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50 book ideas for writing a book you can start today

Maybe you haven’t brought your book ideas to life yet because you’re afraid it means hiding away, churning out page after page, writing a novel or short story that may never be finished. Or maybe you’ve been trying to get your writing fix by writing book reviews . But writing a book can mean anything you want it to—it’s not just for novels. There’s the old saying that we should write what we know, and you may know more than you think.

Unless you’re a born novelist, try your hand at non-fiction first. Not only do you get to start from a place of passion and familiarity, but you also have the market on your side. It’s easier to write, sell, and promote. Non-fiction has a bigger market for both traditionally published books and self-published books. More publishers publish non-fiction than fiction, more book buyers purchase non-fiction books, and it’s easier to build a career out of it by writing articles, giving seminars, and selling related products. Non-fiction writers have it a bit easier than novelists.

To get you started, here’s a list of 50 book ideas, including possible story title ideas , prompts, genres , and topics where you might find your next book.

Ask yourself questions

Your everyday life is a goldmine of material for your creative work. Ask yourself these questions to figure out your next book idea.

1. What challenges are you facing? 

Telling your story about where you struggle can help other people feel less alone. Think about goals and obstacles in your personal, professional, or creative life and how you approached them.

2. What are you learning right now? 

Share whatever you’re working on and however you’re learning it—whether it’s about relationships, health practices, work efficiencies, or athletic competition, other people might benefit.

3. What’s happening in your day-to-day life?

Are you going through a big transition? Is there a weekly routine or yearly celebration that means something to you? Don’t overlook these things. Sometimes what has the most universal meaning is actually the most particular and personal.

Look around you

Be an explorer of your world and the people in it. Ask questions. Make observations. Travel down these paths to find out where your best book ideas are hiding:

4. Compile your family history

Who in your family has a story that needs to be told? How did your family (and you!) come to be how you are? A family history book is the perfect way to tell your story.

5. Explore your hometown history

What are the stories of how your town came to be? Highlight the famous people that put your town on the map, or include fun facts about local landmarks and insider tips for places you love.

6. Share your personal history

What were the key factors in your personal origin story? Reflect on the events and relationships that made you who you are today. 

7. Draw attention to a meaningful cause

Have you done any volunteer work that deepened your understanding or perspective? Do you have stories of how your organization changed lives and made a difference? Get the word out!

8. Talk about special events

Maybe you’ve been to over 30 Pearl Jam concerts, and you have the set list and memory for each one of them. Maybe you hosted a speakers’ series at your school. Maybe you attended a rally, and the conversations inspired you.

9. Share your travel stories

Put together a travel book filled with your writing and discoveries made while visiting distant lands, then combine them with your photographs.

Become your own storyteller

10. try an experiment.

Do something for 30, 60, or 90 days and document your experience.

11. Write the story behind your favorite topics

What are your favorite books, albums, songs, films, or paintings? Use each of these as story starter ideas to craft a creative and relatable book.

12. Highlight your biggest success

How did you set this goal? What led up to your achievements, and who helped you along the way?

13. Reveal your biggest failure

What did you learn? How can you help other people deal with fear, failure, or recovery and be resilient? 

14. Do something epic, then write about it  

Raising $20,000 for cancer research, tackling a big life obstacle, summiting a peak, visiting all 50 states—if you have an eye on writing a book, you’ll do these things differently and keep careful records. Wanting a story to tell might also inspire some pretty incredible adventures.

Pick a non-fiction genre to get started

15. write a big idea book.

These kinds of stories focus on a new concept, tool, or learning that will change how people love, work, and live. Teach other people one big thing you know.

16. Make a list book

The lists you keep for yourself—like a gratitude list or a list of local restaurants—can inspire and inform someone else. Take one of your lists and make it into a creative book!

17. Publish an educational photo book

Pair your most impressive photographs with interesting captions or stories of the local geography, history, flora, and fauna.

18. Compile a series of letters

If you have been part of an enlightening correspondence (and the other party involved is willing to share their story, too), document your dialogue in a book.

19. Create an interview book

Compile interviews with inspiring individuals in your life, community, or professional field. Organize the book around a particular theme, or turn the conversations into a series of essays that change the way people think.

Consider content you have already written

You might already have created a body of work that can fill the pages of a book, it just needs to be compiled, organized, and formatted. The process of pulling these ideas together might even inspire another project of new material.

20. Print a series of blog posts

If you’ve already taken the time to compose daily or weekly articles, you’re well on your way! Look for a common thread or topic running throughout, organize your posts into chapters or sections, and take your stories to the next level—in print.

21. Make a book of postcards

The art of snail mail doesn’t have to be lost forever. Make a fun, quirky, or insightful coffee table book of postcards you’ve received or ones you’ve collected.

22. Publish love letters

Making love letters public is not for everyone—but if you and your beloved agree to the project, you just might find yourself with a one-of-a-kind collaboration featuring poems, stories, and reflections. You can also get creative and write a series of fictional love letters to people, places, objects, or events you adore.

23. Turn your journal entries into a book

The unique journal pages of artists, writers, photographers, travelers, and introspective individuals are a fascinating genre all their own. Sharing your personal reflections can inspire readers of all kinds.

24. Publish your own cookbook

Do your friends and families love gathering around your table to taste your culinary creations? Are you a foodie inspired by certain ingredients, dietary trends, family traditions, local or international cuisine? Share your favorite recipes.

Look to the non-fiction bestseller categories from Amazon

Here are some possible book-writing ideas that fall within categories that represent Amazon’s bestselling non-fiction. Try these on for size:

Biography and memoir book ideas

25. try making a new city home.

Most people can identify with the challenges of relocating to a new place—whether it’s a different city, state, or country. Take your readers through the ups and downs of that transition.

26. Share your 25 best or worst date stories

Do you have a history of finding love in all the right (or wrong) places? Do tell.

27. Write a biography of a family member

Chances are, there’s at least one person in your family with a unique, inspiring, or powerful life story to share. Maybe you have a distant ancestor or living relative who defied all odds to make an astounding journey, overcome hardships, find personal success, or pave the way for others.

Self-help book ideas

28. describe the experience of intuitive eating.

Have you made personal strides in your approach to healthy eating and food? Share your story of empowerment from start to finish.

29. Explore new rules for dating

Take a lighthearted, compassionate, or serious approach to a popular topic. Depending on your area of expertise, you might include research, personal anecdotes, observations, or interviews.

Religion and spirituality book ideas

30. design an inspirational gift book.

Gather all your favorite quotes and pair them with photography, illustrations, or designs to create a motivational book.

31. Publish a religious study or devotional workbook

Share the divine wisdom and traditions that you know best, including classic teachings and lessons for personal growth.  

32. Write a religious memoir

Create a memoir based on personal events, learning, or transformations that led you to your current religious beliefs.

Health, fitness, and nutrition book ideas

33. inspire someone with 10 life lessons in food.

Maybe you learned how to maintain a healthy weight, or you discovered how the food on your plate affects your mood, sleep, or overall health. Don’t keep your success a secret!

34. Summarize your experience of 30 days on a specific diet

Ketogenic. Intermittent fasting. Low sugar. Mediterranean. Gluten free. If you tried it, it’s time to tell all.

35. Compile a research summary of how to exercise

Use your scientist-meets-fitness skills to create a guidebook with training tips, health facts, and exercise inspiration.

Politics and social science book ideas

36. explore public policy, ideologies, or politics.

The debate lover in you already has plenty to say about these big topics, so you bring your persuasive book to life with data and insights.

37. Forecast political and cultural trends

This kind of book takes a knack for research—so use your authority as a demonstrated expert or passionate professional to tell it like it is (or like it soon will be).

Cookbook, food, and wine book ideas

38. collect recipes from the family restaurant.

Cultivate a love of cooking and share your special kitchen traditions, recipes, and food photography with an audience who’s craving more. (Just make sure to get the a-ok from the original chef!)

39. Print a guide to local wineries with photos and reviews

Malbec or Shiraz? Moscato or Chenin Blanc? You don’t have to be a sommelier to share your love and knowledge of great wines.

40. Explain 10 things you learned about cooking

What do you know about baking the perfect cake? Got tips and tricks for southern barbecue? Write what you know.

Business and money book ideas

41. tell your story of getting out of debt.

Did you learn financial lessons the hard way? People of all ages are eager to know how you did it.

42. Write about securing investments for a project

You organized a first-of-its-kind fundraiser or wrote a grant that saved the day. Offer your best money advice to project leaders everywhere.

43. Offer tips on how to earn a living from creative work

Think of it as your gift to the next generation of artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers.

44. Share advice on running a large business

Money makes the world go round. What’s your secret to managing a successful company?

45. Show what you learned from the failure of a startup

Big dreams, harsh reality. If you had to do it all over again, what would you want to know?

Education and teaching book ideas

46. publish a classroom curriculum you designed.

Did you create lesson units that your students absolutely loved? What kind of project materials were successful, and how could other people use them? Make a workbook, ebook, or even a magazine that details your process.

Crafts, hobbies, and home book ideas

47. develop a guide to meaningful photography.

These days everyone fancies themselves a photographer , but there’s more than a filter to making great images. Tell them what to aim for.

48. Make an instructional knitting or sewing guide

If you can stitch like a pro, share your project tips and expertise in a practical craft book .

49. Create an interior design guide book

Put your creative instincts in print by sharing your style advice and favorite trends, from Boho chic to French country to modern minimalist.

50. Encourage people to learn a new hobby

Beginner projects in woodworking. One room, twelve ways. Introduction to jewelry making. Your creative skills and talents are invaluable to others who are just starting out, so lead the way!

Just pick one book idea and start writing

Print-on-demand makes it easier than ever to create one copy or a thousand. Whatever your next project idea, think of it as just that: your next project, not your only one. If the first book you create isn’t the book you know you have in you to write or make, that’s ok! This is just your first book. Once you do one, you’ll have what it takes to do the next one and the next one after that.

The key is to start the journey toward the book you want to write by reading more books to help you improve your writing skills, gain inspiration, and discover new ideas. And then making your next, knowing that the books that come in your future can take many different shapes.

What are you waiting for? Start your book today !

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500 Writing Prompts to Help Beat Writer’s Block

Looking to get your story started with a writing prompt? You’ve come to the right place. In this post we detail everything you need to know about writing prompts and give you 500 writing prompts broken down by genre. Enjoy!

I want to be a writer… but what if I have nothing to write about?

Ever feel like you’d love to write but you’re fresh out of ideas? Like there’s nothing else that you could possibly write about, or you have no idea where to even get started? We get it. One of the hardest steps in writing a book is often knowing where to get started. Coming up with content, getting your pen (or pencil) to paper, and letting your creativity flow is a challenge that many writers struggle with. As we know, facing writer’s block and fighting personal writing doubt is common. An overwhelming number of professional authors admit to getting stuck well before they get to the point of selling books on Amazon . Thankfully, there’s an answer to the question of where to turn when you feel like you’ve hit that proverbial wall: the writing prompt.

What is a writing prompt?

How often do writers use writing prompts?

There’s no right answer to this question because using writing prompts can often be a personal choice. Some authors find it greatly benefits their ability to turn out creative results. Some authors know that they already have the right ideas for a book in their heads. With using writing prompts, you need to decide on what’s best for you . Whatever method helps you generate ideas is what’s best for your writing!

Is there a writing prompt that’s best for me?

You might be wondering if there’s one type of writing prompt that’s best for you. It’s easy to find selections of prompts that are filtered by specific genres (romance, mystery, and so on). However, we recommend sticking to genre-specific prompts if you want your writing to be more focused. With that being said, you never know when inspiration will strike. If your writing needs are less genre-restricted, reading as many writing prompts ideas as possible may be the best option for you! Whenever I write for fun, I love to read as many prompts as I can across all genres. Hey, you can get some pretty fun ideas for a thriller story from sci-fi writing prompts.

Where can I find writing prompts?

Easy – the Internet! And books, too. We recommend checking out our collection of prompts first, but there are numerous great sources throughout the web with writing prompts ideas (blogs, social media, and even AI tools like ChatGPT ). Through combing the Internet for great websites and blogs like Reedsy , Screencraft , The Write Practice , Bryn Donovan’s resources , and the @writing.prompt.s Instagram page, we’ve written and gathered 500 writing prompts to help you kickstart your brain into writing mode. Categorized into ten popular genres, we encourage you to grab your mug of coffee or tea, read through our prompts, and get ready to catch the writing bug.

Have any particular writing prompts that help you get focused? Want to tell us about a great website for writing prompts? Feel free to share those in the comments below. Happy writing!

• Mystery / Thriller
• Science Fiction
• Fantasy / Paranormal
• General Fiction
• Religion / Spirituality
• Travel / Adventure
• Young Adult

What are some mystery and thriller writing prompts?

• You find strange, muddy footprints leading up to your front door.
• A stranger sits down next to you on a train and gets up, leaving a package behind. Do you investigate the package?
• You hear news of your next-door neighbor vanishing without a trace.
• One day the national news channel shuts off. And the next day after that, too.
• One day at work, you look across the street to see a hooded figure in a black coat pointing directly at you. What do they want?
• You stumble upon a strange house you’ve never seen before on your morning run.
• You get a text message from an unknown number saying, “Meet me outside. Now.”
• Your parents tell you that they actually don’t know whose child you are.
• Someone puts a large black box on your doorstep. A note on the front reads, “Caution: may bite.”
• You wake up to discover a completely different, unknown face staring back at you from the mirror.
• The protagonist of your story discovers that there is a person who looks exactly like him.
• An international spy group recruits you to be their latest member.
• You begin to realize that your reflection is no longer appearing in mirrors.
• You aunt passes away, leaving you $500,000 in her will under the condition that you resume care for your hundred-year-old home.
• Your best friend tells you that she feels like someone’s been watching her. The next day she goes missing.
• Three words: Long lost brother.
• The day of your wedding, you wake up to find every person in your wedding party has been brutally murdered.
• The FBI begs you to come back to work on a special case. Your former partner has turned and is now wanted for the murders of three co-workers.
• Local gravestones begin disappearing.
• You can solve murders simply by stepping foot at the crime scene. Problem is, no one believes you.
• Write a short story where the protagonist has a doppelganger. (Reedsy)
• Your fingers tensed around the object in your pocket, ready to pull it out at a moment’s notice. (Reedsy)
• You’re sitting by a window watching the flakes slowly and silently fall. Suddenly, you see something outside that snaps you out of your reverie. (Reedsy)
• You’re at a huge store scouting out Black Friday deals. You start to notice that all the security cameras in the store seem to be following your each and every move. (Reedsy)
• You work for the CIA who send you undercover in the FBI, who send you undercover in M16, who send you undercover in the CIA, who are very confused that you are back after only two weeks. (Reedsy)
• A terrorist group has been infiltrated by so many agencies that it is now run by spies, unbeknownst to the spies themselves. This fact becomes apparent to an actual extremist who joins their ranks. (Reedsy)
• Ever since childhood, a dark figure no one else can see has been following you around, whispering in your ear. Today you see it lying a few feet away, screaming and asking you to run. (Reedsy)
• You’ve lived an average life up until today, your 20th birthday. You just found out that your dad is the runaway son of a doting criminal warlord, and your mom is the daughter of an equally doting secret agent. Both family businesses are looking to make you the next heir. (Reedsy)
• She has been walking for hours. Her feet are starting to bleed. But she can’t stop moving… she can’t let him find her again. (Reedsy)
• The morning after a blizzard you make your way outside and slowly start to realize everyone has disappeared. (Reedsy)
• You find a hand-written note on your windshield that says, “Drive west for 100 miles.” (Reedsy)
• You wake up in a jail cell, crusted blood covering your hands. You have no idea how you got there. The cell door clangs open, and an officer walks you to interrogation room where two detectives wait to question you. (Reedsy)
• You walk into your job and find a secret, coded note pinned to your desk. What do you do next? (Reedsy)
• Guard this with your life. (Reedsy)
• A loved one confides in you, but the secret could damage someone else you care about. What do you do? (Reedsy)
• As you’re browsing through a rack of sweaters, someone approaches you and says, “I need you to listen to me very carefully.” (Reedsy)
• Write a short dark comedy in which a long-unsolved mystery is finally cracked. (Reedsy)
• They say a picture is worth a thousand words but you knew the one you’d just taken was worth a million. (Reedsy)
• You were the oldest person still living in the town and you remembered things no one else did. (Reedsy)
• Looking through old family photos, multiple generations back, you notice there is a cat in almost every group photo. The same cat – color, pattern, one docked ear – that is currently purring on your lap. (Reedsy)
• “… and that’s why dividing by three is illegal.” (Reedsy)
• You’re a serial killer who murders anyone you see hitchhiking up your mountain. One day, you pick up a hitchhiker who kills anyone who picks them up.
• You are legally allowed to commit murder once, but you must fill out the proper paperwork and your proposed victim will be notified of your intentions. (Reedsy)
• You hire two private investigators to investigate each other. One month later both come to you to present their findings. (Reedsy)
• 20 years after your daughter was abducted, a detective finds you to reopen the case. The detective turns out to be your daughter. (Reedsy)
• You’re shaking hands with a stranger at a networking event when you ask for their name. “I have no name,” they reply. (Reedsy)
• As you’re paying for your groceries, you mention to the clerk, “There’s a mess in aisle 16.” They give you a puzzled look and reply, “There is no aisle 16.” (Reedsy)
• The detective didn’t realize they were being foiled by a competing detective. (Reedsy)
• The first day you opened your own office as a private investigator, you didn’t expect it to be busy. You were wrong. (Reedsy)
• You are the world’s greatest detective. With your near superhuman intellect, you have never failed to solve a case before. One day, you finally meet your match: a criminal so unbelievably stupid that you cannot possibly comprehend and predict what he’s going to do next. (Reedsy)

What are some romance writing prompts?

• Left at the altar, you decide to seek revenge on your ex.
• You got ditched at the last minute before prom – who will your date be?
• A stranger texts the wrong number, and accidentally sends you a declaration of love. The message is so sweet and heartfelt that you know you can’t let it go.
• A divorced former couple find each other on the same flight to Paris… Sitting next to each other.
• After joining an adult swim league, you realize that your coach is irresistibly cute.
• Your husband accidentally sends you a text meant for his mistress.
• You and a hot stranger get trapped in an elevator.
• Write a love story set at the zoo.
• A college professor and their teaching assistant hit it off a little too well.
• You get to make one wish to create your dream romantic partner. What is it?
• Two strangers on an online chat room hit it off. Turns out they’re childhood sweethearts.
• A parole officer falls in love with his parolee.
• After their catamaran crashes, a husband and wife on their anniversary trip are left marooned on an island in the tropics.
• She’s a burgeoning lingerie model who needs her cute neighbor to take portfolio shots of her.
• An alien falls in love with a forbidden human.
• Desperate for cash, a med student signs up to be a nude model for a retired women’s art club.
• A cutthroat business woman swore she’d never find love until her best friend sets her up on a blind date.
• Two widowed people meet at a community garden.
• A chef decides to embark on an international culinary tour for inspiration and falls in love with their tour guide.
• A daughter tries to set her widowed father up on an online dating app – without him knowing.
• A Republican presidential candidate and Democratic presidential candidate fall in love.
• You are a popular book heroine’s love interest. You now have 60 seconds to convince them that saving the city is more important than saving you. (@writing.prompt.s)
• The love of your life is your brother’s nemesis.
• You fall in love with every person you make eye contact with.
• You’re a mail order bride arriving at her new home for the first time.
• After you move to a new city, you fall in love with your realtor while buying a new house.
• You realize that you’ve fallen out of love with your new wife while you’re on your honeymoon.
• You and your best friends decide to try a new dating app for the first time.
• At your friend’s urging, you begrudgingly attend a Valentine’s Day speed dating event. (Reedsy)
• Every day, you return to your apartment and say, “Honey, I’m home. Oh wait, that’s right… I live alone.” But then one day, a voice replies, “I picked up some pizza.” (Reedsy)
• Cupid offers to shoot an arrow into the person you love. He warns you that if the person already has a pre-existing affection towards you, it will disappear when the arrow strikes. (Reedsy)
• You meet your doppelganger of the opposite sex and find you are strangely attracted to each other. (Reedsy)
• Write a romantic comedy. Difficulty: both lovers are emotionally mature and have excellent communication skills. (Reedsy)
• In the future, romantic attraction is literal: each person is fitted with an electromagnetic bracelet which, they claim, will pull you to your soulmate. It’s the day they turn the magnets on, and you’re waiting. (Reedsy)
• A fortune teller falls in love with their client who has their palm read every month. (Reedsy)
• It wasn’t love at first sight. But now you were starting to see them in a new light… (Reedsy)
• Someone with anxiety falls in love with someone extremely adventurous. (Reedsy)
• The lives of two people are changed forever when they coincidentally meet and engage in a weekend-long affair. (Reedsy)
• They lived in a world where PDA is forbidden. One day, they slipped up and held hands on the street. (Reedsy)
• Two characters who are perfect for one another are foiled by bad timing. (Reedsy)
• Two mortal enemies fall in love when they’re trapped in an elevator together and begin to see the other person’s perspective. (Reedsy)
• Valentine’s Day at a retirement home. (Reedsy)
• Well, that was a New Year’s Eve kiss you won’t forget any time soon. (Reedsy)
• You have the ability to make anyone fall in love with you. You’ve just fallen in love for the first time. Do you use your power? (Reedsy)
• You and your partner finally have the most romantic vacation planned. Problem is, your in-laws decided to tag along at the last minute.
• You never would have guessed that in 48 hours you’d be married. (Reedsy)
• A dog lover and cat lover fall in love… and must find a way to get their animals to fall in love, too.
• You’ve been bumping into the same stranger for months. Finally, you decide to say hello. (Reedsy)
• They might have aged 50 years, but when they held you, those hands felt exactly like they did the first time. (Reedsy)
• An avalanche strands two mortal enemies together… and they start to fall in love.

What are some science fiction writing prompts?

• You wake up one morning to find out that you get to move to any planet of your choosing.
• Your wife is a droid.
• Every day, you get one hour to revisit any moment from your life. What do you pick?
• Gravity no longer exists.
• You are chosen to go on the first ever recreational space journey.
• After people die, their spirits can be brought back from death but at the cost of one random human life. Is it worth it?
• Everyone in the world has the ability to read thoughts. Except for one person.
• You have to power to build one separate planet. How do you build it? Who gets to live there?
• What team do you gather to fight the largest alien and terrorist threat on Earth?
• The world is dying. In order to save it, you’ve been commanded to sacrifice yourself to an invading alien group.
• You are the first person able to breathe in outer space.
• A rare form of cancer is the newest superbug. With a team of scientists, you all must find a cure before the population is wiped out.
• Human beings begin to find themselves growing extra limbs as global warming amps up.
• It turns out humans have been the aliens all along.
• You are in charge of a secretive government agency that aligns people’s fates. Their livelihood is entirely up to you and what you want to do with it.
• Technology becomes illegal.
• All plant life on the planet is wiped out, except for in Florida.
• You are one of the mechanics on the first ever self-flying airplane.
• Walking through the woods one day, you come across a small animal that has the ability to instantaneously clone itself.
• Your whole family has fought in the space military, but you’ve decided to no longer take part in it.
• In an alternate universe where global warming has ruined the planet, you’ve spent your entire life living in an airplane on autopilot.
• You’re a 15-year-old in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. However, a cure has been found that not only rids the infected person of the virus before they turn but prevents it altogether. Only one problem… Your parents are anti-vaxxers. (@writing.prompt.s)
• Nasa engineers monitor the curiosity rover’s actions. All seems normal until the robot suddenly changes its course. The scientists attempt to correct it over and over until they suddenly receive a transmission from the rover: “Will Save Oppy” (@writing.prompt.s)
• What if a nuclear submarine was ordered to launch their nuclear arsenal onto the world? (Screencraft)
• What if the world we live in is actually a computer simulation? (Screencraft)
• What if the past and present timelines began to merge? (Screencraft)
• What if your stepfather or stepmother is actually your future self? (Screencraft)
• What if the sun began to die? (Screencraft)
• What if the universe as we know it is actually someone’s imagination? (Screencraft)
• Everyone on earth begins to experience universal amnesia.
• The year is 2200. What does the world look like to you?
• In the future, we no longer require water, air, or food. We are a super efficient team of robots.
• What do you think happens when the grid goes down?
• Describe your perfect utopian world.
• Your penpal lives on the opposite side of the universe.
• Aliens who only communicate with sign language invade. To avoid war, our governments must engage a vastly marginalized portion of the human population: the hearing-impaired. (The Write Practice)
• A rogue planet with strange properties collides with our sun, and after it’s all over, worldwide temperature falls forty degrees. Write from the perspective of a someone trying to keep his tropical fruit trees alive. (The Write Practice)
• Ever read about the world’s loneliest whale? Write a story in which he’s actually the survivor of an aquatic alien species which crashed here eons ago, and he’s trying very hard to learn the “local” whale language so he can fit in. Write from his perspective the first time he makes contact. (The Write Practice)
• An alien planet starts receiving bizarre audio transmissions from another world (spoiler: they’re from Earth). What does it mean? Are they under attack? Some think so…until classic rock ‘n’ roll hits the airwaves, and these aliens discover dancing. Write from the perspective of the teenaged alien who first figures it out. (The Write Practice)
• Take anything we find normal today (shopping malls, infomercials, products to remove facial hair, etc.) and write a story from the perspective of an archeologist five thousand years in the future who just unearthed this stuff, has NO idea what any of it was for, and has to give a speech in an hour explaining the historical/religious/sociological significance. (The Write Practice)
• House cats are aliens who have succeeded in their plan to rule the world. Discuss.
• A high schooler from fifteen hundred years in our future is assigned a one-page writing project on a twenty-first century person’s life based entirely on TV commercials. Write the beginning of the essay. (The Write Practice)
• Time travel works, but only once in a person’s life. Write from the perspective of someone who chooses to go back in time, knowing they can never return. Where do they go and why? (The Write Practice)
• So yeah, ancient Egypt really was “all that” after all, and the pyramids turn out to be fully functional spaceships (the limestone was to preserve the electronics hidden inside). Write from the perspective of the tourist who accidentally turns one on. (The Write Practice)
• Ten years from now, scientists figure out how to stop human aging and extend life indefinitely—but every time someone qualifies for that boost, someone else has to die to keep the surplus population in check. Oh, it’s all very humane; one’s descendants get a huge paycheck. Write from the perspective of someone who just got a letter in the mail saying they’re the one who has to die. (The Write Practice)
• In the future, neural implants translate music into physical pleasure, and earphones (“jacking in”) are now the drug of choice. Write either from the perspective of a music addict, OR the Sonforce agent (sonance + enforcer) who has the job of cracking down. (The Write Practice)
• It’s the year 5000. Our planet was wrecked in the great Crisis of 3500, and remaining human civilization survives only in a half dozen giant domed cities. There are two unbreakable rules: strict adherence to Life Quality (recycling doesn’t even begin to cover these laws), and a complete ban on reproduction (only the “worthy” are permitted to create new humans). Write from the perspective of a young woman who just discovered she’s been chosen to reproduce—but she has no interest in being a mother. (The Write Practice)
• In the nineteenth century, there’s a thriving trade in stolen archeological artifacts. Write a story from the perspective of an annoyed, minimum-wage employee whose job is traveling back in time to obtain otherwise unobtainable artifacts, then has to bring them back to the present (the 1800s, that is) and artificially age them before they will sell. (The Write Practice)
• Steampunk! Write a story from the perspective of a hot air balloon operator who caters to folks who like a little thrill… which means she spends half her time in the air shooting down pterodactyls before the paying customers get TOO scared. (The Write Practice)
• Creation myth! Write from the perspective of a crazy scientist in the year 28,000 who, determined to discover how the universe began, rigs up a malfunctioning time machine, goes to the “beginning” of the universe, and ends up being the reason for the Big Bang. (Logic? Causal effect? Pfft. Hush, it’s time-travel, and that was never logical.) (The Write Practice)

What are some fantasy and paranormal writing prompts?

• A mysterious creature speaks to you in your dreams and tells you that when you awake, you will have the ability to see into another realm.
• Your pet dragon transforms into a person.
• You are gifted with the strongest, most elusive sword in the kingdom, but if you use it you will never be able to speak again.
• A magical world exists underground. To get there, you’ll need to start digging.
• You wake up and find out that you’re the only living person left on the planet.
• On her deathbed, your grandmother tells you that there’s a hidden treasure buried in her backyard. The family has been trying to locate it for decades. It’s up to you to finally find it.
• The ocean becomes the sky.
• You must save your kingdom from ruin by learning how to breathe fire.
• You have the power to read the lost language, making you the only person to decipher the scroll.
• Fairies are tired of being used for free labor.
• Your favorite fairy tale is now set in 2019.
• You are kidnapped by a knight who demands your assistance in sleighing the city’s most dangerous dragon.
• A man and his wife own the largest potion store in town. Little do the townspeople know, but they’re all being slowly poisoned by the potions.
• A magical toad begins talking to you, but you’re the only person who can hear him.
• You come into possession of a ring that can change the weather to whatever you decide.
• You’re selected to take part in a secretive, underground magic university… but you have to kill someone to go.
• You wake up to find yourself a member of King Arthur’s Round Table.
• An underwater society decides to overtake the world.
• Regular person by day, a shape shifter by night.
• Satan puts you in charge of Hell.
• You are the king. After your daughter was kidnapped by a dragon, you offered the standard reward to whoever rescued her. You weren’t expecting a different dragon to rescue her. (@writing.prompt.s)
• A woman has been dating guy after guy, but it never seems to work out. She’s unaware that she’s actually been dating the same guy over and over; a shapeshifter who’s fallen for her and is certain he’s going to get it right this time.  (@writing.prompt.s)
• The cocky main character of a popular book is sent to the real world. He is shocked to find that the fans of his book not only like the villain more but favor his side kick over him. (@writing.prompt.s)
• You’re an immortal who lives at a beach resort. You have many summer flings with mortals on getaways. One day you see someone you had a hot romantic night with 50 years ago. They look exactly the same. (@writing.prompt.s)
• The stars have been watching you your whole life, as you laughed and cried, loved and suffered. Today, you’re finally going to do something that none of them can bear to watch. They blink out, the whole night sky turning dark, just as you’re about to do it. (@writing.prompt.s)
• A lord takes a fancy to a peasant girl and kidnaps her for his own. Little does he know that she’s a trained assassin who has been preparing to take his life for years. (@writing.prompt.s)
• You are the last person on Earth, and you are able to make one wish. What do you wish for?
• You and your family are on a hike when you stumble upon a group of witches in the forest, in the midst of casting spells.
• You have the power to transform into whatever mystical creature you choose.
• You and your ghost best friend are an infamous crime-solving team.
• No, there’s absolutely no way that ghosts are real. Sure, you just saw a mysterious fuzzy figure you appear before you in your house, but that had to be your imagination… right?
• You’re the one human who is capable of seeing ghosts. It’s up to you to save them from being removed from the human world for good.
• You were born to be a villain, but you find yourself leaning more and more towards the good as you get older.
• Spend some time working on world building. How can you create a believable fantasy world that readers can picture clearly? What types of characters does your world include?
• Dream up your own, one-of-a-kind mythical race.
• You and your adventurous crew on a quest for the old King’s hidden gold. Just one problem – so is the rest of your village.
• 10 cm of snow had fallen overnight, just as the weatherman predicted. The only thing is… the snow isn’t white. (Reedsy)
• You start realizing that at least one aspect of every dream you have comes true the next day. (Reedsy)
• You can buy a pill that lets you decide exactly what you will dream about while you sleep. (Reedsy)
• You find a polaroid camera that seems to predict the future: its pictures show what will happen exactly 5 minutes from the moment you take them. (Reedsy)
• You were on your way to see a doctor who promised to know the secret to making yourself fall out of love with someone. (Reedsy)
• Write a story that includes a character hearing their fate by a fortune teller. (Reedsy)
• As a joke, you put on a tinfoil hat. Suddenly your mind goes completely silent. (Reedsy)
• Silence is now literally golden. For every day of total silence a person completes, they receive a piece of gold. (Reedsy)
• A new candy had been invented that allowed the person who ate it to relive any memory they wanted. There was a lineup outside the shop. (Reedsy)
• It’s 1AM at night. But the sun is out. (Reedsy)
• You wake up 10 years younger. What do you do? (Reedsy)
• I wish I could skip next week, you think as you get into bed that night. In the morning, you wake up 100 years in the future. (Reesy)
• They found out about us. They’re coming. They were the words the kingdom had feared hearing for thousands of years. (Reedsy)
• A group of scientists on a submarine are alarmed when they spot what looks like a functioning lighthouse at the bottom of the ocean. (Reedsy)

What are some general fiction writing prompts?

• You’re chasing your dream of being the first person to fly.
• Coffee is illegal and you have to single handedly smuggle it into the country.
• You have to get to the bottom of your family’s deepest secret.
• What was the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in public?
• Detail the life of the person who inspires you the most.
• Imagine what would happen if you woke up one morning unable to see, speak, or hear.
• Think about what you are most proud of. Follow the story of how you got to that point.
• By way of a lottery system, the king chooses you to be his queen.
• Use five points of view to describe one situation.
• Describe the life of a struggling author attempting to make it “big.”
• Tell the story of one woman on the mission to find her lost biological daughter.
• Your dream is to open a restaurant and be a top chef, but how can you do that when you were born without taste buds?
• You’ve just returned home from war only to find your family missing without a trace.
• A famous shoe designer asks you to quit your job and be his latest model.
• You have the power to create, and star in, your own reality show. What does it look like?
• The dark family secret that’s always been hidden comes to light.
• As an 80-year-old, you decide to finally learn how to swim so you can participate in a triathlon.
• Write a scene detailing your greatest fear. Now imagine that has come true for your character.
• What’s the greatest advice you’ve ever been given? What if you lived solely according to it?
• You live in a world with no stress and fear.
• Death has been flirting with you for a long time, but they’ve become a bit annoying. After another attempting to hang out with you again, you jokingly tell them, “If I was the last person on Earth, I’d maybe give you a chance.” Death believes you and will double their efforts.
• When people are born, they are assigned a soulmate. They have a song in their head that only them and their soulmate know. How do you find your soulmate? (@writing.prompt.s)
• Write a story about a character waking up to something absurd. (Reedsy)
• Write a story about a character waking up to the best news of their life. (Reedsy)
• Write a short story with an unreliable narrator that readers can never quite trust. (Reedsy)
• Write a short story in which the main “character” is the setting: for example, a house. (Reedsy)
• Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as honest. Or kind. Or intelligent. (Reedsy)
• Using only dialogue, write a short story about a first date, a reunion between old friends, an argument that gets heated, an adult explaining something to a child, or the reveal of a long-hidden secret. (Reedsy)
• Imagine telling the story of a professional hypnotizer. (Reedsy)
• Tell a story through text messages.
• Tell the story of what you would do if you won the lottery.
• Write your own obituary.
• Tell a story from your favorite era.
• Imagine how you would help solve the greatest challenges that the world faces. What would your plan be?
• What would a world be like with no poverty? What would change? What would stay the same?
• Tell the story of the first time that you learned to do something really well.
• Imagine what it would be like to be a pop star.
• Tell a story through song.
• Write from the perspective of your worst enemy.
• Tell a story using only one sense – seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, or touching.
• After years on the job search, you’ve finally gotten your dream job – but it changes you for the worst.
• You own a tiny mom and pops-type store that you run with your family.
• The worst thing that you could imagine happening happens.
• You’re the judge of the annual pie contest in your hometown but, unbeknownst to you, one of the pies is poisoned.
• You go on a road trip to visit your late father’s grave.
• Tell the story of seeing the ocean for the first time. Or the last.
• You’re allergic to oxygen.
• Imagine what would happen if every person in the world woke up in a good mood every day.
• You’re put in charge of taking care of your elderly grandmother towards the end of her life.
• You get one chance to talk to any person in the world. Who do you choose?

What are some religion and spirituality writing prompts?

• What makes you believe in God?
• God speaks directly to you – what does He say?
• What do you find to be most beautiful in the world?
• You get to build a religion of your own. What do you make it into?
• You must live every single day according to a holy text of your choice. What happens?
• Explore what it means to be religious versus spiritual.
• What helps you meditate?
• What is the greatest wisdom that you would like to impart on the world?
• Who is one religious figure you would like to have dinner with? What do you talk to them about?
• Describe your idea of heaven.
• Detail your favorite story in the holy text of your choosing.
• You live in a world where no Gods exist.
• What does karma mean to you?
• What would your ideal world look like?
• You have the power to make every single person in the world ether religious or nonreligious. What do you do? What changes about the world?
• What makes you a religious or spiritual person?
• Describe what a church means to you. Have you had positive or negative experiences in a church?
• Write a poem about your religious path in life.
• Write a religious comedy.
• What happens when a priest decides he doesn’t want to be a priest anymore?
• Think about what morality means to you.
• What is the difference in good versus evil? How do you know?
• How does one know what is innately good?
• What makes you religious?
• What makes you non religious?
• Put yourself in the shoes of someone who has completely opposite spiritual or religious views from you. Why do they think a certain way?
• Describe what your childhood views in spirituality or religion were.
• What do you hope your religious or spirituality path to look like as you age?
• How would you advise someone to strengthen their faith?
• If you could talk to God, what would you want to say?
• The Southern Baptist Convention elects its first woman president, though she is subsequently removed from the position due to an obscure rule. In protest, every woman leaves the Southern Baptist denomination to form an independent, women-only sect of Baptists.
• God needs a vacation from heaven, so he comes to earth to experience life as a dog. He is captured by animal control and is impounded, and you adopt god-the-dog after a tragedy that makes you question your faith.
• An opiate addict going through severe withdrawal symptoms has a conversation with the Buddha – what did they talk about, and was it the result of a fever dream, or a spiritual awakening?
• You record a video that seemingly shows a woman walking on water at a small rural pond. The video goes viral as proof that Jesus has returned, and Christians begin to wonder if Christ was the Daughter, not the Son, of God.
• A secular Jew and a devout Muslim debate food and faith on a train from Quebec to Montreal.
• What are your personal ten commandments?
• When was a specific moment where you felt a “divine presence” in your life?
• Have you ever felt like you’ve experienced a glimpse into the afterlife?
• What form do you think the afterlife will take, if you believe that it exists?
• Have you ever had an out of body experience?
• William Blake, famous British poet, thought that to love was to be in tune with the divine. Do you think this is true? How have you experienced divine love?
• How have you experienced the divine through love?
• Emanuel Swedenborg believed that there was a soulmate for every person, and that you couldn’t get into heaven until your soul mate had also passed away. Do you believe in the concept of soul mates?
• Do you believe in reincarnation?
• What would reincarnation look like to you?
• Some religions believe that animals and plants have souls. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
• Describe a particularly spiritual moment in your life. What were you doing? Were you by yourself or with someone else?
• What is your most taboo religious belief?
• Some religions believe that human beings could never truly represent a higher power in art. Do you agree with this? What is an example of art or words that you feel represent the higher power?
• What are your thoughts on love languages?

What are some travel and adventure writing prompts?

• Write about your favorite vacation.
• What culture interests you the most?
• You get lost in a foreign city with no cell phone and no money. What do you do?
• Your favorite chef asks you to join them on a culinary tour of the world.
• What country have you always dreamt of traveling to?
• What’s your dream vacation?
• Tell the story of the worst traveling experience of your life.
• A country of your choosing fuses with North America.
• You and your best friends go on a road trip across America, with no budget and for however long you want.
• You are asked to review a luxury hotel on the beach.
• You are forced to leave your home and move to a remote foreign country. What do you pack with you?
• What about traveling excites you?
• Go back in time to the era of your choosing and describe how you live.
• Rate your top five favorite places in the world. What do you like about each place? What do you dislike?
• If you could have any travel-related job in the world, what would it be?
• You and your partner are kidnapped on your honeymoon.
• Describe a 100-day walking journey around your state.
• Imagine if you had never left your home in your entire life and then were forced to go outside and never come back to your house.
• What do you say to your family in a postcard from a new location?
• Describe what it’s like to sit in rush hour traffic in one of the busiest cities in the world.
• A journey to a new location is disrupted by natural disaster.
• Describe what it’s like to travel with a crippling fear of airplanes.
• What is it that you love about traveling? Explore that feeling.
• What is frightening about traveling? Explore that feeling.
• What stories would you most like to share about the town that you’re from?
• You have the opportunity to move anywhere in the world. Where do you choose?
• Explore what your travels in Asia have been like.
• Explore what your travels in Europe have been like.
• Explore what your travels in South America have been like.
• Explore what your travels in North America have been like.
• Explore what your travels in Africa have been like.
• What is the most unusual place you’d like to travel?
• What do you think is most misunderstood about the culture of your home country?
• What cultural norms are you most interested in exploring from foreign countries?
• Describe the foreign foods that you most want to try.
• Imagine that you are a successful chef in a foreign city.
• Describe a time when you have been excited to explore a new place.
• What is the most beautiful image that you have ever seen while traveling?
• You get to go to any museum in the world. Which one do you choose?
• What is your greatest horror story from traveling?
• What is your happiest story from traveling?
• Picture yourself on a foreign vacation with a person of your choosing. What do you do?
• If you had to move to a foreign country tomorrow, what five items would you pack with you?
• Set the scene for a beautiful beach that you have never traveled to.
• Set the scene for a gorgeous castle that you have never traveled to.
• A three day visit to Budapest becomes a maritime adventure down the Danube River to the Black Sea.
• You are a sales representative for a roulette table manufacturer. While visiting the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino for work, you decide to discard all your possessions, cash out your minimal savings, and hike the Mountains-to-Sea trail from Clingmans Dome to the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
• While en route to visit your college roommate in Kyoto, Japan you meet a stranger at Tan Son Nhat International Airport who needs your help finding a prophetic monk hiding from persecution in Saigon.
• You have to make it from Cairo to Alexandria (Egypt). You have no money. Your only mode of transport is a temperamental camel.
• In a high-stakes game of poker in the French Quarter, you wagered your soul to a voodoo doctor on a pretty bad hand. The only way to null the bet is to find a woman in Port-au-Prince, Haiti who has an item – the only  item – the man is willing to trade for.

What are some horror writing prompts?

• You wake up to a world in which all prisons are shut down, releasing dangerous prisoners into your neighborhood.
• A masked stranger appears at your front door with a knife.
• A random number texts you saying, “Don’t forget, you’re next.”
• Someone knocks at your door. You open it to find your deceased grandfather who has come back from the dead to pay you a visit. What does he want?
• Animals take over the world.
• Strange murmuring sounds being to come from the door that leads to your basement.
• While watching the evening news, the anchor looks directly at the camera and begins screaming before the camera cuts to black.
• A polar vortex freezes the entire planet.
• Whatever building you enter, you can see all of the people who died there.
• You wake up in a strange room, tied to a chair, with a single knife on the floor pointed at you.
• A chilling voice appears in your head. It won’t go away. One day, it tells you that you have to run.
• The old cuckoo clock at your grandmother’s home is haunted.
• You’re driving at night when you can’t help but shake the feeling that there’s a person in your back seat.
• One day, while you’re in the shower, you hear your front door open and close. “Hey, roomie, I’m home!” Someone shouts. You don’t have a roommate.
• A strange man living down the street begins leaving presents at your doorstep.
• The cruise ship is haunted.
• While working at a clothing store, you’re closing up the shop for the night when you see five men walk in through the front door and lock it behind them.
• You’re in the middle of a bank robbery – hiding in the bathroom.
• Your dog won’t stop barking at a sunken spot in your living room floor.
• For the last few days, you’ve been getting ominous messages written in blood on your bathroom mirror. Turns out, they’re from an awkward ghost with a serious crush on you. (@writing.prompt.s)
• The reason no one has ever seen the real Santa Claus is because everyone who sees him dies. You just saw him and now you need to survive. (@writing.prompt.s)
• You wake up bound to an electric chair, moments before your imminent death.
• A woman afraid of clowns is forced to work in a travelling circus. (Screencraft)
• A treasure hunter finds a tomb buried beneath the dirt. (Screencraft)
• A bartender serves last call to the only remaining patron who is the Devil himself. (Screencraft)
• A boy’s stepfather is actually a murderous werewolf. (Screencraft)
• A man wakes up with no mouth. (Screencraft)
• Deceased soldiers return to their Civil War-era homes. (Screencraft)
• Suburbia is actually purgatory. (Screencraft)
• A man suffers from sleep paralysis at the worst possible time. (Screencraft)
• A man murders his wife while sleepwalking.
• What appears to be a ghost approaches your car while you’re waiting at a stoplight.
• It’s late at night, and you hear footsteps in the cellar—but you’re definitely home alone… or so you thought. (The Write Practice)
• You’ve put that doll in the cabinet, in the closet, in the attic, but no matter where you tuck it, it always shows back up on the sofa. On Halloween night, you come out to find it watching you… (The Write Practice)
• A bad-tempered businessman is driving home after a long day of work. He thinks he sees his kids trick-or-treating and stops to pick them up—but those aren’t costumes. (The Write Practice)
• A young woman goes to her grandmother’s house for tea on Halloween night. They have a wonderful time together, sharing stories, joy, and the best times of family. The next day, the woman learns her grandmother has been dead for a week and no one could get ahold of her to tell her. (The Write Practice)
• Aliens have just landed on Earth—and boy, did they pick a weird day to come. How do they respond to Halloween, supernatural or otherwise? Do they decide this place is just too bizarre and get the heck out . . . or do they stick around and join in the fun? (The Write Practice)
• On Halloween night, lovers get to come back and spend the evening together one more time. One couple from the Roaring Twenties decides to come back from the grave to help their extreme nerd great-grandchild or the kid will never get married. (The Practice)
• A little boy’s lost in the woods, but at least his faithful dog is with him. As they look for the way out, the dog defends his master against terrifying monsters and animals. Finally, the boy arrives safely on the other side, beautiful green field, no more fog or night. Then the dog goes home . . . where his owner, the little boy, has died. The good doggy guarded him all the way to his final rest. (The Write Practice)
• You wake up in the middle of the night to see a dark figure crawling across your floor.
• Moments after taking off for a flight, the entire plane begins to shake dramatically. The pilot comes on the speaker and says, “This is very bad.”
• You awake in a dark, small box and can hear strange noises outside.
• Several weeks after buying your dream house, you start getting strange letters delivered in the mail warning you to move out.
• Your dog has been acting very strangely recently. Some would say… almost human.
• You stumble across a website that contains clues to some very disturbing crimes.
• As you’re settling in to bed for the night, you hear an unusual scratching sound at your bedroom window.
• You’re on vacation in a new city for the first time. As you walk down a busy boulevard, you suddenly look up to realize you have no idea where you are or how you got there. Come to think of it, you don’t even know who you are.
• On your way to work, you notice that no one is driving on roads. The busy rush hour traffic is nonexistent, and there are no people walking around, either. It’s just you. What’s going on?
• You discover, much too late, that your downstairs neighbor is a cannibal.
• During a renovation of your home, you and your spouse find human remains underneath your back porch – a crime that you are now being charged with.

What are some children’s writing prompts?

• Your dog begins speaking in a human voice one morning.
• The sky turns purple.
• Your best friend’s head turns into a mushroom.
• Dinosaurs come back to earth.
• You and your family rescue a turtle who was hit by a car and nurse him back to health.
• You turn into a goldfish.
• What would happen if you could turn any food into cotton candy?
• Rain turns into soda.
• Your family adopts a pet monkey.
• The new kid at school wants to be your friend, but you’re very shy.
• You and your boy scout troop get lost in the middle of the forest.
• Your parents tell you they’ll give you $20 if you eat your vegetables with every dinner. Do you do it?
• Write about a special memory from your childhood.
• What parent were you closest do? What are some of your favorite memories of spending time with them?
• Write about yourself at age five.
• Write about yourself at age ten.
• What was your greatest dream when you were a child?
• Write about your favorite childhood pet.
• Get inspiration for your writing by thinking about a vacation you took as a child.
• What would happen if you woke up one day and kids ruled the world?
• Tell the story of a child who has just transferred to a new school.
• Tell the story of a platypus.
• Imagine running away with a group of your childhood best friends – where would you go?
• Dream up your own imaginary world.
• Children’s books are known for their fun and creativity. What’s the craziest, kookiest new breed of animal you can imagine?
• Give advice to new parents.
• Give advice to your younger self.
• Imagine what it would be like to live in a world where instead of taking the school bus, you ride a dragon to classes!
• Write about your favorite childhood game.
• Tell the story of a family who decides to hire a new babysitter or nanny.
• Your parents tell you one day that you’re going to be a big sister – but you really like being the only child!
• If the world could be any color, what would you want it to be?
• If you could taste a specific flavor any time you ate something, what would you want it to be?
• Describe a trip to the zoo with your class.
• You and your best friends get to leave school to have lunch anywhere in town. Pizza, candy – anything! Tell the story of where you go.
• Tell the story of your first time at summer camp.
• Tell the story of your first time away from home.
• What if we lived in a world where kids were treated like adults? And adults were treated like kids?
• Take a spin at your very own Dr. Suess-esque book and use rhymes to tell a kooky, crazy story!
• You’re in charge of babysitting your little sibling for the first time.
• You decide to run away from home – what are some of the challenges that you face?
• Picture a world where everything is upside down! What’s life like for you?
• Write a book advising children on how to overcome adversity.
• Write a book advising children on how to be a good friend.
• Write a book advising children on how to be a kind sibling.
• Bobby the Bunny wants to make friends with a fox pup who recently lost its family.
• A giraffe and an ostrich live together in a zoo, where they bond over similar neck characteristics and learn how to play one another’s games.
• A dragon wants to be loved and befriended, but every time he farts, fire erupts from his rear end.
• Bruce the German Shepherd loves to run through the woods with his human. When he and his human get separated from one another, Bruce has to learn from his forest friends how to get back home.
• Tell the story of the tooth fairy… Imagine that she just started her job and has to be trained.

What are some young adult writing prompts?

• It’s your first day of middle school. But when you’re half human, half dragon, that makes things a little tough.
• What happens when you begin working at the same yogurt shop as your crush?
• Both of your parents die in a car accident, leaving you an orphan who gets shipped off to your mysterious aunt’s house in Europe.
• One day you find out that you never have to return to high school. What do you decide to do instead?
• You’re chosen to go on a school trip to Africa where you’ll be helping to build wells. You’ve never been out of the country, though, and are worried.
• Your mom disappears one day, and you never see her again.
• Tell the story of the best high school summer of your life.
• Your boyfriend gets in a horrible car accident and ends up in the ICU. Another girl is found in the car with him, too – but she died. Who is she?
• You find out that your brother is adopted.
• During her freshman year of college, she found out that people in her dorm started to disappear. Almost from thin air.
• A group of high school freshmen learn that the teachers and administrators at their boarding school are actually human like AI working towards the Singularity and human enslavement. If they don’t act fast, the robots win.
• A group of at-risk teenagers are on an overnight camping trip with a wilderness counseling group in Badlands National Park when an arctic blast forces them out of a blizzard and into a cave. On day three, their counselors go out in search for help – and never return.
• Your high school sweetheart dumps you suddenly because of something you posted on social media. But you didn’t post it, and you have to figure out just how different – and difficult – your life is now that you’ve been hacked.
• Imagine that the world is run amok with vampires. Or zombies. Or authoritarian dictatorships in a dystopian future.
• In the near future, climate change has led to the extinction of butterfly and bee pollinators. A small group of teen geniuses band together to develop autonomous, robotic insects to replicate the functions of insect pollination before the global food shortage turns from disastrous to extinction-level.
• You find out that your best friend’s dad is responsible for the growing number of missing people in your hometown. How do you get everyone to believe you?
• You did it – after years of hard work and try outs, you finally won the coveted spot on the football team. But here’s the thing – you’re the first girl to ever play.
• One night you wake up to find yourself levitating over your bed. The next morning, strange wings start to grow from your shoulders. Are you turning into some sort of mystical bird?
• It was pretty freaky to wake up for school one morning, only to see that my parents were literally frozen into blocks of ice in the kitchen. Even freakier? Every adult in town is frozen solid, too.
• A boy pursues his list of wildly ambitious New Year’s resolutions, with hilarious and touching results. (Bryn Donovan)
• A girl on the swim team transforms into a part-time mermaid. (Bryn Donovan)
• A group of “outsiders” become a clique that eventually excludes others. (Bryn Donovan)
• A girl’s favorite author plagiarizes her fanfiction. (Bryn Donovan)
• A boy learns who believed his sister died finds out she’s very much alive. (Bryn Donovan)
• A teenager’s best friend goes missing—and is widely believed to be the murderer of a family member. (Bryn Donovan)
• Two teens begin to write a fantasy novel together and then cross over into the world they’ve created. (Bryn Donovan)
• In a dystopian future, college admissions boards have access to video footage of students’ entire lives. (Bryn Donovan)
• A girl always hangs out at a particular little nook at the library. Then the same boy starts taking the space every day. (Bryn Donovan)
• A boy learns something terrible about his parents.(Bryn Donovan)
• In a modern-day Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, three girls ditch class for a day filled with adventures. (Bryn Donovan)
• 35. A girl who wants to be a virgin until she gets married faces social pressure about her decision. (Bryn Donovan)
• A teen gains the ability to take the form of any other person she chooses. (Bryn Donovan)
• A girl’s science fair project yields results that attract the government’s attention. (Bryn Donovan)
• A teen’s suspicions about a teacher lead him to conduct a private investigation. (Bryn Donovan)
• A girl struggles with the decision to tell authorities about what the star quarterback did. (Bryn Donovan)
• Soon after a boy was born, his father went missing. Now, a skeleton has been discovered in the basement of their former home. (Bryn Donovan)
• You check out a book from the library and discover that it’s telling the story of your life. Do you decide to read ahead and find out what happens, or let it be a surprise?
• Your beloved dog goes missing, resulting in a cross-country chase to reunite her with your family.
• Put yourself in your favorite anime or manga series. What type of character would you play?
• You and your best friends have been playing in a band in your mom’s garage for years. Now you’ve gotten discovered by a major Hollywood scout, but they only want you to go on to fame.
• Some friends go to an escape room only to discover it’s being run by one of the most elusive serial killers in history.
• After going to see the circus with your parents, you decide to run away to join the troupe. What act do you take on?
• What would you tell your younger self as a teenager? What do you wish you had done differently, or not done at all?
• What would your younger self tell you now? What would they think about your life?
• Tell the story of someone who switches places with themself as a 14-year-old.
• Think Princess Diaries – you’ve just found out you’re part royal with a massive inheritance to look forward to. What changes about your life?
• A small spaceship crash lands in your backyard with nothing inside but an instruction manual on how to rebuild the aircraft. Do you take it back into space?
• You have the power to shift into whatever creature you want – bear, wolf, etc. When do you choose to utilize your powers?
• What would happen if you changed places with a rockstar?
• Your big brother has always been the more successful, studious one of the family. You’ve finally got a chance to prove yourself and one up him – how do you do it?

How to use AI for writing prompts?

While that list was extensive, we understand that authors might need more specific prompts. For example, maybe your prompt needs to include exact examples and a more tailored answer specifically for your characters and story. That’s where Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be useful.

By engaging with ChatGPT in a conversation, users can specify their preferences and receive prompts that align with their interests. Whether you’re seeking prompts for fiction, non-fiction, or even poetry, ChatGPT can inspire and spark ideas that you may not have considered otherwise.

With its ability to understand context and generate coherent text, ChatGPT writing prompts can be a valuable tool for writers of all levels.

Some example questions authors can use in ChatGPT to create specific writing prompts include: “I’m looking for a fantasy prompt set in a magical forest with a protagonist on a quest for a lost artifact.” or “I need a mystery prompt set in a small town where a series of strange occurrences unravel a dark secret. Can you provide a compelling scenario?” You could even use some of the 500 prompts above and add them to ChatGPT and ask it to create some similar variations. The possibilities are endless!

There you have it, we hope these 500 writing prompts help you on your way to publishing your next book . For more resources on self-publishing, book marketing, and general indie author trends, make sure you check out these resources . You can also sign up for our free author newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news.

Note: This blog post was updated on 4/25/2024

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49 comments on “ 500 writing prompts to help beat writer’s block ”.

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Thanks for sharing the prompt ideas! I am thinking to start writing a book since a long time. But I wasn’t getting any good heads. Your article has helped to understand my area of interest, especially in which I can write a book successfully.

very nice story I like it

Writer’s doubts never end here is a way to solve this issue with 500 writing prompts. It is such a research based and praiseworthy blog, it is a must read. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us.

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With all 500 of these, I should have no trouble finding something to write about. Thanks so much for these prompts.

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My friends and I are doing a competition to see who is the best FANTASY writer. Here’s the catch, you need to include twins, homeless people and abused animals in your story. Plz help???

Hi Ebony! Maybe try a slightly post-apocalyptic slant? I know that subgenre can veer on Science Fiction (instead of Fantasy) but you could definitely apply those required themes to a post-apoc story.

Urban fantasy set in a modern day. The protagonist is a homeless person who has a pet dove-griffin (also called winged rats). One day, he is assaulted and they take his companion, leaving him for dead. He survives, and uses his background as a hunter to track down the people who wronged him, stumbling in the process upon a ring of fantasy animal traffickers called the Chain of Cerberus, which is ruled by three brothers, triplets. He has to fight against all odds using his skills and save his only friend and companion.

The secret motivation for the protagonist is atonement for his past as a hunter, since he helped rich people (like the Triplets) to capture the fantastic animals they were after.

I call it ‘Fantasy John Wick’

Thank you for sharing such a wealth of prompts! These are fantastic. What a tough job to choose 500! If you’re interested in more open-ended prompts (just to switch it up), check out my instagram for (almost) daily writing prompts as well: @sharp.writer .

This is the complete list of writing prompts over the internet. Thanks for sharing.

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SoI made like a short script bit of a prompt like the one bout you looking in a mirror to see something that does not look like you.

Its 5 o’clock in the morning. As I came out of my cream sheets with speckles of generally grey all around, I fixed my bed. From patting down pillows to rearranging my duvet for the most part placing my silk pretty black blanket to definitely finish it off. I basically was heading for the fridge to get the creamer for coffee when I stared into the actually metal fridge looking for my reflection but instead kind of found that something looking back at me and it was not my reflection, which really is quite weird. Its kind of looked nothing like me, or so I thought. I really tried to really come up with excuses; I am in a daze, I am still half-asleep, I for the most part am asleep. IT CAN’T BE. I said, until I saw that it can. But that thing in the mirror particularly was scaring me because it stared back at me and it was waving now in a kind of like I AM WATCHING YOU kind of way. but before I could do anything it….

I found your blog very helpful in my writing project someday. Thank you for sharing your wonderful article.

I’m so glad this was helpful to you, Monique. You’re very welcome!

I have been reading posts regarding this topic and this post is one of the most interesting and informative one I have read. Thank you for this!

You’re very welcome, Patricia!

i need to do a story in which the main character is a demigod (as in percy jackson yknow) and i don’t know what to write.

Here’s one you might enjoy , Anika! Found on the #demigod prompts Tumblr page.

This is an excellent list of prompts! For me, though, I don’t lack story ideas or character scenarios. After plotting out my story, I tend to get stalled after a few chapters or in a particular scene, even when I have a good conflict for the characters to work through. ****** I found this great little book on Amazon called “What Would Your Character Do?” It really helped me because the prompts are designed to get you brainstorming about your character’s next actions when you’re stuck in a scene. I can always find a prompt in the book to get me unstuck! I’ll definitely share this particular list with my writer friends though!

Great recommendation, Jackie! Thanks for sharing

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thank you for these prompts. they really helped with my writer’s block

these are so helpful! I’ve been trying to figure out how to continue my dystopian story for weeks then I found this website! I can’t wait to continue working!

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Thank you so much for compiling such an array of prompts. Reading through these and of course changing them up in my head has me scrambling to write again. Have a Blessed Day!

Was looking for some takes regarding this topic and I found your article quite informative. It has given me a fresh perspective on the topic tackled. Thanks!

What a great list of writing prompts. I have saved this page to share with my writing partner. I am sure we will use some of these.

Hello! I wanted to ask you, if I am allowed to use some of you prompts. (of course I will give credits to you and add a link to this site). I am leader for a community on an app called Amino, it’s quite similar to Instagram, where the member can post some stuff. I wanted to post some writing prompts, since everyone there likes to write. So I wantet do aks, if i can use some of your prompts. (And sorry for my bad english, I have a german community there, since I speak german…)

Absolutely, please feel free to share and we would appreciate linking back!

Of course I do, thank you!

This was so helpful! Every prompt in this article was amazing You’ve really outdone yourself Kelsey!!!!!<3

This is extremely helpful. I am in 2nd year of high school and struggle with writers-block. I decided to do number three in the ‘horror’ section, and the options written in this article are extremely ‘flexible’ — there is a prompt for everyone. Thank you.

These writing prompts are fun! Thanks for putting it all together.

I’ve started several books. None completed, Although a few stories were published in a small town newspaper. A couple of years ago I began a book when the work came to an abrupt end. My husband fell off the roof. Now, after 2 years, I find myself wanting to write, but stymied as how to pick up where I left off. I’ve read your prompts. Some of the fiction, thriller, mystery and prompts in other areas have been true life experiences for me. Now, as I stand in the aftermath of the train that hit me, in need of a battery jump to restart, I have hopefully found a way forward.

I absolutely loved these! Thanks so much! Writing prompts really help me keep the wheels turning.

Thanks so much for these amazing prompts! I had nailed down a genre and topic but needed some help getting down to the nitty gritty specifics. You saved the day (and my essay). Thank you!

I am impressed with your sharing. Helpful for new writers. Thanks for your share.

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Unbeatable listing. A lot of quality and tremendous compilation.

I love these prompts! They help me get started when I’m feeling stuck.

I have all the actual writing material I need, but I am using writing prompts to get myself in the zone for writing. This list is outstanding. It’s a bit of a struggle to stop perusing because there are so many that entice me. I’m pretty sure that many of these will little warm-ups will end up in my Ideas file. Thanks so much for this.

To the prompt about scientists figuring out how to extend life but someone has to die:

The mail held a few worthless ads, nothing to be worried about. But then my heart stopped at the sight of a letter. My hands trembled as I took it out of the box. I wracked my brain for ways to escape. If I never read it, could I claim ignorance? No, it would never work. Shakily I tore open the envelope and unfolded the paper inside. When it began with “We sorrowfully regret to inform you,” I recognized the words from my sister’s letter and the grief came flooding back. Half for her and half for myself. I wasn’t ready to let go of the wonderful life I had. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. But it didn’t matter. Getting this letter meant I was going to die, and it also meant that I had no choice.

Just a blurb. Thoughts?

These gave me some great ideas!

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100 Creative Plot Ideas Organized by Genre

by GetPublished | Sep 17, 2019 | Blog , Writing

Table of Contents

Here are one-hundred plot ideas for when your mind is feeling frazzled and the noggin empty. Some of the plot ideas here are completely out of this world while others are down to earth. From dystopia to romance, to the cliché and outlandish, this list is sure to kickstart your imagination!

Overcome Writer’s Block With Some Fresh New Plot Ideas for Your Genre

Fantasy plot ideas.

First off, we have some fantasy plot ideas for all your magical needs!

• A mortal has been accidentally placed onto Olympus.
• Everyone is born with three wishes in life that they are not allowed to use until (input age here).
• A contest for the queen after the sudden death of said queen from a magical realm.
• The bridge between the realm of the fae and mortal shrinks with each day while tensions run high.
• You are the first and last person to discover the fountain of youth.
• You have lived for (insert time) but have run into the option to finally be set to rest, but (blank) makes you question what you truly want.
• You have lived many lifetimes, always in an endless cycle of birth and death, you finally find someone the same though.
• Each night you are woken by the shouts of sailors and deckhands, the ringing of bells, and the light. But no one else has seen or heard such things.
• Luck has become a hereditary trait.
• Imaginary friends have gone too far, now that friend is real… but something is totally off.
• “Familiars” play pivotal roles in society, the strength of said creature determines your fate.

Live your fantasy writing dream, or find a genre that you should write for !

Romance Plot Ideas

Maybe love will always find a way with these romance plot ideas. Or will everything go down in flames?

• She’s a world-class thief, he’s the lead investigator. At each crime scene, there’s a note left just for him.
• He’s rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and no one has ever been able to get close to him. All he cares about in life is perfection which he always is looking for in artwork and whatnot. But then an unruly, perfectly imperfect girl bumps into him, ruining the vase he’s bought while at a show.
• She has no care for love, all she cares about is ruling with an iron fist, making her the fearsome but prosperous boss nationwide. Her newest hire has all the skills needed and perfect in every aspect, but then she’s discovered to be sent by her rival… what will she do?
• She’s motivated by blood and money and will take nearly any contract if there’s enough cash involved; he is to be the victim. But when one contract killer is trying to kill the other, what will occur?
• In his kingdom, it is to be a queen that always rules. However, when both his parents are murdered, to keep some unpleasant relatives off the throne he must change his entire identity to be the new queen. This includes marrying the prince of another kingdom…
• He ensures that everyone finds their soulmate, sometimes through much trial and error. All he’s ever done is watch idly by, but when he falls in love with a mortal meant for someone else, what is he to do?
• She’s a writer, one that writes about love and death. One night she gets a call from someone who says and acts exactly as one of her characters did… alarmed she continues to contact this person. Soon enough she finds herself in love with the character…
• She expects and wants everything to go exactly like all the fairytale stories she heard when she was younger, always with expectations high whilst being often the laughingstock. But then, she meets him…
• Everyone knows their fate, hers is quite bleak. She has no motivation and low expectations because of it, but then she is mistaken for someone else. And when she is mistaken to be who she’s not, he comes into her life and finds herself with everything she was never supposed to have.
• His father is quite literally (some well-known character that would cause problems, ex: the devil, Frankenstein/ doctor Frankenstein, Vampire/Werewolf, etc.), making him a total outcast. When a new girl who heeds no warnings approaches him, what will he do?
• Their relationship was fake or at least supposed to be anyhow.
• She began getting strange letters in her mail, they were yellowed and very old looking, but somehow well preserved all the same even though appearing to be from centuries ago. She eventually decides to write one back, and he receives it. They’re centuries apart but sure they’re soul mates.

Mystery Plot Ideas

What’s been stolen, who’s dead, what’s the motive? So much to ask for these mystery plot ideas.

• You can’t figure out whether you’re awake or asleep.
• You have woken up after a terrible accident, at least that’s what everyone has told you. No one seems to be willing to give any details and you can’t remember the last year of your life…
• You could’ve sworn that someone tapped you on the shoulder, but no one was there. As well you feel watched, and then you receive a letter.
• A few months ago, you began to sleepwalk, but it’s not only you, but it also seems the entire town is as well.
• As you’re restoring a painting you notice something strange, an engraving and the details seem to be changing.
• A crime has occurred, more specifically a murder. The victim was found poisoned at the scene and as if they were sleeping, next to a bitten apple… and they were dressed as snow white. Will more follow?
• A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least that’s what they say. This one was certainly worth more than that.
• A box of pictures fell onto you as you bumped a shelf, it showed a person in each and seemed to go back quite a long time… but in each, the same cat sat.
• People believed to be dead or lost for years have started to show up as if they never left with no recollection of where they went either.

Pro Tip: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook—don’t let distractions keep you from writing your first novel! Use different online writing tools to get the most out of your writing sessions.

Dystopian Plot Ideas

Suffering and injustice, the bread and butter of dystopian society, plenty of that in these dystopian plot ideas!

• People are now able to quite literally bet their lives when gambling now.
• In a desperate hope to cut down on crime and population, those convicted are now entered into a lottery of sorts, the prize? Death. Those with more convictions or worse crimes have a higher likelihood of being chosen.
• No one remembers why the walls were built, no one wishes to leave either though.
• Black Friday has turned into a “game” for the rich. They throw trinkets and cash to the crowds of those poorer to watch the bloodbath that ensues.
• Due to the high-cost and overcrowding of prisons, the government has sent prisoners to man-made islands of which there is no escape. Each island is for a certain level of prisoner, they are left to create their own society or kill each other, whichever works, I guess.
• It is now rare for twins to be born, and when they are born it most often is due to one that is meant to stop the other.
• A very rare few are born without emotions; it is possible though for others to donate emotions for a time.
• Physical traits are achieved through personality. Over time good deeds will create beauty.
• Reincarnation is a real thing, and there are bounty hunters to track down these people. They may have been lovers, criminals, etc.
• The ability to see color is a privilege of the aristocratic.
• Only the smart, strong, and stunningly gorgeous survive. Everyone else is put to death to control the population.
• Sometimes news stations find themselves lacking, that’s why you were born. You’re what they call a Joker, your entire purpose is to do all that will make for a great story.
• It is now possible to entirely swap bodies with someone else. Of course, this always results in the death of who you’re swapping with.
• It is illegal to look outside from the time 11:07 pm to 6:07 am. Each person is required to enter a windowless room for those times in which the government has the ability to lock and unlock the door.
• The earth turns out to be a sanctuary for an endangered species, humans. Today is the first day they are to be introduced back into the wild.

Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner—what do all of these books have in common? They are dystopian novels turned blockbuster movies! Read more about the best—and worst— movie adaptations of all time .

Horror Story Plot Ideas

Clowns with red balloons and masked killers, don’t go into the haunted house! Here are some horror story plot ideas!

• As an assassin with a sixth sense, you seek vengeance for the restless souls.
• You’re a sleepwalking murderer, but when you wake up, you’re a well-known and renowned detective. You’re hunting yourself and others.
• In the future virtual reality is more prevalent and even realistic than it’s ever been, an entirely new world and life. It’s often used on high profile criminals to make them live what they did from the victim’s view or their worst nightmare.
• You’re finally meeting your “soulmate’s” parents, thrilled and full of glee. But as they close the door behind you, they lean in to whisper, “I’m sorry” / “Forgive me”.
• You’ve been noticing strange things when you awake, new marks or stains, objects moved, new, or even missing. So, you set up a camera. After a few weeks of going over the footage, there’s something strange and unnerving.

~Idea to further this: You wake up, get out of bed, and look into the camera… and then you die. (You kill yourself, duplicate comes in, etc.), Then someone who looks like they could be an exact clone comes in and drags out the body, cleans up, and slips back into bed.

• She never seems to be able to get it right. She can’t seem to find “the one”, or someone even close to that. Little does she know it’s been the same… creature, a shapeshifter who at all costs will have her.
• Each night you heard a tapping on the glass or shrill noise. One night it was too loud to ignore and persisted… soon you realized it was coming from the…
• It’s 3:33 am, a blaring siren comes from your phone with an official notification: Do not look at the moon, do not even glance at it. As well there’s an unbelievable amount of texts and posts on social media saying in some way that it’s a must-see, stunningly beautiful, once in a lifetime view.
• “The human mind is truly the most horrifying and gruesome thing of all.”
• The crow counting rhyme: One for sorrow / Two for mirth / Three for a wedding / and Four for a birth / Five for silver / Six for gold / and Seven for a secret not to be told. There are also many variations of this rhyme that you could use instead, sets up for an interesting and creepy story though.
• The last thing I saw was the glow of my alarm clock, 3:00 am, and then (something scary, death, creature, etc.) ex: its long and sharp rotting nails slowly tore through my neck, its other “hand” muffling my screams. I then woke up in a cold sweat and glanced at the clock, 2:59 am… and that’s when I heard a creaking and smelled of rot.
• It is now possible to know some details of your past lives, how many, how long you lived, etc. As well it’s been linked that some of your phobias are how you died…
• You’re on edge, a few weeks ago you there would be some weird occurrence. Then it was a note with messy and illegible writing. Now you can hear shrill noises, screams, shouting, indistinct. Now at seemingly the source of a scratching noise etched is a clear warning.
• An anonymous admirer letter was slipped under your door at your college. It would seem cute and sweet if it hadn’t been from your closet.
• I found a dead body in my trunk today… I could’ve sworn that I had more than that in there just yesterday.
• Every night you visit me, sometimes in a dream, sometimes in my nightmares.
• I kissed my wife and darling daughter goodnight… and then I awoke in a white padded room with a straight jacket on. They told me it was all just a dream.

Plot Twist Ideas

There are some real turnarounds in this list of plot twist ideas!

• The princess saves the prince.
• Write a story where one of your characters either from the start or at some point in the book are dead or presumed dead. Then have it be that they never were to shake up the story.
• A character that keeps telling outlandish things, but it turns out they’re right.
• A main character or “essential” character killed out of nowhere.
• Have a very guilty and easy to hate a character in your story, have it be a double-cross or frame job.
• A character who is mistaken for someone else but goes along with it.
• A character is revealed to not be what they or the audience had thought.
• An important character throughout the plot is revealed to never have truly existed.
• Some devastating occurrence is caused by those whose entire goal was to fix it or keep it from occurring.
• A character believed to be unimportant to quite bland turns out to be essential and far from.
• Something the character has been searching for or desperately needed was right in front of their eyes the entire time.
• Have it turn out to be that the entire time some blackmail has been the cause for nearly all of a character’s actions.
• A character who is absolutely in love/ obsessed/ or infatuated with another learns it’s for the wrong reasons/ that they’re not at all what they seemed/ etc.
• It turns out the character or group of characters have been led to helping the enemy.

Other Creative Plot Ideas

Here are the last fifteen plot ideas, hopefully you’ll find some other creative plot ideas as well here!

• Make a hero or protagonist that most will hate, vice versa for an antagonist or villain.
• Truth or Dare, your character has a secret, or a truth. What are they willing to say or do to keep said truth secret.
• “I love you.”, “Lying isn’t a good look for you.”
• A bunch of short stories that end on major cliffhangers, but a final one. Once you’re done writing those maybe have them somehow all connect or give the ending to each.
• Everyone ages up until a certain age (ex: 18, 21, etc.) and will remain that age until they meet their soulmate. (Could be used as someone avoiding finding theirs to reign forever, or accidentally aging, or finding you aren’t aging even when with someone.)
• A high school group can’t agree on the meaning and interpretation of Romeo and Juliet , so of course they split into two groups. But then, one person from one group falls in love with the other. Even though it seems nearly every Shakespeare is going on in the group at the same time.
• The retelling of Snow White, if she truly had lips red as a rose, hair black as ebony, and skin white as snow.
• A world where everyone is born with a unique tattoo that gives a hint to fate, personality, each person they love their tattoos will begin to form somewhere on them. These tattoos cannot be removed and will not go away, though they can be hidden and covered. They will receive a tattoo or mark for each love they have, it does not matter if they no longer do or what happens.
• A customer-service worker (retail, support, etc.) who quits their day job to deal with demons, ghosts, and whatnot.
• A story on vampires, but not all are the usual sophisticated, well mannered, well spoken, and so on. Instead, they do their best to not seem outdated, may mercilessly mix multiple slang from way to many different eras, or talking in laughable applications of slang and references, etc.
• Vampires, but for once there are those who’ve been turned other than around nineteen or twenty. With some being turned as a child or while elderly.
• A world where all the mythical creatures or monsters, etc., exist and try to coexist. Each with their own job, talent, and so on. Trying to live “normally”.
• Cinderella went to the ball to murder the prince. Retellings of well-known fairy tales.
• A “superhero” and “villain” who are roommates and nemesis. (Could be they don’t know about the other so both are lying, they both know but don’t want to give away themselves, so on)
• A twist on the changeling stories. A mother caught a fair attempting to switch the child with a changeling soon after the arrival of her child. So she is unable to tell them apart, raises both. Both twins are exactly identical in voice and appearance.

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What is a writing prompt generator.

A writing prompt generator is a tool that produces a random writing prompt depending on the genre you choose.   Writing prompts   are writing topics or story starters that help with the ideation process of writing, by giving you a specific topic to write on.

Writing prompts are often used in a learning setting, when writers need direction. However, writing prompts are also used by   authors   that struggle with finding their next book idea, or experience writer’s block that prevents them continuing their project.

A writing prompt gives direction, and is like a seed that writer’s can use to sprout their imagination and creativity. You can choose whether or not to deviate from the original writing prompt or not; it’s up to you!

How does this random Writing Prompt Generator work?

Our   Writing Prompt   Generator is designed especially for novelists and authors in search of their next book idea. The prompt generator is loaded with a variety of random prompts and story starters, all based on genre type, and we are continuously updating the tool with more prompts so you can get a jumpstart to write your book .

To get started, select your writing type and genre. The generator will randomly produce a writing prompt that meets the criteria of your choice.

Here are the steps to use this Writing Prompt Generator:

• Select “Fiction” or “Nonfiction” as your writing type.   Fiction is the best choice if you’re looking for creative writing prompts to   write a novel   or story that’s imaginative. Nonfiction is the best choice if you want to   write a nonfiction book   based on real life.
• Select a “Genre.”   There are specific genres for both nonfiction and fiction. Once you select your writing type, you’ll be presented with a number of genres to choose from. Select the genre that intrigues you most!
• Enter your information (optional).   If you want to join our community and receive occasional emails, enter your information. Or, click “No thanks” to be taken to your prompt.
• Click “Generate.”   Let the writing prompt generator work its magic!

Your randomized writing prompt will immediately appear. If you aren’t happy with the prompt the generator produced, just click “Generate” again and another prompt will be created. Keep doing this until you find one you love!

Who should use this prompt generator?

Anyone who has an interest in writing can use this writing prompt generator for free.

But since we’re in the business of helping writers become published authors, we designed this writing prompt specifically for these types of people:

• Aspiring authors:   For writers who want to become authors, these writing prompts will help you brainstorm a bestselling book!
• Published authors: For those who have already completed the publishing journey and are ready to become multi-bestselling authors, these writing prompts can help you generate your next book idea .
• Nonfiction writers: If you know you want to become a nonfiction author but need some ideas, try choosing a random genre from our nonfiction writing prompts.
• Creative writers: If you want to beat writers block, express some creativity, or master your craft, use one of these random prompts to flex your creative muscles.
• Fiction writers: For those who love writing fiction, you can experiment with a number of fiction genres using these random prompts.

Writing Prompt Generator: Genre Breakdown

Show 10 25 50 100 entries.

Reasons to use a Writing Prompt Generator

Why use a generator to come up with a story idea, you ask? There are plenty of reasons!

Sometimes, using a random prompt generator is especially helpful for those looking to improve their writing craft, implement a new   literary technique , or explore a different genre.

Here are some reasons to use a Writing Prompt Generator:

• Story guidance.   Sometimes, coming up with a story ides is half the battle. With a writing prompt generator, you never have to worry about a lack of ideas.
• Exploring new genres.   If you’re hesitant about dabbling in new genres, a writing prompt generator is a low-risk avenue to help you explore a topic that you wouldn’t have thought of. 
• Creative brainstorming.   A story starter can plant the seed of inspiration. When you read a prompt, it might help you to think of another idea to pursue. 
• Writing practice.   Using a guided prompt is great for developing your writing skills. With a random prompt, you can feel free to practice new writing techniques without fear of failure.
• Writer’s block.   For writers that struggle with creative blocks, a writing prompt generator can get your wheels turning again.

Story Prompt Generator For Book Ideas

We specifically designed this random writing prompt generator to help writers produce their next book idea. That means it functions as a story prompt generator as well!

But that doesn’t mean you should use this story prompt generator to write an entire book with the first prompt you get.

Instead, experiment with the generator and use specific prompts that interest you to see where it takes your writing. Then, when you feel fully invested in a topic, RUN with it!

Here’s how to know if your book idea is good:

• It intrigues you.   You’re going to spend a lot of time with this idea, so make sure it’s something you’re passionate about and extremely interested in.
• There is an audience.   In order to succeed with publishing your book, you need to make sure there’s an audience ready to buy the type of book you want to write. Browse around Amazon to see if there are related topics that are bestsellers.
• You can spend a lot of time on it.   Even if you enjoy a topic, you want to make sure your interest is long-term, and is motivating enough for you to write an entire book on.
• The topic is relatable. Even if it’s a story that takes place in a galaxy far, far away, there needs to be some element or experience for your reader to relate to.
• Your   book idea   is unique.   Nobody wants to read the same story over and over again! If you’re covering a topic that’s already been written on, find a new, unique angle to approach.
• People express interest.   If someone says they like your idea, they probably do and would be willing to read it!
• You’re passionate about your story.   If you find yourself thinking about your book often throughout the day, and can’t stop hiding your excitement for it, your passion will show through your writing.

Now that you know how to use a writing prompt generator, and why it can be extremely helpful for writers of all backgrounds, styles, and levels of expertise, it’s time to get started!

Are you ready to use the Writing Prompt Generator for your next book idea?

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Home > money & life

43 Ways to Find the Best Book Idea for a New Writer

Coming up with the right book idea can be a serious challenge regardless of how experienced you are as a writer.

Whether you’re a brand new writer or a seasoned author ready for a new writing project, it can be incredibly difficult to find the inspiration you need, in order to commit to an endeavor as arduous as writing a book . I’m a firm believer that the best book ideas must come from within.

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However, the ways in which you find and cultivate the story ideas that have the potential to turn into a book idea (or best seller) you’re passionate about writing, are plentiful.

Create  a strategic plan to help you realize your book-writing dreams. Learn more with Jennie Nash.

As a writer myself, I’ve gone through a lot of creative ups and downs. For this exhaustive list of potential book ideas, I’m pulling straight from my personal list of ways to find inspiration for my own writing process, when I’m lacking motivation.

Over the years, this list has grown with ideas and inspiration I’ve gleaned from a handful of my favorite experimental storytellers like Tim Ferriss ,  Dan Carlin , Alex Blumberg and others who’ve created some of my favorite dynamic podcasts.

These techniques to finding inspiration as a writer, come from pushing myself outside of my comfort zone with trying new experiences, conducting massive amounts of research on topics I’m interested in, running massive lifestyle experiments, taking a deeper dive into my thoughts and dreams, and so much more. Let’s dive in.

Here are my 43 ways to come up with the best book ideas that’ll help you hit the ground running as a new writer.

Book Ideas From Your Experiences

1. write about what pisses you off most..

I could write endlessly about the mistakes entrepreneurs tend to make with their first businesses. It doesn’t quite piss me off, but I care so much about this topic and want to help others avoid the most painful mistakes I’ve made myself, that it fuels my ability to write ad nauseam on the complexities of how to  start a business . What gets you most heated?

Take that topic and write about it without any creative restraints whatsoever. Let the words meet the page, don’t judge your ideas, and then structure the content later. This approach has fueled many of my best blog posts that could easily turn into book ideas in the future, a strategy Tara Gentile teaches in her class about How to Write and Publish an eBook .

2. Do Something Remarkable, Then Write About It.

Imagine the story you could tell if you made a trip like Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did on their 20,000 mile bike crossing 12 counties and 19 time zones in 2004. Of course, these were celebrities taking time off to raise money for charity . If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not in a position to travel unpaid for 115 days. However, there are still many smaller-scale remarkable endeavors that you could do, that’d be worth writing about. For instance, you could ride a bicycle through every state in the US, in one year or attempt to break a world record then share the experiences and lessons learned with your readers.

3. Start a Blog and Write Chapters One Post at a Time.

This works particularly well for niche topics. Gain a loyal following writing a series of blog posts on something you’re interested in. Once you have built up a quality library of posts, you can repackage them into a book. Philip Sandifer is a fan of British sci-fi show, Doctor Who. He wrote an essay on every Doctor Who story (there are more than 800 stories in the show’s 53-year history) and then collected his blog posts into a series of books. Tara Gentile has also had a lot of success with this approach, and teaches the technique in her self-publishing clas s. Whether you plan on going the traditional publisher route, or self-publishing a book on Amazon, this is one of the best paths toward writing a book over a more realistic period of time without undue pressure.

4. Create a Podcast and Write a Book Based on What You’ve Learned from Guests.

Did you know that one in four Americans ages 12-54 listened to a podcast last month? In fact, according to Jay Baer of Convince and Convert with an assist from Edison Research , the same number of Americans listen to podcasts each month, as use Twitter. One of the most popular podcast formats is to invite an interesting guest onto your show and interview them for your audience. Entrepreneur and CreativeLive instructor, Lewis Howes took this exact approach when he wrote his New York Times best-selling book, The School of Greatness , which shares everything he’s learned from interviewing hundreds of the world’s top creatives.

5. Write and Self-Publish a Short eBook to Test the Waters.

If you have an idea for a book, but you’re not sure whether or not there’s enough demand in the market to support book sales, why not test the waters by writing a smaller eBook on the subject? If you find that there’s a positive response to your shorter-form eBook, this will give you the confidence to dig deeper into your subject matter and write a full book on the topic. We talk a lot about how to deploy this book validation strategy in How to Write and Publish an eBook with Tara Gentile.

6. Write a Book and Publish One Chapter at a Time with Amazon Kindle Singles.

If the thought of writing a full-length novel is too intimidating, then one very real option is to break your book into smaller chunks that you publish one at a time. You would be in good company if you did, Charles Dickens wrote The Pickwick Papers , his very first novel, as a series of short stories in the 19th century. With easy-to-use blogging platforms, the Internet now makes this a very easy task. As an added benefit beyond publishing all of the stories at once, you’ll have the opportunity to adjust your writing style for the later chapters in response to feedback you get early on.

7. Ask Your Friends What They Like Reading Most, Write Something For Them.

Your friends are already a captive audience. Ask them what they like reading about, chances are there are more people out there who have similar tastes. Write your book imagining that your friends are your target readers . Of course, your friends are unlikely to be fierce critics if the first draft of your book isn’t up to snuff, so make sure you elicit honest (sometimes brutal) feedback on the first versions of your book, in order to avoid them just telling you what they think you want to hear.

8. Jot Down Everything You Laugh About for 1 Full Week, Write a Story About It.

We carry around smartphones around with us wherever we go, so jotting down some quick notes every time you laugh for a full week isn’t very difficult. While it may be challenging to remember to write down the reason for every burst of laughter, it could very well provide you with a rich source of material for your next piece of writing. Try and capture these three things with each laughter entry and you’ll have some great writing inspiration for a solid book idea: who made you laugh, why you laughed, and how that made you feel. I’ve done this in short journal entry format, and it’s been some of my favorite material to re-read weeks or even months later.

9. Write About What Makes You Laugh Hardest.

This could easily tie in with the activity above, but I’ve found that it’s often more fun to expand upon just one instance when you laughed hysterically in the past. To me, laughter is a sign of a truly great story, and it’s usually highly contagious. Of course, you might be embarrassed about what makes you laugh most, and it may not be politically correct. However, the more outlandish or embarrassing the story, the more likely you are to attract an engaged audience for your book idea.

10. Write About the Most Upsetting Experience You’ve Ever Had.

One of the stranger quirks of the human state I’ve come to observe, is that we’re drawn in to read, watch and consume traumatic stories that highlight the difficulties others have triumphed over in life. While you may struggle to tell the world about your most upsetting experiences, it’s likely that people would benefit tremendously from hearing how you’ve gone through unfortunate circumstances or failures, and what you’ve learned on the other side.

11. Write About the Person Who’s Had the Most Impact on Your Life.

Have you had a mentor that’s left a lasting impression in your personal life or within your career? Maybe it was your best school teacher, youth leader, business advisor, or simply an older friend or family member. Think about how they’ve impacted your life, pull out specific lessons they imprinted on you and dedicate the book to them as the ultimate thank you. Gratitude is contagious, and this format makes for an incredibly empowering book idea.

12. Take Photographs of Your City and Write About Your Experiences.

Do you live in an interesting, vibrant city? People love to hear stories about interesting people in fascinating places. This book idea is particularly compelling if you already have skill at using a camera . Have you been into an Urban Outfitters recently? There is a huge demand for visually stimulating books featuring beautiful urban photography and stories explaining the tale behind the images.

13. Write About One of Your Hobbies.

People love to learn more about their hobbies. Whether you are a cake decorator, an ice skater or a fly fisherman, there is potential for you to share your knowledge with others who have the same interests. As a freelance content marketer by trade, I can sit down and write for hours in ridiculous detail about something I recently learned. Quite often you can even sell hobby-related books to people who do not otherwise read often. Even “non-readers” have a desire to improve their favorite hobbies, especially when they can take their new skills and monetize them in some way.

14. Take Inspiration From Your Favorite Songs and Musicians.

You could choose to write about your favorite musician from a fan’s perspective. Perhaps you’ve been to one their concerts and could write about the experience. If you have a good music collection, perhaps you could choose to write about the songs they have released, possibly looking at the messages behind them. Alternatively, you could examine some song lyrics, and see if these can inspire you to tell a tale. Here’s an example: Right now I’m listening to “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . One of the lyrics in the song is, “If I were the king of the world, I’ll tell you what I’d do… I’d throw away the cars and the bars and the war.” Even from a line that simple, one potential book idea that inspires me would be to cover the impact music has had on politics in the US. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s, there were a lot of bands that became very influential in our culture, by promoting a message of peace and equality. Uncovering a correlation between positive social changes in that time period and the positive music that rose in popularity would undoubtedly stir up a readership.

15. Write About Your Career Experience Within Your Industry.

Most of us have built up a wealth of life experiences. Many books have been written by people telling tales from within the industry in which they work. Have you been working in a job long enough to build up a series of anecdotes that might interest or amuse potential readers? How about teaching them something that’ll accelerate their path to becoming an expert within your space? I’ve done exactly this by chronicling my own personal journey of becoming a freelancer within the content marketing world, and have written a series of posts about how to start a freelance business , that have attracted a large readership.

16. Write About the Biggest Problem Facing Your Industry (and Potential Solutions).

Discuss any major problems or issues that you can identify within your industry and thoughtfully propose new solutions. If you’ve tested these solutions yourself, even better! This will be particularly useful if you can come up with practical and cost-effective solutions to the challenges other businesses in your space are facing, and will help you position yourself as an expert, one of the major reasons people decide to write a book in the first place.

17. Commit a Random Act of Kindness Every Day for a Month and Write About the Experience.

If you’ve spent any amount of time on Facebook or YouTube over the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly seen viral videos of people committing random acts of kindness. And they do so for good reason, the results of sharing stories of random acts of kindness can be so inspiring that others around the world are compelled to follow in kind. While newspapers thrive largely on bad news, there is still a huge demand by people to learn about selfless acts and be reminded that good people are out there. The more creative you can get with the content medium for translating this book idea into a true work of art, the better.

18. Take a Spontaneous Trip and Write About Your Experiences.

Another way to gain new experiences, is through travel. Michael Palin managed to reinvent himself (from being part of comedy team Monty Python) to being a travel writer and videographer . You may not have the resources to devote your life to travel, as he has been able to. However, I am sure that you could create a book sharing your experiences and what lessons you have learned, no matter how modest your trip is. Check out this post  from Shannon O’Donnell as a starting point for creating a lifestyle of traveling the world and doing freelance work remotely.

19. Record Talks or Workshops You Give and Have Them Transcribed.

Do you have the opportunity to give talks or hold in-person workshops to teach people about a specific subject matter? This could be work-related, or it could simply be a subject on which people recognize you as being knowledgeable. Unless you are an off-the-cuff speaker, you have probably already prepared a lecture or resources that’ll serve as the foundation for this book idea, which will in turn widen your audience and potentially lead to more paid speaking gigs.

20. Have Your Webinars and Videos Transcribed and Compiled.

Have you built a library of webinars or video content for yourself? There’s so much value that’s delivered through video content and it’s rarely transcribed into written form to be used elsewhere. If you transcribe your videos and fill in the gaps to complete each thought and make the finished work highly relevant, you have the potential to reach an entirely new audience with this easy-to-implement book idea. Check out Upwork’s Transcription Listings  to find some affordable help to outsource transcription to.

21. Write About the Answers to the Questions You’re Asked Most By Friends and Co-Workers.

If you haven’t yet noticed the most common questions people ask you on a daily or weekly basis, now would be a good time to start recording those queries. Every time somebody asks you a question, write it down. After a while, you may see trends. If your friends and co-workers want answers on particular topics, then it’s highly likely that others are seeking the same answers as well. This is the process by which I wrote one of my most successful blog posts.

Every day I had visitors from my website asking me to share business ideas with them, so I created an exhaustive list featuring over one hundred of the  best business ideas and that post has helped thousands of people over the past year. This approach could even apply to a stay-at-home mom. What questions are your kids always asking? There is a great book idea here, for creating something fun, educational and relevant to children. If you aren’t fielding a lot of questions yourself right now, head over to  Quora  and see which questions are ranking well within your areas of interest, then weigh in on questions you feel qualified enough to answer.

Book Ideas From Running Experiments

22. experiment with your physical limits..

This is a variation of the second book idea on this list. You may not be able to commit yourself to performing something remarkable at the moment, but there is still interest in books where authors experiment with pushing their physical boundaries. For example, if you are you a middle-aged professional who works out very infrequently, try training for a marathon and write a book chronicling your progress. Perhaps you’re not in the physical condition you desire and you’d like to lose a significant amount of weight. Again, push yourself to your limit with diet and exercise experiments. Others who are seeking to make similar transformations can benefit greatly from your experiences.

23. Get Creative with Your Content Medium.

Who said books have to be comprised solely of text? Write a book that leans on photographs, GIFs (totally possible if you self-publish your own eBook ) video clips, and other creative content mediums. Making your eBook a truly multimedia experience alone would differentiate your book idea from the rest of the crowd.

24. Experiment with Radical Changes in Your Daily Routine and Write About the Effects.

Are you someone who sticks to a similar routine every day? I know I am. Challenge yourself to make a drastic change to your routine and observe how your daily life changes. Sleep at different times, meditate when you wake up, eat six small meals a day, change your method of transport, do a rigorous workout twice daily. You can be the subject of your own documentary, and your book can be the lab results.

25. Take a Different Class Every Day for a Month and Write About the Effects.

Do you have a thirst for knowledge? Spend a month experimenting with a wide range of transformative courses. You could try different exercise classes, cooking mediums, business skills, writing classes , drawing, and designing . The list of potential classes is as long as your imagination. As a starting point, check out a few of my favorite free  online and in-person class providers:  CreativeLive , Saylor Academy and Open Culture . On the other side, write about how you feel after a month of varied study. Will you feel that you’ve learned much or will you have simply taken a shallow dip into each subject matter? Do you think you could discover a new interest that may fuel a future book idea, in itself?

26. Completely Cut Out Social Media and Write About the Effects.

U.S. adults spend an average of over 4.7 hours on their phones per day . A significant amount of that time is spent checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat and other social media platforms. To many people, social media is an essential part of their daily lives. It’s the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night. Wean yourself off it for a period and then write about how you have managed while not using social media. Have you suffered from withdrawal? Has your absence angered others? What have you replaced that time with?

27. Experiment with Your Diet and Exercise Regimen.

Virtually everywhere you look, somebody is promoting a new diet or exercise regimen. It might be low GI, low carbs, fat burning, diet plans to lose weight, diet plans to gain weight, low intensity, high intensity, the list goes on. Experiment with a program yourself or create your own regimen and write about your experiences, either successful or unsuccessful. Were you able to create a positive transformation for yourself?

28. Get Drunk and Create Art.

While I don’t personally endorse this one, it is a novel concept.  Bryony Kimmings spent seven days drinking vodka to see how alcohol affects creativity. Under the influence of alcohol, she composed music, wrote sketches, choreographed dances and read academic papers. She then created a part lecture, part song, part dance, and part “glamorous cabaret” performance. The Lords of the Drinks website names artists Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso amongst its Famous Drunks in History. You too could undertake a drunken experiment to test out your own drunken artistic capabilities and write about it once you’ve sobered up.

Book Ideas From Conducting Research

29. Choose a Topic You Know Nothing About and Challenge Yourself to Write 1,000 Words About It.

A good test for any writer is to see how well they can write on a topic about which they know absolutely nothing. Start with a 1,000-word essay, and if that piques your interest, continue researching and evaluate whether or not this could be a sustainable book idea for you. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself fascinated by something you’ve never explored before and who knows, maybe your research could even lead you to a new fascination and eventually plant the seed for you to start a business around the topic.

30. Research and Write About Your Family’s History and Origin.

Social history is the study of the lives of ordinary people in our past. Humanity is fascinated by the lives of others, even people as ordinary as themselves. Even if your family lacks interesting tales, and you are unable to unearth any fascinating nuggets of information about your ancestors you will at least have the captive audience of your extended family for your work. If you discover something truly exciting about an ancestor, the size of your potential readership will grow from there.

31. Identify a Need: Write the Book You Wish Already Existed.

Think about a subject you’re genuinely interested in. Are there any types of books that you wish had been available, yet haven’t existed? Are there any obvious gaps in the market where you can share your knowledge? Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn more about, but can’t ever seem to find much reliable information on? Well here you have a great book idea. Blaze a trail and become the person that creates the research (and book) you’ve been seeking out

32. Read One of Your Favorite Books or Podcasts and Look for Passages or Topics that Inspire You.

If you’re a writer, then I’d be willing to bet that you’re also an avid reader and consumer of educational content. You probably have favorite books, podcasts, or movies, and possibly even specific chapters or passages within these content pieces that you particularly admire. Reread these passages and see if they inspire you to come up with your own material, possibly expanding on the original subject to develop your own unique book idea.

Book Ideas From Introspective Thought and Analysis

33. Take Your Biggest Failure and Write About It.

Most successful people have experienced frequent failures on the path to their eventual success. They have seen these failures as learning opportunities. Writing about your “darkest days” may be a cathartic experience, giving you the opportunity to delve into your inner self. Focus on providing potential solutions (if you’ve gotten that far) or on ways for others to avoid these same failures, and you could quickly attract a loyal readership seeking to learn from you.

34. Write About Your Biggest Regret in Life.

Some people spend most of their lives regretting decisions not made. What if I had quit my job to start a business? What if I had travelled the world for a few years before getting serious about my career? How would things have been different if I had chosen to have children? Addressing your biggest regrets give you an opportunity to move forward, and is such a compelling book idea that others will identify with on a deep level. This is another one of those situations where the process of writing about your regret helps you find other potential futures and reinvent yourself at the same time.

35. Write About Your Biggest Success.

Of course, there is no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate and chronicle your successes either. The massive sales of celebrity autobiographies show how popular success stories can be, as long as they’re grounded in actionable advice and direction for others to replicate your success. An added benefit of this approach, is that by sharing your successes, you may well be motivating others to follow the same path. This gives you yet another opportunity to brand yourself as an expert within your field.

36. Answer the Question: “One Year From Today, What Would You Regret Not Doing?”

This is always a very positive form of introspection for me. It’s inspired by a question Tim Ferriss asked one of his recent podcast guests, and I’ve been returning to it in the interviews I do with entrepreneurs , myself. It gives you the opportunity to look closely at your current priorities and determine what’s really most important in the moment. By writing this down and sharing it, you are publicly committing yourself, which provides further motivation for you to follow that path. Documenting this process for the world to see, can also have a massively positive benefit on the live of others who crave a similar transformation.

37. Take a Single Interaction You Had with a Stranger and Create a Story Around It.

This unique book idea gives you the opportunity to create some truly interesting fictional work. Let go of all preconceived notions and allow yourself to write without judgement. Could it be that you fell in love with the stranger? After falling in love, did they turn out to be your long-lost sibling that got switched in the hospital at birth? The possibilities are endless within your own imagination.

38. Take Your Dreams and Create Stories That Chronicle and Expand Upon Them.

If you are lucky enough to remember your dreams , you have a wealth of imaginative thought to draw on as far as book ideas go. Make certain that you have a writing pad near your bed (or set up your phone as a Dictaphone) so you can record the content of your dreams as soon as you awake. Revisit those recordings or writings later in the day and see if they spark any unique book ideas.

39. Investigate Historical Events and Tell Stories with New Perspectives.

Whether you’re writing history or fiction set in a historical background, there will always be a demand for tales told from new perspectives. It doesn’t have to be a famous historical moment known to all, either. It will be far easier to find a fresh take on a locally relevant historical event that a smaller (more invested) audience may care deeply about.

40. Pose Fantastical ‘What If’ Scenarios and Play Them Out in a Book.

This book idea gives you another chance to let your imagination run wild. For example: “What if Adolf Hitler had become successful as an artist, and he had never entered the military?” You could play out endless possibilities, focus on just a handful of the most plausible, and take your book in any direction you please.

Book Ideas From Interviews

41. Meet 100 Strangers in 100 Days and Share Their Answers to Common Challenges.

Come up with some interesting challenges or questions to ask the strangers you meet. Then grab your recording device, possibly a camera, and start roaming the streets. The resulting random humanity you uncover and share with the world could very much surprise you and certainly make for an interesting book. Brandon Stanton  of Humans of New York popularized this format and has created an incredible community of loyal readers for his blog and books.

42. Interview Businesspeople and Compile Their Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you likely look up to role models yourself. Articles or books that provide advice from businesspeople who’ve experienced the highs and lows of actually running a business will always be read and valued. One recent example of this content format here on CreativeLive our 30 Days of Genius series, which could very well be the topic of an awesome book.

43. Interview Sports Figures and Deconstruct the Attitudes and Qualities that Create Successful Athletes.

Similarly, young sports players look up to their successful heroes, and try and emulate their success. If you can interview these sports heroes and encapsulate the essence of their success, you’ll have a captive audience already primed to tune in to your book.

Now that you’ve found some inspiration to help you land on the right book idea, I want to challenge you to actually start writing that book. Today.

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50 Creative Writing Ideas to Combat Writer’s Block

A lack of creative writing ideas often leads to a writer’s worst fear: writer’s block.

It’s so easy to fall into its clutches, spending hours at your laptop (or notebook or typewriter) writing sentence after sentence only to cross every one out. Or even worse—to sit an an empty page and write nothing at all. Sometimes it takes time and hard thinking to get out of the rut once you become stuck. Sometimes, however, it takes a little more than that. Sometimes it just might take some outside help.

It can be exceedingly difficult to find solid, mature creative writing ideas on the internet. If you Google “creative writing ideas,” most of what comes up is directed at children or casual writers looking to practice a hobby. But what about creative writing ideas for adults? What about when you have the dedication, passion, and experience with writing, but you just don’t have the  ideas ?

And if these don’t work, check out my other two posts on Writer’s Block (and second Writer’s Block article ).

The next time you’re at a loss for what to write about, try using these creative writing ideas and prompts below. Maybe you’ll be inspired enough to propel you straight out of your writer’s block, or maybe it’ll just be enough to get the gears turning in your head again.

50 Creative Writing Ideas (with Prompts) to Boost Your Inspiration

1. Try Writing Magical Realism

Write a story from a universe similar to this one but possessing one specific magical quality.

1. Write about two people who grow up together, eventually part ways, move to different sides of the country, and somehow still end up unintentionally running into each other very frequently for the rest of their lives.

2. Write about someone who is reincarnated over and over again and remembers all of his/her past lives, but no one else on earth remembers theirs.

3. Write about two people who are physically unable to be awake at the same time.

4. Write about a contract killer literally haunted by his first hit.

5. Write about a prophet who knows the exact day, time, and occurrence of his death years in advance.

6. Write about a character who can taste people’s emotions through the food they prepare.

7. Write about two people who dream about each other before they actually meet.

8. Write a post-apocalyptic story and explain only your main character’s coping mechanism: creating a fantasy world in his/her head and living there.

9. Write about a person who goes to the theater with friends multiple times but always sees a different movie than his/her friends see on the same screen.

10. Write about a person who grows a new finger every time he/she acts cruelly to someone.

If you want help writing your novel, I’ve got the best novel-writing guide in the universe:

12 Steps to Write a Bestselling Novel.

That link will give you advice on characters, plotting, point of view, and more.

2. Write from a Different Perspective

Use a voice and background different from your own to write something unfamiliar and fresh.

1. Write from the perspective of an advanced AI.

2. Write from the perspective of a person in the year 2550.

3. Write from perspective of a mythological siren stuck on the rocky shore of an ocean, trying to lure sailors to their deaths.

4. Write from the perspective of an “inside guy” (jury member, lawyer, judge, etc) during an important court case.

5. Write from the perspective of a family pet whose fate is decided when its owners split up.

6. Write from the perspective of a different gender when subjected to explicit sexual objectification.

7. Write from the perspective of an inanimate object in nature, like a rock or the wind.

8. Write from the perspective of someone with a chronic but not fatal illness (diabetes, OCD, Lyme disease, etc).

9. Write from the perspective of a blind person who comes home to find all the furniture in his/her apartment rearranged.

10. Write from the perspective of a fed-up guardian angel whose designated human is prone to self-sacrificial acts.

3. Write About What’s Around You

Get inspired by ordinary objects in your home.

1. Find a small object in your junk drawer (stapler remover, chewed-up pen cap, paperweight, etc) and write about how it could be used as a weapon to kill.

2. Imagine you have to hide documents essential to national security somewhere in your office or bedroom and write a story about wherever you think is the best place.

3. If the room you’re in has windows, write a story in which the room is exactly the same but with no windows, and vice versa.

4. Imagine you’re cleaning out your desk and find a secret message carved or written on the bottom of one drawer.

5. Open a book in your office, turn to a random page, blindly point to a word, and use it as the very first word of your story.

6. Find a photo of yourself and write a narrative about the photographer in that moment.

7. Pick a room in your house and recount a story, real or fictional, about how a particular object in that room came to be there.

8. Mentally (or physically, if you want to) rearrange all the furniture in your office or bedroom and write about how that changes the overall mood of the room.

9. Search your coat pockets for old recipes, notes, or trinkets and write a story centered around something you find. (If you find nothing, write about why you empty your pockets so frequently.)

10. Pick a small item from your desk drawer and write about a character who carries it around as a talisman.

4. Let Your Reading Inspire Your Writing

Use your favorite books as a launching pad to create something original.

1. Write a scene borrowing the protagonist of a book you’ve read, but cast as a different gender.

2. Research an author you enjoy, then combine his/her life with the life of a character from one of his/her books to create a new character.

3. Take a familiar scene from a book and rewrite it, adding yourself in as a character (spectator, narrator, background figure, etc).

4. Reset a scene from a book in a drastically different time period.

5. Write a different story using the same title as a familiar book.

6. If the book you’re using has a first person narrator, rewrite a scene either from the perspective of another character or in the third person.

7. Write about a fictional person who has an intense reaction (either positive or negative) to a book you’ve read.

8. Write a story using only words found in the first and last sentences of each chapter of a book.

9. Take a book you know well and write an alternate ending that is the exact opposite of the real ending (whatever you think “opposite” means).

10. If the book you’re using has a third person narrator, rewrite a scene in the first person (as one of the author’s characters or a new character).

5. Take a Plot and Write It Multiple Ways

Take a well-defined prompt and write it multiple times, each with a different ending.

1. Write about a Japanese steakhouse chef who accidentally cuts him/herself while cooking in front of a family.

2. Write about a painter who is commissioned by a family member to paint a dead man/woman using no pictures, only descriptions from other people.

3. Write about a group of truckers who all frequent the same truck stops and form a book club for when they see each other again.

4. Write about a seasoned model who shows up to her agency one day with inexplicable cuts all over her legs.

5. Write about two strangers who each grab one end of extremely rare record at the same time in a secondhand vinyl shop.

6. Write about a manic-depressive linguist who conveys his/her emotions to friends using words from other languages that aren’t translatable into English.

7. Write about a group of whalers who accidentally discover mermaids the size of blue whales.

8. Write about someone who mistakenly picks the lock to the wrong apartment at two in the morning when trying to get into a friend’s apartment.

9. Write about a strictly Shakespearian actor who loses all of his/her money and has to take modern comedic roles to stay afloat.

10. And finally: Write about a writer struggling with long-term writer’s block who desperately searches the internet for ideas and prompts.

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78 comments

oh my gosh this was really helpful – thank you! :))

SAME WITH ME. EVEN THOUGH I AM JUST 13 YEARS OLD, I AM CONSTANTLY SEARCHING FOR NEW IDEAS TO WRITE. THANKS SO MUCH.

YES THIS IS ALSO VERY HELPFUL WHICH IS WHY I AM WRITING IN CAPITAL LETTERS

No it wasnt.

Really helpful and cool, thank you!!!

YESSSSS!!!!!!

Thiz is terrible!

so helpful I really needed this

Super helpful

These were soooooooooooooooo random prompts! They didn’t help me at all! 🙁

well maybe you shouldn’t become a writter then because if you look it was helpful to the other writters boom .

i dont think this means they shouldnt be a writer, writers block can be really difficult to get over and maybe these ideas didnt help them get over it, i know they didnt help me yet ive been writing for nearly 5 years constantly. each author is different, so its great if it helped others but that doesnt guarantee itll help everyone

That’s really rude becoming a writer means working towards your goal. Some ideas don’t inspire some people. Progress takes work and the ability to write doesn’t come easy to some people. Who knows he/she could become a great writer. We just don’t know it. We choose are destiny.

what a geek

wow look at that. you are telling people off but you can’t spell the word writer! look into a dictionary.

Maybe you guys should be nice. It’s hard to be a writer, and putting other people down because they didn’t find anything helpful isn’t right. Please remember we all want to change the world.

I think random prompts are good prompts.

I agree. If they’re random that means that there’ more variety

keep looking, I’m sure there’s something there.

I think that it was the point tp be random ideas. I personally think that these were amazing ideas and I think you might need to try to be a bit more creative.

the point is to just getting you to write something versus nothing. So if you start getting your creativity flowing it will help you with your personal work.

Same I agree

I hope you come up with even better ones!

Same . It was like you have to find something and it takes ages

Honestly, I’ve been to 3 different sites before this one looking for some decent writing prompts. Don’t be fazed if they don’t help you 🙂

That’s fine, they might not help everyone! It also might not be what you’re used to, try writing with one of the prompts, if you don’t end up liking it, it’s still an exercise for your mind. Good luck!

Good fodder for insight, topics . Curious what other readers used these to for ??

Good ideas and it helped me!

Thank you so much for these! I usually see such generic prompts on other sites, but these were very original and inspiring! I would love more if possible 😉

love these ideas I would like more if possible!

This helped me with school a lot!!

I feel personally attacked by that last one.

“and finally…” LOL. Agreed

Ha- me too!

Thank You! Your ideas are really quite wonderful. 🙂

If these don’t help you, then try procrastination. You subconscious is working on your story, so when you sit down, it is so much easier to continue writing. (Works for me!)

Someone that has used one of these prompts should be super nice and let me read what they came up with. I’m super curious as to how some of you are using them.

I’ve only managed to use one so far, there are some very great prompts here.

I am 12 years old and I am confused on where my life is going… either a vet actor, or a book writer. I need advice from some adults.

dear ADVICE PLEASE [or anyone really] you should get to be whatever your heart desires. I think that you could be a vet or actor as well as an author. The world needs writers, so get out there and spread some joy! Oh btw, I’m sure we’re all on this site for the same reasons, but don’t give up on your writing dreams

I am using it for a random report I wanted to write about something. It was just kind of boring until I realized… there IS a positive side to COVID 19! I mean c’mon guys there is a positive side to everything so search for the positive sides not the negative ones. So the positive side was… WE COULD IMPROVE OURSELVES!!! Literally just by working on something we like during COVID 19 will make it seem better and BE better!! Some people had no time to improve because they were too busy with some other job but NOW.. We could spend our whole day on something we like and trust me it will benefit each and every one of you!!! ( And your day won’t be AS boring and sad because there WILL be something to do. There is always something to do!!! )

These are some helpful ideas but I don’t agree with a few but that doesn’t matter because some of them helped me. Anyway thank you for them!

Thanks this really helped as I had something set to write to so randomness helped!

These were helpful! ( And by the way…One of your probmpts scared me, I often dream about people sometimes and then meet them later. It’s very complicated about how and why. )

I want to read what other people wrote now

That last one had me cracking up.

i second that eva

Really good ones! the last one got me smiling!

Spider girl – why not all of them? You have a long life ahead of you and to only focus one career your entire life is dreary for some people such as myself. I have been a firefighter, preschool teacher, sales person, and am currently a writer and a music teacher.

they’re really good ideas, none of them really appealed to me specifically, but it seems like someone could still make a good story out of them! 🙂

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was exactly what I needed thanks so much

These have really have been a good use for me. I have been in a writer’s block for at least two weeks now and just by looking at some of these creative writing ideas, it has helped a lot. I know some of them may not appeal to all of you specifically, but it does give more confidence in your writing and your stories just by looking at some. For instance, if you were to look at one of the Magical Realism writing ideas, it could open a whole door to new writing possibilities. You can take one of the ideas and turn it into your own. You may not all agree that these ideas can help you, but it can definitely give you the confidence that you may lack when writing stories or maybe just inspire you. These ideas are helpful. Thank you!

Okay Hi, I was looking for a random prompt to write about, and I didn’t find one can anyone give me some ideas for one? I would be so grateful. Just for a little info, I am 13 and in 8th grade and just felt the need to start writing. Anyway, whoever sees this I hope you have a wonderful afternoon (or morning) Be safe throughout this week okay.

You could write about your dream for when you grow up. Like Martin Luther King Jr.

Thanks so much this helped

The 2nd one in the very first idea is one I think I’m going to use. Thanks so much!

omg this is fantastic…Thank you so much. I can relate to so many of these prompts but never really thought of them…

these were so good it inspired me to write:)

Thank you for this. I’ve been working on the same project for ages and this was a wonderful break from it.

Lot of love. Thank you. This is great help.

Wow! I could never have thought of these ideas even if I was given a million years. Thanks.

This took YEARS of me

This was so much help the thing is can you add some easy and fun ones?

This is very helpful thank you 🙂

These have been very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing these. The last one was hilarious and made me realize in many cases I was blocking myself, lol. It was great!

• Pingback: 50K Words Later: NaNoWriMo Lessons & Takeaways

most of these really did help me. I put them on to a word doc and kept going back on them and then went to different webs. now if I have writer’s block I have 64 pages of things to try.

I needed this

Some were a bit sus but ok

SOOOOOOOOOO HELPFUL!!!!!

Every writer NEEDS this book.

It’s a guide to writing the pivotal moments of your novel.

Whether writing your book or revising it, this will be the most helpful book you’ll ever buy.

How to Get Writing Ideas: 9 Guaranteed Ways to Inspire Your Next Book

by Katie Axelson | 39 comments

Start Your Story TODAY! We’re teaching a new LIVE workshop this week to help you start your next book. Learn more and sign up here.

You've finally carved out a spare moment to write. You open up a blank page, and set your fingers on the keys. But then nothing comes. You need a strategy for how to get ideas for writing—now!

You check Facebook thinking you might find something to inspire you there. No luck.

You wonder if your muse is hiding under the stack of dirty dishes, so you clean every bit of grime you can find but still come up empty.

You're at a loss for story ideas, and your creative writing time is dwindling quickly. In this post, we'll explore some ways to help you come up with writing ideas that can inspire a premise for a great story.

How to Get Writing Ideas: 9 Guaranteed Ways to Inspire You

Whether or not you're looking for your an idea for your first book or you're feeling stumped after finishing your latest (published) story, you shouldn't wait around for the muse to bless you with a brilliant book idea.

Instead, rely on yourself—trust your own imagination and passions.

To help you find inspiration instead of wait around for it, try one of these nine guaranteed ways to help you brainstorm a solid book premise:

1. Look Around

As we head into the holiday season, it’s likely we’re all going to be traveling at some point or another. Instead of pacing back and forth across the airport or diving right into that bestseller, take a moment to notice the people around you. They may be the protagonist and antagonist of your bestseller.

See that Mom and Dad with their toddler in the stroller? What’s their story? Who are they going to see?

See the salesman running through the terminal? Who’s he in a rush to get home to?

If you’re traveling by car, look at the family in the minivan next to you. How did they decide to watch that movie? How much stuff is in their trunk, and who’s going to call for a potty break first?

Sometimes the best way to overcome writer's block is taking a moment to watch your surroundings. And when you're looking, don't forget to listen to conversations that are happening around you, too.

Sometimes the best stories come out of a regular conversation or question that you never expected.

Good writers look at real people and life experiences for story ideas—and you might be surprised how many you find when you look up!

2. Pay Attention

Author Ron Rash said his New York Times bestselling novel Serena began with the image a confident, tall, strong woman on a large white horse. He saw details of the scenery, the horse, and woman but didn’t know that meant. He just knew he couldn’t shake the image from his mind, so he wrote about it.

That woman became the main character of her own movie.

Similar to the first point, “look around,” you can pluck an interesting story idea  out of everyday events.

Sometimes you can be inspired by something posted on social media or one of your favorite books. Maybe you have a few favorite podcasts that talk about something other than writing, and this is where you pick up your next great story idea.

Pay attention to the world around you—and how you digest life, news, and current events.

If there's a topic that strikes your interest and motivates a call to action, stop for a second and think about it. Journaling about ideas that inspire you is a great starting point for you to come up with story ideas that might withstand the length or a novel—and if not, maybe it's something that could work well for a short story.

While idea generators and creative writing prompts are great, you don't need a list of collected ideas to spark your imagination.

Sometimes, you just need to pay attention to what already catches your attention. Taking the time to focus on something other  than writing is actually an important part of the writing process.

3. Day Dream

Close your eyes for a minute. What do you see?

Brainstorming good story ideas, especially for fiction writing, requires precious time set aside for your imagination.

Sometimes, you don't even need to leave your bed to get inspired for a book idea.

If day dreaming is how you like to come up with story ideas, maybe one of these meditative strategies will nourish your imagination:

• Meditate for fifteen minutes. You can find lots of great resources on YouTube.
• Wake up and participate in some morning yoga.
• Go for a short walk.
• When you wake up, keep your eyes closed for an extra ten minutes and listen to the world around you. What comes to mind?
• Try this grounding technique. Acknowledge (1) Five thing you see, (2) Four things you can touch, (3) Three things you can hear, (4) Two things you can smell, and (5) One thing you can taste.

4. Change the Scenery

Look back at the little boy in the picture under “Day Dream.” He could be practicing piano in his living room. He could be practicing in a concert hall. But instead he's outside.

Maybe his fingers work better there. I don't know.

Maybe your fingers work better in a coffee shop. Or they prefer the library. The river. A floor.

Try sitting someplace different or in a different position and see what happens.

Sometimes all we need for new motivation is a change of scenery. However, no matter where you end up writing, I don't recommend depending  on a change of scenery for inspiration.

Before you change up your writing space, head into your writing session with a plan. This will help you focus, but also feel rejuvenated by something different when you actually write.

To learn more about planning your novel, read this post .

5. Play What If

What if the referee didn’t show up to the basketball game because he's been murdered? What if the airplane lands in a different destination than expected?

What if the turkey burns the house down?

A game of “What if?” is one of the best ways to come up with story ideas that you never expected. Just when you think you've figured out the best direction for your story, questioning “What if?” actually takes your story where it needs  to go.

Want a writing tip when you play try this strategy?

Don't hold back! You have a much better chance at coming up with fantastic story possibilities if you don't judge your ideas before writing them down.

To do this, I recommend setting a timer for 10-15 minutes and writing down a list of as many “what if” possibilities for your work-in-progress as possible. Don't stop to think, just write!

When you're done, you can eliminate all the ideas that don't work. But you're way more likely to find an idea that does  work if you have a large list to consider.

Allowing inspiration to come from books or movies isn’t plagiarism. Watch or read the scene then hit “pause” and let your own creativity take over rather than following the established plot-line. Think about how you would have crafted the storyline differently, and then run with it.

In fact, there are no original ideas in storytelling. The best ideas are ones that are simple, but have an edge to them.

And when you come up with a new angle to an idea that's already been done, you know  there's an audience looking to watch or read it.

Ever heard of comparable titles? You want these when you pitch to a literary agent or editor.

You also want to be able to say why your story is the same as THIS TITLE, but different.

• Go find five of your favorite stories in the genre you're writing
• Write a premise for each of these books
• Change the big hook that makes them this story and replace it with your own edge—something that shows irony in the story

For instance:  ​

A timid clownfish needs to swim across the Pacific Ocean in order to rescue his son. ( Finding Nemo )

Could be…

A [change the description and animal, make it ironic] needs to [something different, a new setting] in order to rescue her daughter.

7. Use Your Own Life

If your family’s like mine, you’ve got some interesting characters . You’ve got some crazy stories of your own.

You’ve got some moments of “Is this really happening?”

You can’t make up those things.

Borrow some moments from real life and turn them into a premise that could drive a whole book (just change enough details to protect the guilty).

And don't forget, every main character in a book needs a want—a goal. Give your protagonist this goal, and establish the stakes they are willing to get in order to get it.

8. Revisit Your Favorite Characters

Maybe they're your own or maybe they're someone else's, but we've all got favorite characters. Put them together in a box and see what happens. Trust them to come up with a clever story all on their own.

You just get to be their scribe.

9. Start Writing

With your fingers on the keys, just start moving them. Sometimes words will come out and sometimes they won't. Eventually something worth saving will appear. It just might take awhile.

Whatever you do just don't keep staring at that blinking cursor. It's a demon who whispers lies.

How to Get Ideas for Writing? Don't Hold Your Back!

Story ideas exist everywhere. However, choosing the best idea for your  book—one that inspires you to write to the end—means finding an idea and main character that you love.

Using the nine ways to find story ideas in this post is a great strategy to have when looking for your next great book idea .

At the same time, it's important not to judge  your ideas before you give them a chance.

Who knows? The next bestseller could be caked in an idea you initially thought was ridiculous until you asked, “What if?” Or maybe your own story dramatized with an event you read about  on a blog is your next great hit.

Coming up with ideas doesn't have to be the rocky mountain generating ideas sometimes feels like.

So don't hold back. Try out one or all of the nine strategies covered in this post. Finalize an idea that you loved, and maybe even take it to the next stage of writing by planning it out—test if it's something that will move and inspire you until the end.

Stop worrying about the best idea. Write the idea that makes you motivated  to write.

How do you find ideas when the well seems to run dry?  Let us know in the comments .

Stop trying to write and start finishing your book.  The Write Plan Planner is designed to help you plan, write, and  finish  your book. The book planning pages will help you imagine your best story. The daily writing pages will help you make the most of your writing time. And by the end of the planner, you'll  finish your book .

Get your Write Plan Planner here »

Use one of the nine ideas listed in this post. Spend fifteen minutes freewriting a list of ideas that come from this writing exercise.

When you're done, you know the drill, post it in the comments and comment on a few other practices.

Together, we can support one another's stories!

Katie Axelson

Katie Axelson is a writer, editor, and blogger who's seeking to live a story worth telling. You can find her blogging , tweeting , and facebook-ing .

39 Comments

I put on non lyrical music, either meditation music or classical, then I close my eyes and think up scenes that go along with it. Sometimes they drift into my mind almost instantly or without me trying. That’s actually how I started writing, I would get these scenes stuck in my head when listening to music and couldn’t get them out until I wrote them down. It’s actually really fun because sometimes the music invokes emotions that are opposite from the song title. For example, while I was listening to one song I wrote about giving up hope in a dream. When I looked at the title of the song it was “Jesus Loves Everybody” by Paul Cardall. I was a bit taken aback by that.

Wow! That’s crazy. Another great writing idea.

This is what my literature teacher asked us to do in school. It works. I used to get lost in my own stories, always disappointed when the class was over.

If I’ve got a partly written story and I am completely stuck as to what to write next, I find it helps to (mentally) turn myself around: write a few words about the scene, or objects at the scene, or incidental characters. These might turn into mini-stories, or they might not. They almost certainly won’t end up in the final product, but I find it often helps unjam the works.

That’s a great idea!

what if was great for me. after seeing lot of catastrophic scifi movies, i have asked myself, what if none of a catastrophe happen and people just live. it starts to grow and after few years i have few planets to play and thousands of stories there.

I go back to my old notebooks, or research interviews. NaNoWriMo suggests “composting” (you can see a full description here http://afterwriterdreams.com/2013/11/07/nano-survival-2013-day-7-writer-compost-heaphow-to-generate-ideas/ ) – a special journal where you just dump a few thoughts every day. You let them sit, and “turn the pile over” when you need mental “fertilizer” and some seed will emerge.

I “compost” in several places: I have a word document on my desktop called “Whiteboard” where I jot ideas. I also use a purse-size notebook where grocery lists have sordid affairs with meeting notes and lists of interesting words or similes I like. There is a digital version of that on my phone. Sometimes the new idea is something on the list, now suddenly ready to be written up, or sometimes it comes out of the random juxtaposition of two list items – a love child of other ideas. This value-from-random-juxtaposition is one of the main ideas in Surrealist art, a favorite style of mine. Finally, in each project notebook in the back is a page of “I’ll Use These Somewhere” ideas.

“Luck is the residue of design and devotion,” says Tad Friend. If you show just a little devotion to your odd ideas and compost them, they (almost) design themselves after a time to what you need.

Change of scenery: sitting in the bleachers of my highschool while people scream over a volleyball game is definitely not my standard writing setting! I’ll see if, by any miracle, I write better when it’s too loud to hear myself think 😛

“She’s awake,” the whisper from above me proclaimed, and I realized fuzzily that a dozen or so heads were bent over me in a circle, so that I was entrapped in a dome of human bodies. “Whah?” I said sleepily, trying to sit up, pushing sleep out of my eyes. I thought back, trying to remember where I was, to know if I was actually supposed to be here… Nothing. I remembered going to bed last night, nothing more. “Where am I?” I asked, suddenly sharp, my eyes darting around. The cluster of children– for I now realized the people around me were all children, no more than thirteen years old– shifted uncomfortably and shuffled back, glancing behind them. “You’re at the Arcorum.” A man stepped through the crowd of restive kids, and walked slowly up to me, deliberately, as if I were an animal that could be scared by sudden movements. I curled in on myself, fear trickling into a puddle in my stomach, ready to seep into my limbs, threatening panic. “Sure I am. What’s that?” I asked as calmly as I could, sitting up straighter now that I wasn’t constricted by the roof of human heads. The man chuckled, running a hand through graying hair, his eyes weary but kind. “Good question. It’s the entrance to the spirit world, a place where young, talented children are brought to be prepared for their journey,” he told me. I started, nodding hesitantly. Everyone knew about the Spirit World– and the children who were brought there. It was an incredible honour to be chosen, and I now doubted that I was awake. How could someone as mundane as I be chosen to go to the Academy? “But– I shouldn’t be going!” I blurted out. Embarrassed, I close my mouth, but didn’t retract my question. The man smiled a little, thinking. “Oh, yes. I think you should be,” he said softly.

No Idea what that was…. Meh.

Great practice, Brianna. I have a piece that–like i think this one did for you–startled me to no end. After I wrote it I definitely saw the Hunger Games influence. While I don’t expect it to go anywhere other than the cavern of notebooks, it was still kind of fun to explore.

Thank you! 🙂 This is based off some strange dream I had a while ago, that I managed to dig out of my mountainous pile of strange dreams to write about.

I love this! And it totally proves the point – the muse is where you least expect her.

Thanks! XD Yep, definitely more writing than I’ve done in a while! I don’t particularly like it, but it’s a good instigator.

I enjoyed this story! I particularly liked the line, “constricted by the roof of human heads.” 🙂 Is it part of a WIP?

Thank you!!! 😀 No, not really. It’s a more detailed scene of a dream I had a while ago that had an interesting premise. Actually, I think it was two dreams that I combined, but I can’t remember… Dreams are confusing that way. At any rate, thank you for your interest! 🙂

Dreams can also be novels in miniature – mine are, anyway!

I think you need to develop this into something longer – much longer. Keep going (please?)

Haha, that’s the plan! Thanks for the encouragement. I’m not exactly sure where it’s going to go yet.

Plink, plink plink, pliiink, pliink, plink, pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiink.

Will Cook, self-professed promotional advertising expert, watched the little boy pound away at the piano. Rolling his eyes at the boy’s lack of talent, Will gave himself a self-satisfied smirk. Traditional, standup pianos just weren’t as popular nowadays, but people were flocking to this one like it was Jesus himself.

At first, Yamaha had resisted his idea to put a piano in the street.

“Pianos are elegant,” they said. “Ours are meant to bring images of ballrooms and vaulted ceilings.”

“Maybe when Mozart was alive,” Will had countered. “Today, we need to take music to the streets, literally.”

“Why do you think it’ll work?”

“People today crave the extraordinary,” Will began. He had rehearsed this speech a hundred times. “With flawless graphics in video games, perfect special effects in movies, and toys that bridge the gap between fantasy and reality, people have seen it all. Duke Nukem had pianos in ballrooms. Yawn.”

He had rounded on them, pointing a steady finger. “But put a piano in the street and people will be drawn to it.”

The speech had worked, and Will watched the line of people waiting impatiently behind the little boy for their turn.

“Sheep,” he said to himself. The piano was no different than any they’d seen. In fact, it was one of the lesser models, used in case it rained. But, to these people, it was magic.

After two more minutes of pounding – just when a slight thumping began in Will’s head, causing him to consider yanking the brat off the seat – the little boy stopped and stood up. People clapped, but Will didn’t think it was in appreciation of the music.

However, before giving up his moment in the spotlight, the boy walked to the side of the piano. Pretending to be one of those movie stars who could start a jukebox with their hips, he rammed the Yamaha with his butt.

The piano began inching to the left on tiny roller wheels.

For the first time that day, Will Cook wasn’t smirking. Instead, he was looking down the hill. It was his idea to place the piano at the very top, a king-of-the-mountain maneuver meant to give Yamaha symbolic dominance over the other brands.

He suddenly wished, more than anything in his smug life, that he’d thought to lock the wheels.

LOL! Great job.

I love it! Your punch-line was brilliant, but I wanted the brat to roll down the hill instead!

Thanks! LOL I thought about it! But the idea came from just staring at that picture above, and the bench didn’t have wheels on it. Not sure why I was trying to be so accurate there… Next time, the kid goes down! 🙂

HaHaHaHa, this one’s got a lot of laughs in it, as well as plenty of the adventurous, insistent creative energy that haunts us all, drives us, won’t leave us complacent for very long. I love the line ” — just when a slight thumping began in Will’s head, causing him to consider yanking the brat off the seat –“! as well as the hip-bump and the issue with the wheels at the end. Good writing, man!

I love that you placed Just Start Writing on number 9, and gave 8 actual ideas on how to start writing from a clean slate. 🙂 I love receiving tips that are give practical steps on how to get out of writer’s block. Thanks for posting this!

I rearranged numbers a few times but decided that one was best last. 🙂

This may get me busted in the mouth, metaphorically, but one that has spurred me before is, “Get in touch with yourself.” Then again, I’d had ideas hit me while in the tub, lifting weights, coit-… Yeah, that last one was kinda awkward…

Daydreaming works best for me though. Here’s a sample of my practice:

Sweat flew through the air in time to the rhythmic slap of the rope against the floor. Though she stared at the gym mirror, Sera Blake did not register the frizz of her soaked curly brown hair, the flush of her skin, nor the ripple of well-defined muscles exposed by the navy sport bra and training shorts. Her focus was on her upcoming match against Broderick Stevenson, star lacrosse player at Johns-Hopkins University. He was a formidable opponent: Currently at ninety-five wins, two losses, and three decisions. Of his victories, ninety were by knockout. She didn’t care about his record too much. The more important thing was his reach. At eighty-four inches, she would have to get in close. He hadn’t won a match by submission since the early days of his career, so she figured that was the strategy to employ. Still, it wouldn’t do to underestimate him.

Her mentor, Georges Juarez, had made that mistake. He’d gone six rounds with Stevenson without really being touched. Georges had Stevenson bleeding from his nose, lower lip, and a mouse under his right eye. Before the final round, her mentor had told her to watch closely.

“I’m gonna jab with my left, hit him with a right hook, and then I’m gonna put him down with Blitzkrieg.”

Sera gave a mental chuckle at the silly name Georges had given his devastating left haymaker. Ordinarily, it was a match-ender, but it was not to be that night. Stevenson had tanked her mentor’s hardest punch and unleashed three rapid-fire uppercuts to his jaw, putting Georges to the mat, and later to the hospital. Georges’ jaw had been broken in four places.

Most folks who followed the underground Mixed Martial Arts scene figured that the upcoming fight was a misguided attempt at revenge. Sera liked Georges, but didn’t care about his loss. The way she saw it, Georges was irrelevant. Broderick Stevenson was the important one. He was recognized as the best. She needed to beat him so that she would get that recognition. It was her passion, her fire, her life to be the best fighter ever. That goal was paramount; the first thing on her mind when she woke, and the last thing on her mind when she slept.

The snap of a cassette tape startled her out of her reverie. The whirl of the jump rope came to a halt, and she noticed she was dripping wet and breathing hard. She walked over to the wall and hung up the rope. She whipped sweat from her face with the towel on the bench below, and drained a liter of water in several long swallows. She dropped the bottle next to a couple other empties and swapped out Fall Out Boy’s Save Rock and Roll tape for Metallica’s S&M. The sounds of cheering fans echoed from the house’s sound system as she walked into the shower. She undressed to the sounds of The Ecstasy of Gold and started washing to the notes of The Call of Ktulu.

Very strange looks came her way as she walked through the small hometown store in search of their home made Indian food they have every weekend. She had pulled up in a very loud but rather small black Nissan truck that she had borrowed from her father. Her long blonde hair was pulled back with frizz sticking up in the front and next to her ears but she wasn’t bothered enough to sweep it away. The sweat lines were visible through the faint layer of dirt that had accumulated on her neck and the back of her arms. Her forearms held small scratches on them that were just starting to turn red. Her Binford tools t-shirt had bits of saw dust and moss that were stubbornly hanging on even after a good brush off. If she took a big enough stride you could see the holes that were on the inside of her jeans at mid thigh level. These were no doubt work pants that had seen a rough time. Well worn work gloves stuck out of her back pocket, and as she walked the fingers of the gloves danced around each other in a well practiced dance. Her beautiful red nails and well makeup-ed face did not seem to match the rest of her nor her truck outside but it was all brought together by her broad smile as she ordered her food. She sat and ignored the many strange glances a she waited for her food to arrive. Once it did she tipped them generously and took her food to go. Climbing back into the old beat up truck she shut the door and inhaled deeply the wonderful smell of her food in the enclosed space. These last few days had been busier than she had imagined days could get and she was rewarding herself with the taste of her past. It had started to get colder and colder and that meant she would get busier and busier until everyone had what they needed. Months ago she had started to realize that many people could not afford to heat their homes this winter. They only had wood burning stoves but the wood was so expensive and so that meant they would just have to be cold, young and old, no one escaped it. She had thought, why not her, why couldn’t she do something? So she did. Now she ran a non profit to help people get fire wood so they wouldn’t have to be cold all winter. Her why not me attitude had tapped into a deep need in the small community. As she sat there eating her food she couldn’t help but have a smile on her face, she was ready for the next day, the next load of wood, and another layer of dirt.

That’s great! Very descriptive, I can see this woman — and what she is doing with herself is very inspiring and uplifting, especially in this season!

SANTA CLAUS

I watched them in the water, a jovial family meeting, grandparents looking on with unashamed delight as their grandchild splashed bravely in his mother’s protecting arms, while the older grandchildren swam and played close by.

The upper halves of the elderly couple visible above the water were both stout and richly proportioned. Their faces were alike in their rosy-cheeked plumpness, he with a fuzzy white and generous beard, she with pearl-grey hair tied in a knot behind her head. They also were both alike in their grinning delight, their enjoyment in the children obvious.

It suddenly struck me: I was watching Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus off duty. It was, after-all, still eight weeks until Christmas. I smiled as I watched them, imagining them at work, clad in their red fur-trimmed uniforms, surrounded by their little helpers and shaking with mirth at the antics of the elves at work.

It was easy to imagine Santa and his Maria bustling busily about as they worked in Santa’s toy factory, filling Christmas orders for all the good little children like their own grandchildren.

I could already see Santa standing with hands on his portly hips, his head thrown back with laughter, emitting his famous “Ho, ho, ho,” while motherly Maria Claus, her red gown covered by a frilly apron over her expansive breast, dispensed milk and cookies with beaming largesse.

The family gathered the children about them. It was time to go, to get back to the North Pole and back to work. The illusion collapsed, however, like a shiny glass bauble shattering on the floor in tinkling fragments, as portly Santa clambered out of the pool, dried off like a lumbering walrus, and then grasped his walking frame.

I’m pretty sure it’s in Santa’s clause that he be able to walk unaided. I mean, he’d have to be quite fit to climb down chimneys!

This is good! Santa/Maria Claus are like the classic demigods with the proverbial feet of clay!

I will share this with my friends and hope that he will find what you need for your feelings.

These are all great ideas, but I especially like the last one!

Me too, that’s the one that got me going today!

Hi Katie, inspiring post!

For me, I like the “treasure hunt” aspect of finding a good story, and how story ideas come in parts, almost like bread crumbs littered across a forest floor. Find just one cool part, say an interesting theme or a cool idea for a character, or a peculiar narrative structure, and you can follow that part to find other parts, parts that relate and enhance the original part, until you get to the story at the end.

I guess you could say it’s comforting that you don’t have to come with a full, completed idea all at once. Just finding one small piece is often enough to get you started…

…and then another another piece however much later.. and so on…that often-slow, laborious process is fascinating in itself, and makes up a large part of the thrill of creating — of being a writer!

Exactly! Like a scavenger hunt for the literarally inclined.

Love the kid on the piano. That was me, on my uncle’s patio tucked away in the hill country, not so long ago.

Just start writing, she says. Well, alright. To be real, to be genuine, to be strong in the identity of who and what one is — “Against such there is no law”. And my personal favorite – “Mercy laughs in the presence of justice.”

So those staunch of yore who knew where they stood — who gave them the say-so that their offspring shall stand there too? Staunch can be *wrong*. The demography, the *biography* of personal unbelief amazes even me, and at this point in the festivities I’m not easily amazed. I guess in a way it has taken lo these decades to get real. The affectional nature’s one thing, but cold facts, not just facts but *realities*, are quite another. The sun has appeared outside. As a saint deserving of a long stretch at the rack, what am I left with if I blow off all the sentimentality? Religious belief has been powerful — but apostasy has been powerful too. A benevolent dictator is still a freakin’ dictator, and needs overthrowin’, says I, at this late date no less than at the inception. The very idea that some of us, invested with putative authority, should have discretion to consign others of us, judged less competent, to lives of mediocrity, just burns my butt severely enough to make the biblically-cited murderer of me. But oh, says he, that’s the way things work and *keep* workin’, we can’t have the mentally-challenged planning our new roads, says he. That’s *maturity*, which imposes *authority* and sets *limits*, says he. Well alright, but the quality of this vaunted *authority*, to say nothin’ of its murky, superstitious, suspicious origins, cause me to suspect a bugger in th’ hen-house, beggin’ yer Holiness’s pardon. And *YOU*, he thunders, leveling the deific finger, *ARE THAT BUGGER!*

[pregnant pause, nervous giggles from the gallery]

Well, yeah, I mumble, there’s that.

So ’round and ’round the mulberry bush we go, and ashes, ashes, all — fall — DOWN: I can see the outback it would be no pleasure to collectively inhabit; ya got me there, leaving aside that we may be in the edge of the thicket already.

It is a not bad at sharing. Really emotional stuff really is hard to make out easily. The chaos of life, the hustle makes us obsessed with negative thoughts. These posts will share thoughts and new actions, we are looking forward.

The idea of ​​writing is a very important factor and we can see that it is derived is the starting point for what you are then implemented. Things really valuable when it is true thoughts.

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Home / Book Writing / How to Come Up With a Book Idea: 16 Tips [And Why You Needn’t Worry]

How to Come Up With a Book Idea: 16 Tips [And Why You Needn’t Worry]

Are you facing the challenge of coming up with a captivating book idea? You're not alone – many aspiring authors grapple with finding that perfect concept to kickstart their literary journey.

The struggle to generate a unique and engaging idea can feel overwhelming, leading to frustration and writer's block. 

And it doesn’t help when other authors say “ideas are everywhere, you just have to recognize them when you see them.”

Not helpful.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through every tip I know of to find valuable and high-quality ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

• What makes a good book idea
• Where to find good book ideas
• Why ideas might be slightly overrated

Table of contents

• Fiction vs Nonfiction Ideas
• 1. Try Writing Prompts
• 2. Read the News
• 3. Ask Yourself What You Like
• 4. Walk Through the Different Elements of Fiction
• 5. Be Bored
• 6. Start With What You Know
• 7. Write Something for Family/Friends
• 9. People Watch
• 10. Scrabble
• 11. Consult Trivia Resources
• 12. Write Down Your Dreams
• 14. Free Write
• 15. Retell a Classic
• 16. Explore Keywords and Categories
• Case Study: The Codex Alera by Jim Butcher
• Execution > Ideas

Let’s dive in and begin your ideation journey….ideation journey? Is that a thing?

What Makes a Good Book Idea?

A good book idea is one that sparks curiosity, ignites your own emotions, and resonates with your target audience. It should be original, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering a fresh perspective or tackling an unexplored topic. 

That doesn’t mean that it has to be wholly original. While originality is an asset, a good book idea doesn't have to be completely groundbreaking. Sometimes, it's about putting a unique spin on a familiar theme or exploring a well-trodden topic from a fresh angle. 

The key is to bring your voice, experiences, and insights to the table, which can make even a well-known subject feel new and engaging to your readers.

You may be wondering about how your approach might differ depending on whether you want to write a fiction or nonfiction book.

For fiction , the focus is often on building an immersive world, crafting memorable characters, and weaving an engaging narrative. Your imagination is the primary driving force, allowing you to create entire universes, explore different time periods, or delve into fantastical realms.

Generally speaking, inspiration can come from anywhere, but is rooted in your own personal emotions and desires. What kind of fiction experience do you want to write? What lights you up inside?

For nonfiction , book ideas revolve around sharing knowledge, providing insights, or telling true stories. The goal is to educate, inform, or inspire the reader. In nonfiction, the writer needs to be well-versed in the subject matter, able to research effectively, and present complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner. 

That means that, generally speaking, writing a nonfiction book comes more out of what you know. What are you an expert in? Or, what would you like to become an expert at? Like in fiction, emotions and desires still play a part, but your own skills are more likely to drive your book ideas.

But let’s say you still want to write a book, but you have absolutely no idea where to start. Then read on, because the following tips will almost certainly get you there if you’re stuck.

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16 Ways to Generate Amazing Book Ideas

There are a LOT of different places where you can get your ideas, but sometimes having too much input results in an author who doesn't know what to do with what they have.

So I’ve broken down all the different ways that you can get ideas into the following tips.

I recommend picking one or two of these options that resonate with you. Then explore those options until you either come up with a good idea, or you find it doesn’t work for you and you try a new one.

Writing prompts can be a fantastic way to generate book ideas. These prompts act as creative catalysts, nudging your mind to explore new territories and develop unique narratives. 

They can be anything from a single word or phrase to a complex scenario. 

When using writing prompts, let your imagination run wild, and don't be afraid to take risks. The more you practice, the more you'll train your brain to think creatively and uncover hidden gems of inspiration.

With that in mind, we have actually put together a comprehensive list of possible writing prompts that you can use to get your brain spinning. These include the following:

• Character Ideas
• Children’s Book Ideas
• Comic Book Ideas
• Dystopian Ideas
• Fantasy Ideas
• Flash Fiction Ideas
• Funny Ideas
• Historical Fiction Ideas
• Horror Ideas
• Memoir Ideas
• Mystery Ideas
• Narrative Fiction Ideas
• Nonfiction Ideas
• One Word Ideas
• Realistic Fiction Ideas
• Romance Ideas
• Science Fiction Ideas
• Summer Ideas
• Valentine’s Ideas
• Winter Ideas

Even if you don’t end up using these prompts, they can easily be a great way to get your brain thinking about writing, which can lead to a flow state, which can lead to better ideas.

The news is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. From global events to local happenings, the news can provide you with an abundance of ideas for both fiction and nonfiction books. 

Look for intriguing headlines, human interest stories, or unsolved mysteries. Use the news as a starting point, and then dig deeper to uncover the hidden layers and perspectives that can form the basis of a captivating book.

And look in the corners of your local news, as sometimes that’s where you can find the truly weird and quirky stories that can give you ideas. Scanning through police reports and other public documents like that can also be a great source of ideas.

Writing should be fun. You should write about what you’re interested in, or writing will be miserable. Therefore, your interests and passions are a goldmine for book ideas. 

Ask yourself what topics or genres excite you, and consider how you can create a book that you would enjoy reading. 

By tapping into your own interests, you'll be more motivated and invested in the writing process, increasing the chances of crafting a book that resonates with readers who share your passions.

You’ll also enjoy the journey more.

There are multiple elements of fiction that you can pick apart. They include, but are not limited to: 

• Point of view
• Conflict. 

By examining each element individually, you can brainstorm unique combinations and permutations that can lead to a compelling book idea. 

Play with different character archetypes, settings, and narrative structures. As you experiment with these elements, you may discover the perfect blend that captures your imagination and sets the stage for a captivating novel or short story.

Boredom is a good thing. Embrace boredom and let your mind wander. 

Research shows that boredom can stimulate creativity, as it allows your brain to make unexpected connections and generate novel ideas. 

During moments of idleness, your subconscious can work on problems or concepts that have been lingering in your thoughts, potentially leading to an inspired book idea.

Personally, some of my best ideas have come when I’m in a quiet space without my phone, or while out on a walk. 

In fact, I would intentionally schedule some boredom time. This means putting aside your phone and ALL other electronics. Then simply let yourself exist and your mind to wander. You might be surprised what comes up.

I usually hate the saying, “write what you know,” because I’m a fantasy author and none of what I write is real. However, the phrase “start with what you know” is slightly different. 

You personal experience is often a great place to start, because doing so gives authenticity to your writing.

Draw from your personal experiences, knowledge, and expertise when brainstorming book ideas. Your life experiences, whether extraordinary or mundane, can provide the foundation for a captivating narrative or an informative nonfiction piece.

Consider writing a book tailored to the interests or needs of your loved ones. For example, while my dad has never published a book, when I was younger he would make up stories that were specifically designed for my education and growth. He would tell me science fiction stories that were grounded in real astronomy, or invented scientist characters to teach me about certain scientific principles.

(I actually owe my dad a lot for my own personal love of storytelling. But that’s another story for another time.)

The point is that the people you know have unique needs, and those needs can easily spark an idea in you.

By focusing on a specific person or audience, you can craft a story or nonfiction work that has personal significance and emotional resonance.

I like travel more than almost any other option on this list, not just because it is fun, but because nothing helps me think outside the box more than being exposed to ways of life that I had never before considered.

Travel can broaden your horizons and expose you to new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. As you explore different places, observe the people, customs, and environments that you encounter. 

These experiences can provide a rich tapestry of inspiration for both fiction and nonfiction works, allowing you to craft vivid settings, dynamic characters, and engaging narratives.

Observing people in their natural habitats can be a fascinating source of inspiration. As you people watch, take note of unique behaviors, mannerisms, or interactions that catch your attention. 

These observations can serve as the seeds for intriguing characters, storylines, or themes that can be woven into a compelling book.

Playing word games like Scrabble or Bananagrams (a favorite of my wife and I) can help you uncover interesting combinations of words or concepts that could spark a book idea. 

As you manipulate the tiles, allow your mind to make connections between seemingly unrelated words.

And while I do encourage these word games as a source of inspiration, my point is more broad than that. Simply bringing unrelated words or images together can be a great source of ideas.

You can even find a random word generator online and simply put them together and see what kind of connections you could make between two unrelated words/topics. 

It’s a great way to spark and exercise creativity.

Delving into trivia resources can be a treasure trove of inspiration for story ideas. By perusing trivia books, websites, and quizzes, you can uncover fascinating facts, historical events, or obscure details that can spark the beginning of an intriguing narrative. 

I rather enjoy watching Jeopardy for this reason. It gives me access to knowledge I hadn’t know before, which can work wonders when brainstorming new ideas.

These newfound nuggets of knowledge can serve as the foundation for a compelling plot or unique character, infusing your story with depth and originality.

Dreams are a gateway to the boundless, surreal realm of the subconscious mind. Jotting down your dreams upon waking can lead to a wealth of story ideas, as you capture the essence of your mind's nocturnal wanderings. 

The bizarre landscapes, unexpected scenarios, and peculiar characters that populate your dreams can be the starting point for an immersive, fantastical tale that captures the imagination of your readers.

Start by writing down your dreams every morning. This not only gives you story ideas, but it’s actually good for your memory. If you write down your dreams immediately upon waking, you will soon find that you remember your dreams much more clearly in the future.

Artificial intelligence has come a long way in recent years, with language models like GPT-4 offering creative assistance to writers. It’s still a little rusty when it comes to the actual writing, but AI is phenomenal at brainstorming.

Utilizing AI-based tools, you can generate a plethora of story ideas or even entire plotlines, simply by inputting a few keywords or phrases. 

I personally use ChatGPT for this, though other tools like Sudowrite are also great for brainstorming, and I’m already at the point where I can’t remember what it was like to brainstorm without it. Needless to say, my brain hurts a lot less now.

Free writing is a technique where you write without inhibition or concern for grammar, structure, or coherence. By allowing your thoughts to flow freely, you can tap into your unconscious and discover unexpected story ideas. 

I personally recommend freewriting by hand, but that’s not 100% necessary. I just find that writing by hand activates more parts of my brain and really gets the juices flowing.

The process of free writing can help you break through writer's block and uncover hidden gems within your own mind, which can then be refined and developed into a captivating tale.

Reimagining a classic or public domain story can provide an opportunity to bring new life to a timeless tale. 

By taking a well-known narrative and infusing it with your own perspective, you can create a unique adaptation that retains the essence of the original while adding fresh twists and character development. 

This is basically the crux of my entire career, as most of the books I have written or plan to write are (at least loosely) based on an existing public domain property. 

You can adapt a classic story into a different genre (such as the modern day, or a sci-fi/fantasy story), or you could try alternative versions of the same story, or stories that could have existed alongside the original classic but were never told.

Keywords and categories are essential tools to show up on Amazon and help the algorithms find you.

But did you know that researching keywords and categories before you start writing is also beneficial?

In fact, if you are a nonfiction writer, this is almost a required step. 

I recommend researching keywords that people are searching for, because that will almost certainly spark ideas by showing you needs that are not being met.

Additionally, by finding high-demand/low-competition categories, you have the option of reaching a hungry audience with a new idea that you might not have thought of otherwise.

The best way to do this research is with Publisher Rocket, the all-in-one tool for researching keywords, categories, and more.

Rocket has a wealth of data, all of which can help you brainstorm what your book should or shouldn’t be about.

Don’t Stress About Ideas

A lot of authors get stressed about finding the “perfect idea”. While ideas are certainly important, and a lack of ideas definitely is one source of writers block, in this next section I’m putting an argument out there that ideas…might be a bit overrated.

With countless aspiring authors tirelessly searching for that perfect idea to catapult them to stardom, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters – honing one's writing skills. 

In fact, the story behind the creation of the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher is a perfect example of how an accomplished author can take seemingly unrelated or even bizarre ideas and weave them into a compelling tale.

The Codex Alera series originated from a bet made in a workshop that Jim Butcher attended when he was still a junior writer and not the famous fantasy author that he is today. 

Participants were discussing whether a great concept was more important than a skilled writer. 

Butcher firmly believed that a talented author could transform any idea, no matter how outlandish, into a captivating story. He was so confident in his position that he accepted a challenge to write a story based on two randomly selected concepts: the Lost Roman Legion and Pokémon. 

The result? A highly successful and widely acclaimed fantasy series.

Execution > Ideas

This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder to authors that obsessing over finding the perfect story idea can be counterproductive. 

Ideas, while important, can sometimes be overrated. What truly sets a story apart is the skill and creativity of the writer who breathes life into those ideas. 

The best authors are those who can take any concept – even one as seemingly absurd as combining the Lost Roman Legion with Pokemon – and make it shine.

Instead of stressing over discovering the ultimate idea, focus on refining your writing skills, developing unique characters, and building immersive worlds . Embrace the challenge of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Remember, it's not the idea that defines the story, but the author's ability to transform it into a literary masterpiece. So, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and let your talent guide you in crafting unforgettable stories, regardless of the ideas you start with.

Jason Hamilton

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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The 20+ Best Books on Creative Writing

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I write a book?”, “How do I write a short story?”, or “How do I write a poem?” you’re not alone. I’m halfway done my MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and I ask myself these questions a lot, too, though I’m noticing that by now I feel more comfortable with the answers that fit my personal craft. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing candidate, or even a college graduate, in order to soak up the great Wisdom of Words, as I like to call it. Another word for it is craft . That’s because there are so many great books out there on writing craft. In this post, I’ll guide you through 20+ of the most essential books on creative writing. These essential books for writers will teach you what you need to know to write riveting stories and emotionally resonant books—and to sell them.

I just also want to put in a quick plug for my post with the word count of 175 favorite novels . This resource is helpful for any writer.

Now, with that done… Let’s get to it!

What Made the List of Essential Books for Writers—and What Didn’t

So what made the list? And what didn’t?

Unique to this list, these are all books that I have personally used in my journey as a creative and commercial writer.

That journey started when I was 15 and extended through majoring in English and Creative Writing as an undergrad at UPenn through becoming a freelance writer in 2014, starting this book blog, pursuing my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and publishing some fiction and nonfiction books myself . My point here is not to boast, just to explain that these books have all helped me better understand and apply the craft, discipline, and business of writing over the course of more than half my life as I’ve walked the path to become a full-time writer. Your mileage my vary , but each of these books have contributed to my growth as a writer in some way. I’m not endorsing books I’ve never read or reviewed. This list comes from my heart (and pen!).

Most of these books are geared towards fiction writers, not poetry or nonfiction writers

It’s true that I’m only one human and can only write so much in one post. Originally, I wanted this list to be more than 25 books on writing. Yes, 25 books! But it’s just not possible to manage that in a single post. What I’ll do is publish a follow-up article with even more books for writers. Stay tuned!

The most commonly recommended books on writing are left out.

Why? Because they’re everywhere! I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing, ones that aren’t highlighted often enough. You’ll notice that many of these books are self-published because I wanted to give voice to indie authors.

But I did want to include a brief write-up of these books… and, well, you’ve probably heard of them, but here are 7 of the most recommended books on writing:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – With her guided practice on how to rejuvenate your art over the course of 16 weeks, Cameron has fashioned an enduring classic about living and breathing your craft (for artists as well as writers). This book is perhaps best known for popularizing the morning pages method.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner – If you want to better understand how fiction works, John Gardner will be your guide in this timeless book.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – A beloved writing book on process, craft, and overcoming stumbling blocks (both existential and material).

On Writing by Stephen King – A must-read hybrid memoir-craft book on the writer mythos and reality for every writer.

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose – A core writing book that teaches you how to read with a writer’s eye and unlock the ability to recognize and analyze craft for yourself.

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin – Many writers consider this to be their bible on craft and storytelling.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg – A favorite of many writers, this book takes an almost spiritual approach to the art, craft, and experience of writing.

I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing on my list.

These books are all in print.

Over the years, I’ve picked up several awesome books on creative writing from used bookstores. Oh, how I wish I could recommend these! But many of them are out of print. The books on this list are all available new either as eBooks, hardcovers, or paperbacks. I guess this is the right time for my Affiliate Link disclaimer:

This article contains affiliate links, which means I might get a small portion of your purchase. For more on my affiliate link policy, check out my official Affiliate Link Disclaimer .

You’ll notice a lot of the books focus on the business of writing.

Too often, money is a subject that writers won’t talk about. I want to be upfront about the business of writing and making a living as a writer (or not ) with these books. It’s my goal to get every writer, even poets!, to look at writing not just from a craft perspective, but from a commercial POV, too.

And now on to the books!

Part i: the best books on writing craft, the anatomy of story by john truby.

For you if: You want to develop an instinctive skill at understanding the contours of storytelling .

All I want to do as a writer, my MO, is tell good stories well. It took me so long to understand that what really matters to me is good storytelling. That’s it—that’s the essence of what we do as writers… tell good stories well. And in The Anatomy of Story , legendary screenwriting teacher John Truby takes you through story theory. This book is packed with movie references to illustrate the core beat points in story, and many of these example films are actually literary adaptations, making this a crossover craft book for fiction writers and screenwriters alike.

How to read it: Purchase The Anatomy of Story on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The art of memoir by mary karr.

For you if: You’re writing a memoir book or personal essays .

Nobody is a better person to teach memoir writing than Mary Karr, whose memoirs The Liar’s Club and Lit are considered classics of the genre. In The Art of Memoir , Karr delivers a master class on memoir writing, adapted from her experience as a writer and a professor in Syracuse’s prestigious MFA program. What I love about this book as an aspiring memoirist is Karr’s approach, which blends practical, actionable advice with more bigger-picture concepts on things like truth vs. fact in memoir storytelling. Like I said in the intro to this list, I didn’t include many nonfiction and poetry books on this list, but I knew I had to make an exception for The Art of Memoir .

How to read it: Purchase The Art of Memoir on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The emotional craft of fiction by donald maass.

For you if: Plot isn’t your problem, it’s character .

From literary agent Donald Maass, The Emotional Craft of Fiction gives you the skill set you need to master emotionally engaging fiction. Maass’s technique is to show you how readers get pulled into the most resonant, engaging, and unforgettable stories: by going through an emotional journey nimbly crafted by the author. The Emotional Craft of Fiction is a must-have work of craft to balance more plot-driven craft books.

How to read it: Purchase the The Emotional Craft of Fiction on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

How to Write Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson

For you if: You need a quick-and-dirty plotting technique that’s easy to memorize .

I first heard of the “Snowflake Method” in the National Novel Writing Month forums (which, by the way, are excellent places for finding writing craft worksheets, book recommendations, and online resources). In How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method , the Snowflake Method is introduced by its creator. This quick yet thorough plotting and outlining structure is humble and easy to master. If you don’t have time to read a bunch of books on outlining and the hundreds of pages that would require, check out How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method for a quick, 235-page read.

How to read it: Purchase How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Meander, spiral, explode: design and pattern in narrative by jane alison.

For you if: You want to do a deep dive understanding of the core theory of story, a.k.a. narrative.

A most unconventional writing craft book, Meander, Spiral, Explode offers a theory of narrative (story) as recognizable patterns. According to author Jane Alison, there are three main narrative narratives in writing: meandering, spiraling, and exploding. This cerebral book (chock full of examples!) is equal parts seminar on literary theory as it is craft, and it will make you see and understand storytelling better than maybe any book on this list.

How to read it: Purchase Meander, Spiral, Explode on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The modern library writer’s workshop by stephen koch.

For you if: You’re wondering what it means to be the writer you want to become .

This is one of the earliest creative writing books I ever bought and it remains among the best I’ve read. Why? Reading The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop echoes the kind of mind-body-spirit approach you need to take to writing. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop doesn’t teach you the nuts and bolts of writing as much as it teaches you how to envision the machine. Koch zooms out to big picture stuff as much as zeroes in on the little details. This is an outstanding book about getting into the mindset of being a writer, not just in a commercial sense, but as your passion and identity. It’s as close as you’ll get to the feel of an MFA in Fiction education.

How to read it: Purchase The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Romancing the beat by gwen hayes.

For you if: You write or edit the romance genre and want a trusted plotting strategy to craft the perfect love story .

If you’re writing romance, you have to get Gwen Hayes’s Romancing the Beat . This book breaks down the plot points or “beats” you want to hit when you’re crafting your romance novel. When I worked as a romance novel outliner (yes, a real job), our team used Romancing the Beat as its bible; every outline was structured around Hayes’s formula. For romance writers (like myself) I cannot endorse it any higher.

How to read it: Purchase Romancing the Beat on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Save the cat writes a novel by jessica brody.

For you if: You have big ideas for a plot but need to work on the smaller moments that propel stories .

Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel adapts Blake Snyder’s bestselling screenwriting book Save the Cat! into story craft for writing novels. Brody reworks the Save the Cat! methodology in actionable, point-by-point stages of story that are each explained with countless relevant examples. If you want to focus your efforts on plot, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an excellent place to go to start learning the ins and outs of what makes a good story.

How to read it: Purchase Save the Cat! Writes a Novel on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Story genius by lisa cron.

For you if: You’re a pantser and are terrified at outlining yet also realize you might have a “plot problem .”

More than any other book, Lisa Cron’s Story Genius will get you where you need to go for writing amazing stories. Story Genius helps you look at plotting differently, starting from a point of characterization in which our protagonists have a clearly defined need and misbelief that play off each other and move the story forward from an emotional interior and action exterior standpoint. For many of my fellow MFA students—and myself— Story Genius is the missing link book for marrying plot and character so you innately understand the contours of good story.

How to read it: Purchase Story Genius on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Wonderbook: the illustrated guide to creating imaginative fiction by jeff vandermeer.

For you if: You’re writing in a speculative fiction genre—like science fiction, fantasy, or horror—or are trying to better understand those genres.

Jeff VanderMeer’s Wonderbook is a dazzling gem of a book and a can’t-miss-it writing book for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writers. This book will teach you all the skills you need to craft speculative fiction, like world-building, with micro-lessons and close-reads of excellent works in these genres. Wonderbook is also one to linger over, with lavish illustrations and every inch and corner crammed with craft talk for writing imaginative fiction (sometimes called speculative fiction). And who better to guide you through this than Jeff VanderMeer, author of the popular Southern Reach Trilogy, which kicks off with Annihilation , which was adapted into a feature film.

How to read it: Purchase Wonderbook on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing picture books by ann whitford paul.

For you if: You’re looking to write picture books and/or understand how they work .

This book is the only one you need to learn how to write and sell picture books. As an MFA student studying children’s literature, I’ve consulted with this book several times as I’ve dipped my toes into writing picture books, a form I considered scary and intimidating until reading this book. Writing Picture Books should be on the shelf of any writer of children’s literature. a.k.a. “kid lit.”

How to read it: Purchase Writing Picture Books on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing with emotion, conflict, and tension by cheryl st. john.

For you if: You need to work on the conflict, tension, and suspense that keep readers turning pages and your story going forward .

Mmm, conflict. As I said earlier, it’s the element of fiction writing that makes a story interesting and a key aspect of characterization that is underrated. In Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict , bestselling romance author Cheryl St. John offers a masterclass on the delicate dance between incorporating conflict, the emotions it inspires in characters, and the tension that results from those two factors.

How to read it: Purchase Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Part ii: the best books on the productivity, mfas, and the business of writing, 2k to 10k: writing faster, writing better, and writing more of what you love by rachel aaron.

For you if: You struggle to find the time to write and always seem to be a chapter or two behind schedule .

If you’re struggling to find time of your own to write with competing obligations (family, work, whatever) making that hard, you need Rachel Aaron’s 2k to 10k . This book will get you in shape to go from writing just a few words an hour to, eventually, 10,000 words a day. Yes, you read that right. 10,000 words a day. At that rate, you can complete so many more projects and publish more. Writers simply cannot afford to waste time if they want to keep up the kind of production that leads to perpetual publication. Trust me, Aaron’s method works. It has for me. I’m on my way to 10k in the future, currently at like 4 or 5k a day for me at the moment.

How to read it: Purchase 2k to 10k on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 3 a.m. epiphany by brian kitele.

For you if: You’re going through writer’s block, have been away from writing for a while, or just want to loosen up and try something new .

Every writer must own an an exercise or prompt book. Why? Because regularly practicing your writing by going outside your current works-in-progress (or writer’s block) will free you up, help you plant the seeds for new ideas, and defrost your creative blocks. And the best book writing exercise book I know is The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley, an MFA professor who uses prompts like these with his grad students. You’ll find that this book (and its sequel, The 4 A.M. Breakthrough ) go beyond cutesy exercises and forces you to push outside your comfort zone and learn something from the writing you find there.

How to read it: Purchase The 3 A.M. Epiphany on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 4-hour workweek by timothy ferriss.

For you if: You think being a writer means you have to be poor .

The 4-Hour Workweek changed my life. Although not strictly about writing in the traditional sense, The 4-Hour Workweek does an excellent job teaching you about how passive income can offer you freedom. I first heard about The 4-Hour Workweek when I was getting into tarot in 2013. On Biddy Tarot , founder Brigit (author of some of the best books on tarot ) related how she read this book, learned how to create passive income, and quit her corporate job to read tarot full time. As a person with a total and permanent disability, this spoke to me because it offered a way out of the 9-to-5 “active” income that I thought was the only way. I picked up Ferriss’s book and learned that there’s more than one option, and that passive income is a viable way for me to make money even when I’m too sick to work. I saw this come true last year when I was in the hospital. When I got out, I checked my stats and learned I’d made money off my blog and books even while I was hospitalized and couldn’t do any “active” work. I almost cried.; I’ve been working on my passive income game since 2013, and I saw a return on that time investment when I needed it most.

That’s why I’m recommending The 4-Hour Workweek to writers. So much of our trade is producing passive income products. Yes, your books are products! And for many writers, this means rewiring your brain to stop looking at writing strictly as an art that will leave you impoverished for life and start approaching writing as a business that can earn you a real living through passive income. No book will help you break out of that mindset better than The 4-Hour Workweek and its actionable steps, proven method, and numerous examples of people who have followed the strategy and are living the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of but never thought was possible.

How to read it: Purchase The 4-Hour Workweek on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum

For you if: You’re serious about making a living as a writer and publishing with a Big 5 or major indie publisher .

Courtney Maum’s Before and After the Book Deal addresses exactly what its title suggests: what happens after you sell your first book. This book is for ambitious writers intent on submission who know they want to write and want to avoid common pitfalls while negotiating terms and life after your debut. As many published authors would tell you, the debut is one thing, but following that book up with a sustainable, successful career is another trick entirely. Fortunately, we have Maum’s book, packed with to-the-moment details and advice.

How to read it: Purchase Before and After the Book Deal on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Diy mfa: write with focus, read with purpose, build your community by gabriela pereira.

For you if: You’re stressed out wondering if you really need an MFA .

The MFA is under this header “business of writing” because it is absolutely an economic choice you make. And, look, I’m biased. I’m getting an MFA. But back when I was grappling with whether or not it was worth it—the debt, the time, the stress—I consulted with DIY MFA , an exceptional guide to learning how to enrich your writing craft, career, and community outside the structures of an MFA program. I’ve also more than once visited the companion site, DIYMFA.com , to find a kind of never-ending rabbit hole of new and timeless content on the writing life. On DIYMFA.com and in the corresponding book, you’ll find a lively hub for author interviews, writing craft shop talk, reading lists, and business of writing articles.

How to read it: Purchase DIY MFA on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Mfa vs. nyc by chad harbach.

For you if: You’re wondering how far an MFA really gets you—and you’re ready to learn the realities of the publishing world .

About a thousand years ago (well, in 2007), I spent the fall of my sophomore year of college as a “Fiction Submissions and Advertising Intern” for the literary magazine n+1 , which was co-founded by Chad Harbach, who you might know from his buzzy novel, The Art of Fielding . In MFA vs NYC , Harbach offers his perspective as both an MFA graduate and someone deeply enmeshed in the New York City publishing industry. This thought-provoking look at these two arenas that launch writers will pull the wool up from your eyes about how publishing really works . It’s not just Harbach’s voice you get in here, though. The book, slim but mighty, includes perspectives from the likes of George Saunders and David Foster Wallace in the MFA camp and Emily Gould and Keith Gessen speaking to NYC’s writing culture.

How to read it: Purchase MFA vs. NYC on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Scratch: writers, money, and the art of making a living – edited by manjula martin.

For you if: a) You’re worried about how to balance writing with making a living; b) You’re not worried about how to balance writing with making a living .

Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living is alternately one of the most underrated and essential books on writing out there. This collection of personal essays and interviews all revolve around the taboo theme of how writers make their living, and it’s not always—indeed, rarely—through writing alone. Some of the many contributing authors include Cheryl Strayed ( Wild ), Alexander Chee ( How to Write an Autobiographical Novel ), Jennifer Weiner ( Mrs. Everything ), Austin Kleon ( Steal Like an Artist ), and many others. Recently a young woman asked me for career advice on being a professional freelance writer, and I made sure to recommend Scratch as an eye-opening and candid read that is both motivating and candid.

How to read it: Purchase Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Write to market: deliver a book that sells by chris fox.

For you if: You don’t know why your books aren’t selling—and you want to start turning a profit by getting a real publishing strategy

So you don’t have to be an indie author to internalize the invaluable wisdom you’ll find here in Write to Market . I first heard about Write to Market when I first joined the 20Booksto50K writing group on Facebook , a massive, supportive, motivating community of mostly indie authors. Everyone kept talking about Write to Market . I read the book in a day and found the way I looked at publishing change. Essentially, what Chris Fox does in Write to Market is help you learn to identify what are viable publishing niches. Following his method, I’ve since published several successful and #1 bestselling books in the quotations genre on Amazon . Without Fox’s book, I’m not sure I would have gotten there on my own.

How to read it: Purchase Write to Market on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

And that’s a wrap what are some of your favorite writing books, share this:, you might be interested in.

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Sarah S. Davis is the founder of Broke by Books, a blog about her journey as a schizoaffective disorder bipolar type writer and reader. Sarah's writing about books has appeared on Book Riot, Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, BookRags, PsychCentral, and more. She has a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Library and Information Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

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08-09-2024 HOW TO BE A SUCCESS AT EVERYTHING

How I wrote a book in 15 minutes a day

Every first novel started as an unpublished writer’s wild idea. Here’s how to make yours a reality.

[Photo: Stas Knop /Pexels]

BY  Julia Dahl 4 minute read

The first time I tried to write a novel I was 23. I had all the time in the world. I was a full-time graduate student. I lived alone, I had no children, and it took me three years to finish a draft.

Five years later, I tried again. I was working full-time as a reporter and I lived with my boyfriend, but we had no kids. This time, it took me five years.

All that time, my technique, if you could call it that, was the same: set up my laptop at a coffee shop or a library or at my desk at home, and “write.” But, as New York Times best-selling author Meghan O’Rourke recently tweeted : “It’s really important to have at least three hours to write every day so you can spend the first two hours squirming and checking the internet and daydreaming before getting down to it.”

Touché. I thought I needed hours with nothing to do but write. But even with all those hours, I didn’t produce much. So I started applying for retreats and residencies , thinking maybe I needed long stretches—days, weeks—to do nothing but write.

I wrote three novels that way. Fits of progress followed by long lulls of nothing. And then I had a child.

Suddenly, there were no long stretches.

I struggled. I had to figure out a way to fold my writing back into my life, but my life had changed so dramatically I wasn’t sure how. I turned in my fourth novel two years past the deadline. I had an idea for another, but no idea how I’d actually get it gone.

And then, my friend, author Laura McHugh, told me she’d started doing “writing sprints.” I don’t have all day, she told me, but I can commit to one hour.

Frankly, an hour felt impossible, but I liked the idea of a sprint. I turned off my Wi-Fi, silenced my ringer, put on some noise-canceling headphones, and for 15 minutes, I wrote. I didn’t produce a lot, but it was more than I’d done the day before. More than I’d done in a month. I did the same thing the next day, and the next. And less than two years later, I had a solid draft.

Words add up

There is nothing magic about 15 minutes—and yet there is. We all waste 15 minutes every day scrolling on our phones. Probably more, but definitely 15. And in 15 minutes, if you can write 100 words, you can have a full-length draft of a novel in two years. (One hundred words times 365 days times two years is 73,000 words, which most editors will tell you is on the shorter end of average novel length.) You’ll also probably start enjoying those 15 minutes; what you accomplished will help carry you through the day. And sometimes those 15 minutes will turn into longer sessions.

Will what you write be ready to publish? No. First drafts never are. Part of the 15 minute technique is to give yourself permission to write badly. You’ll fix it later. But here’s the key: There is no published novel without a finished first draft. What if two years ago you’d decided to write 15 minutes a day? You’d have hundreds of pages to polish into something publishable.

Training your brain

But more than the words on the page—which add up!—the genius of the 15 daily minutes is that the real secret to writing a novel, or achieving any long-term artistic goal, is time spent thinking about the thing you’re creating. You can’t write a novel without hours and hours spent considering the world you’re building, the people you’re creating, the problems they’ll encounter, and the route it will take for them to get to the end of their journey.

To do all that, you need to spend a lot of time walking around with the novel in your brain. Spending even just 15 minutes each day “with” your novel means that it will always be present in your mind. Nurture that presence when you aren’t writing. Cut down on podcasts when you’re walking or driving. Give yourself quiet. Tell yourself: I’m going to think about the next scene I need to write while I go through this car wash, or walk to the grocery store, or wait for my son’s lacrosse practice to end. 

Keep a notebook with you to jot down plot ideas and snippets of dialogue. Or, use your phone to dictate messages to yourself, though your phone can be very dangerous as a distraction, so beware. 

How to find your 15 minutes

It’ll be different for everyone. You can’t get me out of bed one minute before I need to be awake, so mornings are out for me. And once I’ve put my son to bed, I’m pretty wiped. It’s certainly not my most creative time. So I do my 15 minutes in the middle of the day. 

I coach novelists who do their 15 minutes after their morning workout, or after they’ve dropped their kids off from school, or right before bed. I know writers who write at work on their lunch break. All that matters is the time; the where and when can change as your life does.

Give yourself permission

Let me tell you a secret: Most writers—even those with books in your favorite bookstore, reviewed by the big papers—don’t make enough money off their writing to pay all their bills. The same is true of all other artists: musicians, painters, actors, dancers. Does that make their work less legitimate? If you write, you’re a writer. Own it.

Another thing to remember is that every novel you pick up (and every song you listen to, every performance you attend) started as somebody’s wild idea. It exists only because its creator decided to spend unpaid time working on it. Little by little, the wild idea turns into something real.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julia Dahl is the author of five novels including I Dreamed of Falling , out this September from Minotaur Books. She teaches journalism at NYU and provides private coaching and creative writing classes online .   More

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More From Forbes

The entrepreneur's guide to publishing: how to transform ideas into a successful book.

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By Vikrant Shaurya, CEO of Authors On Mission , helping entrepreneurs and professionals write, publish, and market their books.

As an entrepreneur, you wear multiple hats, from product visionary to marketing guru. But have you considered adding “published author” to your multifaceted resume? Writing a book can do wonders for your personal brand and set you apart as a thought leader in your industry. Let me break down the essential steps that can help you transform your innovative ideas into a successful book.

1. Establish your purpose and target audience.

Before you put pen to paper, it’s crucial to understand why you are writing this book. Is it to share your entrepreneurial journey, offer business insights or establish yourself as an authority in your niche? Identifying the purpose will guide your content and writing style. Additionally, pinpointing your target audience will help you tailor your message.

2. Brainstorm and organize your ideas.

Entrepreneurs are brimming with ideas. But when it comes to writing a book, you need to focus. Make a list of all the topics and insights you want to include. Next, organize these ideas into a logical structure. Creating an outline or a table of contents can serve as your road map.

3. Commit to a writing schedule.

Time is the scarcest resource for an entrepreneur. Therefore, it’s imperative to carve out dedicated writing time. Whether it’s early mornings or late nights, find what works for you and commit to it. Remember, even writing for just 30 minutes a day can add up over time.

4. Seek professional help if needed.

Sometimes, entrepreneurs might have great ideas but lack the time or writing skills to translate them into a book. This is where professional help comes in. Consider hiring a ghostwriter who can pen down your thoughts or an editor to refine your manuscript.

The ghostwriting process involves a close professional relationship. Your ghostwriter should listen intently, show genuine interest in your project, and be able to convey your vision in your voice. Comfort with the writer is key.

Before commencing work, establish clear terms of engagement. These include confidentiality, rights, compensation, expectations about revisions and the timeline.

To find a suitable ghostwriter, look for strong writing skills, industry understanding and knowledge of your target audience. Ask for writing samples to assess their style and versatility, and seek references from previous clients to verify their professionalism and reliability.

Lastly, maintain regular communication with your ghostwriter. This will ensure your project remains on track and that the final result aligns with your vision. A good ghostwriter is not just a hired writer but a strategic partner in your authorship journey.

5. Design an appealing cover and optimize the layout.

Judging a book by its cover is not just a saying; it’s a real phenomenon. An attractive cover can grab the attention of potential readers. Work with a professional designer to create a cover that reflects your book’s theme and your brand. Also, ensure that the interior layout is reader-friendly.

The book design process should align with the heart of your content and your personal brand. The cover should not just attract attention but also hint at the book’s theme and appeal to your target audience.

Consider design elements that reflect your book’s content and your brand’s identity. For instance, specific colors, fonts and images can help convey your message and establish brand recognition.

When designing the interior, ensure it’s reader-friendly. The right font, spacing and organized elements like a table of contents can enhance the reading experience.

Engage a professional designer to capture your vision accurately. Also, obtain feedback on the design before finalizing it.

In essence, thoughtful book design can significantly impact your book’s reception, providing a visual cue to the value readers will discover within.

6. Select the right publishing platform.

Nowadays, authors are not restricted to traditional publishing houses. There are a number of platforms available that allow you to easily self-publish your book. Research different publishing options and choose the one that aligns with your goals and budget.

7. Create a marketing strategy.

Writing a book is only half the battle; marketing it is equally crucial. As an entrepreneur, you already have marketing acumen. Leverage your network, social media and other marketing channels to create buzz. Engage with your audience and consider running promotions or giveaways.

8. Gather reviews and feedback.

Positive reviews can significantly impact your book’s success. Reach out to your network and request honest reviews. Moreover, be open to constructive feedback, as it can offer insights for potential future editions or new projects.

9. Monitor sales and adjust strategy.

Track your book’s sales data and reader engagement. If the book is not performing as expected, don’t hesitate to reevaluate and tweak your marketing strategy.

10. Plan your next steps.

Publishing a book can open new doors. Reflect on how this accomplishment fits into your larger professional goals. Maybe it’s speaking engagements, a series of books or using your book as a tool to grow your business.

Embarking on the authorship journey can be immensely rewarding. It’s not just about adding a new achievement to your portfolio but also about sharing your knowledge and contributing to the entrepreneurial community. So take that leap, and let your words inspire others.

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50 Ways To Use AI in the Language Classroom

Ideas for reading comprehension, creative writing, world language, and more.

Explore Vista Higher Learning , your partner for all things language education. Find programs for your subject area, free PD, podcasts, and more!

There are so many ways to use AI in today’s classroom that it can become overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned AI veteran or a teacher looking to dip into AI activities for the first time, this list makes using AI in the language classroom easy. You’ll find ready-to-go ideas that use completely free AI platforms in our free download. There are ideas to make your life as a teacher easier along with ways to engage students using AI in a productive way. Explore language topic areas including world language, reading fundamentals, comprehension, composition, and creative writing in this free download!

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Julianne Hough Had an ‘Awakening’ While Writing New Novel, Everything We Never Knew (Exclusive)

"I feel more clarity and understanding of what matters to me and what I want to put out into the world … I feel creative. I feel so in love," Hough tells PEOPLE

Julianne Hough has a story, and she’s ready to share it. 

In 2020, while going through what she calls a “huge transformational period,” Hough asked herself, “How can I create something that I can pour my experiences into without giving all of my details away, but that we'll all be able to relate to?” 

The result — after four years of introspection and writing — is Everything We Never Knew , a novel rooted in the 36-year-old’s life experiences. “What I found, it’s so overused and cliché but it really was an awakening,” Hough tells PEOPLE about writing the book, which comes out on Aug. 13, with author Ellen Goodlett. She adds, “I was starting to feel things and see things and have these really heightened awarenesses and senses activated in a way that I was like, ‘Whoa, this feels like magic and nobody's going to understand this because this is wild’.”

Sourcebooks

The Dancing With the Stars host channeled this “magic” into the story of a woman named Lexi who realizes that she can feel other people’s emotions and see into their personal memories. But that ability comes at a cost: she must also confront her past, which she has tried hard to suppress.

“I realized I can use the universal themes that everybody experiences: loss, grief, abandonment, betrayal, violation, all these things that we experience as the human collective,” Hough says. “I've been very, very intentional the last four years of just being as authentic and real as I can and not worrying about the narrative from the outside in, but from the inside out.”

Connecting with the character she was writing meant gaining a better understanding of herself, something Hough admits was not easy to do.

“It just opened this new curiosity up for me, and it started unraveling all the systems of protection that I had put into place for myself to keep me totally fine,” the Safe Haven actress says. “It was not the most easy journey to go through, but it was the one that allowed for all parts of me to exist, come out and then really, truly have a clean slate of who I am and what my intention is in this next phase of life.”

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

As Hough did the work of recognizing “patterns and behaviors that were hiding her from her best, highest self," she had to dig deeper than she originally expected.

“I thought all of my trauma really was from 10 years old to 15, but I've realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I had so much before that’,” Hough recalls. “Our parents do the best job that they know how to do in the moment, so it's not about blaming or shunning or shaming. It's about acknowledging, confronting and then recognizing that we can take ourselves and heal generational wounds.”

Hough says her life now feels like it is in full blossom. “I really feel like a harvest, like an absolute abundance of planting seeds for many years, unraveling things that weren't working before,” she says. “I feel more clarity and understanding of what matters to me and what I want to put out into the world … I feel creative. I feel so in love.”

While the Footloose actress says she is not in love with anyone or anything specifically, she tells PEOPLE she is ready to open her heart again after separating from ex-husband Brooks Laich in 2020 and divorcing in 2022 .

“I needed time for myself. I needed to sit in the uncomfortable stillness of, ‘I feel so alone right now’,” Hough says. “I will say in the last year and a half, my heart has been able to start opening ... I have so much love to give. I cannot wait to pour it out.”

As she looks ahead to her book release, Hough is excited for people to connect with the story. “My experiences from this book, Lexi's experiences in this book, I don't think that they are unique to individuals,” she says. “I think that everybody has the ability to tap into these spiritual senses, and it's all about timing. It's about openness, curiosity and willingness to surrender to what's possible.”

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As for the next chapter in her life story, Hough is taking her own advice and welcoming whatever comes next. “I want to just be in a place that feels really easy, calm and vibrant, and allow things to come in that are supposed to be for me,” she says. “The fear of change has turned into the joy of transformation.”

Everything We Never Knew  is out Aug. 13 from Sourcebooks Landmark and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

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30 Most Inspirational Books to Read in Your Search for More Meaning

These reads will make you laugh, cry and find a new perspective on life.

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These inspirational books offer a refreshing new way of looking at life to help you feel unstuck. They cross genres including fiction, self-help, poetry and memoir, and they will make you laugh, cry and feel ready to face new challenges. Some of these books have feel-good lessons. Others grapple with terrible tragedies, but remember, it's from overcoming adversity that we build resilience and hope. Whether upbeat or serious, every book on this list has something to teach you about life.

Self-help books like Atomic Habits will help you embrace the power of change and build better habits for life, while spiritual books like Siddhartha offer meditations on happiness and meaning. Some of the best memoirs like Glennon Doyle's Untamed show the importance of embracing yourself, while the best fiction like Life of Pi teaches us the power of storytelling and survival.

No matter the genre, these inspirational reads will help give you new ideas, a change in perspective and a new appreciation for the beauty of life, even with its hardships. What more could you want from a book?

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

This blunt book tells it like it is, encouraging you to care less about most things so you can focus more on what is actually important to you. It will inspire you to stop sweating the small stuff, stop feeling sorry about your problems and start building resilience and satisfaction in your life.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

When a ship sinks in the middle of the ocean, there is only one survivor: Pi, a 16-year-old boy who shelters on a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena and a Bengal tiger. This incredible story of love and survival shows off the awe-inspiring forces of nature and the power of stories to help make sense of hardship.

RELATED: Join the Good Housekeeping Book Club

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

In this fable about following your dreams, an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago goes on a quest to discover a hidden treasure in the pyramids. But along the way, he finds a different treasure altogether as he learns more about life, wisdom and the importance of listening to your heart.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

Everybody knows the story of Malala, the brave Pakistani girl who stood up against the Taliban for her right to an education and was shot in the head at point blank range on her school bus. Now the youngest Nobel Laureate ever, winning the recognition at only 17, she is an education activist and a champion for girls everywhere.

RELATED: 120 Women Who Changed Our World

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This self-help book offers a straightforward framework for starting new habits and ending bad ones to change your life. Drawing on biology, psychology and neuroscience, this book will help catapult your progress forward to accomplish your goals.

RELATED: Best Self-Help Books to Buy

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Part memoir, part self-help book, Glennon Doyle's Untamed is a manifesto for women to live their best and boldest life . She encourages you to leave people pleasing at the door, listen to your inner voice and practice the bravery to chase what you want, living a life untamed.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo is a name that has become synonymous with decluttering — and for good reason. Her trademark strategies of only keeping items that spark joy and thanking items for their service when you are done with them will inspire you to have a cleaner home and simpler life.

RELATED: Must-Read Books by Asian and Pacific Islander Authors

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A classic beloved by children and adults alike, The Little Prince is a French fable about a young prince's travels through space. Exploring themes of love, loss, loneliness and friendship, this book has been touching hearts for generations.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

This former-First Lady's memoir describes her childhood with her working class family on the South Side of Chicago all the way through her years in the White House. Throughout, she handles challenges with poise, becoming a role model for achieving your dreams and maintaining grace under pressure.

The Essential Rumi translated by Coleman Barks

Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet and Islamic Sufi mystic. Touching on love, faith, nature and freedom, his work is full of beautiful images and inspirational lines you are sure to take with you long after you close this volume of poetry.

A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrik Backman

A curmudgeonly old man terrorizes the neighborhood until a chatty young couple and their daughters move in next door and truly get to know him. This funny and heartwarming tale highlights the impact one life can have on countless people.

Siddhartha: A Novel by Herman Hesse

Siddartha is the philosophical story of a young man's search for wisdom during the time of the Buddha. He leaves his family to find his own path, trying meditation, asceticism, worldly indulgences, love and more to find the path to true enlightenment and happiness.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Unhappy in her marriage and her life, Elizabeth Gilbert divorces her husband and travels the world to find herself in this memoir. With humor and compassion, she searches for pleasure in Italy, spirituality in India and love in Bali, ultimately finding what she needs to start her life again.

Devotions: Selected Poems by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver is a contemporary American poet inspired by the natural world and its links to the sacred. Her beautiful imagery and simple language offer moving meditations on love and nature, painting the world around us in a clearer light. This volume contains her favorite works from across her career.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This harrowing memoir of Frankl's time in a Nazi concentration camp is an intense but powerful read. Although it's a difficult subject, Frankl writes both psychologically and philosophically about finding meaning even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

In 1845, Henry David Thoreau moved to live in a small shack he helped build on the shores of Lake Walden in Massachusetts. He lived there for two years in isolation, seeking to better understand the world, society and nature. Meditative and insightful, these are his observations.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Following the sudden loss of her husband while their daughter was in a coma, Joan Didion wrote this book about her grief. Raw and heart wrenching, it's a moving meditation on love, illness and family.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Don Miguel Ruiz

In this classic book of wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz shares four key insights from his Mexican Toltec ancestors to stop self-limiting behaviors and improve your life.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

How do you gracefully face your own death? And what makes life worth living? These are the questions neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi must ask when he is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer while he has a young son. This is a wrenching but profound look at life and death.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

The Japanese concept of ikigai means purpose: It's what happens when what you love, what you’re good at, what you can make money doing, and what the world needs overlap. This volume delves into how to find it, and how it's brought long life and happiness to the Japanese village that has the highest percentage of 100-year-olds.

Sarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping . She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading.

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Creative Writing Workshop to Combat Banned Books and Writings

Creative Writing Workshop to Combat Banned Books and Writings: Writer and Poet Laureate of Silver City and Grant County, Heather Frankland will be doing a special creative writing workshop for Banned Book Week as part of The Write Stuff Writing Workshop Program, sponsored by Southwest Word Fiesta. Banned Book Week is September 22nd to September 28th. Frankland will lead participants through a set of prompts that examine and advocate for banned books and the freedom to read.

The workshop will be offered on September 28, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City, 3845 N Swan St, Silver City, NM.

Originally from Muncie, Indiana, Heather Frankland currently lives in Silver City, NM where she teaches English Composition at Western New Mexico University. She holds both a Masters of Public Health and a Masters of Fine Arts in Poetry from New Mexico State University and a BA in English Writing with a Concentration in Environmental Studies from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. She served as a Peace Corps and Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Peru and Panama. She is the current poet laureate of Silver City/Grant County. Her chapbook, "Midwest Musings," was published by Finishing Line Press in 2023. The Write Stuff, a program presented by Southwest Word Fiesta and hosted by award-winning author and writing instructor Kris Neri, will share the techniques required for writers to elevate the professionalism of their works. This program will present a series of in-depth writing workshops throughout the year, offered by a some of the most accomplished local authors and instructors on a variety of writing topics.

All workshops are free and open to the public. No reservations. Seating and parking is plentiful.

For more information, contact Kris Neri This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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Stone Soup Books and The Writers Well partner to bring creative writing workshops to Waynesboro

WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV)— Stone Soup Books and The Writers Well launched a new writing school for adults, with summer and fall sessions in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

Though the courses are offered in Waynesboro, aspiring authors and writers in the Shenandoah Valley can attend the professional-level writing workshops in a relaxed, salon-style setting at Stone Soup Book. Bonner Odell, founder of The Writers Well, says the courses are meant to encourage beginner, intermediate, and advanced writers.

“You come and find your voice. Maybe you stay with writing; maybe you don’t, but it’s an opportunity to tap into yourself and express what [is] there [and] make some discoveries,” said Odell. Owner of Stone Soup Books, Mary Katherine Froehlich, says the workshop aligns with the values of the mission of the Book store.

“It’s all about community, it’s about being a part of the place you are in,” said Froehlich, “having a space that reflects the area and part of that reflection is the people who are writing- our local authors,” Froehlich continued. The workshops also feature instructors who are also local authors in the valley.

Classes take place at Stone Soup Books and range in length from single afternoon workshops to 8-week series. Click here for more information or to sign up for a workshop.

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