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Best Short Story Writing Prompts

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

Showing 174 prompts reset

This week's contest:
Win $250

Hidden Threads

208 contest entries /
102 stories

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Closes at 23:59 - Aug 01 EST

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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