among students. Imagination is not just a frivolous ability; it is a powerful tool that allows individuals to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. By engaging in creative writing exercises, students are encouraged to let their ...

  12. 31 Free High School Writing Prompts for 9th Graders

    35 Good Research Topics for High School Students; 30 Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students; 9th Grade Writing Worksheets; Until next time, write on… If you enjoyed these High School Writing Prompts for 9th Graders, please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it! Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator ...

  13. Creative Writing Prompts For High School Students

    Find inspiration for your creative writing assignments with 12 categories of writing prompts. Learn how to use writing prompts to start, overcome writer's block, practice, challenge yourself and more.

  14. 50 Writing Prompts For High School Sophomores [PDF Included]

    So, here's a list of 50 creative writing prompts to help young sophomores experiment with their creativity! Write a story about a time traveler who goes back in time to prevent a tragedy. Imagine a world where animals can talk. Write a story about a young girl who befriends a talking horse. Write a story about a young hero who embarks on a ...

  15. 43 Dynamic Writing Prompts for High School

    Writing prompts for high school can be tricky to navigate. You don't want to be too basic, but maybe not too niche, either. Find exactly the prompt you need here. ... Building Creative Writing Skills in High School. Developing strong writing skills in high school will help prepare students for success later in life, no matter what path they ...

  16. 144 Picture Prompts to Inspire Student Writing

    Write a short story, poem or memoir inspired by this illustration. Related Picture Prompt Glenn Harvey. Trapped Inside. Wilderness Wayfaring. Magical Chores. I'm Sorry. Dollar Bills. Dinosaurs ...

  17. 20 Writing Prompts For High School Seniors [PDF Included]

    Use active voice: Active voice makes your writing more engaging and direct. Instead of saying "the ball was thrown by John," say "John threw the ball.". Use strong verbs and adjectives: Using strong verbs and adjectives can help make your writing more vivid and engaging. Instead of saying "the car was fast," say "the car zoomed ...

  18. Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

    Writing Prompts for 7th Grade. By Kris Bales. Teacher Alternative. Students must write one of each list item (light, object, sound and place) on a slip of paper, and then place each in separately marked boxes on your desk. To write the story, students must draw an item from each of the boxes and write their story after, ensuring they can't plan ...

  19. 61 Great High School Writing Prompts

    54. Write about a time that you embarrassed yourself in front of classmates. 55. Tell a story about a day when everything went wrong. 56. Describe the best April Fool's Day joke you've ever experienced. 57. Write a story about an entire day where everyone at school walks backwards. 58.

  20. 105 Creative Writing Prompts to Try Out

    15 Funny Writing Prompts. #1: Write a story which starts with someone eating a pickle and potato sandwich. #2: Write a short script where the plot has to do with evil dolls trying to take over something. #3: Write about writers' block.

  21. Teach Creative Writing In High School With 10 Fun Activities

    Here are the few ways how high schoolers can benefit from creative writing -. 1. Imagination. When you write creatively, you expand your imagination by creating new environments, scenarios, and characters. This way, you are also boosting and stretching your imagination, as well as "thinking out of the box.".

  22. 2,000+ Writing Prompts and Ideas from Poets & Writers

    Check out our Writing Prompts for Beginners. Tuesdays: Poetry prompts. Wednesdays: Fiction prompts. Thursdays: Creative nonfiction prompts. Get immediate access to more than 2,000 writing prompts with the tool below: Choose a genre: <Any>. Items/Page: 25.

  23. Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

    Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.

  24. Power Up Your Pen: 157 Writing Prompt a Day Ideas

    Teachers can still promote individuality and teach kids that their ideas matter by assigning creative writing. Creative journal prompts are one of the best ways to help students in any grade learn that self-expression is a beautiful and freeing thing. And… Our wonderful daily writing prompts are a great way to get started.

  25. The Big List of Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

    Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall. 9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest. This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work.