Even the most passionate writers hit creative roadblocks. You sit down to write and…nothing.

The words feel flat, the story isn’t moving, or maybe your brain just doesn’t want to cooperate.

When that happens, you don’t need to force inspiration—you need to invite it.

Writing prompts are an incredible way to bypass your inner critic, stretch your creativity, and access parts of your imagination that your current project might not be tapping into.

These five fiction writing prompts are short, sharp, and designed to help you think differently. Whether you use them as warm-ups, breakaway exercises, or the seeds of a brand-new story, they’ll challenge you to break out of your usual patterns and write with freedom and spontaneity.

An Empty Chair at the Table

A family gathers for a holiday, birthday, or reunion. The table is full—except for one chair that’s left conspicuously empty. No one mentions it, but the main character knows exactly why it’s there…and what it means.

Why This Prompt Works: This is all about subtext—what’s not being said. You get to dig into emotional tension, family dynamics, and the weight of silence. The real power comes from the contrast between surface-level interactions and the unspoken truth hovering underneath.

Try this: Write the scene entirely in dialogue and body language—no direct exposition of the secret.

The Post-It Note That Changed Everything

A character walks out to their car, coffee in hand, ready to face the day. But there’s a sticky note on the windshield that says:“It’s time.”

Somehow, the character knows exactly what it means.

Why This Prompt Works: This one drops you straight into the middle of a mystery. You get to play with suspense, urgency, and world-building all at once. It’s also a great way to practice starting a story in medias res—right in the action, no backstory required.

Try this: Limit yourself to 500 words and see how much tension you can pack in before revealing the secret behind the note.

The Stranger at the Funeral

In a small town where everyone knows everyone, a stranger shows up to a well-attended funeral. No one knows who they are. When they finally speak, they reveal a secret about the deceased that no one saw coming.

Why This Prompt Works: This prompt is ideal for exploring voice and character dynamics. You have the setup for a major revelation, and the opportunity to surprise both your characters and your reader. Plus, the stakes are inherently emotional—funerals are fertile ground for unspoken histories.

Try this: Write the stranger’s speech as a monologue, then write a reaction scene from someone who knew the deceased.

A Clock That Counts Down Instead of Up

In this world, every person is born with a small clock on their wrist. It doesn’t measure time as we know it. It counts down. No one knows what will happen when it hits zero—but today, yours does.

Why This Prompt Works: Welcome to speculative fiction territory. This prompt pushes you to invent rules for a new world while anchoring the story in personal stakes. It’s a great exercise for sci-fi or fantasy writers—or anyone who wants to practice building tension through setting and concept.

Try this: Don’t explain the rules of the world right away. Let the reader figure them out through the character’s experience.

Rewrite a Fairy Tale as a Crime Story

Take a classic fairy tale—Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, Hansel & Gretel—and reimagine it as a crime story.

Who’s the criminal? Who’s the victim? Who’s hiding something? Bonus points if it’s set in a modern, gritty setting.

Why This Prompt Works: Rewriting a familiar story forces you to consider structure, perspective, and genre conventions in new ways. You already have the basic framework, so you can focus on layering in fresh details and twists.

Try this: Tell the story from the point of view of the "villain"—and make them sympathetic.

How to Use These Prompts

You don’t have to write a masterpiece with these. The goal is to unlock something—an image, a voice, a conflict—that gets you writing again. Try setting a timer for 20 minutes, or writing flash fiction pieces under 500 words.

You might end up with a rough draft you love, a new idea to develop, or just the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.

These exercises are also great for:

• Warming up before your regular writing session

• Getting unstuck when you hit a wall in your project

• Exploring voice or tone that’s different from your usual style

• Experimenting with genre, setting, or perspective

  
  

Want More Fiction Writing Prompts?

Grab a free copy of my 50 Flash Fiction Prompts guide.

Whether you’re looking for a creative jumpstart or sharpening your storytelling skills, this tool your secret weapon for writing bold, unforgettable stories—fast.

With this free resource, you’ll be able to:

·      Spark new story ideas so you can create captivating flash fiction pieces that leave a lasting impression.

·      Master brevity so you can write powerful, emotionally rich narratives in just a few hundred words.

·      Experiment with different styles so you can uncover your unique voice and expand your creative range.

·      Improve plot development so you can learn to build satisfying stories—start to finish—in record time.

·      Boost your creative confidence so you can tackle bigger writing projects with energy and purpose.

PLUS: When you download the guide, you'll also receive a FREE one-on-one bonus consultation with Inkling Creative Strategies.

That means personalized feedback, answers to your burning writing questions, and practical guidance for your current projects so you can reach your full creative potential and start impacting and inspiring readers.

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