Best Short Story Writing Prompts of 2023

Best Short Story Writing Prompts

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

Showing 116 prompts reset

This week's contest:

Win $250

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229 contest entries /

127 stories

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Closes at 23:59 - Apr 11 EST

It kicks off on a yacht with the delivery of an important letter.

Short Story – 35 stories

Write a story about a family road trip.

Short Story – 22 stories

Write a story about someone trying to find the perfect birthday gift.

Short Story – 19 stories

Write a story about a sweet sixteen.

Short Story – 13 stories

Write a story inspired by the last sentence of any book you own.

Short Story

Write a story that starts someone announcing big news.

Short Story

Write a story that starts with an argument between two siblings.

Short Story

Write a story that ends with the word: "wrath."

Short Story

Write a story that ends with the word: "life."

Short Story

Write a story based on your favorite song.

Short Story

Write a story based on a cartoon trope (an anvil or piano falls on someone’s head, someone’s eyes turn to hearts when they fall in love, etc.).

Short Story

Write a story told from second person point of view (uses "you" language).

Short Story

A day in the life of a paparazzi.

Short Story

At the start of your story, mention object that doesn't seem important. By the end of the story, have this object play a surprisingly key role.

Short Story

Your protagonist opens a purse or a desk drawer and finds three objects. By the end of your story there’s only one item left. What happens to the other two?

Short Story

Write a story with seven characters — one for each of the seven sins.

Short Story

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