Best Short Story Writing Prompts

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

Showing 144 prompts reset

This week's contest:

Win $250

Spontaneous Creativity with Story Wars

103 contest entries /

62 stories

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View contest

Closes at 23:59 - Jun 06 EST

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

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

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

Contest #306 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest to win $250

Theme: Spontaneous Creativity with Story Wars

$250

Prize money

103

Entries

62

Stories

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Days

--

Hours

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Mins

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Secs

Closes at 23:59 - Jun 06, 2025 EST

View contest

32604 points

#2 Deidra Whitt Lovegren

28959 points

#3 Abigail Airuedomwinya

22494 points

#4 Graham Kinross

16587 points

#5 Scout Tahoe

13223 points

#6 Chris Campbell

12627 points

#7 Story Time

11696 points

#8 Thom With An H

10977 points

#9 Rayhan Hidayat

10237 points

#10 Michał Przywara

10064 points

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