Sunday, January 20, 2019

Writing prompts for fun and practice

Significant additions made to this post on March 2, 2023.

Within my last few posts, I've been talking a lot about writing - like this post on how to pair writing with your own hobbies and interests to build a fun and successful career, or this brief one about Poets & Writers magazine's database of writing contests.

Today, I'd like to offer you a number of writing prompt ideas.

Writing prompts are a tremendous way to exercise your mind while practicing and sharpening your writing skills, which you'll need in order to be successful in just about any career or venture in life.

What's also cool about doing writing prompts is that they may give you ideas for actual papers and other assignments. While you're writing for fun and practice, you may be getting a head start on a future assignment you're not even aware of yet. How cool is that?!

So, following are those writing prompt ideas. Write as much as you'd like, but try to get at least two or three solid paragraphs done for each. And handwrite them in a notebook - practice your writing, not your typing.



Do you have a particular place that you just absolutely love and can't get enough of? It could be a favorite vacation spot, or just a place you like to escape to once in a while to think and get away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. What makes this place so special for you?


Here's how I think [insert your favorite sport or game] teaches us about life...


At this point in your life, what would you like to do for work when you're older? What's your dream job, and why? What skills and talents do you need to have for this type of work?


What's your favorite school subject, and why?


If you could go back in time and change one thing about your life, what would it be?


What kind of world would you create if you had the power to shape any reality as you wished?


If money were no object, how would you use your free time?


Describe a character from a novel or movie that has impacted your understanding of yourself.


Write about a value or belief that has shaped who you are today.


Create an alternate version of history where one major event had a different outcome than in our current timeline.


How has technology changed the way we communicate today compared to 10 years ago?


If there was an invention that could solve any problem, what problem would you choose to solve and why?


Discuss the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries as part of personal growth and self-development.


Analyze an important political decision or event from recent history and describe its long-term effects on society today.


Craft an argument defending or opposing a current social issue using research-backed evidence to support your stance.


Reflect upon past experiences that shaped your views on morality, justice, and ethics – how do these values guide your actions today?


Create a speculative fiction story set in the future where humanity is dealing with a new technological advancement or discovery - how will they respond differently than us now?


My friends would describe me as...


What are you most thankful for in life, and why?


Write about your favorite TV show.


Talk about your role model in life.


Write about your favorite class/subject. What do you know so far? What do you want to learn? What do you like/dislike, and why?


If I won the lottery, I would...


Here's how I think Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts will help me prepare for my career...


What's your favorite type(s) of music, and why? What causes you to really enjoy it?


If I could meet anyone right now, living or deceased, it would be __________, and here's why...


Write a note to one of your teachers.


Write a note to a friend.


Discuss three goals you have set for yourself. What are you doing to accomplish them? How is the progress coming along, and what more do you need to do?


What's your favorite holiday, and what do you love about it?


My favorite meal is __________, and here's what I absolutely love about it...


Discuss a valuable life lesson you wish you would have learned years earlier.


Describe a challenging time or moment in your life, and the steps or actions you took to overcome it.


Talk about a movie or book that left you really thinking.


Here are some things I'd like to add to my birthday wish list...


Fun activity with a favorite video game


Fun activity with your favorite song


Form A Daily Writing Habit - It Will Improve Your Life (an article on GetPocket.com)

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