Free Prompts & Story Ideas

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Nov 30, 2020
4 min

Something's Not Quite Right Here: Character Development

Old dogs, McDonald's Breakfast Burritos, & nonsensical contradictions make for more intriguing characters in stories & IRL. Writing prompts.

Nov 18, 2020
4 min

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood?

The neighborhood is a great source of info and inspiration for writers and otherwise. That’s the gist of this blog. But...

Oct 13, 2020
1 min

Quick Writing Prompt: Walk & Talk

Overhearing snips of people's conversations, like this one, can generate many story ideas. Writing prompts.

Sep 28, 2020
2 min

Quick Writing Prompt: Learn a Book

A person's library reveals a lot about them and what they're interested in, so what's your character reading? Try these quick questions

Sep 28, 2020
2 min

30+ Quirky Questions for your Main Character

Writers must really know their characters and use intentional details about them in their writing for readers to latch on and relate to.

Sep 15, 2020
2 min

7 Story Writing Prompts on Bed-Making

Does your character make her bed in the morning? Every little thing you know about her contributes to the bigger picture.

Sep 15, 2020
3 min

20+ Story Writing Prompts on Being a Control Freak

What does your main character desperately want to control, but can't? Story Writing Prompts. Character development. Plot development.

Sep 14, 2020
1 min

5+ Story Writing Prompts on First Jobs

First jobs provide glimpses into the way the real world works, so give your main character a first job.

Sep 14, 2020
2 min

5 Story Writing Prompts on First Buys

I remember the typewriter most of all because: I saved for it; I LOVED IT & took it everywhere; & it made me feel like a real writer.

Sep 11, 2020
5 min

20+ Writing Ideas about Hospitals

Here are my hospital-inspired ideas composed into a little order so they don't sound too crazy... but they still will. Writing prompts.

Sep 11, 2020
1 min

Quick Writing Ideas on Window Views

What if your main character was forced to stare out the window all day? Writing ideas. Story prompts.

Aug 19, 2020
2 min

10+ Writing Ideas on the Lunchbox

What does your MC pack for lunch? Though it may not seem to be a BIG or important question about your character, it could be a revealing one

Aug 3, 2020
1 min

Lightning Quick Writing Ideas

Everything can change in a moment. If your story is floating along in a predictable way, it's time for some lightning bolts.

Jul 28, 2020
2 min

Expand Your Entertainment for Writing Prompts

If you're looking for ideas to start or supercharge your story, then read, watch, or listen to something you wouldn't normally enjoy.

Jul 27, 2020
2 min

5+ Plot Ideas for Morning Rush Hour

A big shock in the middle of a mundane activity, like going to work, could lead to thousands of compelling stories. Plot development ideas.

Jun 23, 2020
1 min

Quick Writing Ideas in the Shower

What does your main character think about in the shower? Does she run through her to-do list? Imagine murdering her neighbor? Questions ...

Jun 23, 2020
1 min

Quick Writing Ideas on Commercials

If your character was in a commercial, what product would she endorse? Detailing characters' likes makes prose more interesting.

Jun 23, 2020
1 min

Quick Writing Ideas on Closets

You can learn a lot about a character by taking an imaginary look inside her closet. Writing prompts.

Jun 23, 2020
3 min

10+ Writing Ideas on Scheduled Events

Okay, so these ideas might sound a little Hallmark-y, but I've been toying with plots centering around recurring events. Writing ideas.

Jun 12, 2020
1 min

Quick Story Idea on Going Obsolete

Consider what your character views as essential to his or her life. What if that thing was made obsolete or otherwise altered forever?

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CoffeeBrained

For Writers & Other Homebodies

My caffeine-fueled log of story ideas (a.k.a. the imaginary world in my head)

& what's going on in my house (a.k.a. the real world... I think. But who really knows for sure?).

Expect snark, 80s & 90s references, badass moments, corny jokes, & good intentions.