Writing prompt for December 26th

If you could spend an entire day with someone, dead or alive, who would it be?

What would you do, and what wisdom would you receive?

Writing prompt for December 24th

Write a personal ad for your main character.

Then write one for the primary antagonist.

Writing prompt for December 19th

Find an old photograph.

Write a story based on the scene.

Writing prompt for December 18th

Write another person's epitaph, but make it rhyme.

Writing prompt for December 17th

Where are you right now?

Imagine yourself in the same place but 15 years later.

Are you happy?

What will have changed, and what will be the same?

Writing prompt for December 15th

List three people who made a difference in your life.

Write a paragraph about each person.

Writing prompt for December 14th

Do themes repeat in your written works?

Research common topics or themes that lie beneath the collective surface of your work.

Writing prompt for December 11th

Hanukkah begins today. This Jewish holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.

Write a story that involves the celebration of this holiday.

(This can be done from an expert or outsiders perspective.)

Writing prompt for December 9th

Write a journal entry about your most memorable birthday.

Why is it so vivid to you?

Writing prompt for December 8th

December 8th is “National Brownie Day.”

Create a new dessert that includes a brownie.

Writing prompt for December 7th

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was the beginning of the United State’s involvement in World War II.

Interview a veteran of WWII.

Writing prompt for December 6th

On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was passed.

This amendment abolished, or ended, slavery.

Why do you think it was important for our country to end slavery?

What significance does the 13th Amendment hold for you?

Writing prompt for December 3rd

List five musicians.

Select your most and least favorite, and create an imaginary interview with both.

What questions do you pose?

What are their responses?

How do their remarks differ?

Writing prompt for November 29th

Write a children's story based on this scenario: Your protagonist's favorite teacher returns from the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to her shoe, and the class is laughing.

What does your character do?

Writing prompt for November 28th

Begin a reading journal.

Note the last five books you've read and what you liked or disliked about them.

Writing prompt for November 27th

If you were a bestselling book, what would you be about?

Give the book a title, theme and chapter titles.

Writing prompt for November 23rd

Write a fan letter to your mentor.

It could be a family member, sports player or author.

If you like it, mail it.

Writing prompt for November 22nd

On November 22, 1963, the 35th President, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.

Write about that day.

Write about what you remember, if you were alive at the time, or what you've heard about it, if you were not.

Writing prompt for November 21st

Pretend that astronauts have made it to Mars and have found life there.

What do the creatures look like?

Are they smarter than us?

What aspects of their lives are similar to ours?

Writing prompt for November 19th

Write a poem that uses an animal as a metaphor for an emotion.

Example: A tiger could be anger.

Writing prompt for November 17th

Describe what your Muse looks like.

Is she an eccentric lady? A beatnik poet?

Create a character sketch, including description of garb and personality quirks.

Writing prompt for November 16th

Pretend you’re related to an infamous historical figure.

Write a journal entry describing a day in your life.

Writing prompt for November 13th

Write a one-paragraph description of the person you've disliked the most in your lifetime.

Writing prompt for November 8th

Chart the good and bad characteristics of your protagonist and antagonist.

What juxtapositions are at work in your novel?

Writing prompt for November 6th

Interview a local librarian. Submit the article to your town or city newspaper.

Writing prompt for November 4th

Recast your favorite novel with yourself as the main character.

Given your personality, how would the story change

Writing prompt for November 1st

Create a new holiday, such as National Editor's Day.

Write a greeting card for it.

Writing prompt for October 30th

Write for 10 minutes today.

Tomorrow add five more minutes, the next day five more, etc., until you complete one writing goal.

Writing prompt for October 27th

Write a personal essay on an experience that happened this time last year.

Can you tie it in with the circumstances you find yourself in this year?

Writing prompt for October 26th

If you were the President of the United States and had to address the nation, what would you say?

Draft a speech.

Writing prompt for October 23rd

Describe your mother: her smell, walk and talk.

What are your feelings toward her?

Did she change much from the time you were a child to when you became an adult?

Writing prompt for October 22nd

Write a personal essay on an experience that happened this time last year.

Can you tie it in with the circumstances you find yourself in this year?

Writing prompt for October 21st

Start networking.

Join an online social networking site (ie: Facebook, MySpace, etc.)

If you write nonfiction, consider attending a business expo for article ideas.

If you write fiction, consider joining a writing group.

Write an essay about your goals.

Writing prompt for October 20th

Create a family tree for your favorite fictional character.

Was Rapunzel the great-grandmother of Cinderella?

Writing prompt for October 19th

Think about how one action you've taken this year has rippled through the lives of others—then map out those effects on paper.

Now, take a look at the characters you're writing about or the freelance story you're putting together.

Are there ways to interconnect people or situations to give your story structure or add more depth to the piece?

Writing prompt for October 18th

Make a list of the works you've written of which you are most proud.

Collect a copy of as many as possible.

Put them in a binder, and title the compilation.

Writing prompt for October 17th

Think about a major decision you made in your life.

What would've happened if you had chosen a different path.

Writing prompt for October 16th

You're getting married in two weeks, and a card arrives from an old flame.

Before you open the letter, how do you feel?

Write what you think is inside.

Writing prompt for October 15th

Journal about your first day of school—kindergarten, grade school, high school or college.

Writing prompt for October 14th

Write as if you were a family's new pet.

What was it like for you to come home on your first day?

Writing prompt for October 13th

Pick one day this week and submit your writing.

Call in sick to work or set your alarm an hour early.

Either way, send out at least one query letter or story to a publisher or agent.

Writing prompt for October 11th

First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was born on this day in 1884.

She was quoted as saying: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

What do you think she met by that?

Writing prompt for October 10th

Describe your first love.

Remember his/her clothes, smile or quirky sayings.

Why did he/she catch your eye?

Writing prompt for October 7th

Name five things you can find in nature but think are ugly.

Write a description of each, naming only the beautiful qualities.

Writing prompt for October 4th

Imagine your character awakes to discover she cannot walk.

Describe what goes on in her mind as she tries to get help.

Writing prompt for October 2nd

October 2, 1950, the Peanuts comic was introduced to the world.

Develop a comic strip of your own.

Focusing on 2-3 characters, create your first strip.

Writing prompt for October 1st

Write a letter to your mother.

It doesn't matter if she's living or deceased, or whether or not you knew her.

Writing prompt for September 27th

Choose a random object that is near you.

Write about the object, beginning with a basic description.

Allow your mind to wander and continue to freewrite until something develops.

Writing prompt for September 25th

Write a short story about a world in which something that we normally think of as harmful (i.e.: smog, smoking, trans fats) is life saving.

Writing prompt for Septemer 24th

On this day in 1789, the Supreme Court was established.

Write a short story or scene that involves the court system and/or its participants.

Writing prompt for September 23rd

Take this scenario: cooking dinner.

Write a comical scene where everything that can go wrong does.

Writing prompt for September 22nd

You’re inside an elevator and the doors won’t open.

What’s worse, you’re claustrophobic.

Write this story.

Writing prompt for September 21st

What's the one thing your character doesn't want anyone to know?

Writing prompt for September 20th

Imagine you're the creator of a fantastic weight-loss formula... with one odd side effect.

What's the drawback?

Writing prompt for September 19th

Think about a popular computer or video game.

Outline a family tree for the main character.

Writing prompt for September 18th

Imagine you have an identical twin.

(If you're a twin, imagine you're an only child.)

How would your life be different?

How would it be similar?

Writing prompt for September 17th

Write a short story that takes place on another planet in another time.

What scenario will unfold for your alien characters?

Writing prompt for September 16th

Spend a day in your character’s shoes.

Speak, dress and act like him.

Take notes.

Writing prompt for September 15th

Today is 'National Hat Day.'

Write a short story or scene that includes a character who wears a hat.

Give the hat as much personality as a person.

What does the hat say about the person wearing it?

Writing prompt for September 12th

Find or pull out a recipe you'd like to try.

Review the recipe and it's ingredients. Consider what type of person prepares this recipe on a regular basis.

Either write a character bio or write a scene in which this recipe is served.

Writing prompt for September 11th

Write about the family dynamics during holiday dinners or picnics.

Capture the subtle and more obvious traditions your family upholds.

Writing prompt for September 10th

Last night SC Rep. Wilson heckled the President, yelling, 'You lie!'

Write a scene in which such an action is taken.

Explore through your characters, crowd reaction and response.

Writing prompt for September 8th

Start a journal in the voice of your character.

What are her/his thoughts?

Why does she/he keep a journal?

Writing prompt for September 6th

Take the first line of one of your favorite songs.

Meditate on the line and begin freewriting.

Create a character or scene as an extension of your freewrite.

Writing prompt for September 4th

Select five words.

Changing only one letter in each word, create new words and define them.

Writing prompt for September 3rd

Who is your favorite author and what is your favorite book they have written?

Write a letter to them explaining why you like that specific book.

Writing prompt for September 2nd

If you could have named the first woman something other than Eve, what name would you choose?

Why?

What significance does it hold?

Writing prompt for September 1st

Many students are heading back to school today or in the coming days.

Write a short story or scene about the first day of school.

Remember the perspective can be that of parent, teacher, student, janitor, administrator, classroom object...

Writing prompt for August 31st

California is on fire!

Write a short story or play that includes fire as a background, setting or character interest, etc.

Writing prompt for August 29th

Write a short story about the last day of summer camp.

This can be written from the perspective of parent or child, attendee or no.

Writing prompt for August 27th

Write a short story about what happens when someone stays home from work with the flu.

What unexpected events can occur in your home that you're not aware of until you change your routine.

Writing prompt for August 25th

Today is “National Banana Split Day.”

Write a short story or scene featuring a banana split.

Writing prompt for August 24th

Go to your closet and choose one of your favorite outfits.

Pull it out and have it in the room where you write.

Write a scene or story for a character wearing the outfit.

Writing prompt for August 23rd

Write a review for your latest work.

Be fair and impartial.

If you aren't able to honestly give yourself a rave review, then figure out what your piece needs.

Writing prompt for August 22nd

Write a letter of apology to anyone you feel you have wronged in your life.

Use the letter as a launching point for a short story or scene.

Writing prompt for August 21st

Query a publication with holiday theme ideas (Arbor Day, Memorial Day).

Be sure to choose holidays that are four to six months away (that’s how far in advance magazines work).

Writing prompt for August 20th

Work on your nonfiction query hooks or your fiction opening sentences.

Craft 10 of each.

Writing prompt for August 19th

Take a happy character, and place him in an exceptionally dull and dismal setting.

How does he react to the mournful sounds, dark colors and negative things in his surrounding world?

Writing prompt for August 18th

Choose one of your favorite books, and copy down the first sentence.

Why is this line intriguing?

Create a list of other alluring first sentences.

Writing prompt for August 17th

Personify several objects in a child’s room.

What would happen if the objects held a presidential election?

Writing prompt for August 16th

Compose a journal entry from the point of view of a bored elementary school child shut in on a rainy Saturday.

Writing prompt for August 15th

Take a depressed character and place her in an exceptionally bright and cheerful setting.

How does she react to the happy sounds, bright colors and positive things in her surrounding world?

Writing prompt for August 14th

Write about the last time you were in Vegas (or similar location.)

Exaggerate every possible detail.

Writing prompt for August 13th

Think back to elementary school.

Recall a day or specific time in which you felt particularly smart for some reason.

Write about it.

Writing prompt for August 11th

Today is “National Play in the Sand Day.”

Write about a day at the beach.

Or write about a day at the beach.

Writing prompt for August 9th

If you could have your lover say one thing to you more often than they do (and mean it), what would you want to hear?

Write a scene in which the conflict arises from this being said too often, or not often enough.

Writing prompt for August 8th

If you could change one thing about the American electoral system, what would it be?

Writing prompt for August 7th

Write a fan letter to your favorite musician, writer, director, actor, painter, etc.

Mail it.

Writing prompt for August 6th

Choose one of your favorite songs.

Write a parody of it.

Writing prompt for August 5th

Think of a time when your life was chaotic or you were in crisis.

Think about all of the people who were in your life at that time.

Pick someone who was present, but you weren't especially close to.

Write a letter, reconnecting with this person.

OR, write a short story about how you imagine their life is now.

Writing prompt for August 4th

Make a list of shoes you've owned, whether from childhood or recent times, that you no longer own.

Select a pair that you particularly miss.

Write a story that involves, in a significant way, those shoes.

Writing prompt for August 3rd

Imagine receiving a jury summons in the mail.

Write all the thoughts and possibilities of what may come of it. (EX: How you might get out of serving, who you could meet if you do serve, what kind of case might you be assigned to, etc.)

Choose one thought to further explore.

Writing prompt for August 2nd

Take a poem, and turn it into a short story.

Or take a story, and turn it into a poem.

Writing prompt for August 1st

Imagine you had to relive the experience of starting first grade for the first time.

What advice would you give that little person about school, friends and life in general?

Writing prompt for July 31st

Your sibling calls and says, "Uncle George just died of leukemia. The funeral is tomorrow."

You haven't seen or heard from your uncle in more than 10 years.

Write what you might feel in this situation.

Writing prompt for July 29th

Today is “National Lasagna Day.”

Write a scene, short story or poem that focuses on a dish of lasagna.

Writing prompt for July 27th

When books are written in a series, do you think it’s important for people to read them in the order they were written?

Why or why not?

Writing prompt for July 26th

Describe a child on a swing set first from the child's viewpoint then from an adult's viewpoint.

Writing prompt for July 25th

Write a poem about eating your favorite food.

Writing prompt for July 24th

Today's date is important.

Why?

If you can't think of why, invent a reason.

Writing prompt for July 23rd

If you're struggling with one particular writing project, switch or start another one.

Channel your energies into the new project for 30 minutes then return to the original.

Writing prompt for July 22nd

July 22nd is the “Pied Piper of Hamelin Day.”

The Brothers Grimm documented this legend.

Write your own modern day version of the "Pied Piper."

Writing prompt for July 21st

Yesterday was the 40th Anniversary of the first moon landing.

Write a short story or scene about landing on a different (fictional or real) planet for the first time.

Writing prompt for July 20th

Write a one-paragraph description of the one person you have most admired in your lifetime.

Writing prompt for July 19th

Write about your most frightening experience.

Writing prompt for July 18th

Go to an art museum, and select one piece that moves you.

What feelings does the image invoke?

Writing prompt for July 17th

On this day in 1955, Disneyland opened.

Write a short story or scene that involves a major amusement park.

Writing prompt for July 16th

Write a short story or scene that involves yesterday's airplane.

Writing prompt for July 13th

Go to your post office, and ask about the differences between mailing a package first class vs. priority.

Write an article about what you learn and the total experience.

Writing prompt for July 12th

Three friends meet for dinner.

What does one say that alienates the other two?

Writing prompt for July 11th

Finish this journal entry: "It was a new day because ..."

Writing prompt for July 10th

If you were given the news that you had only six months to live, what writing project would finish first?

Writing prompt for July 8th

On this day in 1835, the Liberty Bell cracked while being rung at the funeral of John Marshall, an American statesman who helped make the Supreme Court a center of power.

Write a scene or short story about the bell cracking.

Writing prompt for July 7th

Today is Michael Jackson's Memorial.

Write your thoughts about the man, his music, his influence, his inspiration, humanitarian efforts, the impact he may have had on your life.

Be sure to include both the positives and negatives.

Writing prompt for July 5th

Write an essay, short story or play about what it means to be American.

Writing prompt for July 1st

July 1st is “International Joke Day.”

Create several jokes of your own.

Try to write a couple topical jokes and submit them to your favorite late night talk show host.

Writing prompt for June 30th

You've won a shopping spree to your favorite store.

What would you buy?

Writing prompt for June 29th

Coincidence?

Describe a chance encounter that changed your life.

Possible start: "If I hadn't met … I wouldn't have …"

Writing prompt for June 23rd

On this day in 1868, the typewriter was patented. The first typewriter has come a long ways.

Write a poem about using an old typewriter.

Or, write a story about someone who still uses an old typewriter.

Writing prompt for June 21st

Father's Day.

Write a poem about your father or the father-figure in your life.

Writing prompt for June 20th

Write about not being able to write.

Writing prompt for June 19th

Today is Juneteenth. This event commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.

Write a short story, poem or scene about Juneteenth.

Writing prompt for June 18th

It's a beautiful day here in sunny SoCal, so I say spend some time in the outdoors.

While soaking in nature's glory (or fury, depending where you are) write five haikus.

Writing prompt for June 17th

June is "National Dairy Month."

Write a poem or short story about your favorite dairy product.

If you are lactose intolerant, write a poem or short story about someone who lusts after a dairy product they are not allowed to consume.

Writing prompt for June 16th

Choose a favorite fictional character, and write a poem about her.

Writing prompt for June 14th

June 14th is “Flag Day.” This day was created in order to commemorate the adoption of our flag.

Write a short story or poem that involves the American flag in some meaningful way.

Writing prompt for June 10th

Research a recent, local trial. Then write a version of the story where the verdict is reversed.

Writing prompt for June 9th

Write a story in the style of a tabloid (outrageous, untrue and interesting).

Writing prompt for June 7th

. If you could attend your own funeral, what would you overhear?

Writing prompt for June 6th

On this day in 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened in New Jersey.

Write a story or scene that involves going to a drive-in to see a movie.

Writing prompt for June 5th

Today is “World Environment Day.” This day was created by the United Nations in hope of making everyone around the world aware of the importance of conserving our precious environment.

Write an environmentally conscious poem.

Writing prompt for June 4th

Complete the below sentence.

Use it as a jumping point for a story, written in the form of your own choosing.

If someone had wanted me dead, he missed a good chance when...

Writing prompt for June 2nd

Write a 3-5 minute radio play on any subject.

Writing prompt for May 31st

“World No Tobacco Day” is celebrated on May 31st around the world.

Write a persuasive letter or essay urging someone to stop smoking.

Explain to them the dangers of tobacco products and why you want them to stop.

Writing prompt for May 30th

Create a new flavor of ice cream.

What would it include.

Name it.

How would you market it?

Writing prompt for May 29th

How did you get your first job?

If you're not there now, why not?

Writing prompt for May 27th

You've lost electricity at your place of residence.

What are you going to do?

Writing prompt for May 24th

Peruse old photos of relatives.

Create characters based on what you see in those eyes of long ago and far away.

Writing prompt for May 23rd

Your agent just called and said the movie rights to your novel have been bought.

What movie would you most like yours to be like?

How so?

Writing prompt for May 20th

You've just place a $100 bet on the long-shot at the horse tracks.

Write about the sights, sounds and anticipation you're experiencing.

Writing prompt for May 19th

An ad in a newspaper contained only two words, "WANTED: Dad," and a phone number.

Who would place such an ad?

Writing prompt for May 18th

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens , a volcano that had long been dormant, erupted.

Write about your experience or knowledge of this event.

If you are not familiar with it, do a little internet research and write about what you think it'd be like to experience a volcanic eruption.

Writing prompt for May 17th

What were you just daydreaming about?

Write it down.

Writing prompt for May 16th

Look up any word in the dictionary.

Write one to five paragraphs using this word as many times as possible.

Writing prompt for May 14th

Imagine a plot that revolves around you—someone is trying to catch or kill you.

What happens?

Writing prompt for May 12th

This is “Limerick Day.”

A limerick is a five line poem with a strict form (AABBA). It is typically witty or humorous, and sometimes obscene with humorous intent.

The following example of a limerick is of anonymous origin.

The limerick packs laughs anatomical
In space that is quite economical,
But the good ones I've seen
So seldom are clean,
And the clean ones so seldom are comical.

Write your own limerick. Or two...

Writing prompt for May 11th

Describe the worst injury that you experienced at school.

Writing prompt for May 10th

Happy Mother's Day!

Write a song or poem for or about the strongest maternal figure in your life.

Writing prompt for May 9th

Write a story in which three people have the same event happen to them.

Make each person respond differently.

Writing prompt for May 7th

Write a short story about your favorite pet.

If you've never had a pet, write a short story about a child who either wants a pet or is afraid of them.

Writing prompt for May 5th

May 5th is “Cinco de Mayo.” This day marks the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla.

Write a scene or short story with a Cinco de Mayo setting or theme.

Writing prompt for May 3rd

Consider the benefits of living in a house with screened windows vs. living without them.

Write a paragraph describing both.

Writing prompt for May 2nd

Organize the books in your personal library.

Write a story using characters from five of them.

Writing prompt for April 29th

Take the opening line of any novel, and use it to begin a new story.

Writing prompt for April 28th

Imagine you were once President of the United States.

What was your most important accomplishment?

Writing prompt for April 26th

"My favorite toy from childhood was ..."

Writing prompt for April 25th

Find 10 words in a foreign language that are the same or similar to English words.

Use them in a creative writing session.

Writing prompt for April 24th

Today is Arbor Day. This day is a celebration of trees and their importance in our lives.
Write about your favorite childhood memory that involves a tree.

Writing prompt for April 23rd

Imagine your character's boat just capsized.

While swimming, she sees the long snout of an alligator coming her way.

How does she react?

Writing prompt for April 22nd

Today is “Earth Day.”
Write an ode to the Earth.

Writing prompt for April 18th

Imagine you're the most famous author in the world.

Who would be in your Rolodex?

Pick one person on the list and write about how and why you met them.

Writing prompt for April 17th

Update your résumé.

What's not listed that you wish you could include?

Writing prompt for April 15th

Tax Day!

Write a humorous scene that takes place in an accounting firm on tax day.

Writing prompt for April 12th

Happy Easter! And happy mid-Passover!

Write about your first memory of Easter or Passover.

If you do not celebrate either of these holidays, write about your first encounter with them.

Writing prompt for April 11th

Write a song, poem or short story about or to one of your grandmothers.

Writing prompt for April 9th

Re-read your favorite magazine.

Then write an article for it, and submit it.

Writing prompt for April 7th

Imagine your best friend has disappeared.

Write the drama from third-person (he, she, they) point of view.

Writing prompt for April 6th

Write a story in which the main character is a small, common, inanimate object, such as a pencil.

Writing prompt for April 5th

Write a short story, in the style of Dr. Seuss, about the Easter Bunny.

Writing prompt for April 3rd

Fill in the blanks.

If I got a tattoo, it would be a __________ because __________.

Be sure to explain thoroughly

Writing prompt for April 2nd

Pick two of your favorite fairy tales.

Create a play or a new story that combines elements from both stories.

Writing prompt for March 31st

Describe a family "Kodak moment."

Writing prompt for March 30th

Go to the mall and people watch.

Hone in on one person.

What do you think he or she does for a living?

Writing prompt for March 28th

Try a new flavor of coffee or tea.

Describe how the flavor tastes and makes you feel.

Writing prompt for March 27th

Start a memoir about what writing means to you.

Writing prompt for March 24th

What is the best magic trick you have ever seen?

Or that you have performed yourself?

Writing prompt for March 23rd

Describe your best day.

Then switch gears, and describe your worst day.

Writing prompt for March 22nd

Your character is a secret agent with many aliases.

Select five names to represent the different personalities, and describe how the character dresses or changes her appearance, job and background information to become each.

Writing prompt for March 20th

This is the first day of Spring.

Take a walk outside, down the street, in a park, wherever.

Write a poem paying tribute to the season.

Writing prompt for March 19th

The war in Iraq began six years ago today.

How did you feel about US troops invading Iraq then?

How do you feel about it now?

Writing prompt for March 18th

Today marks the first walk in space.

Imagine what it would be like to live in space.

What would you like or dislike about it?

Writing prompt for March 17th

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Write a St. Paddy's day themed short story or poem.

Writing prompt for March 16th

Pretend you find yourself in the hospital without a clue who you are and no identification on you.

How did you get amnesia?

What's the first thing you'll remember?

Do you want to go back to your old life or start a new one?

Writing prompt for March 15th

March 15th is “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day.”

Create an award that you would give to to a child in your life for being so incredible.

Be sure to explain why you would give them this specific award.

Writing prompt for March 14th

Describe yourself as a brother if you're a sister in your family, or vice versa.

If you're an only child, describe yourself as an older sibling.

Writing prompt for March 13th

Write a short horror story.

Writing prompt for March 11th

One of your characters keeps something in a box, buried where no one will ever find it.

What is it, and what's the significance of that object?

Writing prompt for March 10th

Write a story about a child who gets teased for his or her unusual name.

Writing prompt for March 9th

Your clock needs new batteries.

What if you could rewind the batteries to travel back in time?

Writing prompt for March 7th

Think of an old adage, such as "Don't run with scissors."

Now describe a world where everyone does the opposite (i.e., a world where everyone commonly runs with scissors).

Writing prompt for March 5th

Do you or did you have a great storyteller in your family?

Describe her.

What were some of your favorite stories?

Writing prompt for March 4th

Choose a part of the world you've never lived.

Create a life for yourself based on what you know of that culture.

Where do you live, work and spend your free time?

Writing prompt for March 2nd

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday.

Write a story, children's or otherwise, in Dr. Seuss' style.

Writing prompt for March 1st

Write about one of your favorite camping, hiking or backpacking trips or where you would like to go camping, hiking or backpacking.

Writing prompt for February 28th

What was your first bicycle like?

Was it a gift, or did you earn money to buy it?

Where did you ride?

Writing prompt for February 26th

Pretend you're forced to dye your hair.

Why are you being forced?

What color would you choose?

How do you think your friends would react?

Writing prompt for February 25th

This is “Quiet Day.”

Take the opportunity to sit in silence for the amount of time you'd normally devote to your writing prompt.

Writing prompt for February 24th

Today is 'Fat Tuesday' or the beginning of Mardi Gras.

Write a short story, poem or song using the celebration as a back drop.

Writing prompt for February 23rd

A new friend invites you to a water park.

You can't swim, but you're too nervous to tell him.

Describe your day.

Writing prompt for February 22nd

Write an Oscar acceptance speech.

Writing prompt for February 20th

Imagine you're a famous author.

Describe your summer home.

Writing prompt for February 17th

Check the day's forecast first thing in the morning.

When you get to your desk, write a page explaining why this is the perfect weather for writing (even if it isn't).

Writing prompt for February 16th

If you were from a different time period visiting the present-day world, how would you describe the everyday things around you?

Imagine you're a time-traveler who must send back a report to the people of your time.

Write what you see.

Writing prompt for February 14th

Write a short story or poem about your favorite or worst Valentine's Day.

Writing prompt for February 13th

Today is “Get a Different Name Day.”

Write about why you were so named or what your name means.

Or write about what name you would give yourself.

Why would you select that name?

Writing prompt for February 12th

Celebrate Lincoln's birthday!

Write about the impact Lincoln's presidency had on our country.

Writing prompt for February 11th

Write five adjectives that describe the taste of each of the following: a lemon, an olive and mustard.

Challenge yourself to select unique words.

Writing prompt for February 9th

Think of someone who has an upcoming graduation, wedding or birthday.

Write a letter expressing what you admire or wish for this person.

Be specific.

Writing prompt for February 7th

Try to remember a stranger who was unexpectedly kind to you.

Turn this person's act of kindness into the opening scene for a story.

Writing prompt for February 6th

Pick a romantic movie that never had a sequel.

Imagine the children or grandchildren of the original characters, and write the first chapter of their continuing story.

Writing prompt for February 5th

Write a letter to your first crush.

Describe how you feel about her/him now.

Writing prompt for February 4th

You've been asked to write the biography of an ancestor. While researching your family history, you discover disturbing news.

What did you find out?

How will you explain it to the family?

Writing prompt for February 3rd

Pretend you're a tree: What kind? Why?

Describe yourself in detail—height, build, young, old, etc.

Write a short story or poem as the tree.

Writing prompt for February 1st

What would your friends and family say is your true calling?

Are they correct?

Why or why not?

Writing prompt for January 31st

With pen and paper in hand, visit a popular bookstore.

Sit at a table or in a comfy chair, and write down the snippets of dialogue you hear as people walk by.

Don't look at their faces, just keep your head down and write.

Writing prompt for January 30th

Take one bite of your favorite food or candy.

Pretend it's the last bite of your last meal.

Write down what you're feeling and thinking.

Writing prompt for January 29th

Choose a friend, relative, celebrity or artist whose birthday is coming up.

Write a song or poem in honor of the occasion.

Writing prompt for January 27th

Remember your favorite summertime activity, and describe it in vivid detail.

How old were you?

Where did it take place?

Writing prompt for January 26th

Today is “Chinese New Year” and the beginning of the Year of the Ox.

Briefly use the Internet to research Chinese New Year customs if you are not already familiar with them.

Write a short story or scene using the holiday celebration as a background.

Writing prompt for January 25th

Describe the first person you disliked.

Why did you despise him/her?

What did she/he look like?

How did it feel to loathe someone?

Writing prompt for January 24th

If you had to choose the single most valuable thing you ever learned, what would it be?

How did you learn it?

Writing prompt for January 23rd

Write a haiku (three unrhymed lines of five, seven and five syllables) about the season of winter.

Writing prompt for January 22nd

Find a short article in a newspaper or magazine.

Write a poem based on its subject.

Writing prompt for January 21st

Imagine you see a co-worker in his car, pulling out of your work parking lot.

He/she is crying.

Why?

Writing prompt for January 20th

Sitting in a café, your character is given a note: "It's in your best interest to meet me at 7 p.m. tonight, alone, at Pine and 4th."

Write your character's thoughts as he decides what to do.

Writing prompt for January 19th

Write about what Martin Luther King, Jr.

What does he represent to you?

How did his life or death effect your life?

How do you feel about celebrating his life as a national holiday?

Writing prompt for January 17th

Think of a time when you were nasty to someone.

Put yourself in that person's place.

Write how she might think or feel.

Writing prompt for January 15th

Select a common child's game, such as hide and seek.

Write a passage that describes people participating in the game, but don't actually name the game until the end of the exercise.

Writing prompt for January 14th

If you could have anything occur on every wedding anniversary, what would you want to happen?

Write it as a short story.

Writing prompt for January 12th

If you were on the committee to assign ratings to films, how would you define the categories?

Think of ways an artist could push, but remain in, those categories.

Writing prompt for January 11th

Choose your favorite genre of music.

Write the lyrics for a song in that genre.

Writing prompt for January 9th

The 1st U.S. balloon flight occurred on this day in 1793.

Write, from imagination or experience, what it like to take a ride in a hot air balloon.

Writing prompt for January 8th

Choose a family favorite recipe.

Write about how that recipe came to be.

Who usually makes the dish?

Why them?

What would happen if they stopped?

Writing prompt for January 7th

Write about an ongoing project that's keeping you from writing.

Why is it so important?

Writing prompt for January 6th

Select your favorite style of poetry (e.g. haiku, free verse, cinquain, etc.) and write a poem.

Writing prompt for January 5th

Write about why you don't have time to write today.

Did you learn anything from this exercise?

At day's end, rewrite it with a twist of humor.

Writing prompt for January 4th

Take any two popular fairy tales and combine them.

Be sure to include: characters, setting, plot, problem, and solution.

Writing prompt for January 3rd

If you could eliminate one day from your past so that you had never experienced it, which day would you erase?

Explain what happened on that day.

Writing prompt for January 2nd

Compose an inaugural speech for President-elect Barack Obama to deliver.

Writing prompt for January 1st

Take the day off!!!

Happy New Year!