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50 Inspiring Journal Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

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Benefits of Using Journal Prompts

How to use journal prompts, journal prompts you can try, how do you come up with a journal prompt.

A journal can be a trusted companion that helps you reflect on your thoughts, feelings, actions, decisions, and relationships. Research shows that journaling is linked to better planning, lower stress, and better physical and mental health.

Whether you write in your journal regularly or you’re just getting started, you might sometimes find yourself staring at a blank page and wondering what to write. If you’re at a loss for words, a journal prompt can come to the rescue.

Journal prompts are suggestions, ideas, or questions that can help guide and inspire your journal entries, says Sabrina Romanoff , PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.

“Prompts are typically themes to reflect on or questions that are meant to motivate you to think deeper about something,” Dr. Romanoff adds.

In this article, we suggest some journal prompts that can spark your creativity . We also ask the expert for some strategies that can help you create your own journal prompts.

Prompted journaling, also known as guided journaling, offers several benefits:

Starting point: If you’ve never tried journaling before or if you’re experiencing writer’s block, journal prompts can help you get started.
Direction: Prompts can provide direction to your writing, says Dr. Romanoff. By focusing on a specific topic or question, you can explore your thoughts and feelings around it.
Structure: Sometimes, you might prefer to write down your thoughts freely as they occur. However, there may be times when you want to organize your thoughts more coherently. Journal prompts can provide the structure you need to organize your thoughts.
Creativity: Using different journal prompts can introduce variety to your journaling experience. It can encourage you to think more creatively and approach things from different angles.
Insight: Journal prompts can provide topics or themes that help you explore fresh perspectives and new dimensions of yourself, says Dr. Romanoff. This process can help you discover personal insights and promote greater self-awareness .
Consistency: Having a prompt to guide each journaling session can encourage you to maintain a regular journaling practice. The prompts can make journaling feel like a purposeful and engaging activity, which may help you be more consistent with it.

These are some strategies that can help you use journal prompts:

Find prompts that inspire you: Dr. Romanoff suggests making a list of prompts that you find inspiring or motivating—you can come up with your own, buy a journal with prompts, or look online for examples.
Decide your frequency: It can be helpful to set a frequency for journaling, such as daily, weekly, monthly or at any other interval that works for you. You can use prompts every time you journal or just when you’re feeling stagnant and craving inspiration or motivation for your journaling session, says Dr. Romanoff.
Keep an open mind: Approach prompted journaling with an open mind . Reflect on the prompt and explore where it takes you. You can write as much or as little as you like.
Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your responses or limit yourself only to words. You can even pen down your thoughts and feelings in the form of drawings or poetry, if you prefer.
Be honest and authentic: Honesty is key to getting the most out of journaling. Write from the heart and don't be afraid to express your true feelings, even if they are complex or challenging.
Reflect on your responses: After you've written your responses, take a moment to reflect on what you've written. Consider how your thoughts and emotions have evolved over the course of writing them down.

These are some journal prompts that can help you get started.

Self-Discovery Prompts

Self-discovery prompts can help you self-reflect and get to know yourself better. Greater self-awareness is linked to improved emotional intelligence.

These are some journal prompts that can enable self-discovery:

First, list five words that best describe you. Then, think about which five words you would like to describe yourself.
Complete this sentence: “My life would be incomplete without….”
Reflect on a phrase, quote, or mantra that resonates with you. Explain why it’s significant to you.
Make a list of the things in your life that you’re most grateful for.
Explain what you do best.
Reflect on the qualities that you value most in others.
Share three things that made you smile today.
List your best and worst habits.
Write down three life lessons you’ve learned.
Explain what love means to you.
Describe the values that are most important to you and consider whether your actions align with them.
Think about what you would do with your life if you had unlimited resources and explain why.
Describe what is stressing you out and how you’re coping with it.
Write about your biggest regret and what you would do differently in hindsight.
Identify and label the fears and insecurities that are holding you back right now.

Personal Growth Prompts

These are some journal prompts that can encourage personal growth:

What are three short-term goals you would like to achieve within the next three months?
What are three long-term goals you would like to achieve within the next five years?
Which skill would you like to cultivate in yourself?
Which qualities do you admire most in others that you would like to develop in yourself?
Which areas of your life would benefit from more self-discipline ?
What is your worst habit and how would you change it?
What’s something new you would like to try?
What habit do you want to add to your daily routine?
What would you like to contribute to your community?
What is the biggest challenge you’re dealing with right now?
What is the biggest failure you’ve ever faced and what have you learned from it?
How would you like to be remembered by others?
How can you better support your loved ones?
What boundaries would you like to set in your relationships to protect yourself?

Mindfulness Prompts

Mindfulness prompts can help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, senses, and surroundings. Being more mindful can help you be more intentional and purposeful in the way you live your life.

These are some journal prompts that can support greater mindfulness:

Describe a meal you ate today. What colors, textures, tastes, and feelings did you experience?
Pick an everyday object from your surroundings, like a plant or a pencil. Write a detailed description of it as if you've never seen it before.
Focus on a sound in the background, such as the ticking of a clock or the rustling of the breeze. Describe the sound and its impact on you.
Close your eyes for a minute and pay attention to your breath. When you open your eyes, write down what it felt like.
Describe your ideal day from morning to night. What activities, people, and experiences would be part of it?
Reflect on your thoughts without judgment . Identify and describe any feelings you're experiencing in the present moment.
Write about a recent interaction with someone. What were their words, expressions, and gestures? How did you feel during the interaction?
Think back to a moment of happiness you experienced recently. Relive the sensations, thoughts, and emotions associated with it.
Think about the place where you feel most at peace. What makes it special to you?
Recall a time when you were worrying about something in the future. How did it affect your present moment and what would you have done differently?

Creativity Prompts

These are some journal prompts that can spark creativity :

Write a letter to your favorite fictional character, describing your life to them.
Make a list of questions you would like to ask a future version of yourself.
Think about your favorite word or phrase. Explain why you love it.
Choose a random object from your surroundings. What qualities do you have in common with it?
Make a list of ten unusual ways to use a common household item. Get creative and think outside the box.
Write a conversation between two inanimate objects, giving them personalities and voices.
Invent a gadget that would make your life more efficient or interesting.
Choose a word from a foreign language that doesn't have a direct English translation. Describe the last time you encountered or experienced it.
Imagine you get the chance to be any animal for a day. Which animal would you pick and what would you do?
Invent a new holiday and outline the traditions, celebrations, and rituals associated with it, based on your values.
If you have a time machine and you can go anywhere in the past or future, where would you go and what would you do there?

These are some strategies that can help you come up with your own journal prompts:

Decide your goals: First, consider what your goal of journaling is and then work backwards to find ways to achieve that goal, says Dr. Romanoff. For instance, she says gratitude , relationships, learning, self-growth, or creativity are goals that you might want to pursue.
Find prompts that align with your goals: Write down a few prompts that resonate with you and align with your current goals, interests, or areas of focus. You can add more or tweak them as you go along.
Mix and match different prompts: Feel free to mix and match prompts from different sources or create your own variations. Experiment with different types of prompts to keep your journaling practice engaging and varied.
Build on existing prompts: If a prompt leads you to new insights or questions, consider exploring those ideas in subsequent journal entries. You can use your initial response as a springboard for deeper exploration.

Journaling can be a form of self-care , a way to connect with yourself, or a creative exercise.

If you enjoy journaling, having prompts can help guide your thoughts and focus your attention in a specific direction. Having a new journal prompt to work on every time you’re in the mood to journal can be exciting, comforting, and even a little scary. Just think of each prompt as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself.

Pena‐Silva RA, Velasco‐Castro JM, Matsingos C, Jaramillo‐Rincon SX. Journaling as an effective tool to promote metacognition and enhance study methods in a pharmacology course, during and after the pandemic . FASEB J . 2022;36(Suppl 1):10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R4840. doi:10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.S1.R4840

Drigas AS, Papoutsi C. A new layered model on emotional intelligence . Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(5):45. doi:10.3390/bs8050045

Crego A, Yela JR, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Riesco-Matías P, Petisco-Rodríguez C. Relationships between mindfulness, purpose in life, happiness, anxiety, and depression: testing a mediation model in a sample of women . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2021;18(3):925. doi:10.3390/ijerph18030925

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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25 Creative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Creativity

Creative writing is a vast and dynamic field that offers a platform for individuals to express their ideas, emotions, and stories in an imaginative and original way.

It plays a crucial role in enhancing communication skills, fostering empathy, and also promoting a deep understanding of the human experience. If you’re not sure how to get started, consider these helpful writing prompts – let’s get creative!

The Importance of Creative Writing

In the realm of literature and beyond, creative writing holds a pivotal role. It not only allows for personal expression but also:

fosters critical thinking
enhances vocabulary
improves writing skills
conveys complex ideas and emotions
serves as a therapeutic medium
enhances empathy

From short stories and poetry to novels and screenplays, creative writing spans a wide array of genres and styles, and offers endless opportunities for exploration and expression.

In the professional realm, creative writing skills are highly valued. They can lead to various creative writing jobs in fields like publishing, advertising, journalism, and content creation. For those interested in pursuing higher education in this field, you might want to explore whether a degree in creative writing is worth it .

Understanding Creative Writing Prompts

When it comes to igniting creativity and fostering unique ideas, creative writing prompts play an invaluable role. They provide a starting point, a spark that can lead to a flame of inspiration for writers.

How Prompts Can Ignite Creativity

While creative writing is an exciting field, it can sometimes be challenging to kickstart the creative process. This is where creative writing prompts come into play. These prompts are designed to ignite the imagination and inspire writers to create original and compelling pieces.

They help to overcome writer’s block , encourage experimentation with different styles and genres. So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, creative writing prompts can be an invaluable tool to spark creativity and enhance your writing skills.

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Creative writing prompts are essentially ideas, questions, or topics that are designed to inspire and stimulate the creative writing process. They serve as a catalyst, helping to ignite the writer’s imagination and encourage them to explore new themes, concepts, or perspectives.

These prompts can take a myriad of forms. They might be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, or even an image. Remember, regardless of the format, the goal of a creative writing prompt is to trigger thought and also encourage writers to delve deeper into their creative psyche, producing unique and compelling pieces of writing.

For more understanding of what creative writing entails, read our article on what is creative writing .

Types of Creative Writing Prompts

There are various types of creative writing prompts, each tailored to stimulate different forms of writing, cater to various genres, or inspire certain ideas. For example, you might encounter:

Fiction Writing Prompts : These prompts are designed to inspire stories. They might provide a setting, a character, a conflict, or a plot point to kick-start the writer’s imagination.
Non-Fiction Writing Prompts : These prompts are geared towards non-fiction writing, such as essays, memoirs, or journalistic pieces. They might pose a question, present a topic, or propose a perspective for the writer to explore.
Poetry Writing Prompts : These prompts are tailored for writing poetry. They could suggest a theme, a form, a line, or a poetic device to be used in the poem.
Dialogue Writing Prompts : These prompts focus on conversations and are designed to inspire dialogue-driven pieces. They generally provide a line or a snippet of conversation to act as a starting point.
Story Starter Writing Prompts : These prompts serve as the opening line or the first paragraph of a story. The writer’s task is to continue the narrative from there.

Understanding the different types of creative writing prompts is essential to making the most of them. For example, when you choose the right type of prompt, you target specific writing skills , push boundaries of creativity, and provide the necessary spark to bring your ideas to life.

25 Creative Writing Prompts

Using creative writing prompts is a great way to jumpstart your creativity and get the ideas flowing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, these prompts can help inspire your next piece. Here, we’ve broken down 25 prompts into five categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dialogue, and story starters.

Fiction Writing Prompts

Fiction allows writers to flex their imaginative muscles. The following prompts can help to stir up new ideas for a unique storyline:

Write a story where the main character finds an old, mysterious letter in the attic.
Imagine a world where animals can talk.
Create a tale where a character discovers they have a superpower.
Write about a character who wakes up in a different era.
Write a story set in a world where money doesn’t exist.

Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

Non-fiction writing can help you explore real-life experiences and lessons. Here are some prompts to get you started:

Write about a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it.
Describe the most influential person in your life.
Share a moment when you learned a valuable lesson.
Write about an unforgettable trip.
Discuss a current event that has impacted you personally.

Poetry Writing Prompts

Poetry allows for artistic expression through words. These prompts can inspire new verses:

Write a poem about a dream you can’t forget.
Create a sonnet about the changing seasons.
Write about an emotion without naming it directly.
Craft a poem inspired by a piece of art.
Pen a haiku about nature’s power.

Dialogue Writing Prompts

Dialogue writing can help you improve your dialogue creation skills. Try these prompts:

Write a conversation between two people stuck in an elevator.
Describe a heated argument between a character and their best friend.
Create a dialogue where a character reveals a deep secret.
Write an exchange between a detective and a suspect.
Craft a conversation between two people who speak different languages.

Story Starter Writing Prompts

Story starters are great for sparking an idea for a story. Here are some to try:

“When she opened the door, she couldn’t believe her eyes…”
“He’d waited his whole life for this moment, and now…”
“It was a town like no other, because…”
“She was the last person on earth, or so she thought…”
“The letter arrived, marked with a seal she didn’t recognize…”

These creative writing prompts are designed to challenge you and spark your creativity. Remember, the goal is not to create a perfect piece of writing but to ignite your imagination and hone your writing skills. Also, don’t forget, you can always revise and refine your work later .

For more on the art of writing, check out our article on what is creative writing .

Making the Most of Your Creative Writing Prompts

Now that you have a list of creative writing prompts at your disposal, it’s important to understand how to utilize them effectively. The value of a prompt lies not just in the initial idea it provides, but also in how it can be expanded and developed into a full-blown piece of writing.

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts Effectively

Using creative writing prompts effectively requires an open mind and a willingness to explore. Here are some strategies to make the most of your prompts:

Brainstorming: Allow yourself to brainstorm ideas after reading the prompt. Jot down whatever comes to mind without self-judgment or censorship.
Freedom: Give yourself the freedom to interpret the prompt in your own way. Remember, prompts are starting points, not rigid guidelines.
Experimentation: Experiment with different genres, perspectives, and writing styles. A prompt can be turned into a poem, a short story, or even a script for a play.
Consistency: Try to write regularly. Whether you choose to do this daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, consistency can help develop your writing skills.
Reflection: Finally, reflect on the prompt and your writing. Consider what worked, what didn’t, and also what you would like to improve in your next piece.

In addition to this, check out our article on what is creative writing .

Tips to Expand on a Prompt

Expanding on a prompt involves transforming a simple idea into a fully developed narrative. Here are a few tips:

Character Development: Flesh out your characters. Give them backgrounds, motivations, and flaws to make them more relatable and interesting.
Plot Building: Develop a coherent plot. Consider the key events, conflicts, and resolutions that will drive your story forward.
Show, Don’t Tell: Show the reader what’s happening through vivid descriptions and actions rather than simply telling them.
Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal character traits and advance the plot. Make sure it’s natural and adds value to your story.
Editing: Finally review and revise your work. Look for areas where you can improve clarity, tighten your prose, and also eliminate any inconsistencies or errors.

Editor’s Note : Don’t get rid of old ideas or unfinished works – you never know when looking back over these might spark inspiration or two ideas might mesh to form something cohesive and new!

The Right Prompts Grow Your Skills

By using these strategies, you can take full advantage of creative writing prompts and improve your writing skills. So, whether you’re pursuing a career in creative writing or just looking for a new hobby, these tips can help you unlock your full creative potential.

For more insights on creative writing, check out our articles on creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree and how to teach creative writing .

Also, don’t miss our master list of more than 250 journal prompts .

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024:

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100 Magical Journal Prompts for Creative Inspiration

Discover some creative journal prompts for inspiration, free PDF printable included!

Whimsical, sparkly, and slightly magical, the journal prompts in this blog post were created as fun creative journaling exercises. They include a healthy mix of reality and fantasy.

Use these creative journal prompts as starting points for personal journaling, creative writing, or art journaling projects. Write, draw, doodle, or paint your answers and ideas in your journal or sketchbook. Or simply read through for a relaxing and entertaining break.

These magical journal prompts are meant to be enjoyed and shared. Find the PDF printable version at the end!

**This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you for products you purchase via this website. For more information click here. **

100 Creative Journal Prompts for Inspiration

1. What is the best beach or lake day you can remember?

2. Describe your ideal picnic lunch.

3. What flowers are in your bouquet?

4. 5 Silly ways to pass the time during a snowstorm.

5. A little bit about yourself as a cat.

6. The best place you ever dined.

7. 3 Different directions you can go at a cross in the woods on a sunny day.

8. Describe or draw the adorable cartoon mouse eating your favorite cheese.

9. How many layers to your ice cream sandwich? Describe or draw each one.

10. 5 Pretty things which are faux patent leather.

11. What are the best ways to eat chocolate?

12. Your unicorn’s special magic.

13. Describe the most beautiful home you’ve ever visited.

14. Bunnies can communicate with you telepathically. What are they saying?

15. All the fruits in your fruit salad:

16. Shiney, hand-forged copper pots for _____.

17. Your favorite books of all time:

18. 10 Things you could use as snowshoes in a pinch.

19. 5 Reasons to smile.

20. 10 Sparkling silver objects:

21. The scroll indicates you have been bequeathed _____.

22. 5 Unusual places to discover magic glitter:

23. List 10 new places to visit in the next 3 years.

24. How would you decorate your tiny home?

25. Design your own tree including what would grow on it.

26. Favorite ways to spend a quiet afternoon?

27. Describe the soil, grass, trees, flowers, and rocks in your magical forest.

28. What animals are sunbathing on the big flat rock?

29. Write what your tarot cards would reveal to you now.

30. List or draw your favorite sea creatures.

31. What is brewing in your pot?

32. You have 21 individual zippered pockets on your suitcase because:

33. Describe your pet avatar.

34. The lyrics which move most you are:

35. 10 Purple party themes.

36. Describe or draw your future wardrobe.

37. The best compliment you can think to give.

38. You’re only a few steps away from _____.

39. 5 Scientific advancements you’re grateful for.

40. What should you be famous for?

41. What would you tell someone from the mid-1800s about today, if you could travel back in time?

42. List 10 gelly things.

43. Your favorite kinds of pools.

44. Someone once wisely told you _____.

45. 5 Places you’d like to zip line through.

46. What are the best sauces in the world?

47. Make 4 predictions for 4 years from now:

48. What do you think animals say about humans?

49. If you could fill in the blank with anything, it would be _____.

50. What do you love to read?

51. Describe 4 magical elements to represent wind, water, fire, and earth.

52. Write a haiku about nature.

53. 5 Objects made out of crystal.

54. Best types of cuisine around the world.

55. Name 10 new ways to be creative you haven’t tried.

56. Write or design your family crest if you were to have one.

57. Which songs would your cover band play?

58. Best things about the desert.

59. You have a magical umbrella which can _____.

60. Your favorite time of day and why.

61. You’re surprised by how handy _____ is coming in.

62. 5 People you’d be excited to have to knock on your door.

63. What just tickled your nose and made you sneeze?

64. 5 Unforgettable moments.

65. Best places for a moonlit stroll.

66. Describe the best kiss you’ve ever had.

67. Describe the life of a Sprite.

68. 5 Reasons to celebrate with Champagne and/or strawberry shortcake.

69. Where are you wearing your huge floppy sun hat?

70. 5 Pleasant surprises.

71. Your 5 favorite things to do on a rainy day.

72. Delicate layers of _____.

73. Grant three blessings for three loved ones.

74. 5 Best public places.

75. Where would you go on your (unlimited by money or time) RV adventure?

76. What is your favorite thing about summer? Fall? Winter? Spring?

77. 10 Terrific free prize ideas for inside your cereal box.

78. 3 Places you feel at home.

79. 5 Interesting art projects to try .

80. Favorite time periods in history.

81. Favorite artists, musicians, writers, or gurus you’d like to apprentice with (alive or dead.)

82. 5 People you are most grateful for.

83. 10 Things you think are possible to achieve this year.

84. Favorite childhood movies.

85. Favorite geological features on earth.

86. 10 Places fairies might live.

87. 10 Gifts you’d like to receive

88. What tea would be in your magical tea cabinet?

89. 3 Places you’d teleport today if you could.

90. 3 Things that have made you jump for joy.

91. The best places to ride a bike.

92. Invent the best pool float you can imagine.

93. What would your fairy name be?

94. 3 Favorite quotes about life.

95. 5 Coolest places to be on New Year’s Eve.

96. What do you wish you could magically make happen at the snap of a finger?

97. 10 Things that are frivolous yet fabulous.

98. Favorite country living activities.

99. Best foods t eat in a hammock.

100. What wonderful surprise awaits?

PDF Printable creative journal prompts

You can grab the fun and magical journal prompts worksheet below. Simply download the PDF, print, and use it whenever you feel like writing something creative and whimsical!

Creative journal prompts printable worksheet

Concluding thoughts

I hope you enjoyed these fun and creative journal prompts for writing inspiration.

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A Selection of Journal Prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts

by Melissa Donovan | Mar 10, 2020 | Journal Prompts | 2 comments

Journal prompts from 1200 Creative Writing Prompts.

Today’s journal prompts are taken from my book, 1200 Creative Writing Prompts , which is filled with inspiration for writers and includes prompts for writing fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

The journal prompts in the book are found in the creative nonfiction section. They urge you to think about your personal experiences, beliefs, and ideas and then write about them. Some of these prompts could be used to write personal essays. They might even inspire an idea for a memoir, a personal blog, or a weekly column.

Journal Prompts

Write about someone you admire from afar—a public figure or celebrity.
Have you ever felt like you were meant for something, that some event or moment in your life was fated? Have you ever felt an inexplicable call to do something? Where do you think this feeling comes from? Write about it.
They say it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Whom have you loved and lost?
Tell the story of the first time you earned your own money.
Sometimes, we use common sense and do the right thing or make the best choice. But sometimes, we learn lessons the hard way. Write about a time in your life when you made the wrong choice and learned a lesson the hard way.
Many of us have experienced a terrifying moment in which we thought we were going to die. If you’ve ever experienced a moment like that, write about it.
Think of something you wish you were good at but aren’t. Write a narrative about your attempts to do this thing and how you coped with failure.
Write about your earliest memory. Include as much detail as you can remember.
Write about the happiest day of your life.
Think back to the first time you had a best friend. Tell the story of your friendship.

Did any of these journal prompts inspire you to write? Which one? Did you write in your journal, or were you inspired to write something else? Where do you get your best creative inspiration? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

Melissa, among the lists, Number 3 and 5 are best writing prompt for me. sometimes when we were give many any topic to write about we get confused to choose one, but such short listed options help us(me) to select one easily.

Hi Tamasgen. I’m glad you found these prompts interesting. Good luck with your writing!

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365 Journal Prompts to Help You Reflect, Grow, and Connect: A Year of Self-Discovery

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: October 4, 2022 - Last updated: January 2, 2024

Categories Writing , Creativity , Inspiration , Self Improvement

Do you enjoy writing in your journal? If not, it might be because you’re not sure what to write about.

Here are 365 journal prompts to help get you started! These prompts will help you reflect on your life, grow as a person, and connect with others.

These prompts give you something new to explore, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer. Happy writing!

365 Creative Writing Prompts for Your Daily Journal

Each day, choose one of the 365 journal writing prompts.

Each journal writing prompt will put you in a creative space and help you reflect and work on your life. This is also a great way to record the key moments in your life that shape you.

Season One – Self-Discovery

Embark on a journey of self-exploration this spring. These prompts will guide you in reflecting on your inner thoughts and aspirations.

An Illustration Of A Woman Looking Up At The Sun, Capturing A Moment Of Inspiration For 365 Journal Prompts.

What do you always think about but never talk about?
What’s something good that happened today, no matter how small?
What are five things that make you happy?
What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year?
What’s one positive affirmation you want to remember every morning?
When did you last lose your temper, and why did it happen?
Write a gratitude list.
Write a letter to someone who’s significantly impacted your life.
What would you do differently if you knew no one would judge you?
When did you experience your biggest adrenaline rush?
Did you have a dream last night? What was it about?
Did anything make you sad today?
What was the best part of your day?
Tell your future self about today.
If money didn’t matter, what would you do with your life?
Do you think you’re a good person? Why or why not?
What’s something you wish more people knew?
What are three qualities that draw you to other people?
Write down a positive affirmation and repeat it to yourself.
Is there a show on TV that makes you laugh every time?
What’s it called, and why do you love it so much?
Would it be better to live forever or die tomorrow? And why?
What advice would you give if you could go back in time and talk to yourself as a teenager?
Which of your fears do you think is least likely to come true?
Write about some things that give you hope.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this weekend?
Write a list of your strengths.
Describe three people who inspire you in your life.
Who are three famous people born on your birthday? Did they’ve anything in common besides their birthday?
Did you learn anything new about yourself today?
What’s the most crucial thing parents should consider when raising teens?
What would the book’s title be if someone were to write a biography about your life? Why did you choose that title?
Are you sticking to your goals and resolutions?
What did you do this week that brought you closer to your goal(s)?
What could you do today to get closer to your goal(s)?
What are your goals and plans for the rest of the year?
In what ways does journaling surprise you, or what unexpected things have come up for you?
Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and send a message to everyone below you; what would you say?
What’s the one aspect of you that you’re still trying to understand?
If you could wake up every day and it was a vacation or a season, which would you choose?
Would you make an extra effort or ask for help with an overwhelming workload?
Could you spend the whole day in your own company without getting bored?
What would it be if you could go back and change one thing from your past?
What two things could you do for a friend or family member in the next few weeks?
If you could change one thing in your life now, what would it be?
Have you stayed on track with your health goals?
What would it be if you could become an expert in one area or activity?
If someone told you they needed to be motivated, what advice would you give them?
What’s the one thing that always brings a smile to your face?
Do you reflect on past conversations and experiences and analyze your mistakes?
What would you like to try if you were confident you wouldn’t fail?
Is there something in your life that needs to be simplified ?
What random acts of kindness could you do in the next year?
How do you get along with people who’ve different views than you?
What’ve you always wanted to try but never got around to?
What’s the one thing you think you can only accomplish with the support of others?
What accomplishments or qualities do you want to be remembered for?
How do you handle it when people are unkind and mean to you?
How do you deal with your emotions, and how can you control them better?
What are you most grateful for in your life right now?
Write about one thing you learned this week.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
What’s something new you’ve recently found interest in?
Write about a happy childhood memory .
Write about a sad childhood memory.
Is there anything you’re most proud of in the past year?
What’s your favorite hobby and why?
If you could interview anyone (past or present), who would it be, and what would you ask them?
What was the last thing you bought for yourself? Was it something you loved or needed, or just to pass the time?
What qualities do you value in others? Do they apply to you as well?
What would your life be like without electricity?
How much time do you think you spend on social media per day?
List five things in your room.
What’s your favorite color?
Who’s your biggest role model ? And why?
What was a good memory you had with a friend?
Have you ever seen a ghost? What happened?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Why was it so special?
What’s the best class you’ve ever taken and why?
If money were no object, what house would you buy and why?
Write about your last dream.
Describe the clothes your parents wore most often when you were a child.
Write a letter to yourself, from yourself.
Write a letter to your younger self
Write a letter to your future self
Write about something that made you cry and how you felt afterward.
Who was the last person who made you cry? Why did it make you cry?
If you could have been in any band or musical group (current or defunct), which would you like to be in? What role would you play?
What did you do yesterday that you wish you hadn’t done today?
If you could go back in time, what would you say to your best friend at age 10?
Which of your family members do you admire and why?

Season Two – Embracing Growth and Memories

This quarter’s prompts focus on cherished memories, impactful relationships, and personal growth.

A Couple Is Sitting Under A Tree Surrounded By Lanterns In The Sky, Reflecting On Their Experiences Through 365 Journal Prompts.

Write about the person who impacted your life most and why.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
What event changed the direction of your life forever?
Who was your first love, and what was it like?
Write a letter to someone who’s hurt you in the past, but don’t send it.
Who’s the one person you can turn to when everything seems to go wrong?
Describe the happiest day of your life.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
Write about something you wish could happen.
Describe an ideal vacation.
What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream ?
What was the last person you talked to on the phone?
What did you talk about?
What’s one little thing that can make your day better?
How could you show someone how much he or she means to you?
What do you want to do this year but are afraid to?
If you could ask a living or dead person just one question, who’d you ask, and what would you ask?
What was the best day of your life so far?
What’s one personal accomplishment that’s significant to you?
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life so far?
How have they influenced you?
Who do you look up to in your family or community and why?
Who’d play you if someone were to make a movie about your life?
When we look back on this time in the future, what’ll we remember most?
What’s one of the proudest moments of your life so far? Why were you proud?
How has your life changed for the better in the last three months? How has it changed for the worse?
If you could change one thing in your personal life, what would it be? Why haven’t you made that change yet?
When was the last time someone made a negative comment about your personality? Who was it, and what did they say?
What’s one thing that makes people happy that doesn’t cost money but can only be bought with time?
Write in detail about a day when everything went well.
How old were you then, and what were the circumstances for that day of perfect happiness?
Is there a historical event that impacted your family or community growing up, and how did it change things for them?
Write about when someone annoyed or hurt you by saying something unkind about your body.
Are there any songs that make you nostalgic?
What are your favorite foods ?
What would it be if you could know one thing about the future?
Who was someone who wanted to be like you when you were younger?
What’s been particularly annoying to you lately?
How many keys do you’ve on your keychain right now?
What do you wish more people knew about you?
What makes someone a good leader?
Do you think a relationship changes people’s behavior or who they’re at their core?
Are there activities that always calm you down or cheer you up when you need it?
If the world ended tomorrow, what would I do today?
When was the one time you felt truly free?
Describe your perfect day.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life?
If you could change anything about the world, what would it be?
When have you felt most complete or whole?
Describe a beautiful place you’ve been.
What are things that give you a sense of purpose?
How can you tell you’re in love?
How have your priorities changed over time? What’s influenced those changes?
What do you want to teach others?
Who’s the most generous person you know?
Do you prefer to be alone or with others?
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
What was your most memorable birthday, and why?
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Do you feel more comfortable with people older than you or younger?
What would it be if you could’ve one business or profession that doesn’t exist now?
Can a person ever be too rich or too thin? Explain.
What’s the best thing about living in this world now, today?
What movies do you love? And why?
Write about something you’d like to change.
Write about a situation where someone showed courage. It could be you, a friend, or even a stranger. Bravery looks different for everyone!
What item would improve your quality of life in the next week?
What does success look like for you? What’ll your life look like when you achieve it?
Imagine that one day in the future, a distant relative finds this journal entry and reads it. What would you like them to know about who you are today and what’s important to you?
How are you feeling right now?
Write about a time when you felt anxious.
Write about a time when you felt relaxed.
Write about a time when you felt lonely.
Write about a time when you felt confident.
Who’s someone you’d like to reach out to today?
What do you like best about yourself?
What makes you get up in the morning?
What’s your dream job?
Who’s your best friend and why is he your best friend?
How do you act kindly in everyday life?
Describe three of your desires.
Write about something you never thought you’d experience.
What makes you feel out of control?
Do you believe in fate or providence? How does that affect how you feel about your life?
If money didn’t matter, what would you do with your time and energy?
Describe a place where you feel calm.
If you could only have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Draw a picture of your fear.
What’s one thing you don’t understand about your parents?
What makes you feel like a child?
When have you felt the loneliest?
What’s something you know now that your younger self would be surprised to know?

Season Three – Nurturing Growth and Gratitude

These prompts aim to help you ponder your inspirations, gratitude, and the quieter moments of life.

A Woman Holding A Plant In Her Hands, Reflecting On Life Through 365 Journal Prompts.

Write about a song that changed your mind about music.
Write a letter telling the universe what you let go of today.
What’s an excellent gift to give someone but not good to receive yourself?
What was the last compliment you received?
What are the last five things you bought?
Who’s an inspirational mentor to you?
Do you collect anything? If so, what and why?
How are you taking care of yourself today, physically and emotionally?
Write a note to someone who’s positively impacted your life. Did you know this person had an impact on your life? Why or why not?
Where do you find your inspiration?
What are you most grateful for this week? This month? This year?
What’s something that’s weighing you down?
What do you like most about someone else?
How do you like to express yourself creatively ?
What’ve you failed at lately, and how did it make you feel?
Before you go to sleep, take a few minutes to write down your thoughts about the day. What went well? What didn’t go so well? Like
What can you do today to be a better person? How will your family, friends and community benefit from this change?
The most essential things in life are…
Your favorite word is…
Make a list of the most influential people in your life.
What are the things that make you nervous or insecure? How can you help yourself feel better about those things?
What are things that make you nostalgic?
If you were to write a fan letter to yourself, what would it say?
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or extrovert? And why?
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
One person who made a difference in your life?
How would the world be different if you were president?
How do you feel when you look in the mirror?
What made you smile today?
Draw a picture of what you’re thinking about right now.
What would your dream room look like?
Write a love letter to yourself.
What does well-being mean to you?
What does it mean to be healthy?
What do you like best about your job or education?
What makes you proud of what you do?
Describe a significant milestone in your career that you’re looking forward to.
What new skills have you learned recently at your job?
Think of something you want to accomplish at work in the next few weeks. How do you plan to accomplish it?
Think of a challenge at your workplace. How can you overcome it?
What’s the worst thing about your job or job training? How can you improve it?
Why do you want to be a leader at work?
How do you show leadership outside of work?
Do you volunteer in your community? Why or why not?
What are the most critical issues in your community that affect you or others at work?
Do you prefer to work in a team or alone?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in groups or alone?
What would you want to study if you could start over, and why?
What career would you like to have someday, if any?
Did you have a mentor at your age who helped you with your career or life goals? If so, who was it, and why did they help you so much?
What are your fondest memories of your professional career?
What would you like to try in your career that you haven’t done yet?
If you could’ve lunch with anyone at work, who’d it be and why?
Write a career-related bucket list.
What was your first job? How did it impact your career today?
What’s your main motivation for working? Money, respect, the environment, a good cause, etc.
What questions would you ask someone who’s already achieved what you want to achieve? Write down how they’d answer these questions.
How do different people define failure in your life?
How can you build your confidence at work?
How do you stay motivated at your job?
How do you feel about asking for help at work?
How did you spend your evenings as a child?
How do you feel about your family?
How often do you talk to your parents?
What’s your relationship with money?
How can you remember to be kinder to yourself today?
Who or what deserves your attention the most?
How can you break bad habits or negative thoughts ?
What’s your earliest memory?
What’s the funniest story from your childhood?
What does it mean to you to be vulnerable? What does that look like for you?
Look around and find something… How does it make you feel?
Where’s your favorite place in nature? Describe it.
Write about a positive experience in the last week.
Are you holding on to something that you need to let go of?
What does mindfulness mean to me personally?
Is it possible to be happy in a world entirely of suffering?
List three things that annoy you right now. Why do they annoy you?
Section: Write a letter to someone from your past to whom you’ve always wanted to apologize but never had the opportunity.
Think about what you could do to make your environment better. If you could do one thing, what would it be?
What makes you feel like you belong to the world and are valued by others?
What are essential relationships that have made you who you are today? Think of things like family members, friendships, etc.
What does the word “forgiveness” mean to you?
Finish the sentence “If I’d more time…”
What’s something you haven’t shared with anyone until now?
Do you feel like your life is moving in the right direction?
What movie or book always makes you cry and why?
What’s the trigger for your anxiety?
Do you have a routine that helps you relax when you’re stressed?
Do you’ve any coping mechanisms that help you during stressful times?
Do you have a morning routine that puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day?
What was the one moment in your life when everything changed for the better, and how did it change your life forever?
What did you learn from your mistakes?
What are the things that make you sleep well at night?

Season Four – Contemplating Ethics, Dreams, and Life’s Journey

These prompts invite you to introspect on life’s profound questions, ethical dilemmas, and the dreams that shape your future.

A Woman Is Sitting In The Clouds Journaling.

Describe your ideal future.
What’s one thing your parents taught you that’s never left you?
What’s a dream you’re afraid to share with others? And why?
How would you spend $1,000,000?
What do you take most for granted in life?
What’s the first step to making a dream come true?
How would you describe your current life?
Are there aspects of your life that aren’t how you’d like them to be?
What do you think is the most significant challenge people your age face?
If you could be any animal, which one would you be?
What’s your favorite thing to do on a warm summer night?
Have you ever lost someone close to you? How did it make you feel, and who helped you through it?
If you could live in any historical era, which would you choose?
Describe your dream life.
What would be the best thing about having a utopian world?
What do you think is the most meaningful use of your time?
What’s the most fun thing you can do with your time?
Do you think money can buy happiness? Why or why not?
What single word best describes what your ideal life would look like?
Write your mission statement. What do you want to achieve in life at this moment?
How do you define a successful relationship or marriage?
What are your ambitions for retirement?
What activities are you investing your time, money, and energy in to create a better future for yourself?
Do you feel that your work is helping to make the world a better place? If so, in what ways? If not, what would you need to change to make it so?
How has technology positively impacted your life?
What do you think is most important in life? And why?
What values do you think are essential to your identity?
In what decision have you consciously violated your own ethical beliefs?
What are three words that describe you? How about three words that represent you as a person?
How would you define the word “integrity”?
When have you had to make difficult decisions to come into alignment with your values?
When did something happen that made you seriously question yourself and your choices?
What’s the difference between selfishness and self-centeredness?
Are you fiscally responsible? Do you have a savings plan?
What’s your definition of family, and who’s in your family?
How do you define the word community? Are you part of a community right now?
What are things you’d rather die for than do?
Is there anything you’d be willing to sacrifice for others?
Is there one thing that’s so important to you that you’d be willing to devote your life to it? What’s it, and why do you care so much about it?
Have you ever faced a decision where you had to choose between two or more values or two or more sides of yourself?
What do you struggle with when making decisions based on your values? Where does this conflict come from (your upbringing, religious beliefs, and intellectual beliefs)?
How would people close to you describe your values? Would those descriptions match how you see yourself and your values manifest in your life? Why or why not?
Who’s the most ethical person you know?
What values do you hold that society largely disagrees with?
How do you respond when a person challenges your values?
Where do you see the line between ethics and legality being crossed in my environment?
Where are your values the same as your parents?
How would your life change if you acted more ethically?
At what moment in your life did you have the most at stake in terms of ethics?
Write down when you felt you were being dishonest.
What did you learn from that experience?
In what ways have you learned to be honest with yourself?
Have you ever found being honest with someone close to you difficult?
How do you feel about “white lies”?
Do you feel that there are exceptions to the rule of honesty?
Do you think honesty is a significant value that others should share?
Do you think honesty is necessary for good leadership? If so, why? If not, why not?
Why is it so difficult for some people to live honestly?
Do you believe all lives are equal, or are some more valuable?
How would you describe your values?
Do your values change depending on the people you’re with?
How can you tell whether a situation requires you to stand up for your values?
Are there situations where you’ve compromised your values without being forced to do so? If so, what were those situations? Were they worth it?
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done for yourself?
If you could choose a new name, what would it be? And why?
Would you call yourself a forgiving person? Why or why not?
Have there been times when forgiving has been difficult for you?
When have you tried to forgive someone (even yourself) recently? How did you overcome that experience to come to forgiveness finally?
Sometimes, unexpected events are a real blessing. Write about an event where something didn’t go as planned and how happy it made you.
Describe how a friend surprised you.
What are you afraid of in the future?
How can you overcome your fear of failure?
Write about an experience where you scared someone.
What makes you stay in your comfort zone instead of stepping out and trying something new or different?
How does your body usually react when you’re nervous or anxious, and what can you do to calm down quickly?
How can you tell that something is out of your comfort zone and not only challenging but also within the realm of possibility for your skills and experience?
Do you think people are born with fears, or do all fears come from our experiences?
Write a poem about your fear.
How do you deal with change?
Do you feel at peace most of the time? Why or why not?
Can you name something or someone that steals your peace?
How much time do you spend each day on social media, news, or other things that increase your anxiety? Can reducing this time help you feel more peace and serenity?
When do you feel most connected to others?
How do you set your boundaries ?
Who cares most about you and your well-being?
What would you be willing to give up to create peace?
Where do you feel safest?
List 5 activities that help you feel peaceful .

Start With Easy Questions If New to Journal Writing

The more you write, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

There’s No Right or Wrong Way to Journal, but There Are Some Methods That Work Better Than Others

Here are a few ideas on how you can get started writing:

Write about your day . Writing about the day’s events can be a great way to reflect on your life and gain a new perspective on the day’s events.
Write about your feelings and emotions . This method is effective because we get lost in our thoughts and feelings without realizing it. When you write them down, they become tangible and easier to understand.
Write down what you love/hate/hope/fear etc … People often forget their importance until someone says something nice or makes them feel special – sometimes even doing it unintentionally! So make sure your loved ones know how much they mean to you by writing it down!

Keeping a Daily Reflective Journal Is a Healthy Discipline

It can help you connect with your feelings, problem-solve, and make decisions.

It also helps you focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or the future. Writing allows you to express your feelings and understand yourself better.

Here are some of the benefits of journal writing:

Self-Awareness

Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences regularly will help you become more aware of your inner self. You’ll recognize how you feel in different situations and understand why you react in specific ways. This way, you’ll learn what makes you tick and how to better deal with negative feelings like fear or anger.

Creativity Boost

Keeping a journal can boost your creativity by forcing you to think outside the box and look at things from different perspectives. It helps you discover ideas you mightn’t have thought of, which can lead to new discoveries or solutions to problems in your life.

Problem-Solving Tool

Keeping a journal can also be a great way to solve problems. You can write down all of your thoughts and feelings, as well as any information about your problems, mental health , and any challenges you may encounter so that you have everything clearly in front of you later.

Help With Decision Making

A diary can also help make decisions easier by helping you weigh the pros and cons objectively, without being influenced by the opinions or feelings of others. If something is bothering you, writing it down can help clarify your thoughts and feelings and make the problem easier (and less stressful) to resolve.

Writing down what happened during the day can help you remember things better. The more details you write down, the easier it will be for you to remember them in future conversations with friends or family members.

Journal Writing Tips

The best way to learn about journal writing is to read the journals of others. You can find many examples of self discovery journal prompts on our website (gratitude journal prompts, creative self discovery journal prompts, self care journal prompts, etc.).

Here are some tips on what makes journaling prompts worth working on:

When you write about something that happened in your life, be sure to include the date . This will help you remember exactly when it happened, and it’ll help other people who read your diary understand when the events took place.
Be honest about what you’re writing about . Don’t pretend something didn’t happen when it did – just write it down as it happened, and be done with it! And don’t worry about whether people think less of you because they see something they disagree with; if they think less of you, then they weren’t worth knowing in the first place! If you keep a journal, it’ll help you get to know yourself better and know what makes you tick. This means that one day, when someone asks you why he or she should date or marry someone else, you’ll know exactly how to answer (and appropriately).
Don’t apologize for what you write in your journal; if you don’t like something, just change it .
Write your journal in the present tense and first person . This will help you focus on what’s happening right now, not what happened yesterday or last week.
Keep a positive attitude when you write in your journal . If you start out saying, “I can’t do this,” you probably won’t get much done! Instead, say something like, “It feels good to be working toward my goals.” Then focus on how good it feels to do something that’s important to you.

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550+ Journal Prompts: The Ultimate List

Discover over 500 journal prompts to jump-start your journal writing and explore personal growth, daily reflection, and goal-setting..

February 22, 2023

Home » Day One Blog » 550+ Journal Prompts: The Ultimate List

Journal prompts can be a great way to jump-start your journal writing and explore new and interesting topics. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced journaler, having a go-to library of journal prompts can help you build a more regular journaling practice and stay inspired and motivated as you keep a journal.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of over 500 journal prompts to cover a wide range of topics and themes, from daily writing prompts to deeper questions that explore personal growth, foster self-reflection, creative expression, and even goal setting.

Whether you prefer to reflect on your daily life, set intentions for the future, or simply explore your thoughts and feelings in your journal, there’s something for everyone in this collection of journaling prompts. If you’re a beginner journaler looking for some guidance, or an experienced journaler seeking new inspiration, this list of journaling prompts is for you.

What are Journal Prompts?

Journal prompts are questions, suggestions, or ideas that can help inspire you to write in your personal journal .

For example, journaling prompts can be specific questions or statements that encourage you to reflect on a particular topic, theme, or aspect of your life. Journal prompts can also be general, and can be designed to help you explore a wide range of topics and experiences.

Journal prompts can be used in many different ways, and can be a valuable tool for beginners and experienced journalers alike. For beginners, prompts can help you get started with journaling, and can provide a starting point for your writing. For experienced journalers, prompts can help you explore new topics and experiences, and can provide a fresh perspective as you write a new journal entry .

Journal prompts are questions, suggestions, or ideas that can help inspire you to write in your journal. Journaling prompts can be specific questions or statements that encourage you to reflect on a particular topic, theme, or aspect of your life.

In a nutshell, using journaling prompts can help get the creative juices flowing and make it easier to come up with ideas for what to write about. Many people find that using prompts can help them explore new topics and gain new insights through their journaling practice. You can use prompts every day, or just when you need a little extra inspiration or motivation.

A scene of journaling at a sunlit desk with journal prompts, computer, and a cup of tea.

The Benefits of Using Journaling Prompts

Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, boost your creativity, or just keep a record of your life, journal prompts can be a powerful tool for building a lasting journaling habit .

1. Inspiration

When it comes to keeping a journal, sometimes it’s hard to know what to write about. Journal prompts provide a needed spark of inspiration by asking a question or giving you a jumping-off point from which to write.

2. Structure

Journal prompts give you a starting point and a structure for your writing, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to journaling or if you struggle with writer’s block.

3. Consistency

When you have a set of prompts to work with, it becomes easier to write regularly, as you always have something to write about. This can help you establish a more consistent journaling habit.

4. Exploration

Journal prompts can encourage you to explore new topics, thoughts, and emotions that you may not have considered before. This can help you broaden your perspective and gain new insights into yourself and the world around you.

5. Creativity

Journal prompts that are more creative in nature can help you tap into your imagination and unleash your creative potential. This can be especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck or uninspired.

6. Motivation

When you see the progress you’re making and the growth you’re experiencing through journaling, it can be incredibly motivating. Journal prompts can help you stay engaged and motivated in your writing by providing new and exciting challenges.

7. Accountability

By committing to writing regularly, you can hold yourself accountable to your journaling practice and ensure that you continue to make progress and grow.

8. Reflection

Journal prompts that are more reflective in nature can help you slow down and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

Using a ballpoint pen to write in a paper journal

Journal Prompt Examples

In this ultimate list of journal prompts, you’ll find hundreds of journal prompt examples that you can use and adopt into your journaling practice, including examples of journal prompts for beginners, examples of daily journal prompts, examples of evening journal prompts, and more.

These journal prompt examples are grouped into categories to make them a bit easier to navigate and help you find the prompts that best fit your journaling goals and preferences. Each category of journal prompt examples includes a variety of prompts designed to inspire self-reflection, creativity, personal growth, and mindfulness.

With this comprehensive list of journal prompts, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself, your experiences, and the world around you through the powerful practice of journaling.

Typing a journal entry using prompts on a laptop

Beginner Journal Prompts

If you are a beginner journaler, here are some good journaling prompts to try. Simply copy and paste these journaling prompt examples into your journal. These prompts are just a starting point, and you can adjust them or come up with your own to fit your needs and interests.

What happened today?
What was the best thing that happened today?
What was the worst thing that happened today?
What was the most interesting thing I saw or heard today?
What was the most challenging thing I faced today?
What am I grateful for today?
What did I learn today?
What was the most fun thing I did today?
What was the most surprising thing that happened today?
What did I do today that I am proud of?

a woman sits at her laptop looking for brainstorming inspiration

Brainstorming Journal Prompts

Journal prompts can be a helpful tool for brainstorming because they provide a starting point and direction for your thinking. By using these prompts, you can unlock your creativity, explore new possibilities, and come up with innovative solutions to the challenges and opportunities in your life. Remember to be open-minded, curious, and non-judgmental as you brainstorm, and to write down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how big or small.

What is the current problem or challenge I am facing?
What are my goals and objectives related to this problem or challenge?
What are some potential solutions to this problem or challenge?
What are some creative and unconventional solutions I can consider?
What are some pros and cons of each potential solution?
How can I collaborate with others to find a solution?
What are some resources I can utilize to help solve this problem or challenge?
How can I apply my skills, knowledge, and experience to this problem or challenge?
What are some potential roadblocks or challenges to implementing a solution, and how can I overcome them?
How can I prioritize and organize my thoughts and ideas to effectively solve this problem or challenge?

Body Positivity Journal Prompts

Body positivity is about learning to love and accept your body exactly as it is, while also recognizing that your body is not your only source of worth or value. These prompts can help you explore and cultivate a more positive relationship with your body, but the journey towards self-love is ongoing and ever-evolving. Be patient, kind, and compassionate towards yourself, and remember that every step towards greater self-acceptance is a step in the right direction.

What do I love most about my body, and why?
What beliefs or messages about my body do I need to let go of in order to cultivate more self-love and acceptance?
What activities or practices help me feel connected to and in tune with my body?
How can I be more compassionate towards my body, especially when I’m feeling self-critical or negative?
What role does social media or the media in general play in shaping my body image, and how can I cultivate a more positive relationship with these sources of influence?
What would it feel like to let go of the need to compare my body to others, and instead focus on my own unique strengths and beauty?
What are some ways I can prioritize my physical health and well-being, without falling into the trap of diet culture or body shaming?
How can I shift my focus from appearance-based goals (e.g. weight loss, achieving a certain body shape) to more holistic measures of health and wellness (e.g. energy levels, mood, strength, etc.)?
What does it mean to truly embody self-love and body positivity, and how can I take small steps towards this every day?
How can I cultivate a sense of appreciation and love for my body, even if it doesn’t conform to societal ideals?
What are some ways I can celebrate and care for my body, regardless of its shape or size?

Creative Journal Prompts

By using these prompts, you can tap into your creativity and expand your skills and knowledge. Remember, creativity is not limited to art or music, but can also include problem-solving, critical thinking, and even communication. By keeping an open mind and a curious attitude, you can discover new ways to express yourself and connect with the world around you. So take a few minutes each day to journal and see where your creativity leads.

What does creativity mean to me?
How do I get to use my creativity on a daily basis?
What is one thing that I have always wanted to create, and what steps can I take to make it a reality?
What is one place or environment that inspires my creativity, and how can I create more opportunities to be in that space?
What are my passions and interests, and how can I incorporate them into my work or personal life?
What is one small creative project that I can do today, and how can I make it unique to my personal style?
What is one fear or obstacle that is holding me back creatively, and what can I do to overcome it?
What is one thing that I can learn or experiment with in order to expand my creative skills and knowledge?
What is one challenge or prompt that I can give myself to push myself creatively?
What is one way I can creatively express gratitude, love, or appreciation for someone in my life?
How can I challenge myself to think outside of the box and embrace new and creative ideas?
How can I surround myself with people and environments that foster creativity and inspiration?
What are some ways I can take time for myself and recharge my batteries to cultivate creativity and inspiration?
What are some hobbies or activities I can pursue to tap into my creativity and imagination?
How can I incorporate more play and fun into my life to foster creativity and inspiration?
What are some ways I can break out of my comfort zone and try new things to stimulate creativity and inspiration?
How can I be more open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives?
What are some ways I can use technology and innovation to enhance my creativity and inspiration?
How can I seek out new experiences and adventures to expand my horizons and inspire my creativity?
How can I create a supportive and nurturing environment for my mind, body, and soul to encourage creativity and inspiration?

Creative Writing Prompts

Your journal can be a great place to explore creative writing projects like short stories, poetry, song lyrics, memoirs, or novels. Some people find it helpful to use their journal to record thoughts and ideas, which can then be used as inspiration for future writing projects. Others writers use their journal as a place to practice writing exercises or to experiment with different writing styles. By giving yourself a private place to explore ideas, create first drafts, and catalog your progress, your imagination can roam free.

Write a story from the perspective of an inanimate object that has come to life.
Write a poem about a childhood memory that has stayed with you.
Write about a character who wakes up one day with a superpower.
Write a poem about the changing of the seasons and the beauty of nature.
Write a story that begins with the sentence “The door creaked open, revealing a long-forgotten room.”
Write a story about a group of people who are stranded on a deserted island.
Write a poem that explores the concept of time and how it shapes our lives.
Write a story from the perspective of a character who has lost their memory and is trying to piece together their past.
Write a poem that reflects on the beauty of everyday moments.
Write a story about a time traveler who accidentally gets stuck in the wrong time period.
Write about a relationship that taught you an important lesson about yourself or the world around you.
Write a story about a character who discovers a mysterious book with a hidden message.
Write a poem that uses the theme of water to convey a deeper meaning or emotion.
Write about a place that has had a significant impact on your life, and what memories or emotions it brings up for you.
Write a story about a character who is forced to confront their deepest fear.
Write a poem that explores the idea of home and what it means to you.
Write a story from the perspective of an animal who is trying to survive in the wilderness.
Write about an experience that taught you a valuable lesson about forgiveness or acceptance.
Write a story about a character who receives a letter from a long-lost relative with a surprising revelation.

Daily Journal Prompts

Daily journal prompts are prompts you may want to ask yourself on a daily basis. By using these journal prompts on a daily basis, you can cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness, gratitude, self-awareness , and intentionality in your life. Whether you use these prompts in the morning to set your intentions for the day, or in the evening to reflect on your experiences, they can help you stay focused, motivated, and aligned with your values and goals.

How am I feeling today?
How does my body feel today?
What am I nervous or anxious about today?
What actions can I take on each of the things that make me nervous or anxious?
What are my top priorities for the day?
What’s something I can do to make today amazing?
What did I learn today? How can I apply this knowledge in the future?
What challenges did I face today? How did I overcome them? What can I learn from these experiences?
What did I do today that brought me joy or fulfillment? How can I incorporate more of these activities into my daily routine?
What was a moment of joy, delight, or contentment today?
What was a small detail I noticed today?
What was the weather like today?
What am I thankful for today?
What could I have done differently today?
How can I make tomorrow even better?

Decision-Making Journal Prompts

Decision-making can be challenging and anxiety-inducing, but journaling can be a helpful tool to clarify your thoughts, fears, hopes, and priorities. By reflecting on these decision-making prompts, you can gain greater clarity and insight into your decision-making process, and ultimately make choices that feel more aligned with your true self and values.

What is the decision I need to make?
When do I need to make this decision?
What is the desired outcome I hope to achieve?
What are the pros and cons of each option?
What are my fears or concerns about making this decision?
What insights or lessons have I gained from similar decisions I’ve made in the past?
How do these lessons or insights apply to this situation?
What advice would I give to a friend in this same situation?
What is my instinct or intuition telling me about this decision?
What impact will this decision have on myself and others?
How does this decision align with my values?
What resources or support do I need to make this decision with confidence and clarity?
What is the worst-case scenario if I make this decision?
What facts do I have to support my decision?
How do I feel about my decision?
How confident am I feeling about this decision?
What are my next steps for this decision?

Dream Journal Prompts

The goal of keeping a dream journal is not to interpret your dreams as right or wrong, but rather to understand what they may be trying to tell you on a deeper level. By exploring your dreams in this way, you can gain valuable insights into your subconscious mind and find new ways to approach the challenges and opportunities in your waking life. Here are a few examples of dream journal prompts:

What was the most memorable dream I had last night? Write down as many details as you can remember.
What recurring themes or symbols appear in my dreams? Are there any patterns I can identify?
What emotions did I feel in my dream, and do they relate to any current issues in my waking life?
What do I think my dream is trying to tell me? How can I apply its message to my life?
If I could have any dream I wanted tonight, what would it be about?
If I could ask a dream character any question, who would I choose, and what would I ask them?
What are some of the most bizarre or surreal dreams I’ve ever had? What do I think they mean?
What is the most common type of dream I have (like nightmares, flying dreams, etc.)? What do I think it says about my psyche?

Evening Journal Prompts

By using these evening journal prompts, you can reflect on your experiences, cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, and identify opportunities for growth and learning. Reflection is an important part of the learning and growth process, and taking a few minutes each evening to reflect on your day can help you gain greater insights into your life, your goals, and your values. So make journaling a daily habit, and see how it can help you live your best life.

What are three things that went well today, and why?
What were the highlights of my day?
What are three things that I could have done differently today, and how can I learn from these experiences?
How did I show gratitude today?
What were some challenges I faced today and how did I overcome them?
What did I do to take care of myself today?
What did I do to help others today?
How did I prioritize my time today?
What did I do to bring positivity into my day?
What did I do today that made me proud of myself?
What were the most important events of the day?
How did I feel at different moments throughout the day?
What were some unexpected events that took place today?
Who did I interact with today and what were those interactions like?
What did I accomplish today?
What are some things I would like to do differently tomorrow?
What did I do to relax and recharge today?
What were some of the sights, sounds, and smells I experienced today?
How did I handle any difficult situations that arose today?
What are some things I am looking forward to tomorrow?
What emotions did I experience today?
How did I respond to each emotion? What triggered each emotion?
What did I do to make a positive impact on someone else’s day?
What am I looking forward to tomorrow?
What can I do to prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep?
What was the most significant event of my day and why was it important?
How did I handle any conflicts or difficult situations today?
What did I learn about myself today?
What are some things I can do differently tomorrow to have an even better day?
Who made a positive impact on my day and how?
What did I do to make someone else’s day better?
What are some things I want to remember about today?

Fun Journal Prompts

Journaling can also be a fun and creative outlet. Use these fun journal prompts to explore your playful side or to even have a laugh.

What is something silly that always makes me laugh?
What is a favorite childhood memory that still brings me joy?
If I could live in any time period or place, where would I choose and why?
What is my favorite meal or type of food, and why do I love it so much?
If I could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What is a book or movie that always puts me in a good mood, and why?
What is something I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? How might I make that happen?
What is one thing I can’t live without?
What is one funny story about my life that I don’t mind sharing with other people?
What is something about myself that I know is quirky?
If I could be any fictional character, who would I choose and why?
What is the most outrageous outfit or costume I’ve ever worn? Where did I wear it, and how did I feel?
What is my favorite silly joke or pun, and why does it make me laugh?
What is the best gift I have ever given, and why was it so special?
If I were a superhero, what would be my name, powers, and costume?
What is the funniest prank I have ever played on someone, or that someone has played on me?
If I could magically switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
What is my favorite childhood toy or game, and why did I love it so much?
What is my favorite dance move, and can I teach it to someone else (or describe it in words)?
If I could travel anywhere in the world (or beyond), where would I go and what would I do there?

Goal-Setting Journal Prompts

The process of journaling goals can help you to clarify your goals, create a plan of action, and hold yourself accountable for making progress towards them. Use them to reflect on your priorities and values, identify potential obstacles, and develop a plan for success. By setting clear goals and taking concrete steps towards achieving them, you can create a sense of purpose and motivation in your daily life.

What are my top three goals for the next year?
What are some actionable steps I can take to achieve my goals?
What is one new habit I would like to develop in the next month?
How can I create a plan to make this new habit a consistent part of my routine?
What are three skills or areas of knowledge I would like to develop in the next year?
What resources or support can I seek out to help me achieve my goals?
What are three things that are holding me back from achieving my goals?
How can I work to overcome these obstacles?
What are three small, measurable goals I can set for myself this week?
How will I hold myself accountable for following through on my goals?
What are my long-term career goals? What are some concrete steps I can take to move closer to achieving them?
What are my personal values and how do they relate to my goals?
How can I ensure that my goals are aligned with my values?
What are some potential roadblocks or challenges that I may encounter as I work towards my goals?
How can I develop a plan to overcome roadblocks or challenges to my goals?
How can I track my progress towards my goals?
What tools or systems can I use to stay motivated and on track?
What are three small, specific goals I can set for myself each day?
How can I ensure that my daily actions align with my larger goals and priorities?
What habits do I need in order to achieve my goals?

Gratitude Journal Prompts

By using these gratitude journaling prompts , you can shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have, and cultivate a greater sense of appreciation and contentment in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal has been shown to have numerous benefits for our well-being, from increased happiness and positive emotions to better physical health and improved relationships. So take a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in your life, and see how it can transform your perspective and your life.

What are three things I am grateful for today?
Who are three people in my life that I am grateful for, and why?
What are three small things that happened today that I am grateful for?
What is one thing that I often take for granted in my life, and how can I cultivate more appreciation and gratitude for it?
What are some positive qualities or strengths that I possess, and how can I be grateful for them?
What is something in my life that I feel “lucky” to have?
What is a simple delight I have been enjoying lately?
What is something I am grateful to have learned recently?
In what ways have I grown as a person over the last year?
What do I like about where I live right now?
What were some moments of joy today?
How does expressing gratitude make me feel right now?
How can I show my gratitude today?
What are some ways I can express gratitude and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around me?

Growth Mindset Journal Prompts

The key to cultivating a growth mindset is to approach challenges and setbacks with a curious and open-minded attitude, and to view them as opportunities for learning and growth. By practicing these growth mindset journal prompts, you can begin to develop a more resilient, adaptable, and growth-oriented mindset that can help you achieve your goals and pursue your dreams with confidence and courage.

What are some areas of my life where I tend to have a fixed mindset?
How can I shift my thinking to adopt a growth mindset instead?
What are some goals that I’ve been afraid to pursue due to fear of failure or rejection?
How can I reframe my mindset to view failure as a natural part of the learning process, and use it as an opportunity for growth?
What are some of my limiting beliefs and self-talk that may be holding me back?
How can I challenge and overcome them?
How can I embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and development, rather than viewing them as setbacks?
How can I cultivate a positive and optimistic attitude, even in the face of adversity and difficulty?
What are some ways I can seek out feedback and constructive criticism to continue growing and improving?
How can I strive for progress, rather than perfection, in my personal and professional life?
What are some of my strengths and areas for growth, and how can I use this knowledge to drive personal development and growth?
How can I seek out new experiences, opportunities, and relationships to broaden my horizons and support personal growth?
How can I foster resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges to continue growing and developing?
How can I take responsibility for my thoughts, feelings, and actions, and use them as opportunities for growth and development?
How can I view mistakes and failures as learning opportunities, rather than setbacks or obstacles?
What are some new skills or knowledge areas that I want to develop?
How can I cultivate a curious and open-minded attitude, and seek out new information and knowledge to support growth and development?
What are some ways I can adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to challenges and difficulties?

Inner Child Journal Prompts

Connecting with your inner child can be a powerful way to heal past wounds, reconnect with your joy and playfulness, and rediscover your authentic self. Use these journal prompts to explore your own childhood experiences and find ways to nurture and care for your inner child today.

What memories do I have from my childhood? Are there any happy memories that stand out?
What was my favorite activity as a child? Did I have any hobbies or interests that I loved?
How did I spend my free time as a child? What games did I play? What books did I read?
What did I enjoy most about school? Did I have a favorite subject or teacher?
Did I have any dreams or aspirations as a child? What did I want to be when I grew up?
What were some of the challenges or struggles I faced as a child? How did those experiences shape me?
How did my family and upbringing impact my childhood experiences? What positive or negative influences did I have?
What beliefs or attitudes did I develop as a child that may still be impacting me today?
How can I nurture and care for my inner child now? What activities or experiences bring me joy and playfulness?
What can I learn from my inner child? How can I tap into the curiosity, creativity, and resilience that I had as a child?
What activities or experiences brought me joy as a child?
How can I incorporate these activities into my life now?
How can I nurture my inner child and cultivate a sense of playfulness and wonder?

Inspiring Journal Prompts

By using these inspiring journal prompts, you can tap into your creativity, cultivate a greater sense of inspiration, and explore new ideas and possibilities. Inspiration can come from many different sources, and by keeping an open mind and a curious attitude, you can discover new insights and perspectives that can help you live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So take a few minutes each day to journal, and see where your imagination takes you.

When was the last time I felt inspired?
Where do I usually find inspiration?
What things inspire me?
Who is someone that inspires me, and what qualities do they possess that I admire?
What is one book or movie that has inspired me, and why?
What are some of my favorite forms of art, literature, or media, and how can they inspire me?
What is one quote or saying that inspires me, and how can I apply its wisdom to my life?
What is one creative project that I have been wanting to work on, and what steps can I take to get started?
When was the last time I felt completely in awe of something, and what was it that inspired that feeling?
What is one thing that I have always wanted to learn, and how can I make time to pursue this interest?
What is one small thing that I can do each day to cultivate a greater sense of inspiration and creativity in my life?

Intention-Setting Journal Prompts

Setting intentions is all about clarifying your goals and priorities, and creating a plan to work towards them. These journal prompts can help you get started on that process, but ultimately the most important thing is to take action towards your goals, and adjust your intentions as needed based on what’s working (and what’s not).

What do I want to focus on this month/week/day?
What are my intentions for the day?
What is my biggest “why” (the deeper purpose or motivation behind my intentions)?
How can I use my “why” to stay focused and committed?
How can I prioritize my time and energy accordingly?
What are some external factors that could impact my ability to focus on my intentions, and how can I plan ahead to address them?
What are some distractions or time-wasters that I need to eliminate in order to focus on what’s truly important?

Introspective Journal Prompts

Introspection is the process of looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It involves self-reflection and self-awareness, and can help you better understand yourself and your experiences. Here are some introspective journal prompts:

What brings me the most joy and fulfillment, and how can I make time for those things in my life?
What does happiness mean to me? What can I do to cultivate more happiness and contentment in my life?
What decisions am I facing right now?
How do I define success? What steps can I take to achieve it?
What are my fears and insecurities? How can I work through them to become more confident and self-assured?
What are the most important relationships in my life? How can I strengthen them?
In general, how do I feel about how my life is going right now?
What are some areas of my life where I am currently stuck or feeling stagnant? What steps can I take to move forward and make progress in those areas?
What themes, patterns, or symbols have I noticed in my life lately?
What are some beliefs or assumptions that I hold about myself or the world around me?
When I am faced with challenges or obstacles, what is my usual response?
What are some activities or habits that drain my energy or motivation?
How do I usually handle my emotions and feelings? Are there any emotions that I tend to avoid or suppress?
What are some of the things that I am most grateful for in my life? How can I cultivate more gratitude and appreciation?

Journal Prompts for Dealing with Grief and Loss

Dealing with grief and loss can be a difficult and painful process, and journaling can be a powerful tool for processing and expressing your emotions. By taking the time to reflect on your emotions and explore ways to process them, you can find a path forward that works for you. Here are some journal prompts to help you work through the process of journaling grief :

What are my fondest memories of the person I have lost?
What are the things I wish I could have said or done with the person before they passed away?
What is the hardest thing about dealing with the loss?
How can I find ways to cope with my grief?
How has this loss impacted my daily routine?
What are the things I have learned about myself or about life in general as a result of this loss?
What are some positive steps I can take to honor the memory of the person I have lost?
How can I find support and comfort during this difficult time?
Who are the people in my life who I can turn to for care and support as I navigate through my grief?
What are some healthy ways I can process my grief, such as through exercise, meditation, or creative outlets like art or music?

Journal Prompts for Difficult Times

Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing difficult emotions and finding clarity during challenging times. Don’t be afraid to explore your feelings and seek support when you need it.

What’s going on that makes this time so difficult?
What is causing my distress?
Who can I turn to for support?
How have I coped with difficult times in the past?
What are some things I am thankful for, even in challenging circumstances?
How can I cultivate a sense of appreciation and optimism in the face of adversity?
What self-care practices have helped me in the past?
What can I learn from this experience? What lessons might I learn?
How can I reframe the situation?
What actions can I take to improve the situation?
What positive things do I have in my life right now?
What can I do to take care of myself right now?

Journal Prompts for Exploring Your Identity

Identity is a highly personal and subjective concept that is shaped by a variety of factors unique to each individual. Here are some journal prompts for exploring your identity:

What are my personal values and beliefs? How do they shape my identity?
What are some of the roles that I take on in my life? How do these roles contribute to my sense of identity?
How do I define myself in terms of my relationships with others? How do these relationships shape my sense of self?
What do I know about my cultural or ethnic background? How does my cultural or ethnic background shape my identity?
What are some of the strengths, talents, or unique qualities that I possess? How do they contribute to my sense of self?
How does my physical appearance shape my sense of identity?
What life experiences have shaped who I am today?
What are some of the fears or doubts that I have about my identity? How can I address these fears or doubts in a healthy way?
How do I balance my need for individuality with my need for a sense of community or belonging?
What are some of the things that I want to achieve or accomplish in life? How do these goals contribute to my sense of identity?

Journal Prompts for Exploring Your Memories

Exploring memories can be a powerful tool for personal growth and reflection. Our memories shape who we are and how we perceive the world around us, and taking the time to reflect on them can help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our experiences.

In this section, we’ve compiled a list of journal prompts to help you explore your memories and tap into your innermost thoughts and emotions. Whether you’re looking to process a difficult experience or simply reflect on a happy moment, these journal prompts for exploring your memorcan help you unlock new insights and perspectives.

What is one of my earliest childhood memories?
What emotions does this memory evoke?
What is a happy memory from my childhood? What made it so special?
What is a difficult memory from my past? How has this memory shaped me as a person?
Who were some of my closest friends growing up? What impact did they have on my life?
Who were some of my role models or mentors growing up? What impact did they have on my life?
What were some of my favorite hobbies or activities growing up? Do I still enjoy them today?
What were some of the major milestones or accomplishments I achieved in my life? How did they make me feel?
What were some of the most challenging or transformative experiences I’ve had in my life? How have they shaped my perspective or values?
What were some of the biggest surprises or unexpected turns my life has taken? How have I coped with these changes?
What were some of the people or experiences that have brought me the most joy or meaning in my life? How can I cultivate more of these positive influences in my present?

Journal Prompts for Exploring Your Passions and Hobbies

Exploring your passions and hobbies can be a great way to gain insight into what you truly enjoy and what makes you feel fulfilled. Here are some journal prompts to help you explore your passions and hobbies:

What are my favorite hobbies or activities?
How do my favorite hobbies or activities make me feel?
If I had all the time and resources I needed, what activities or hobbies would I pursue?
What is it about my favorite hobby that I enjoy the most? How can I incorporate more of that into my life?
Who do I know that shares my passion or hobby, and how can we collaborate or support each other?
What skills do I possess that could be applied to a new hobby or activity?
What is something I have always wanted to try but haven’t yet, and what is holding me back?
If I could turn my passion or hobby into a career or side business, what steps could I take to make it happen?

Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear

Facing fear is a process. Use these prompts to help you identify and understand your fear, and then take small steps to face it. Celebrate your progress and be gentle with yourself along the way.

What am I afraid of?
What is the source of my fear? Where does it come from?
How does my fear affect my life? In what ways does it hold me back?
What would my life be like without this fear? What would I be able to accomplish or experience?
How can I reframe my fear? Is there a way to look at the situation or issue differently?
What steps can I take to face my fear? What action can I take to move through it?
Who can I turn to for support? Who can help me face my fear?
What have I learned from past experiences of facing fear? What worked well, and what didn’t work?
How can I use my fear as motivation? Can I turn my fear into a positive force that drives me forward?
What is the worst that can happen if I face my fear? What is the best that can happen?
What are some fears or limiting beliefs that are holding me back?
How can I work to overcome them?
What resources or support can I seek out to help me overcome my fears?

Journal Prompts to Explore Emotions

Journal prompts can be a great way to explore and process emotions. Here are some examples of journal prompts for journaling about feelings :

What emotion am I feeling right now? Write down any emotions that come to mind, no matter how big or small they may seem.
Where do I feel this emotion in my body? What are the physical sensations I experience when I feel this emotion? Does it manifest in a certain part of my body or in a specific way?
What triggered this emotion? Was it a thought, a memory, or something someone said or did?
How am I responding to this emotion?
When was the last time I felt this way?
What emotions do I feel most often?
What emotions do I avoid feeling?
How did my emotions affect my thoughts and behavior today?
How can I express this emotion in a healthy way?
What can I learn from this emotion? Consider how this emotion can teach you something about yourself, your values, or your needs.
What were some moments of stress or frustration today?
What were some moments of peace or calm today?
How did I handle negative emotions today?
How can I better cope with difficult emotions in the future?
What are some ways I can promote positivity and happiness in my life?
How can I support myself through this emotion? Write down self-care strategies that can help you feel more grounded and centered when experiencing this emotion.

Mindfulness Journal Prompts

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you to reduce stress, improve relationships, and find greater peace and contentment in your life. Use these prompts as a starting point for reflection and practice, and allow yourself to explore your inner world with curiosity and compassion.

What is happening in this present moment?
What are five things I can see right now, and what colors, shapes, and textures do they have?
If my mind was like the ocean right now, what is the water like?
What thoughts am I observing right now?
What sensory information am I getting in this present moment?
What are three things I can hear right now, and how do they sound?
What are three things I can feel physically right now, such as the weight of my body on a chair or the texture of my clothing?
What are three things I can smell right now, and how do they smell?
What are three things I can taste right now, and how do they taste?
What emotions am I feeling right now, and how can I practice acceptance and self-compassion towards them?
What thoughts are running through my mind right now, and how can I acknowledge them without getting caught up in them?
What are three things I am looking forward to in the next hour, and how can I stay present and open to experiencing them fully?
What are three things that are worrying me right now, and how can I practice mindfulness to reduce my stress and anxiety?
What are three small actions I can take right now to bring myself into the present moment, such as taking a deep breath, stretching, or savoring a sip of tea or coffee?

Morning Journal Prompts

By starting your day with these morning journal prompts, you can set a positive tone for the day ahead, clarify your goals and priorities, and cultivate a more intentional and mindful approach to your daily activities. Remember, the key to success is not just what you do, but how you approach it – and these prompts can help you cultivate the mindset and habits that can help you achieve your goals and live your best life.

What’s on my mind this morning?
What am I looking forward to today?
What do I need to do today?
What are my goals for today?
What are some ways I can be productive today?
What can I do today to take care of my physical and mental health?
What are some challenges I might face today and how can I prepare for them?
How can I prioritize self-care today?
Who can I reach out to for support today?
What is one thing I can do today to help someone else?
How can I bring positivity into my day today?
What positive affirmations can I tell myself to start my day on a positive note?
What mindset or attitude do I want to cultivate today? How can I remind myself of this throughout the day?
What makes me glad to be alive today?

New Year Journal Prompts

By using these New Year journal prompts , you can reflect on the past year, set goals and intentions for the year ahead, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth. Remember, the New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start, and by taking the time to reflect and plan, you can create a fulfilling and meaningful year ahead.

What am I most grateful for at the beginning of this new year?
What lessons did the previous year teach me?
What are three things I accomplished last year?
What values will guide my choices this year?
What would I like to savor or enjoy more often this year?
What are three goals I hope to accomplish this year?
What new skill would I like to learn or improve this year?
What relationships are most important to me? How can I continue to invest in these relationships this year?
What problems would I like to solve this year?
How would I like to grow or develop as a person this year?
What is one habit I would like to build this year?
What is something I want to do for others in the coming year?
What is something I want to do for myself in the coming year?
How can I prioritize my health and/or fitness this year?
What new experiences do I want to try this year?
What new place would I like to visit this year?
What new creative project or hobby would I like to start this year?
What fear do I want to overcome this year?
How can I show more gratitude this year?
How can I rest or relax more often this year?
What am I looking forward to in the coming year?
What word or phrase would I like to give this year?
What is my biggest dream for the year ahead?

Personal Growth Journal Prompts

These journal prompts can help you identify areas of your life where you want to grow and improve. Remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and progress often happens in small, incremental steps. Use these prompts to reflect on your current situation and make concrete plans for positive change in your life.

What are three qualities I want to embody in my daily life?
What are my biggest fears and how can I overcome them?
What are some limiting beliefs that hold me back, and how can I challenge them?
What are some habits I want to cultivate or break, and how can I make progress towards those goals?
What are some past mistakes or failures that have taught me valuable lessons, and how can I apply those lessons to my current life?
How can I set and work towards achievable, yet challenging, goals to drive personal growth and development?
How can I be more proactive and intentional about seeking out growth opportunities, rather than waiting for them to come to me?
How can I balance taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone with taking care of myself and my well-being?
How can I develop a growth mindset in areas that are difficult for me, such as public speaking or self-promotion?
How can I seek out and embrace constructive criticism and feedback, and use it as an opportunity for growth and development?
How can I cultivate a supportive and encouraging environment for personal growth and development, both within myself and in my relationships with others?
What are some ways I can contribute to my community or the world around me?

Relationship Journal Prompts

Use these prompts to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in your relationships and find ways to improve your connections with loved ones.

How do I communicate my needs and boundaries in my relationships?
What are some ways I can deepen my connections with loved ones?
What are my values and priorities when it comes to relationships?
How do these values influence my actions and choices?
How do I respond to conflict in my relationships?
What communication patterns do I notice when things get difficult?
What are some ways I can show appreciation and gratitude for the people in my life?
How do I express love and affection?
What are some challenges I face in my relationships? How can I work on improving these challenges?
How do I handle disagreements or differences in opinion with my loved ones? What are some healthy ways to approach these situations?
What are my relationship goals?
What do I want to achieve in my current relationships or in future relationships?
What are some areas where I need to work on boundaries in my relationships? How can I create healthier boundaries?
How do I balance my needs with the needs of my partner or loved ones? What are some ways to ensure both parties feel heard and respected?
How do I manage stress and emotions in my relationships?
What are some techniques for managing anxiety or other difficult emotions in relationships?
What is my love language? How do I communicate love and affection to my partner or loved ones?

Self-Care Journal Prompts

Self-care journal prompts are prompts or questions that encourage reflection and exploration of self-care practices and activities in your self-care journal . They are designed to help you better understand your needs, feelings, and emotions, and to identify areas in your life where you may need more self-care.

How do I define self care?
What role does self-care play in my mental, physical, and emotional health?
What are my favorite forms of self care?
What are some ways I can prioritize my physical health and well-being to care for myself?
What forms of exercise do I enjoy?
What activities help me feel calm and centered?
How am I incorporating healthy eating into my daily life?
How am I helping myself get enough sleep?
What are some activities or hobbies that bring me joy and relaxation? How can I make time for these in my life?
How can I better manage and reduce stress and anxiety?
How am I exploring mindfulness practices or meditation?
How do I seek support from others?
How can I prioritize self-care during difficult or challenging times, and avoid neglecting my own needs?
How can I set boundaries with others to make sure I have time and energy for self-care?
How can I seek out and connect with supportive and positive relationships that uplift and empower me?
How can I recognize and address toxic or unhealthy patterns or behaviors, and work towards making positive changes for my well-being?
How can I cultivate self-compassion and self-forgiveness, and avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk?
How can I prioritize self-care when I am feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, and take steps to prevent burnout in the future?
When was the last time I took a break or gave myself some time off? How did it feel?

Self-Discovery Journal Prompts

Journaling prompts for self-discovery can provide new pathways for self-discovery and insights. Remember, the key to self-discovery is to approach these prompts with an open mind and heart, and to give yourself permission to explore and discover new things about yourself.

What are my core values? Take some time to reflect on the values that are most important to you in life, and why they matter to you.
When do I feel most alive? Reflect on the moments, experiences, and activities that make you feel fully present, engaged, and energized.
What gives my life meaning or purpose? Consider the activities, relationships, causes, and values that are most important to you.
What are my strengths and weaknesses? Consider the things you’re good at and the areas where you struggle.
How can I leverage my strengths and work on my weaknesses? Consider ways you can utilize your skills, knowledge, or talent in new ways or find ways for improvement.
What are my goals and aspirations? Write down your short-term and long-term goals, and what steps you need to take to achieve them.
What are my passions and interests? Think about the activities, topics, and causes that inspire and motivate you. How can you incorporate more of these things into your life?
What are my fears and limiting beliefs? Explore the fears and beliefs that may be holding you back from reaching your full potential. How can you challenge and overcome them?
What does my ideal life look like? Envision the life you want to create for yourself, and what steps you need to take to make it a reality.
What have been the most defining moments of my life? Reflect on the experiences that have shaped who you are today, and what you’ve learned from them.
What activities bring me the most joy and fulfillment?
What impact do I hope to make in the world? Reflect on how you can align your daily actions with your deeper sense of purpose.
How have my interests changed over time? Take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the activities that you used to enjoy, as well as the ones that you currently enjoy.
What are some of my most memorable and meaningful experiences? How can they inspire me moving forward?
How can I embrace change and new opportunities in my life?

Self-Confidence Journal Prompts

Journal prompts for self-confidence are designed to help you explore and develop your sense of self-assurance, belief in your abilities, and positive self-image. Here are some examples:

What are some things that make me feel confident?
How have I overcome challenges in the past, and what did I learn from those experiences?
What is one thing I can do today to step outside of my comfort zone and build my confidence?
What are some negative self-talk patterns that I engage in, and how can I reframe those thoughts in a more positive way?
What are my strengths and how can I utilize them to achieve my goals?
What are some compliments that others have given me in the past, and how can I internalize those positive messages?
How can I take care of myself and practice self-compassion in moments when I feel uncertain or doubtful?
What would I say to a friend who is struggling with self-confidence, and how can I apply that advice to my own life?
How can I embrace my unique qualities and use them to my advantage?
What is one step I can take today to work towards a goal that will build my self-confidence?

Self-Esteem Journal Prompts

Self-esteem journal prompts are writing prompts designed to help you explore your beliefs, thoughts, and feelings about yourself, and to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and self-confidence. Here are some examples:

What are my unique qualities and strengths, and how can I embrace and celebrate them more fully?
What are three things I accomplished this week that I am proud of?
How can I be kinder to myself today?
What are my unique strengths and how have they helped me in the past?
What is one negative thought I have about myself that I can challenge with a positive thought?
What can I do to take care of myself physically and emotionally today?
What are three things I love about myself?
How have I grown and changed as a person in the past year?
What is a positive affirmation I can repeat to myself throughout the day?
What is one small step I can take today to work towards a personal goal or dream?

Self-Reflection Journal Prompts

Self-reflection is the process of examining your own thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It involves taking a step back from your daily life and reflecting on your experiences, values, beliefs, and goals. Self-reflection can help you to become more self-aware, to identify areas where you want to grow and improve, and to make more intentional choices in your life.

What are some values that are important to me, and how do they guide my decisions and actions?
What are some experiences from my past that have shaped who I am today, and how have they influenced my beliefs and attitudes?
What are some things that bring me joy and fulfillment, and how can I incorporate more of them into my life?
What are some patterns of behavior or thought that hold me back, and how can I work to break those patterns?
What are some goals or aspirations I have for my life, and what steps can I take to work towards them?
What are some fears or insecurities that hold me back, and how can I work to overcome them?
What are some relationships that are important to me, and how can I nurture and strengthen those relationships?
What are some mistakes or failures from my past that have taught me valuable lessons, and how can I apply those lessons to my current life?
What are some self-care practices that are important to me, and how can I make them a regular part of my routine?
What are some things that I am grateful for in my life, and how can I cultivate more gratitude on a daily basis?

Shadow Work Journal Prompts

Shadow work journaling is a process of exploring and integrating the repressed, hidden, or darker aspects of oneself. Journaling can be an effective way to facilitate this journey.

What triggered negative feelings today?
How do I think others perceive me?
What have others communicated to me about myself?
How do I respond to compliments?
When do I feel valued and loved?
What challenges did I face as a child?
What are my best and worst traits?
What do I need to forgive myself for?
What do I judge others for, and why?
Do I feel guilt or shame for anything?
How do I support others, and do I show myself that same love?
What do I consider to be healthy boundaries?
When do I feel the need to lie, and what is the worst lie I’ve told?
What parts of myself do I hide?

Spirituality Journal Prompts

Spirituality is a personal and individual journey. Use these journal prompts for spirituality to explore your own beliefs and practices, and create a deeper connection with your spirituality.

What does spirituality mean to me?
What role does spirituality play in my daily life?
What spiritual books, teachings, or leaders have influenced me? What have I learned from these sources?
How can I integrate my spiritual beliefs and practices into my routines?
How do I define my beliefs and values?
How have my beliefs and values evolved over time?
How do I connect with a higher power or the divine?
What practices or rituals do I find helpful in nurturing my spirituality?
How can I incorporate more spirituality into my daily life?
How can I explore my relationship with the divine or higher power?
What questions or uncertainties do I have about my spirituality? How can I explore these questions and seek answers?
How can I use my spirituality to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy towards others, and contribute to the greater good of humanity?

Stress Relief Journal Prompts

By using these prompts, you can explore your stress triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and appreciation in your daily life. Remember, stress is a natural part of life, but by taking the time to reflect and care for yourself, you can begin dealing with stress and anxiety to reduce your stress levels and find more peace and calm in your life.

What are some of the sources of stress in my life right now?
How have I been coping with stress in the past?
What are some healthy coping mechanisms I can use to manage stress?
How can I prioritize self-care to reduce stress?
What are some positive affirmations I can tell myself to combat stress?
Who can I reach out to for support and encouragement when I am feeling stressed?
How can I reframe negative thoughts and maintain a positive outlook?
What are some activities or hobbies that help me relax and de-stress?
How can I create a stress-free environment at home or at work?
What are some steps I can take to prevent stress from overwhelming me in the future?
What are some practical solutions to the sources of stress in my life?
How can I prioritize my time and responsibilities to reduce stress?
What are some physical activities I can do to relieve stress?
How can I maintain a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress?
How can I stay organized and on track to reduce stress?
How can I find humor and joy in life to combat stress?
What are some self-reflection exercises I can do to reduce stress?
How can I maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce stress, such as eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly?
How can I set realistic expectations and boundaries to reduce stress?
What are some things I can do to maintain a positive and relaxed state of mind, such as meditating, practicing mindfulness, or spending time in nature?

Travel Journal Prompts

By using these travel journal prompts, you can record your thoughts and emotions while exploring new places, and reflect on the many insights and lessons you learn along the way. Keeping a travel journal can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the world around you, and help you create lasting memories that you can look back on for years to come. By using these travel journal prompts for each day of your trip, you can record your experiences, thoughts, and emotions throughout your journey. This can help you appreciate your travels more, and give you a way to look back on your adventures and memories in the future.

Where am I currently traveling to and what are my expectations for this trip?
What are some new things I want to experience and try while on this trip?
What are some things I want to learn or understand better about the culture and people in the places I visit?
How did I feel when I arrived at my destination? What were my first impressions?
What did I do on my first day of travel? What were the highlights?
What are some things I want to do or see while I’m here?
What did I do today? What were the highlights?
What did I learn about the place I’m visiting today?
What are some interesting people I’ve met? What did I learn from them?
What impressions have I gotten from the place I’m visiting?
What’s beautiful or unique about the place I’m visiting?
What was the most memorable moment of my trip so far, and why?
What natural wonders did I see today? How did they make me feel?
Did I engage in any outdoor activities today? What were they, and how did they challenge or inspire me?
What local flora or fauna did I encounter today? What did I learn about them?
Did I take any time to relax today? How did I spend that time?
How am I feeling about my trip so far? What are some things that have surprised me?
What are some new things I want to try before my trip ends?
What have I learned about myself on this trip?
What am I most grateful for on this trip?
What challenges have I faced during my travels, and how have I overcome them?
What are some things I would do differently if I could do this trip over again?
What are some things I will miss most about this place?
Who have I met on this trip that has impacted me, and what did I learn from them?
What are some interesting observations or insights I’ve had about the places I’ve visited?
What have I learned about myself during my travels, and how has this experience changed me?
What are some ways I can take the lessons and experiences from my travels and apply them to my life at home?

“What If” Journal Prompts

“What if” journal prompts are a fun and creative way to explore different scenarios and possibilities. There are no right or wrong answers, so have fun with these prompts and see where your creativity takes you!

What if I could travel back in time to any moment in history? Where would I go, and what would I do?
What if I had the power to fly? How would I use this ability, and where would I go?
What if I could live anywhere in the world? Where would I choose, and why?
What if I won the lottery? How would my life change, and what would I do with the money?
What if I could switch places with someone for a day? Who would I choose, and what would I do in their shoes?
What if I could meet any famous person, living or dead? Who would I choose, and what would I ask them?
What if I could speak any language fluently? Which language would I choose, and what would I do with this skill?
What if I could relive any day from my past? Which day would I choose, and what would I do differently?
What if I could talk to any animal? Which animal would I choose, and what would I ask them?
What if I had made a different pivotal decision in my past? Which decision would have changed the course of my life?

Answer a New Daily Journal Prompt in the Day One Journal App

The Day One journaling app makes it easy to build and maintain a daily journaling habit. Daily journaling writing prompts , reminders , and journaling streaks are designed to help keep you motivated and consistently journaling.

About the Author

Kristen Webb Wright is the author of three books on journaling. With a passion for writing and self-reflection, Kristen uses her experience with journaling to help others discover the benefits of documenting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In her role at Day One, she helps to promote the power of journaling so people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of journaling.

300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

Are you a parent or teacher? Here are 300 fun and creative writing prompts for kids to spark the imagination of young writers everywhere. Use these kids writing ideas as journaling prompts, story starters or just for fun!

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It’s never too early to start writing, and so we’ve created this fun list of 300 creative kids writing prompts for teacher and parents to use.

You’ll love these fun ideas for kids writing prompts to use as creative sparks to get young imaginations writing in no time!

These are perfect to use as kids journal writing prompts, as short story writing prompts, or just for exercises to help students and children of all ages tap into their creativity. Maybe your kids will write an essay, maybe a poem, or maybe even a whole book!

Whether you are a teacher or parent looking to inspire your kids to write, or maybe even an adult who would like to practice writing with a more playful and young-hearted approach, I hope you find these creative writing prompts inspiring!

Buy the Printable Cards! We will always have this list of 300 kids writing prompts available for free, but I’m very excited to now also offer an ad-free printable version of these prompts in my online Etsy shop. Thank you for your support!

The Ultimate List of 300 Fun & Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

#1. Imagine a giant box is delivered to your front doorstep with your name on it. What’s inside and what happens when you open it?

#2. Write a short story about what it might be like if you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail.

#3. Which is better, winter or summer? Write about the reasons why you think winter or summer is better.

#4. Write about what would it be like if you had an alligator as a pet.

#5. If you had $1,000, what would you buy and why?

#6. Write a story using these 5 words: apple, train, elephant, paper, banjo

#7. What do you want be when you grow up and why?

#8. Who is your favorite person on the planet? What do you like most about that person?

#9. If you could have any secret super power, what would you want it to be and why?

#10. Write about 3 places you would like to travel someday. What do these three places have in common?

#11. Write about a time you felt really happy. What happened? What made you feel happy?

#12. Imagine what would happen if someone shrunk you down to be only 1″ tall. How would your life change?

#13. If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?

#14. Write a story about what it would be like to climb to the very top of the highest mountain in the world.

#15. If you were in charge of planning the school lunch menu, what foods would you serve each day?

#16. What are some of your favorite animals? What do you like about them?

#17. Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?

#18. Write a story about flying to outer space and discovering a new planet.

#19. You are a mad scientist and have invented a new vegetable. What is it called? What does it look like? What does it taste like? Most importantly: Is it safe to eat?

#20. You go to school one morning to discover your best friend has been turned into a frog by an evil witch! How do you help your friend?

#21. Describe what it is like when trees lose all of their leaves in the autumn season.

#22. Write about your favorite sport and why you like it so much.

#23. Imagine what it might be like to live on a boat all the time and write about it.

#24. If you had one wish, what would it be?

#25. Write about what you might do if you have the super power to become invisible.

#26. You are walking through the forest when one of the trees starts talking to you. What does it say? What do you do?

#27. The weather forecast is calling for a blizzard in the middle of the summer. What do you do?

#28. What types of transportation will people have in the future?

#29. What were some of your favorite toys when you very little? Do you still enjoy playing with them?

#30. What would a day in your life be like if you were a movie star?

#31. Imagine you’ve invented a time machine! What year do you travel to?

#32. What are your favorite things to do over summer vacation?

#33. What is your favorite holiday and why?

#34. If you could meet any fictional character from a book, who would it be?

#35. You are writing a travel guide for kids visiting your city. What places do you think they should visit?

#36. What is a food you hate? Write about it!

#37. Imagine what it would be like if there was no electricity. What would be different in your daily routine?

#38. You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs? How will you convince people to move to your new city?

#39. What is your favorite movie? Write your review of the movie and why you think people should watch it.

#40. Imagine you get a magic sweater for your birthday. What happens when you wear the sweater? What do you do with these new found magical powers?

#41. You are the security guard at the zoo and someone has stolen a rhinoceros! How do you track down the thief?

#42. You have been invited to have lunch with the queen. What foods do you eat and what topics do you and the queen discuss?

#43. If you could design a school uniform, what types of clothes would you suggest? What colors would they be?

#44. Imagine you are a reporter interviewing a celebrity about their life. What questions do you ask?

#45. You are running a lemonade stand. Describe the steps for how you make lemonade and the types of customers you see during the day.

#46. Write a story about being the ruler of an underwater world.

#47. Write an acrostic poem for the word “treehouse”.

#48. You decide to grow a sunflower, but the sunflower grows so tall it reaches up to the sky! Write about what happens when you decide to climb to the top. What do you discover?

#49. Imagine you look out the window and it is raining popsicles from the sky! Write a story about the experience.

#50. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?

#51. If you were on a spaceship, what would you be most excited about seeing?

#52. Do you have any pets at home? Write an essay about how you take care of your pets. If you do not have a pet, what type of pet might you like?

#53. Imagine you are opening a store that only sells items which are blue. What types of items do you sell?

#54. Have you ever lost something that is important to you? Were you able to find it?

#55. Write a story about a kid who is moving to a new school. How do you think they might feel?

#56. Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairy tale. For example, what would have happened if Cinderella never went to the ball?

#57. Have you ever forgotten to do your homework? What happened?

#58. Do you have a favorite song? Write about the type of music you like to listen to.

#59. Imagine your parents wake you up one morning to tell you they will take you to do anything you want to do for the whole day – you don’t even have to go to school or do your chores. What would you choose to do and why?

#60. Do you like amusement parks? What are some of your favorite rides?

#61. Write a story using these three words: detective, piano, and pizza.

#62. Have you ever been to the beach? Write about your favorite things to do. If you have never been to the beach, what would you like to do the first time you visit?

#63. Is there a favorite tv show you like to watch? Write about your favorite character and why they are your favorite.

#64. Write a poem using onomatopoeia , where the words you use are pronounced similar to the sound they make. For example, buzz, bark, sizzle, slam and pop.

#65. Have you ever had to stand in line to wait a long time for something? What did you do while you waited? How did you feel while waiting? How did you feel once the wait was over?

#66. Is it a good idea to keep ALL secrets a secret? Write about examples of when it is okay to spill a secret – and when it isn’t.

#67. Is there something you are good at doing? Write about your best strengths.

#68. What historical time period and location would you go back to live in if you could? Write about it!

#69. Write about 5 things you can do that are important for you to stay healthy and safe.

#70. Do you think thunderstorms are scary? Why or why not?

#71. What would you most like to learn over the next year? Think about things that interest you or questions you might have about the world and make a list!

#72. You are going on a trip to a jungle safari! What items do you pack in your suitcase?

#73. Imagine you are sitting at home one day and you hear someone shrieking in the living room they see a mouse in the house! Write a story about what might happen next.

#74. You are writing a letter to someone who is having a hard time making new friends at school. What do you write? What advice do you give them?

#75. Imagine you just met a magician – but their beloved rabbit who they pull out of a hat for all the tricks has been kidnapped! How do you help find the rabbit?

#76. Do you hear what I hear? Set a timer for 5 minutes and write about all of the sounds you hear in those 5 minutes.

#77. Imagine you go to get a haircut and they accidentally shave your head! How do you feel about that and what would you do?

#78. Do you find it easy to talk to people you don’t know? What are some ways you can start up a conversation with someone you have never met before?

#79. Are there any chores you have to do at home? What are they? What do you like – and not like – about each one?

#80. Open up a random book to any page. Write for 5 minutes about the first word you read.

#81. Pretend you are a writer for your city’s newspaper. Who would you like to interview for a news story and why?

#82. There are many fictional characters who live in unusual houses, such as the old woman who lived in a shoe. What kind of unusual house would you like to live in? Write about what it would be like to live in an unusual house!

#83. Write a list of 10 things you can do to practice kindness to others.

#84. Is there a homework subject you dread? Why do you not like getting homework in that subject?

#85. What is your favorite month of the year? Write about why you like it and some of your favorite things to do during that month.

#86. Imagine you are planning a surprise birthday party for someone. How do you keep it a surprise?

#87. Pretend you walked outside to find a sleeping dragon in the grass! Why is the dragon there? Is it a friendly dragon? What do you do? Write about it!

#88. What are you grateful for today and why?

#89. You were on your way to a very important event when you fell into a puddle. Now what?

#90. Have you ever watched a movie and didn’t like how it ended? Write what you think should happen instead.

#91. Can you answer this riddle from Alice in Wonderland ? How is a raven like a writing desk?

#92. Imagine you are the captain of a pirate ship. Write a diary entry for what your day was like.

#93. If you could start any type of business, what kind of business would you start? What types of products or services would you provide?

#94. Write a sequel to one of your favorite fairy tales. For example, what was Goldilocks’s next adventure after she left the bears?

#95. What is something you are afraid of? What helps you to feel less afraid of something? What would you say to a friend who feels scared to help them feel less afraid?

#96. Write a letter to your future self in 20 years.

#97. In addition to basic survival needs such as food, water, air and shelter, what are 3 things you would you need to be happy?

#98. If you could invent a robot of any type who could do anything you imagine, what types of things would you would have the robot to do?

#99. Which do like better? Apples or Oranges? How are they alike? How are they different?

#100. Why did the chicken cross the road? You are a detective and are assigned to the case. How do solve the mystery?

#101. Write instructions for how to make your favorite snack. Be sure you add your favorite tips and suggestions for how to select the best ingredients!

#102. Imagine you borrowed a friend’s favorite lucky pencil to help you pass a math test – but then it snapped in half! How will you ever tell the news to your friend?

#103. Look around the current room you are sitting in and choose 3 random objects that are nearby. Now write a story or poem that includes those three items!

#104. Write a letter to the author of a book you recently read and tell them what you liked most about the book.

#105. Ernest Hemingway is famous for writing a six word story. Can you write a story in just 6 words?

#106. What do you think will be the future for cell phones? Will people still use them in 25 years or will something else take its place?

#107. Do you want to go to college? Why or why not?

#108. Write a story or poem about a kitten who wanders off and gets lost. How does the kitten find its way home?

#109. Currently, it is required by law that kids go to school. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?

#110. If you could invent a new board game, what would it be called? How is it played? What are the rules? What makes it fun to play? Write about it!

#111. Imagine you come home to discover your entire bedroom is covered in ketchup! What on earth happened? What is your reaction? How do you clean everything up?

#112. What is something you learned today?

#113. Would you rather have a goldfish or shark as a pet?

#114. From A-Z: make a list of something for every letter of the alphabet.

#115. Have you ever gone fishing? If you have, did you like it? Why or why not? If you haven’t, do you think you might want to?

#116. What is one of the most important things you do each and every day?

#117. Write a story about Gretchen the Grouch, a girl who is always angry! Will she ever be happy? Why is she so grumpy all of the time?

#118. How do you feel when someone takes something of yours without asking? What is a good way to deal with it when that happens?

#119. Write a poem that starts with the word “if”.

#120. Write a story about a family of rabbits who live in the woods. What are some of the challenges they face?

#121. What clothes do you think are the most comfortable? What kind of clothes do you like to wear the most? What clothes do you NOT like to wear?

#122. Imagine there are no grocery stores and you must get your own food. What are some of the ways you find food? What types of things do you eat?

#123. What are 3 things you can do that are good for the environment?

#124. If you could meet any famous person today, who would you want to meet and why? What questions might you ask them?

#125. A tongue twister is a quick poem where many of the words start with the same letter and are similar in sound. For example, “Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Try writing your own with this fun kids writing prompt!

#126. What is the first thing you think of when you hear or see the word green?

#127. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and achievements. What do you think makes someone a hero? Who are some of your heroes?

#128. What did you do during summer vacation last year? What do you want to do for summer vacation this year?

#129. Write a story about a super hero dog who saves the day! Who does the dog help and why?

#130. Would you rather live somewhere that is always cold, or somewhere that is always hot? Write about which one you would rather choose.

#131. Have you ever volunteered to help a charity? If so, write about the experience! If not, what are some charities you think you might like to volunteer for?

#132. What does the word courage mean to you?

#133. What makes you unique? What are some things about you that make you an individual?

#134. Have you ever been to a museum? What is your favorite thing to look at on display?

#135. What can you do to set a good example for others to be kind?

#136. A Tall Tale is a story that exaggerates something that actually happened. Write a tall tale about something that recently happened to you.

#137. What is one of your favorite toys that you think you might still want to have and play with when you are 22 years old?

#138. Oh no! Everyone around you is sick with a nasty cold! Write a silly poem about how you try to avoid catching their germs!

#139. Personification is when a non-living object takes on human characteristics. Write a story where you personify a common electronic gadget in your house, such as the Television or toaster.

#140. Write a poem using similes, which is when you say an object is like something else. Here is an example of a simile: “Her eyes were as blue as the sky.”

#141. Have you ever read a book written by Dr. Suess? Write your own “Suess-style” story, complete with rhymes and made up words.

#142. Do you have any siblings? Think about what it might mean to be a good brother or sister and write about it!

#143. Make a list of questions to interview your parents or grandparents about what it was like when they were growing up as a kid. Then, ask them the questions and write about their answers!

#144. You are in charge of writing a new radio show just for kids! What topics will you talk about? What music do you play?

#145. What do you usually eat for breakfast every day? What, in your opinion, is the greatest breakfast food ever created? What makes it so great?

#146. Write a 12 line poem where every line is about a different month of the year.

#147. What is something you look forward to doing the most when you are an adult?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#148. Do you like to try new things? What is something new you have tried recently or would like to try?

#149. Imagine what it might be like to be alive in Egypt when the pyramids were built. Write about what it was like.

#150. A credo is a statement of personal beliefs. Try writing your own credo for things that you believe in and feel are important.

#151. The circus has come to town but they have no place to perform! How do you help the ringmaster find a place to put on a show?

#152. Do you like to act? What are some of your favorite actors or actresses? What do you think makes someone a good actor or actress?

#153. “Practice makes perfect” is a popular saying. What is something you like to practice so you can become better at it? A sport? A musical instrument? A special skill? Do you like to practice?

#154. Write about what it might be like to be water drops freezing and turning into ice.

#155. Do you think it is important to keep your room clean? What do you like about having a clean room?

#156. Imagine your parents are sending you away for a two week summer camp trip. Would you be excited? Why or why not?

#157. What are you currently learning about in history class? Write a fictional story about someone from the past you are learning about.

#158. Many wars have been fought in the past. Instead of going to war, what do you think countries could do to resolve their differences peacefully?

#159. Every year over 8 billion plastic bottles and cans are thrown away. What are some things you can do to help encourage your family and friends to recycle?

#160. Imagine if you were the principal of the school. What might you do differently? What things would you do that are the same? Write about it!

#161. Pretend that one day you are at your neighbor’s house and you notice a strange noise coming from the basement. You go downstairs to investigate to see a large machine running with many lights and buttons. Why is it there?

#162. Write an essay that starts with the line, “Tomorrow, I hope…”

#163. If you could give one thing to every child in the world, what would you want to give them?

#164. Do you have a piggy bank at home? How do you earn money to add to your savings?

#165. What qualities make a house a home? What are 3 things you think every house should have?

#166. Would you rather go scuba diving or rock climbing? Write about which one you think you would like to do more and why.

#167. Do you think it is a good idea for kids to write a daily journal? What are some of the benefits of writing every day?

#168. Do you like watching fireworks or are they too noisy? Write about a time when you saw fireworks in the sky.

#169. Oh no! Your friend has turned into a statue! How did this happen? What do you do? Does your friend ever turn back into a person again?

#170. If you could be any movie character, who would you be and why?

#171. A mysterious message appears in code on your computer screen. What could it mean?

#172. If you could go to work with one of your parents for a day, what do you think the day would be like? What types of things do your parents do at work all day long?

#173. Imagine you are the President and you are creating a new national holiday. What is your holiday about? How is it celebrated? What day of the year do you celebrate? Write about it!

#174. You won a never-ending lifetime supply of spaghetti noodles! What will you do with all of these noodles?

#175. Would you rather be a bunny rabbit or a hawk? Why did you choose the one you chose?

#176. Your teacher has been acting mysterious lately. After school one day, you notice a weird green light shining through underneath the door of your classroom. What do you do? What is happening with your teacher?

#177. Write an article about tips for how kids can be more organized and study well for tests.

#178. Look at any product in your house and read the ingredients labels. Research what each ingredient is. Do you think these ingredients are good or bad for people?

#179. If you were a doctor, what do you think would be the most important part of your job every day?

#180. The school librarian needs your help! A truck just arrived with 2,000 books and she can’t fit all the books onto the shelves! What do you do? How do you find a place to put all these books?

#181. Do you think it would be fun to plant a garden? What types of plants would you want to grow? Write about your garden ideas.

#182. What is a sport or activity you would like to try playing for the first time?

#183. Do you think kids should be allowed to do the same things as adults? What things do you think kids should be able to do that only grown-ups can?

#184. Imagine you and your parents switch places for a day. Your parents are the kids and you are now in charge! What would you do?

#185. Write a get-well letter to someone who has been sick. What can you say to make them feel better?

#186. If you could visit any planet in the solar system, which planet would you like to visit the most and why? Write about what it might be like.

#187. Have you ever been to a farm? What did you like about it? If you haven’t been to a farm, do you think you might like to visit one? Why or why not?

#188. The mayor of the city has a big problem and needs your help! What is the problem and how will you solve it?

#189. Pretend your little sister ate carrots for dinner and the next morning woke up with rabbit ears! How did this happen? What do you do? Will she be a rabbit forever?

#190. Imagine you wake up in the morning to find out you get to relive any day of your life again for the whole day. What day would you want to experience again and why?

#191. Do you think you might like to be a firefighter? Why or why not?

#192. You are a lawyer and your client has been accused of stealing a car. How do you convince the jury your client is innocent?

#193. Think of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. Which of these four elements do you like the best?

#194. What would you do if you could be invisible for a whole day? Do you think you would enjoy it or be glad to be back to normal the next day? Write about it!

#195. Imagine you are a meteorologist and people are starting to get angry that your weather predictions are always wrong. What do you do?

#196. If you could create any law, what would it be? Why do you think the law is an important one to have?

#197. You are going incognito and need to hide to your identity so you aren’t recognized or discovered while you walk through the city. What type of disguise do you wear?

#198. Write a persuasive letter to your parents explaining why you should get a new pet. Make sure you provide a convincing argument they won’t be able to refuse!

#199. Your friend wants to do something dangerous. What should you do?

#200. How do you think the world would be different if there were no oceans?

#201. What do you do when someone disagrees with your opinions? Is there a better way to handle conflicting opinions?

#202. What do you think you as a kid could do to help encourage more people to read?

#203. Do you have a good luck charm? What makes this item lucky? When do you use it? How do you use it?

#204. What is at the end of a rainbow? Imagine you follow a rainbow to the end. What do you discover? Is it a pot of gold, or something else?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#205. What do you think the consequences should be for someone who is caught cheating on a test at school?

#206. Imagine you are riding your bike one day when you encounter an older kid who wants to steal your bike. What do you do?

#207. You are the lead singer and star of a famous rock and roll band, but there is one problem – your drummer is jealous of your fame! How do you solve this situation?

#208. If you could help a group of kids in any part of the world, what kids would you want to help the most and why? What are some things you think would help these kids?

#209. Everyone knows the house on the end of the street is haunted. What are some of the strange things that happen there? Why is the house haunted?

#210. You notice at school one day there is a door to a secret passage next to the janitor’s closet and decide to explore. Where does it lead? Why is it there? Do you go alone or bring a friend along?

#211. A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. What are 5 things on your bucket list?

#212. Imagine the perfect treehouse or clubhouse for you and all of your friends as a place to hang out. Describe what it is like inside.

#213. Do you get bored easily? Make a list of things you can do whenever you feel like you are bored and there is nothing fun to do!

#214. Now vs. Then: Think about how today is different from one year ago. How have you changed? What things in your life are different?

#215. Write your autobiography about your life.

#216. It’s a heat wave! What do you do when the weather is hot? What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool?

#217. What are three important safety tips every kid should know to stay safe?

#218. What genre of books do you like to read the most? Write about the characteristics of the genre and list some of your favorite books as examples.

#219. Holiday Traditions: How does your family celebrate the different holidays and events? What are some traditions you do each and every year?

#220. Imagine one day in science class a science experiment goes terribly wrong and now you and all of your classmates have superpowers! What are your superpowers and what do you do with them?

#221. Who is favorite teacher? Why are they your favorite?

#222. You are baking a cake, but you accidentally put salt in the cake instead of sugar. Nobody will eat it! How do you feel? What will you do next time?

#223. Do you think it is important to have good table manners? What do you think some good manners to practice might be?

#224. Many schools no longer teach cursive handwriting. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Do you know how to write cursive handwriting? Would you like to learn if you haven’t?

#225. If you were the owner of a theme park, what types of rides and attractions would have? Describe what they would be like and why people would want to visit your park.

#226. Your parents give you $100 to spend at the grocery store. What do you buy and why?

#227. Some people who are alive today grew up without computers or video games. What would you do if you didn’t have a computer or video games? How would life be different?

#228. You walk into your living room and discover there is a giant elephant standing there. How did the elephant get there? What do you do about it? How do you explain the elephant in the living room to your parents?

#229. Have you ever had a weird dream? What happened in the dream? What do you think it means?

#230. Do you like to draw or paint? Write a story inspired by a painting, doodle, or sketch.

#231. You are being sent on a mission to outer space to live in a space station for 5 years. What supplies do you pack and why?

#232. What is the scariest creature alive on earth? Describe in detail what makes it so horrifying.

#233. What do you think your pet might say if they could talk to you?

#234. Imagine your school is putting on a talent show. What act will you perform? What other acts will be in the show?

#235. If you could breathe under water, what would you do?

#236. What time of day do you think school should start? Write a convincing argument on why or why not the time of day school starts should change.

#237. If you were to start your own YouTube video channel, what would the videos on your channel be about?

#238. Do you like to cook? What are some things you like to make and eat?

#239. Your school is having a field day and you are in charge of planning the activities and games. What types of activities and games would you plan for the event?

#240. If you had a remote control drone that takes video of everything it sees from the sky and you could take it anywhere, what would you film? For example, the inside of a volcano or soar it over the plains of Africa.

#241. The Bermuda Triangle is an area of the ocean where many ships and planes have gone missing. Why do you think this could be? Write a story about what it might be like to travel there.

#242. There are 7 great wonders of the world – which one do you think is the most wonderful?

#243. If you could speak any foreign language fluently, which one would you like to speak and why?

#244. You are inventing a new flavor of ice cream! What is the new flavor called and what ingredients do you need to make it?

#245. Would you rather go to a baseball game or read a good book? What reasons do you have for your choice?

#246. You walk outside to get your mail and your mailbox starts talking to you! What does your mailbox have to say?

#247. Imagine you are a famous person. What are you most famous for? What is it like to be famous?

#248. What do you think would be the most fun job in the world to have? Give examples of why you think it would be a fun job to have.

#249. Write a poem about an object that is shiny and dazzling.

#250. Do you like to watch the Olympics? Why or why not? If yes, what is your favorite Olympic sport?

#251. What kind of car do you want to drive when you are older? Do you think learning to drive will be easy or hard?

#252. What do you think would make for a great gift to give someone on their birthday?

#253. Describe a time when you needed help and someone helped you. What did they help you with and how did it make you feel?

#254. If you could be any type of fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

Love these prompts? Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to use at home or in the classroom!

#255. Do you think it is more important to have a good imagination or have all the facts proven?

#256. Do you have a favorite aunt, uncle, or another relative? Write a story about their life and why you like to be with them.

#257. Think of a time you laughed really, really hard. What was so funny? Why were you laughing? Write about it!

#258. Write a poem about an emotion. For example: happy, sad, angry, embarrassed, guilty.

#259. Do you ever have a hard time falling asleep? What are some things that help you feel sleepy?

#260. If you could drive a car, where would you drive and why?

#261. Imagine you are trading places with your friend for a day. What will it be like to be at their house? What will your friend think while they are at your house? Write about it!

#262. If you could break a world record, what would it be? What do you think would be necessary to be able to break the world record?

#263. Imagine you live in Colonial times. What would it be like to grow up as a kid in Colonial America?

#264. You are building a new city. What is the name of your city? What is the weather like? What buildings will you build?

#265. What do you think it would be like to work as a sailor on big ship in the ocean each day?

#266. Imagine you are the teacher for the day. What types of activities do you make the students in the class do?

#267. How would you feel if your parents told you that you would be getting a new baby brother or sister? Write about it!

#268. Do you know any good jokes? What are some of your favorite jokes? What makes them funny? Do you think you could write your own?

#269. Imagine you are floating down a river on a raft. What types of things can you see from the river that you normally wouldn’t see from the land?

#270. You want to start a new hobby collecting something. What kinds of things would you collect and why?

#271. Your mom announces she is having a yard sale. Would you let her sell any of your things? Why or why not?

#272. Imagine you walk out your front door one morning and it is raining popcorn! What do you do?

#273. You are camping in the woods one night and hear a scary noise. What do you do? What might be the cause?

#274. What do you think might make kids really happy to go to school? What are some things you think schools should do so that it could be more fun?

#275. Today’s lunch at the cafeteria was unusually horrible. You are a detective on the case to investigate. What do you think is the cause?

#276. If you had a tree that grows money, what would you do?

#277. What would you do if you had a unicorn as a pet?

#278. Would you rather go to the zoo or go to the aviary? Which one would you pick and why?

#279. What are some safety tips you should follow when riding a bike?

#280. You are designing the cover of a magazine. What are some of the headlines on the cover?

#281. Are you afraid of the dark? Why or why not?

#282. If you could learn to play any type of musical instrument, which one would you like to learn how to play and why?

#283. Imagine you are playing a sport that involves a ball, such as soccer, baseball or kickball. What would it be like if the ball could talk?

#284. You come home to discover a friendly alien has been living in your closet. What do you do? Why is there an alien in your closet?

#285. Is there something you are afraid of that you wish you weren’t afraid of? Write about it.

#286. Write about the best party you’ve ever been to. What made the day fun and special?

#287. What makes you feel loved and cared about? What are some ways people can show you that they love and care about you?

#288. There is a kite flying competition coming up and you are going to design your own kite. What will your kite look like? What colors will it be? Will it have any certain shape?

#289. You are given the challenge to drop an egg on the floor – without it breaking! What are some things you might try to make sure the egg won’t break?

#290. What are some of the things you can do every day to stay healthy?

#291. Do you think grown-ups are boring? Why do you think they are so boring all of the time? What is something fun that boring grown-ups could do instead of being so boring?

#292. Write a lyrical poem or song about what kids do while they are at school all day long.

#293. What are the first things you like to do when you are done with school each day? What are some of the activities you like when you are not at school?

#294. Imagine dinosaurs were still alive today. How do you think our lives would be different?

#295. Would you rather visit a volcano or a desert? Which one would you choose and why?

#296. Is there a sound you think is annoying? What types of sounds drive you crazy? Write about them!

#297. What do you think it would be like to be the size of an ant for a day? What types of things would you do?

Writing Prompt: What would it be like if your teddy bear came to life?

#298. Imagine one of your stuffed animals comes to life and starts talking to you. What types of things will you talk about? What will you do?

#299. What makes you feel happiest? Write about the things in life that make you feel happy!

#300. Imagine there is no gravity. What kind of things would you do you for fun? How would some of the things you already do for fun be different?

Parents and teachers, I hope you enjoyed these 300 writing prompts for kids and that you will use them to inspire your children’s creative imaginations.

These prompts of course can be used in a number of different ways and can be adapted for a variety of different styles of writing !

What do you think? Do you think these are good conversation and story starters for kids? Do you have any ideas for writing prompts you would like to share?

And of course, if you’d like to make it super fun and easy to use these prompts at home or in your classroom, be sure to get our ad-free printable version of these kids writing prompt cards now available in my Etsy shop.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on different creative writing ideas and topics for kids to write about! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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