11 Journal Prompts to Spark Creative Writing

Feeling stuck in a creative rut?

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge to find your way back to inspiration. Journal prompts can help clear the clutter, spark curiosity, and open space for imagination.

Here are eleven prompts to guide you:

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Imagine yourself in a far-off destination, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Write about the place you would visit and what adventures await you there.

2. What does your ideal day look like?

Describe your perfect day in detail. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, paint a picture of your ideal day. 

3. Write a letter to your future self

Write your future self a letter, 5 years from now. What advice would you give your future self? What goals do you hope to achieve by then?

4. Secret life of your pet

Describe your pet's secret identity. Their thoughts, activities, quirks. What do they get up to when no one is around?

5. Overheard at the grocery store

Recall a conversation you overheard at the grocery store. Now expand their story. What emotions could you recall? What was in their shopping cart? Where did they go afterwards? What did they do?

6. The history of a museum piece

Describe an artifact in the museum that caught your eye. How did you feel on approach and observation? Imagine and recount it's past life.

7. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Imagine sitting down for a conversation with a famous historical figure. Who would you choose to meet and what topics would you discuss with them?

8. That was embarrassing!

Write a scene where the character is dying of embarrassment. Except, nobody knows but them! Share their inner-monologue.

9. Create a story using these three words: adventure, mystery, and magic

Let your imagination run wild and craft a story of adventure, mystery, and magic. Where does the story take place and who are the main characters?

10. Imagine you found a well-loved journal

Where did you find this journal? Do you read it? Do you seal it? Imagine the journal's owner through the writing in the pages?

11. If you could relive one day from your past, which day would it be and why?

Think back to a memorable day in your past that you would love to experience again. What made that day so special and why would you want to relive it?

 

The next time creativity feels out of reach, open your journal and choose one of these prompts. Sometimes a single question is all it takes to begin again.