Writers Digest Prompts

Sky Diving
October 16, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 93
The last thing you remember hearing before your friend thrust you out of the plane was: Dont
forget your parachute! That would be nice, though, instead of falling, you immediately begin
hurtling upwards. With the stratosphere slowly approaching and your air running out, what do you
do? Read more
Site Surfing
Surfing through the Internet you find a strange pop-up: Click now to receive three million dollars!
Just press the link! You have 30 seconds. The lights immediately turn off and a timer begins on
your screen. What happens next? What do you do? Read more
Caught Pants Down

September 30, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 682
You wake up feeling refreshed, a new day a new wait your favorite pair of pants is missing.
Darting up from bed you hear a noise outside. A woman is wearing them and looking straight at
you. What do you do? Read more
College Introduction
Its your first day of college and, in your first class, your professor does something unusualshe
has you all sit on the floor in a big circle and introduce yourself, as if you were in kindergarten.
When it gets to be your turn, you say, My name is _____. Every day I like to _____ in purple and
yellow______. Amused, the professor asks you to explain. So you do. Read more
One Shot
The click of the pistols hammer wakes you. A velvety voice lilts out of your vision, Give me a good
one liner and I just may let you live. You can see two of your friends hiding outside the door,
signaling to you that they are working on saving you. What do you tell the nice lady? Write this
scene. Read more
Fantasy Brawl
The wizards terror bolt lances overhead. You shout back to your party that youre going in. Dagger
held high and ice shard at the ready you tear towards the dastardly spell caster. How does your
fight play out? Read more
I Think Im a Clone Now

Ah, back home and time to relax. Long weeks are brutal. Is that the television you hear? Well you
havent been home all day so you decide to check it out, thinking you left it on. As you enter the
room you see the television is indeed on. And youre already sitting there watching it. Whats going
on here? Read more
The Board of Education
August 26, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 301
The fight has been raging for three days. The teachers on their end, toting rulers, eraser canons
and textbook grenades, and the students on the other, with only school-approved items found in
their bookbags. Both sides have suffered casualties and people are wondering, what happened
three days ago at Winston Waters High that started this mess? Start your story three days
ago. Read more
A Few Sips Off

You take a sip from your drink and feel different. That may be because your torso has an extra arm
protruding from it. Another sip, another arm. Then a wing. What happens if you finish the
drink? Read more
PUNch Out
Youre in an epic pun off; whit is spewing out of your mouth and your opponents mouth with
punishing purpose. What are some sweet puns you could use to really wipe the smile off your
opponents face? Make sure not to frown on the worst of puns eithertheyre all beautiful. Write this
scene and battle of puns. Read more
Captain off Deck

The ocean is a vast and beautiful thing. Taking a quick peak off the side of your boat you realize
something strange. The tentacles slowly creeping up the hull arent your imagination and the
captains nowhere to be found. Where do we go from here? Read more
The Open Window

July 29, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 830
You had that dream again. The one where the beast with the drooping hands and wicked fangs
stares you down from your window. Except the windows open this timeand youre awake! What
happens next? Read more
War Never Changes

During your trip to Turkey, you check into an old hotel. After settling yourself you notice a weathered
chest in the corner. Upon opening it, war relics from the First World War and the Ottoman Empire
lay before you. What stories do you find? Read more
Alien Rock
Being a famous rock star is hard. Especially when an alien invasion hits mid-concert. As lasers and
abductions abound, do you think your sick beats can stop this catastrophe? Write about how you
attempted to fight off the aliens and whether or not you succeeded. Read more
The Robert Syndrome
You wake up inwait this isnt your room. Confused you step to the mirror and see that youre
famous actor Robert Downey Jr. How did you get here and what do you do? Read more
Where Does The Tunnel Lead?

Youre outside cutting your grass when you come across a large hole in the ground. Youve never
noticed the hole before, but it looks to be some sort of tunnel to another world. You decide to peek
through and see where it leads, only it leads you to a pivotal moment in your pastand its giving
you an opportunity to change it. Write this scene. Read more
Going on Chore Strike

June 24, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 768
Your family isnt cooperating with your writing career, so youve decided to go on strike. Write a list
of demands that must be met in order for you to return to your chores and household
responsibilities. (Dont forget to make a concession or two to speed up the negotiation
process.) Read more
World Cup Madness

Youre a soccer player on your national team at a World Cup soccer game. Its an elimination game.
The game has been intense and is tied 0-0. It comes down to the final play and the ball is yours. Do
you make it? Miss and send to a shootout? Write this scene, but heres the catch: Theres
something on your mind thats distracting you and must be incorporated into your thought process
while trying to score the goal. Read more
Wrong Bathroom
You head into the bathroom at work, walk into a stall and close the door. Moments later, as you
leave the stall, you notice two people standing there and theres one major problem: They are of the
opposite sex. On the spot, you make up an excuse as to why you are in their bathroom. Read more
Zombie Killer
Its the last day of school and youre clearing out your locker when your best friend runs up to you
out of breath. You have to come with me right now, your friend says. Its a matter of life and
death. So you rush with your friend to the cafeteria, only to find several of your classmates have
been turned into zombies. What they dont know is that, you are secretly a superhero who kills
zombies. Write this scene. Read more
Spelling Bee
May 29, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 503
Youve entered a national spelling bee competition only to find out that your neighborand arch
rivalhas also entered the competition. Youve both made it to the final three, along with a person
neither of you know. Your arch rival comes to you with a plot to sabotage the third person, but aside
from the fact that you want to win fair and square, you suspect that your rival is also trying to
sabotage you. Write this scene. Read more
Tough Decision
Pick one moment in your life where you had to make a tough decisionpicking a college, quitting a
job, going on a diet, putting a parent in a retirement home, etc. Now Read more
Saving a Life
Youre walking to grab lunch when you see a crowd gathered around a building. You look up and
see that someone is standing on the ledge, looking to jump. You hear a police office close to you
mention that the person is about to commit suicide. He also mentions the persons name: and its
someone you know! Write a scene where you attempt to stop the jumper from jumping. Read more
X Marks the Spot

Youre a pirate on a small pirate ship, that consists of only you, one other pirate and a captain.
Recently you ransacked another ship and found a treasure map. After weeks of following it, youve
finally found the island where X marks the spot. Write a scene where you find the buried treasure,
only its not exactly the treasure you expected to find. Read more
Back in Time
April 29, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 834
You wake up one morning to find that you are your three year old self, with your parents again, with
all of the memories and experiences of your current life. Write this scene and express the emotion
and frustration your character undergoes as you internally try to sort this out. Read more
The Discovery
When you return to school for a conference, you bump into one of your old professors, who is
rambling on excitedly about a new discovery. He asks you to follow him to his officehe has
something he wants to show you. What is the new discovery? Why is your professor so excited?
Write this scene. Read more
A Mind of its Own

Your computer wont shut down when you are getting ready to leave work at five. Instead, it is
looping a message, and then attempts to tell you something. What is your computer doing? Write
this scene. Read more
The Confrontation
Daydreaming on your way to work, you get into a car accident. Frustrated because you will be late
for an important meeting, you curse and yell as you get out of the car. When you go to confront the
other drive, you find out it is your boss. Write this scene. Read more
When a Stranger Taps You on the Shoulder

Youre leaving your favorite restaurant after eating breakfast when a stranger taps you on the
shoulder. But this tap leads to a conversationand adventurethat leaves you with one item that
you never Read more
Frozen Solid
March 26, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 649
The phone rings. Its your mother and shes upset. Whats wrong? you ask. Its your father. A
spell has been cast upon him and hes been frozen solid. You pause, knowing two things that your
mother doesnt: 1) This is your fault and 2) youre the only one who can fix it. Dont worry, Mom. Ill
take care of it. Write this scene. Read more
Youre Not Really Human

Its your 18th birthday and, upon it, you parents deliver some pretty shocking news: Youre not
really human. They admit that theyve been covering up the fact that you are actually a (fill in the
blank). After hearing the news you still decide to go to school, but this school day is different than all
your school days past, especially when its revealed to others what you truly are. Write this
scene. Read more
Howdy, Partner
Theres a knock on your door. When you open it, you find a cowboycomplete with the hat, boots,
spurs, six-shooter, the accent, everythingstanding on your front step. He claims he has no
Read more
Shut In
The department store elevator shuts down on the way to the fourth floor, with you and ten other
people in it. You remain calm, but other people begin to panic. Write this scene and the dialogue
between characters. Read more
Your Life: A Mystery Novel

February 27, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 362
You are a world-renowned mystery writer living a life of seclusion. A random email informs you of a
great story, the next bestseller. Unfortunately, you find the details to be a little too close to home.
Write a scene where you confront this mysterious informant, who seems to know a little too much
about your personal life. Read more
Dear John Letter

You return home from work to find a Dear John letter on your kitchen table. Oddly enough, its from
one of your favorite pieces of furniture. What does the letter say? Read more
A Sword Fight Without Swords

The year is 3014, and you are on an intergalactic out to protect your planet. During your final battle,
you cross paths with the leader of the opposing forces. It ends with the two of you in a sword fight,
only problem is instead of swords you are both using (fill in the blank). Write this scene. Read more
Las Vegas Casino Night Gone Wrong

Youve been playing cards with your friend at a Las Vegas casino for a couple of hours now and
hes up big. Suddenly, a pit boss grabs you and your friend and hauls you both off to a back room,
where several rough-looking guys are waiting for you. Whats going on? you ask. Your friend has
been counting cards, and we dont approve of that here. Write this scene. Read more
Im Supposed to Be Getting Married Today, But

January 29, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 594
You call an old flame from high school whom you still have feelings for and ask to meet up. The
flame says, Sure, how about noon at the pub by your house. While waiting at the pub, your flame
walks inwearing a wedding dress (or tuxedo). The flame looks at you and says, Im supposed to
be getting married today, but What happens? Write this scene. Read more
Snow Day Surprise Your Brothers Top Secret Job

The snow is coming down and school has been canceled. Your brother, who has an important
government job, has asked you to watch his kids during the day so he can go to work. While
watching his kids, they reveal something top secret about your brothers joband its something, for
the sake of your family, that you need to stop. Read more
Everything You Know is a Lie

You receive a mysterious email and the subject line reads Everything you know is a lie. You open
the email and read further: Act calm as to not alert anyone, but everyone around you is not who
they say they are. You need to quietly get out of there and meet me at the spot where you had your
first kiss. You know the place. My name is Mark. Read more
I Regret Sleeping on That Couch

Youre a struggling musician who is playing small clubs on a summer tour across the country and
who generally sleeps in your van. But one night, in a small town in (fill in the blank), a concertgoer
offers to let you sleep on his/her couch. You take the offer, but by morning you regret it. Write a
story that explains what happens. Read more
What In The World Did I Agree To?

You had the best time at your New Years Eve partysuch a good time, in fact, that you can hardly
remember it thanks to a little too much vodka. While nursing a hangover, a friend calls and says,
Im so pumped were doing this New Years resolution together. I know its unusual, but doing it
together will make it easier. Ill pick you up in an hour. The problem: You have no idea what your
friend is talking about. Write the scene starting with the car ride. Read more
Your 2014 Writing Resolutions

December 26, 2013 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 181
What are your New Years resolutions for 2014? Post them here and then at the end of the year, Ill
feature this in the newsletter and ask you to check in to see which ones youve accomplished and
reflect on your writing year. Read more
Christmas Poem Parody

Write a Christmas poem parody of Twas the Night Before Christmas, only write it about an
unexpected guest who isnt Santa. Read more
12 Days of Christmas Gone Wrong

An anonymous friend has been leaving you gifts at work to celebrate each of the 12 days of
Christmas. All was fine and good for the first 11 gifts, which were thoughtful. But the 12th gift isnt
actually a gift at allits a photograph of someone you love doing something they shouldnt be
doing and an extortion note demanding $10,000 in cash or that photo goes live on the Internet.
What do you do? Write this scene. Read more
A Non-Human Point of View

Write an end-of-days story from a non-human point of view (animal, tree, insect, cloud, etc.) Read
more
Neighbor Steals Your Christmas Decorations

November 26, 2013 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 218
Your neighbor started hanging her Christmas decorations. You smile, wave and say, Looks good,
as you pull into your garage. Suddenly, you take pause and notice that her decorations look very
familiar and, are in fact, yours. To confirm you dash to the basement and see that all of you
Christmas decorations are missing. You decide to steal back your good in the middle of the night
but it doesnt go as planned. Write this scene. Read more
Thanksgiving Intervention
Youve been invited to attend a Thanksgiving dinner at a friends house, but when you walk in you
notice theres no turkey and, instead, a giant Intervention sign hanging across the mantle. Your
friend, who is surrounded by many of your other friends and family, sits you down and explains that
you have a problem: you spend too much time writing! Write this scene and how you handle
it. Read more
The Living Doll
While shopping downtown one day, you find an antiques store that has a rare, old doll. You buy it
for your daughter. A few days later she tells you her new toy can talk. You dont believe her, until
one afternoon you find yourself alone in the house, and it starts talking to you. Write this
scene. Read more
Your New Home

Your spouse wants to move out of your new apartment, saying that there is a large space you both
can move into. When you go to visit the new digs, you find its an abandoned warehouse at an old
train yard. Clearly you cant live there. Only your spouse just spent your life savings to buy it. What
do you say? Read more
The Journal
Flipping through your library books for research, you find one of the books you incorrectly checked
out. Its a handwritten journal authored by someone you know. Who wrote it and what does it
say? Read more
Garfield in Real Life

You are trying to read the morning newspaper when your cat begins pawing at your leg. You brush
it away, but it jumps on the table and begins meowing. Finally, the cat speaks. What does she say?
Write this scene and what she is trying to tell you. Read more
Your Arch Enemy

Everyone has an arch enemy, but until now, you never knew who your enemy was. That all
changed one grueling night when, while on vacation, your evening was ruined by your enemy.
Whats more peculiar is that your enemy is a famous celebrity! Write about your evening, who your
famous arch enemy is and what you did to redeem the night. Read more
My Problem
Finish these sentences: I have a little bit of a problem. I like to ______. It all started when I was
______, when _______. Use this as a jumping point into a fictional story. Read more
The Letter in the Alley

Walking to catch the bus, you see a young boy look both ways before entering an alley. When you
follow him into the alley, he has disappeared. Instead, there is a neatly folded note lying on the
pavement. What does it say and how do you react? Read more
The Never-Ending Dream

At an old bookstore, you find a book that helps you interpret your dreams. But something is strange
about it. You fall asleep reading the book, and find yourself in a dream that you cannot wake up
from. What is it? And how will you snap back to reality? Read more
Dont Delete Chain Mail

You delete a chain email that says if you dont forward it to ten people, you will have bad luck for
ten years. On your way out of the office, a black cat passes you. Then you find a parking ticket on
your car. And, to top it off, your car wont start. Was it actually the email? Write your response to the
bad luck, as well as other ensuing events that make you wonder about hitting the delete
button. Read more
The Contract
The used car salesman seems a little fishy, and it takes some serious convincing on his part to get
you to sign the contract. And once you do sign, he seems to have a smug look on his face more
so than usual. He says you should have read the fine print. When you look at it now, what does it
say? Write this scene. Read more
The Worst News is No News

You are a local news reporter for a failing network. Your boss tells you to ramp up the news by
getting creative and constructing your own stories. Whats the first fake news story you create and
broadcast on air? Read more
The Face Outside

Youre awoken from your midnight sleep in your favorite chair to your dog barking wildly in the living
room. Pulling her aside, you look out the window, only to see a face staring right back at you.
Whose is it? Why are they there? Read more
Someone Else is Living Here

Your kids love watching CSI, so you buy them a forensic starters kit for Christmas. They begin
running simple, fake experiments, collecting DNA, and dusting for fingerprints around the house.
When you look at all of the powder and prints they pull, you find there are more fingerprints there
then just you and your familys. Whose are they? Read more
The Reaction
You are in the chemistry lab late at night, working on experiment with your lab partner. When a
chemical reaction goes wrong, you appear to be just fine. Your partner on the other hand, he is
looking ________. Describe what is happening to him. Read more
The Fortune (Or Not)
A fortune teller at the local county fair tells you two things. She tells you something good that will
happen, and something awful that will happen. What are these events or incidents? Read more
The Movie Confrontation

Youre at the movie theater and its the climax of the summers big blockbuster hit. And someone is
talking on their cell phone. When you go to confront them, you find that it is your boss. What do you
say to them? Read more
Whats in the Barn?

Late at night you awake to find your wife/husband out of bed. Exploring the farmhouse, you find no
lights on and the kids are still sound asleep. Past the fields, you see light shining out of the barn.
When you walk out there and open the door, what do you find? Read more
Why Did You Do It?

At work, youve been getting a post it note on your desk every morning that says, Why did you do
it? Youve talked to your boss, the night cleaning crew and your co-workers. No one seems to
know who is putting the note there, or why. You decide to work through the night one evening, in
hopes of catching the person. Write this scene. Read more
Twitter Stalker
Your friend recently signed up for twitter and is still getting the hang of it. He says that someone he
doesnt know has been tweeting at him. You tell him it is probably a fake account. Then, he
receives a tweet that has a picture of you both, in his house. Then, theres a knock on the door.
What happens next? Read more
The Wedding Pawn

You are about to get married at the wedding ceremony of your dreams. Absolutely everything has
gone perfectly, until the best man says that he pawned the ring a couple of days ago. Write this
scene. Read more
Walled In
Youve been finishing a brick wall for a room in your friends basement for a couple of hours. When
you step back, you realize that you and your friend forgot to put in a door. He tells you not to worry
about it, he planned it that way. How do you react? Read more
The Disappearing Act

You are at a magic show with your family, and your eight year old son is called up on stage as a
part of the disappearing act. The magician performs the first part of the act successfully, but is
unable to make your son reappear. Read more
Sleep Talking to the Pentagon

As a child, you were prone to night terrors, sleep talking and sleep walking. Now as an adult, you
have long since grown out of your old habits. That is, until one night. You awake to find yourself in
an unfamiliar place on the phone with a Pentagon official. Read more
Falling from 12,000 Feet

Youve signed up to go tandem skydiving for the first time. On the plane, your instructor says he
isnt feeling well, but jumps with you anyway. When you jump, he passes out. Write this scene and
the stream of conscious thoughts as you fall towards the earth. Read more
A Note from the Past

Playing in the hallway one day, your kids accidentally bump into your grandfather clock, which has
been in the family for years. As it smashes into the ground, you find a note hidden inside from your
great grandfather, who died two months after you were born. Strangely enough, the note is
addressed to you. Read more
Youre Only Crazy if You Say Youre Not

One morning you awake to find yourself in a straight jacket, being taken off to an asylum. How do
you prove your sanity? What do the guards and psychiatrists say you did? Read more
The Hidden Room

While preparing your garden at the beginning of spring, you find the blueprints for your house
buried in the earth. When you pull it out and examine it, you find that there is a room in the blueprint
that doesnt exist in your house. Both disturbed and intrigued, you set off to find the missing room.
Write what happens next. Read more
Inside the Old Box

You are at the neighborhood garage sale, looking for nothing in particular. Something inside an old,
wooden box catches your eye. The old woman who is running the sale comes over to say
something about the object. What is it? What did she say and why? Read more
The Man in the Park

You get back to your studio to develop pictures from the hour you just spent in the park. All of the
pictures turn out well, except for a select few. In six photographs, there is a man in the frame.
Something seems slightly off, and rather strange about each picture. Who is he and what is weird
about the photographs? Read more
The Mysterious Men

On your way into work this morning, you look at the car on your left. Inside are two men dressed in
dark suits, wearing sunglasses. They simultaneously look at you and meet your gaze. The one in
the passenger seat rolls down his window and says something. Write what he says, and what
happens next. Read more
Only on Sundays
Finish these sentences: Ever day of the week I _________, but Sundays are different. On
Sundays, I ________. Read more
The Missing Shoe

Walking home, you find a shoe on the side of the road. What kind of shoe is it? Who is its owner?
What happened? Why is the shoe there? Where is the other shoe now? You can use all of these
questions or just one to explore what happened. Read more
If Art Could Talk

After a long night out, you return to your house to find that every picture and painting in your house
can speak to you. What do the characters in the artwork and photographs say? Write a
conversation between you and one of them, or a conversation between two of them. Read more
Camping Trip Gone Wrong

You and your three closest friends decide to go camping. You arrive and set up camp nearly three
miles away from where you left your car. Late that evening, as you sit around the campfire roasting
marshmallows, one of your friends reveals a deep dark secret that turns what was to be a fun
weekend into one of the scariest weekends of your life. Read more
Sting Operation at the Post Office

Two men stop you on your way into your local post office. One flashes a badge at you. They tell you
about a top secret sting operation they are about to execute and they need your help. They cant
give you any of the details, only that you are to walk into the post office, go up to the counter with
the gentleman named Bert working it, and you have to say to him, My stamps are looking a bit
square these days, if you know what I mean. Write what happens next. Read more
Selling Your House

You put your house on the market and, on the first day, a extremely old woman comes knocking on
your door. Shes not interested in buying your house, though. Instead she tells you that this is the
house she lived in as a child. The friendly mood suddenly changes when she reveals something
terrible that took place in the house years ago. Read more
Its Time to Save Yourself

You and two other people are stranded on an island. Both are people who have played an
important role in your life, but both are furious with you for different reasons. You become
concerned that one (if not both of them) is plotting to kill you. You decide its time to save
yourself. Read more
The Terrorist Attack

The snow storm across the nation shut down many businesses and people went home early. The
business where you work had closed for two days. Although you turned off the computer before
going home, when you returned to work, your computer had been very active while you were
awayplotting a terrorist attack. You now find yourself tasked with stopping the attack. Read more
The Boat
One day, while reading your favorite book on the beach, you notice a boat slowly drifting to shore. It
eventually lands near your spot. A person, draped in pirate clothes, yells to you from the boat, I
have a treasure map and I need help. Are you in? Read more
Valentines Day Poem

Write a Valentines Day poem of no more than 20 lines about spending a Valentines Day all by
yourself. The only rules are that it must rhyme and the final line of the poem must include the title of
your favorite song. Read more
Theres Something You Need to Know About That Night

Youre searching through your closet and find an old stuffed animal or doll from your childhood. It
starts to bring back a warm memory of a specific night thats near and dear to your heart. Suddenly,
your stuffed companion begins to talk and says, Theres something you need to know about that
night. Write this scene. Read more
A Suicide Note
You are helping out at a charitable center by organizing donated items. When searching through an
old suitcase, you find a suicide note dated six months prior. Whats peculiar is that you know the
person. Whats even more peculiar is that the person is still alive. Write the story about what
happens when you pay that person a visit and ask him or her about the note. Read more
Terrible Musician
Youve just been to the worst concert of your life. Afterward, you head to a bar with friends and start
drowning your disgust. Moments later, the musician (or musicians) shows up. You decide to
confront the musician about the lousy performance and ask for your money back. The musician
suggests a different approach to repaying you. Write what happens. Read more
What Happened to Your Pants?

Pretend you are a recovering alcoholic who falls off the wagon while attending your high school
reunion. Start your story with I hadnt had a drink in nearly 10 years and end it with If only I could
remember where I left my pants. Read more
A Mad Scientist Approaches You With an Offer

A mad scientist approaches you with an offerhe will heighten one of your senses, but it will make
one of your other senses duller. It isnt optional; hes going to perform the surgery anyway, but you
get to choose which two senses. Write this scene. Read more
Your 2013 New Years Resolution Top 10 List

Make a New Years resolution list that includes 10 goals. They dont all have to be writing-related,
but at least 3 of them do. Then refer to this post often this year and update it as you complete your
goals. Read more
New Years Eve Letter from Future You

At exactly midnight on New Years Eve you receive an email labeled Open Immediately. The really
strange thing is that the email is apparently from your future self. What does it say? Read more
Why Did Santa Kidnap You?

You wake up in a daze only to find out youve been kidnapped and are currently tied up to a chair.
After hours of unsuccessfully trying to escape, a door starts to open. Your kidnapper is none other
thanSanta Claus? Write a story explaining why Santa kidnapped you and what he intends to do
with you. Read more
Your Elf on the Shelf is Stealing From You

You brought an Elf on the Shelf into your home, but instead of him visiting Santa every night, you
believe that he is mysteriously stealing money from your wallet and taking nightly trips to (fill in the
blank). One night you stay awake and secretly follow him to find out the truth. Write this
scene. Read more
Tell Santa Youve Been Good

Last year, Santa didnt bring you what you wanted for Christmas and you were left to assume its
because you werent a good boy (or girl). Start building a case for getting that gift you want this year
by making a list of your good deeds to date and what else you plan to do before December
25th. Read more
Celebrity Fender Bender

While driving to pick up lunch, you accidentally bump into the car in front of youa light fender
benderthat pops open the other cars trunk. When you get out to assess the damage, you notice
that the driver of the other car is none other than your favorite actor. More important, you notice a
dead body in the trunk. Who is the actor and what elaborate excuse does he give you to explain the
dead body in his trunk? Read more
Why Are You Thankful

Write a letter to your family (or friends) explaining why you are thankful this Thanksgiving. Read
more
And Thats Why We All Ate Hamburgers This Thanksgiving

Write about the only time you hosted Thanksgivingand how it went so terribly wrong. Start with
the line, For my first Thanksgiving as host, I bought the biggest turkey they had in the store, and
end your story with And thats why we all ate hamburgers. Read more
Running For Class President (& a Bombshell Announcement Made by

Your Opponent)
You decide to run for president of your high school class only to find that your opponent is running a
smear campaign about you. Worse yet, your opponent has been telling everyone that he/she will
drop a bombshell announcement in front of the entire school during your first debate. The debate is
here. Write the scene where the bombshell is announced and describe how you react to it
remember, the entire school is watching. Read more
YOU Are the Arch Nemesis

A movie hero steps out of your television and proclaims that you are his/her arch-nemesis. Write
about what happens. Read more
Why I Write
Tell us the story of when you first realized that you needed to be a writer. (Did it happen when you
were young? Was it after you read a particular book? Etc.) Read more
Why You Had to Break In

You are 16 years old and you and your friends have just been caught breaking into the local gas
station. After your parents post your bail, you must explain why you did it, since this is not
something you would usually do. What your parentsand othersdont realize is that you did it for
heroic reasons. Read more
Novel Character Comes to Life And May Murder Someone

Youve written a novel with a character that eventually murders one of his or her neighbors.
Suddenly, a new person moves into your neighborhood with the same name as your character.
Looks similar too. In fact, you cant help but notice this new neighbor is doing several of the same
things as your characterincluding laying the groundwork to murder someone. You decide to follow
this person because, if all holds true to your plot, you know whats going to happen. Write this
scene. Read more
The Afterlife
Youve died and gone to heaven, only its nothing like youve imagined. Youre greeted by a guide
someone from your pastwho gives you a tour and explains what you can expect out of the
afterlife. Theres one question youve been dying to know and, at the end of the tour, you decide to
ask. Read more
Why You Cant Get a Flu Shot Excuse

Youre at the doctors office for a regular check up when the doctor suggests you get a flu shot as
well. You hate shots, so you come up with the most outlandish excuse as to why you cant get one.
Start your story with Youre not going to believe this, but and end it with And thats why I cant
get a flu shot today. Read more
Love Letter From the Future?

You are 15 years old and, while still living with your parents, you discover a secret room in your
house. It is filled with all sorts of strange things, but one thing in particular catches your eye: Its a
love letter to your mom from someone who isnt your dad. Whats more peculiar is that it is dated
five years into the future. Write a scene where you confront your mom about the letter. Read more
They Took EverythingExcept One Odd Thing

Theres been a break-in at your house. The robbers took everythingyour couch, your clothes,
your toilet paperexcept for one odd item that they left right in the middle of your living room. This
item, though meaningless to the police, is a clue that you recognize and will lead you to the
culprits. Read more
Shes Not Dead

Your high school math teacher disappeared when you were sixteen years old, but now you have
reason to believe shes not dead. A week ago before your high school reunion, you received a
mysterious letter that appears to be in codemuch like the puzzles she once gave her students.
Now, at the reunion, you discover that several of your classmates have received similar
letters. Read more
Undercover at Bingo
Youre on a top-secret spy missionfor your grandmother. She cant make it to her Monday Night
Bingo (you tell us why), but shes certain that one of the regulars is cheating, and she sends you to
check it out. Conduct a covert operation to catch this cheater in the act. Read more
Career Day
Youve agreed to give a talk at your childs school for Career Day. Not only do you hate public
speaking, you found out yesterday that youve been fired from your joband you havent told your
kid yet. Write what happens when you go to the school to present. Read more
A Mysterious Request
You receive a letter at your workplace from a high school classmate, who is now in prison. I know
Ive caused you a lot of grief, the letter says, but theres something I need that only you can get for
me. Dont tell anyone about this. Read more
Terrible Concert
Youve just been to the worst rock concert of your life. Youre at a bar with friends, drowning your
disgust, when the lead singer of the band shows up and offers to buy you a drink. You agree to
under one conditionand that deal leads to one memorable night. Read more
Somethings Wrong With This Wedding

Your best friend from college has invited you to his wedding. You havent seen him for years, so
youre excited to catch up. But when you arrive at the wedding, you discover that your best friends
bride is someone from your pastand you realize you must stop the wedding at all costs. Read
more
A Newspaper From the Future

You are walking to your car when you pass a boy selling newspapers on the street. He doesnt look
like hes getting any customers, so you buy a copy, only to discover that its dated a week from
today. And one particular story makes you realize you need to take actionnow. Read more
Follow That Man

Youre a taxi driver in a one-light town. Youve arrived at the county library to pick up your
passenger, a girl no older than thirteen. She says, You see that Mexican restaurant across the
street? In about five minutes, a man is going to come out of that restaurant, and I want you to follow
him. Read more
Golf Fundraiser Takes an Interesting Turn

Youre on a golf course taking part in a fundraiser to cure a disease thats near and dear to your
heart. On the 11th hole, you hit a ball into the woods. While searching for that ball, you see a white
rabbit that stops, looks you right in the eye and says, Follow me. Read more
A Mad Scientist Approches You

A mad scientist approaches you with an offer: He has a secret potion that will help you get the thing
you want most in this worldbe it a person, a thing, an ability, etc. What you dont know (and wont
reveal until the end of your story) is that there is one dire consequence (not death) from drinking the
potion. Read more
Skeleton in Your Closest Literally

When you go to get dressed one morning, you discover that there really is a skeleton in your closet.
Write this scenediscover how it got there, why it is there, what to do with it now. Read more
In Too Deep With Your Bookie

This time, youre in too deep. Youre gambling losses have been mounting and, with a recent ill-
advised bet, have put you $50,000 in debt. Your bookie, knowing you dont have that kind of cash,
is willing to wipe your debt clean if you carry out a very dangerous mission for him. Read more
Todays the Day You Save a Life

Youre on your way to lunch when you walk by a crowd of people staring up toward the sky. You
look up and see someone at the top of a building getting ready to jump to his or her death. Quickly
you realize you know this personin fact, its someone from work. Something about this moment
overtakes, so you rush to the top of the top of the building to save this persons life. Read more
Leaving Town Abruptly

A friend rings your doorbell way too early in the morning to be ringing doorbells. You answer the
door in your PJs, and the friend says, Pack a bag quickly. I have to get out of here now and need
you to come with me. You are intrigued. Read more
Lipstick Message
You get a message, it is obviously for you, but it is scrawled in lipstick on a mirror in a public
restroom. Its unexpected, but now you know exactly where the killer is hiding. Its time to find him
and, hopefully, your friend (and hopefully your friend is still alive). Write this scene. Read more
Person of Your Dreams

The person of your dreams shows up on your doorstep, asking if youd like to go out for coffee. You
are surprised and confused, but you say yes. At the coffee shop, as he/she is talking, you discover
that he/she thinks that you are someone else. Instead of coming clean, you go with itonly to be
foiled by an unexpected twist that reveals your identity. Read more
Why Are You Digging That Hole?

Youve been outside digging a large hole for several hours when you realize that you cant recall
why you are digging it. Retrace your steps to try to discover your motivation. Read more
When Your Favorite Characters Dont Get Along

Your parents have thrown you a surprise birthday dinner and have invited your two favorite fictional
characters (can be literary, television, movie, etc.). Theres only one problem: Turns out, the
characters dont get along and, after some mild bickering, they get into a big fight following one
particular insult. Write this scene. Read more
Backstage Passes Lead to Adventure

Youve been given the opportunity to see any band (dead or alive) at a live concert in your
hometown. At the end of the show, you bump into an old high school friend who is working security
and offers you (and the friend you brought to the concert) backstage passes. What happens next is
an adventure youll never forget. Read more
Why You Were Late for the Meeting

Youre at lunch when your smartphone buzzes with an e-mail from your boss: Dont forget, we
have a meeting in 10 minutes. Of course you did forget, so you rush out of the restaurant and
attempt to make it before it starts. But a crazy chain of events stops you from getting back in time
for the meeting. Read more
Bribing An IRS Agent

Theres a knock on the door. Its an IRS agent who has come to your house to audit your taxes.
Knowing that you fudged a few numbers on your forms, you decide to attempt to bribe the agent.
Much to your surprise, its working, but things take an peculiar turn when the agent makes an odd
request. Write this scene. Read more
Secret Passageway
Youve just moved into a new house and are fixing it up. In the process of painting you find an odd
crack in the wall. As you explore further, you find out its a secret passagewayand you have no
idea where it leads. You decide to grab a flashlight and go exploring. Read more
A Letter From Your Favorite Childhood Toy

You open the mail and receive a letter from one of your favorite childhood toys, explaining what the
toy has been up to all these years since you have moved on. Some of it comes as a shock to you.
Whats even more shocking is the reason the toy is contacting you. Read more
The Song That Changed Everything

You walked into the emergency room. This simply couldnt be happening. Just a few hours ago you
were playing cards with your friend, listening to your favorite song on the radiothe song that
defined your friendship. But now, as you make your way to the nurses station, that song was
playing again. Only this time, it felt different.Read more
St. Patricks Day Hangover

You wake up the morning after St. Patricks Day dont remember much of the evening (thanks to too
many green beers). You also notice some discomfort on your forearm. When you roll up your
sleeve, you discover a tattoo of a map. Panic sets in as you realize that you now have a tattoo on
your arm, but curiosity takes over as you wonder where the map leads. Read more
Best Friends Need Your Help

You receive a phone call from your two best friends. Hey, weve done something terribly wrong and
need your help. We cant talk about it over the phone. Please meet us at the spot where we made
our pact back in high school. You know the place. Nervously, you grab your coat and car
keys. Read more
Not-So-Anonymous Commenter
Youve been writing a blog for a number of months now without issue, then suddenly youre
confronted with an anonymous commenter who posts unwarranted slams against you. A techie
friend helps you Read more
Retirement Party Food Fight

After 40 years at the same job, you are finally ready to retire. Your coworkers throw you a party with
cake and ice cream. Everything is going well until the end of the celebration when they ask you to
speak. Instead of using this opportunity to thank everyone, you reveal a deep, dark secret about
your boss that leads to a massive food fight. Read more
Getting Your Money Back

You slide your card into the ATM machine and attempt to withdraw cash, only to find that your
account is empty. Something is wrong, as just yesterday, you had $5,000 in it. Only one person you
know could be responsible for thisand without hesitation, you are off to confront that person and
get your money back. Read more
Valentines Day Secret Admirer

You receive a Valentines Day card in the mail from a secret admirer. According to the love note,
the secret admirer will reveal his or her identity on Valentines Day at a location mentioned on the
card. Oddly enough, this is the same location you are taking your current love interest out on a
Valentines Day date. Write about how this evening plays out. Read more
The Tooth Fairy is a Thief

The Tooth Fairy visits your house in the middle of the night, only she isnt just taking your childrens
teeth. What is she stealing from your house and how do you attempt to stop her? Read more
Not Your Average Bar Fight

After getting into an argument with another patron at a local bar, the person challenges you to a
fight out back. Because youve never been in a fight before (and dont want this to be your first
time), you come up with a more creative way to settle your dispute. Read more
Thank You For Punishing Me

Youve been convicted of a crime, but the judge recognizes that this is your first offense. Instead of
sending you to jail, he hands down an extremely unusual punishment. Whats even more unusual
is, after its over, you come back to thank him. Why? Read more
One Very Memorable Night (But Not for Good Reasons)

While out at a bar, your old high school sweetheart approaches you and gives you an unexpected
kiss right on the lips. This causes you to have one intense reaction that will lead to a very
memorable nightbut not for good reasons. Read more
I Know Im Supposed to Keep This a Secret, But

The plane lifted off the runway and into the air. The person next to you turns and quietly whispers in
your ear, I know Im supposed to keep this a secret, but I absolutely must tell someone. Read
more
Taking Drastic Measures

Around mid-morning one day, you realize that everything that is happening seems really familiar.
After much thought you discover that your life has fallen into a terrible rut and now you must take
drastic measures to find a way out of it. Write the scene where you make a life-changing
decision. Read more
Unexpected Christmas Chatter

Its a few days after Christmas and you received everything you wanted, especially (fill in the blank).
But things take an interesting turn when, in the middle of the night, the thing that you wanted, which
had been sitting in the corner, starts talking to you. Read more
Christmas Ghost
While hanging up your Christmas lights, you are flagged down by a neighborhood kid who offers to
help. As he helps you, he tells you about the Christmas ghost that haunts his house. Whats odd is
that youve noticed the same things happening around your house. Write this scene. Read more
A Church-Mandated Penance
Needing to get something off your chest, you head to the confessional at church. After laying out
your misdeed to the priest, you are given an unusual task to perform as penancenot creepy, just
unusual. Write this scene.Read more
Breaking Out of the Hospital for Christmas

Thanks to a chronic illness, a coworker has been trapped in the hospital for weeks and is bummed
hes going to miss the company Christmas partythat is, until you and another coworker
unexpectedly show up to bust him out and take him to the celebration. Write this scene. Read more
Killing Your Best Friends Wife

A close friend asks you to help him kill his wife and, to his surprise, you agree without hesitation
not because you particularly dislike his wife, but because shes the only person who knows this one
deep, dark secret that could ruin your life forever. Write about how you confront her and how the
murder plays out. Read more
What Youre Most Thankful For

Not including people or pets, whats the one thing that youre most thankful for? Write a one-
paragraph note that starts Im thankful for (fill in the blank) because Read more
The Ghost of Your Grandmother

You are dealing with a bout of insomnia due to a reoccurring nightmare that started two days after
the loss of your grandmother. Suddenly, you see a ghost who claims to be her spirit. Her spirit
orders you to take care of something she wasnt able to before she passed. If you do, shell leave
you alone. If you dont, shell haunt you forever. Write this scene. Read more
Office Move Gone Wrong
Your move to a new office building hits a major hurdle when you arrive for your first day only to find
out your name wasnt on the move list. Write this scene. Read more
Concerning Item in Coworkers Desk

Your company is moving office buildings and youve been asked to stay after hours and help pack
up the desks. While clearing through one particular coworkers desk, you find something extremely
concerning in his bottom drawer. Call one of your friends and ask for advice on what to do about
it. Read more
Halloween Revenge
For the last 10 years, kids have been toilet papering your house on Halloween night. Unfortunately
for them, this is the year you finally decided to get even. Write about your night of retaliation. Read
more
Pumpkin Carving Gone Wrong

Youre attending an annual pumpkin-carving party with your friends when one of them stands up
and makes a shocking announcement. Start your story with the announcement and end with And
thats how I got my head stuck in the pumpkin. Read more
Note Behind the Picture

A picture on your mantle unexpectedly falls and crashes to the floor. As you go to pick it up, you
notice a note hidden behind the picture. The message is from the futureand written by you. It
instructs you to do something important. What does it say?
Read more
A Cold Where You (Fill in the Blank) Instead of Sneeze

Youve developed a cold only to discover that instead of sneezing, you (blank) every time feel like
you have to sneeze. This side effect proves to create a fairly entertaining scene at the office with
coworkers during your weekly budget meeting. Write this scene. Read more
Unusual Anniversary
A special anniversary is coming up and youve decided to go all-out to celebrate. The only thing is,
this is an anniversary of something unusual and theres only one other person who knows what its
aboutand hes uncomfortable celebrating. Write this scene. Read more
From Worst Day to Best Day

You are having the worst day of your life when someone calls and changes it for the better. Who
calls, whats it about and what series of events follow that call to help brighten your day? Read
more
Rejection Letter to Your Past Self

Write a letter of rejection to your past self, explaining why you needed to go through the rough
patches that complicated your life the past few years to grow as a writer. Read more
Anonymous Love
Youve been playing Scrabble with an anonymous person online. After some Internet chatting, you
realize that the two of you live in the same town and decide to meet at a local pub. What you didnt
expect was to fall in love. Read more
Treasure Awaits
You receive a letter in the mail from an out-of-town relative asking you to drop everything and meet
him in Boston ASAP. He doesnt say why, but signs off on the letter (just above his name) with the
phrase: Treasure awaits. Read more
Playing With Fire

You come across a pack of matches that sets off a series of uncanny events. Start your story with
My mother always told me not to play with fire. End it with Read more
Your Keynote Speech

You received a call from your alma mater and they want you to be the keynote speaker at
graduation. Write a speech that inspires the future generation to work toward their dreams. Read
more
Sorry I Had to Rig Your GPS, But This Is Urgent

You had planned to attend a friends birthday party and plugged her address into your GPS system,
but the system guided you to somewhere else. Oddly enough, there was a man waiting Read
more
Talking Dog
Your kids have spent years asking you to get them a dog. You finally break down and get one, only
to discover that this dog talksbut only to you. More interestingly, the dog loves to gossip about
your kids and their lives. Write a scene where Read more
Confronting a Childhood Bully

Youre out at restaurant and bump into a childhood bully who used to steal your lunch money.
Confront the bully and give him or her a piece of your mind. Post your Read more
Voicemail from Boss

You get into work and find that your boss has left a voicemail message on your phone. The
message is urgent. Though, whats peculiar is that the message is not work related. Read more
In 10 Words
Write a 10-word sentence that sums up your day. Post your response (500 words or less) in the
comments below.
Your Favorite Childhood Book

What was your favorite book as a kid? Recount the way it made you feel when you read it. Post
your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Youre Having Twins

The ultrasound come in and it turns out you and your spouse are having twins. Write the scene
where you tell your family, especially your mother who for years has jokingly asked Read more
Returning to Campus
On the 10th anniversary of your college graduation, you and your closest college friends decide to
return to campus for a weekend to relive your glory days. Things go awry, though, when Read
more
Your Uncles Will

After living for years paycheck to paycheck, a windfall of money comes your way from a distant
uncle. But in order to receive the money, you must complete a mission from your Read more
Losing a Loved One

Someone who you are extremely close to unexpectedly dies. Write that person a letter explaining
what you will miss most about him or her. Post your response (500 words or less) in Read more
Not Your Real Mother

Mothers Day is over and youve just finished a nice dinner with your mom when you receive a
phone call. An unfamiliar female voice is on the other end and says, Stop Read more
An Apples Point of View
Write a story from the point of view of an apple, sitting in a fruit basket on your kitchen counter,
observing life around it. Post your response (500 words or less) in Read more
Turning Your Favorite Song Into a Short Story

Use the words from your favorite song (or the song that is stuck in your head), mix them up and
write a short short story using every word. Post your response (500 Read more
The Morning After

You are out partying with friends when one slips something into your drink. The next thing you
know, its the morning and you dont remember anythingthough you have a collection of
mysterious Read more
I Will Consider Myself Successful When

Finish this sentence: As a writer, I will consider myself successful when Post your response (500
words or less) in the comments below.
Mystery Cookie
One day you come into work and find a cookie mysteriously placed on your desk. Grateful to
whoever left this anonymous cookie, you eat it. The next morning you come in and Read more
Computer Woes
One morning you are sitting in front of your computer working on your novel when, suddenly, the
computer starts talking to you. What does it say? Does it deliver an important message Read
more
Mistaken Surgery
You are in the operating room and are slowly being put under to have your gall bladder removed.
Just as you are dosing off, you notice the doctor entering the room isnt Read more
You See a Face Through Your Dark Window

You always look out the dark windows and wonder if something is out there. One night when you
look, a small face with bright eyes appears at the window. Write about what Read more
The Best Part About Writing Fiction Is

Finish this sentence: The best part about writing fiction is Post your response (500 words or less)
in the comments below.
Create a New Human-esque Race

Create a new human-esque race and describe it as thoroughly as possible. Be sure to describe
appearance, culture, values, beliefs, etc. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments
below.
George Washington on Twitter

What if George Washington were running for president today? Write several Twitter tweets of 140
characters or fewer from his point of view. They can be serious about issues, humorous about his
Read more
Animal Revolution
You were out running in the woods when you fell down and hit your head. You wake up to find
yourself in a dark hole, surrounding by small woodland creatures who are Read more
Changing Your Childhood

Pick an event from your childhood that you wish would have gone differently. Write it as though it
had happened ideally. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Groundhog Obit
Its Groundhog Day. Just as the groundhog comes up to decide whether or not winter is over, he
keels over. Youve been charged to write a nice news article/obituary paying tribute to Read
more
Story Based on Your Favorite Song

Take the first line of your favorite song and write a story using it as the first line. Post your response
(500 words or less) in the comments below.
A Broken (Deadly) Resolution

Only two weeks into the New Year had passed and Tim had already broken his first resolution:
Dont kill anyone. Write this scene. Post your response (500 words or less) in the Read more
Snow Day
Write about a day during your elementary school years where school was cancelled due to snow.
Remember waking up to the good news? How you filled your newfound free time? Post your
Read more
Your 2011 Resolutions

feature this in the newsletter and ask you to check in to Read more
Rewriting Rudolph
Rewrite the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from the point of view of Vixen (or any one
of the other reindeer, such as Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer). Read
more
Magic Poem
Write a made-up magic spell, including ingredients, chants, and actions. Now, turn it into a poem.
Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Circus Dwarf
You wake up in a darkened circus tent, wearing a bright blue and yellow clown costume and a fluffy
red wig. There is a dwarf standing over you with bucket of water. Read more
Mother-in-Law Talk
Your mother-in-law has never liked you very much, so when she comes over and says she wants
to get to know you better, you are instantly suspicious. You are convinced that that Read more
Neighbors Garden Gnome

One day, you are out in your yard when the next-door neighbors garden gnome suddenly walks
over and starts telling you about what is really going on. Write this scene. Post your Read more
Who is Operating Your Brain?

Pretend that there is a small man/woman operating the control system of your brain. Write about
your day from his/her perspective. How does he/she feel about you? Post your response (500
words Read more
Hypothetically Speaking
Write a paragraph where every sentence contains at least one five+ syllable word. Begin with
Hypothetically speaking Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Dangerous Animal
You are a zookeeper, and one day a shady looking man brings in what he calls an exotic animal.
This animal is in a wooden box with small air holes on the Read more
Apologize to Your Conscience

Write a letter apologizing to your conscience. Or reverse it and write a letter where your conscience
apologizes to you. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Explain Your Most Bizarre Dream

Use the most ridiculous dream you can remember having and write a story that explains everything
that happened in the dream. (i.e. I had a banana costume on because Id been hired Read more
Your Favorite Fictional Character

Write an episode where you and your favorite fictional character meet accidentally. Post your
response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Secret Passage in Library

One day, at your local public library, you are looking around the very back shelves. There is a
particularly boring looking book there, but for some reason it catches your interest and Read
more
Something in Your Food

When you are eating out at your favorite restaurant, you find something unexpected in your food.
The owner comes over, looking frazzled, and begs, Please, I can explain! Write a creative/exciting
explanation Read more
Medieval Torture
You wake up chained to the wall of a medieval torture room. The torture devices are laid out on a
table in front of you. Write this scene. Post your response (500 Read more
Cannibals
You have been captured by cannibals. How do you try to convince them not to eat you? If that fails
how do you attempt to get away? Post your response (500 words Read more
Complaint Letter to Your Darkest Fear

Write a formal complaint letter to your deepest, darkest fear. Post your response (500 words or
less) in the comments below.
Late Night Phone Call

In the middle of the night, you get an urgent call from a friend you havent talked to in years.
Something terrible has happened. What is it and why is he/she calling Read more
Talking Pet
One day you wake up to find your dog/cat waiting for you at the side of your bed, sitting on your
briefcase. Cocking its head, it tells you, in perfect English, that Read more
A Minor Character from your Favorite Book

Choose your favorite book. Then, write a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of a minor
character. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Sarcastic Love Poem

Write a sappy love poem to a distant personage, then go back and change/add words to make it
sarcastic. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
An Alliteration Challenge
Using as much alliteration as you can (Annie always ate apples) tell a story about your meeting with
a group of alien ambassadors. Post your response (500 words or less) in the Read more
New Holiday
Come up with a new holiday. Explain why and how it should be celebrated. Post your response
New Shoes
You often hear people say, Youll never understand another person until youve walked a day in his
or her shoes. Choose a fictional character and walk a day in his or her Read more
A Letter to Future You (6 Months Edition)

Write a letter to yourself that you will open in six months. Include your current accomplishments and
concerns, and remind yourself of one thing from today that you want to make sure Read more
Game Show Contestant

Youve been given an opportunity to be a contestant on your favorite game show. Write about your
experience, your interaction with the host and how you made it to the final round Read more
Power Outage
Storms have knocked out the power. You find the flashlight and make shadow bunnies on the wall,
but you can tell the kids are not amused. So instead you decide to tell Read more
New Name, New Identity

Youve left townditching your old, miserable lifehoping to start a new life for yourself. Youve
given yourself a new name, fake background and style. Write about your first encounter in your new
Read more
Helping a Close Friend

A close friend has a life-altering decision to make and asks you for advice. What advice do you
give? Write the conversation between you and your friend. Post your response (500 words Read
more
Stop That Wedding

The love of your life is getting married to someone else. In a last-ditch attempt to win the love of
your life back, you bust into the wedding and profess your love Read more
Birthday Blast
Youre out to eat a nice birthday dinner with your family when the waiting staff marches out from the
back room with a cake. With everyone around singing happy birthday, you decide Read more
Brotherly Love
Write a story about two brothers who are competing for the affection of the same woman. Post your
High School Haiku

Write a haiku (first line 5 syllables, second line 7 syllables, third line 5 syllables) about your first day
of high school. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments Read more
Back From the Future

A knock at the door catches you off-guard. Upon answering it, youre greeted by a man who says
hes from the futureand he can prove it. More important, he says he has Read more
One More ChanceTalking to Someone Who Has Died
You are given the opportunity to talk to one dead person and tell him one thing that you didnt get to
before he passed away. Who would you pick and what would Read more
Youre the Marriage Ref

You and two friends are out to dinner when a woman walks up to you and says, My husband and I
have a disagreement and wed like you to decide who is Read more
Cube Packed Up
You arrive at work to find all the items in your cube packed up in a box. Theres no note and you
have no idea what is going on. Write this scene. Read more
Elevator Baby
Youre riding an elevator when the power goes out. The situation take a turn when the pregnant
woman next to you goes into labor. Post your response (500 words or less) in Read more
Late-for-Work Excuse
Youre late for work because you overslept, but your boss hates over-sleepers. He does love
entertaining stories, so create the most outlandish excuse as to why you were late. Post your
response Read more
Not Your Average Pet

A friend knocks on your door. Her father has had a heart attack and she must leave town
immediately to visitonly problem is she needs someone to watch over her very unusual Read
more
Not Really Dead

One week after attending the funeral of a close friend, you receive a postcard in the mail with the
words, Im not dead. Meet me tonight at Guidos Pizzeria. Tell no one. Read more
Your Favorite Piece of Clothing

Write a 20-line poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) dedicated to your favorite piece of clothing (could be
a shirt, hat, shoes, etc.). Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Sent to the Wrong Printer

Youre at work and you print something personal (and sensitive). Unfortunately, youve sent it to the
wrong printer and, by the time you realize it, someone else has already scooped it up. Read
more
Playing in the Snow

Write about your favorite childhood memory of playing in the snow. If youve never been around
snow, write about what you dream itd be like. Post your response (500 words or less) Read
more
Grammy Acceptance Speech

Your name is called: Youve won the Album of the Year Grammy for your album, (fill in the blank).
You step up to the podium to accept your award and, halfway through, Read more
Breaking Up With Writers Block

Its time for you and Writers Block to part ways. Write a letter breaking up with Writers Block,
starting out with, Dear Writers Block, its not you, its me . Post Read more
One Amazing Night

Youre standing outside a restaurant next to a phone booth when, suddenly, it rings. Your gut tells
you not to answer it, but with each ring you cant resist. Finally you pick Read more
Get Me Off This Island

Your plane crashes on a deserted island. You and two other passengers survive. The only
salvageable items from the plane are pair of scissors, a stopwatch and an electric keyboard. Use
these Read more
Your Last Line

Write the last line to an unwritten novel thats so intriguing that others wont help but want to read
the book. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Your 2010 Resolutions

feature this in the newsletter and ask you to check in to Read more
Elf Pink Slip

The countdown clock for Christmas is ticking. Santas elves begin working their magic on the
assembly lines, but the line comes to a screeching halt when rumors leak that one elf is Read
more
Thanksgiving Burgers
Write about the only time you hosted Thanksgiving. Start with the line, For my first Thanksgiving as
host, I bought the biggest turkey they had in the store, and end your story Read more
Unusual Super Power

You wake up one day with an unusual super power that seems pretty worthlessuntil you are
caught in a situation that requires that specific talent. Post your response (500 words or less)
Read more
Kidnapped
You wake up shackled to a chair and cant remember how you got there. Two voices are talking.
You recognize one of them. Post your response (500 words or less) in the Read more
Halloween Party Mishap

You arrive at an annual Halloween party only to discover that someone else is dressed in the same
costume as you. Bad things start happening to you throughout the night and you Read more
Your Future Writing Bio

Write a one-paragraph bio about your writing career to date. Then, write the one-paragraph bio you
expect to have in 2020 (including all your major writing accomplishments). Post your response (500
words Read more
Costume Contest
Youre 12 years old and have entered a school Halloween costume contest. Theres stiff
competition, though youre confident youll winuntil you find out someone has bribed the judge.
Write this scene. Post Read more
Best Man/Maid of Honor Speech

Your closest friend has asked you to give a speech at his/her wedding. Post your response (500
In Line for Concert Tickets

Youve been waiting in a line for days to get concert tickets to your favorite bands upcoming show.
Youre keeping track of your experience in a journal. What does it say? Post Read more
A Cars Thoughts on Negotiation

Write about a car negotiation from the perspective of the car. Post your response (500 words or
less) in the comments below.
A Chance to Vent
Write a 20-line rhyming poem about something that really annoys you. Post your response (500
Misdialed Number
Youve accidentally dialed the wrong phone number, but the person who answers sounds familiar.
Immediately he/she recognizes you, but because made the call youre too embarrassed to ask who
it is. Using Read more
Parents Just Dont Understand

Write about a heated argument you had with your parents (real or fictitious). Post your response
Unsettling Fast Food Conversation

You roll through your favorite fast-food drive-thru, order your usual and wait for the cashier to repeat
it back to you. Only, he doesnt repeat it. Instead, through the speaker, you hear Read more
Swim Club Scare

You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip.
While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead Read more
Acceptance Speech
Poking fun at you, a relative gives you a dubious award at a family picnic (Worst Horseshoe
Player, Best Beer Holder, etc.). In a twist, you accept the award and give a Read more
Your Writing Tagline

M&M Candies Melt in your mouth, not in your hands. Miller Lite Tastes great, less filling.
Describe yourself (or your writing) in ten words or fewer. Post your response (500 words or Read
more
You Cant Name Your Baby That!
You and your spouse welcome a beautiful baby into your lives and, after going round and round on
names, you choose one thats very unusual. Write a scene where you announce the Read more
Brians 4th of July Party

Your favorite newsletter editor Brian A. Klems hosted a 4th of July party for the WD staff, forum
members and newsletter loyalists. It was all fun and games until one guest got Read more
Making Your Bed

You forgot to make your bed this morning and your mom is on the prowl, ready to hand out
punishment. In an effort to avoid grounding, make up an excuse (no matter Read more
Envy
Write about someone you envy. Start your story with, I wish I didnt envy (fill in the blank) so much,
but I cant help it. Post your response (500 words or less) Read more
Your Monster Returns

When you were little, you could swear there was a monster under your bedbut no one believed
you. On the eve of your 30th birthday, you hear noises coming from under your Read more
Allergic Reaction
You find out you are highly allergic to something you love. Do you give it up (no matter how hard it
is) or not (and deal with the consequences of the allergy)? Read more
Neighbor + Pet = Bad News

Your neighbor has taken in an unusual pet and it does something unpleasant to your house/yard.
Confront your neighbor. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
French Toast Fiasco

You wake up to the smell of sizzling French toast. You have to have some, but its coming from your
neighbors house and the two of you arent on speaking terms. How Read more
Birthday Celebration
If you could spend your birthday doing anything you wanted, what would it be and why? Post your
Haunted House
Youve recently purchased a new house. Upon your first full night there, you begin to hear noises
but think nothing of ituntil you see something that convinces you the house is haunted. Read
more
If You Could Be Someone Else

If you could morph into anyone (alive, dead, fictional, etc.), who would it be and why? Post your
Career in One Sentence

Sum up your writing career in one sentence. Post your response (500 words or less) in the
comments below.
Favorite Toy
What was your favorite toy as a child? Write a fond memory describing a time when you played with
that toy. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Better Than You

Write about a ridiculous competition you start with a friend (e.g., a mustache-growing competition,
longest-fingernail challenge, etc.). Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.
Easter Bunny Ditches Eggs

After years of handing out dyed eggs, the Easter Bunny is in search of a new gift to give to kids.
Youre a pitchman for a company whos hoping to land the Read more
Worst Pick-Up Line

Your friend tells you he can pick up any girl at the bar, no matter what he says. You bet him $100
he cant. Create the worlds worst pick up line and Read more
Traveling Pants
You drank a little too much green beer on St. Patricks Day and cant remember the night. A friend
calls to check up on you and fills you in on what happenedand why she has your pants. Read
more
Nursery Rhyme
Rewrite a nursery rhyme (Three Blind Mice, Jack and Jill, etc.) from a characters point of
view. Read more
Dream Vacation
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world where would it be and why? Read more
Alphabet Poem
Write a 26-line poem using all the letters of the alphabet, where the first line starts with the letter
A, the second B, the third C, etc., culminating with the final line starting with Z. Read more
The One That Got Away

You bump into an ex-lover on Valentines Daythe one whom you often call The One That Got
Away. What happens? Read more
First Album
What was the first CD (or record or cassette) you ever purchased? Write about the way that
particular album made you feel then. Write about how it makes you feel now. Read more
Career Change
You were recently laid off. Instead of moping around, youve viewed it as a chance to start fresh.
Pick a new career and write about your first day on the job. Read more
Pet Peeve Punishment

Whats your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act. Read
more
iPod Playlist
Take a character from one of your stories and examine his or her ipod playlist. What 10 songs best
describe the character? Read more
U2 Concert
Youre at a U2 concert when you receive a text from a friend that says, Youll never believe what
just happened to me! In the form of a text chat, find out what happened to your friend. Read more
Resolutions 2009
feature this in the newsletter and ask you to check in to see which ones youve accomplished and
reflect on your writing year. Read more
Worst Present
Whats the worst present youve ever received? How did you react and what, ultimately, did you do
with the gift?Read more
Parrot Threat
A man buys a parrot, and is horrified when he discovers the only thing it can say is, If you ever tell
anyone what you saw, Ill kill you. (submitted by Khara House) Read more
Bumper Sticker
Youve been hired by a bumper sticker manufacturer to come up with ideas. Write a clever or witty
phrase youd love to see on a bumper sticker. (If you want, write several.) Read more
Stolen Parking Spot

You head to the mall for some holiday shopping and, just as youre about to park, someone steals
your parking spot. Do you do something for revenge or do you stay in the holiday spirit and not let it
bother youand let karma do the dirty work? Read more
Yesterday or Tomorrow
If you had to choose between yesterday and tomorrow, which would you pick and why?
Cash in a Shoebox
Youre cleaning out your garage and, hidden away in a back corner, you find an old shoebox. The
box is heavier than it should be. When you open it up, you find cash$40,000, to be exact. Where
did the cash come from, who hid it there and why? Read more
WWII Veteran
Youre walking through a cemetery and you pass the grave of a World War II veteran. Write a scene
from his life story. Read more
Famous Musician
Youre taking a business trip and, as luck would have it, youre upgraded to first classsomething
youve never done before. As you sit down in your new, more comfortable chair, you notice that the
person sitting next to you is a famous musician. Write this scene. Read more
Favorite Costume
Thinking back to your childhood and the many Halloween costumes you wore, which costume was
your favorite and why? Read more
Igloo Amnesia
You awaken with amnesia in what looks to be an igloo. You have $4 and a rock in one pocket, and
a toothbrush in the other. Someone is staring at you. Write this scene. Read more
Surprise Nickname
When out to lunch with co-workers, you bump into a close friend who refers to you by a nickname.
Because of its unusualness, the nickname catches the interest of one of your co-workers who asks
for the story behind it. Start your story with, This may come as a surprise, but and end it with,
And thats how I got the nickname (fill in the blank). Read more
Retirement Party
After 42 years with your company, the day has finally arrived: your last day of work. Your coworkers
throw you a lunch retirement party. After cake, one coworker asks you to reflect on your years with
the company. So you doand you hold nothing back. Read more
Scrabble Game
Write about an intense game of Scrabble that takes an ugly turn for the worse.
Hurricane Evacuation
A hurricane hits in the South and folks are asked to evacuate. Youre out of the hurricanes reach
and offer your home up to anyone seeking refuge. A family member takes you up on the offer.
When she arrives, she describesin vivid detailher experience. Read more
Presidential Candidate
Youre in bed and you awaken to a presidential candidate standing outside your window, staring
into your face with a giant smile. Whats going on? (Fictional candidates, preferably). Read more
Top Secret
Your best friend has been arrested for illegally downloading music. While in jail, he asks you to go
to his house and clear everything off his computer. As you start deleting files, you notice a folder
called Top Secret. Out of curiosity, you open itand are shocked by what you find. Read more
Childhood Possession
What was the your favorite possession when you were a kid? Why did you love it so much and how
did it affect your life? Read more
Super Power
After years of leading a normal life, you discover you have a special ability. Afraid to share this
information with anyone, you confide only in your closest friend. To your surprise, your friend shares
some information with youhe also has a super power. Read more
Olympic Competition
Two synchronized diving partners overcome a behind-the-scene scuffle to compete in the Olympics
and win the gold. Read more
Five Items
You wake up in jail and have no memory of how you got there. As you pace around the cell, you
find five items in your pocket from the night before. As you look at each piece, the night slowly
comes back to you. Write about your night, why you have these five items and how you ended up in
jail. Read more
Late Show Top Ten

Youve been hired as a writer for Late Show with David Letterman. Your first assignment is to
come up with a witty, nonpolitical Top Ten list for him to read on air. Read more
Personal Apology
Write an apology letter to yourself for not taking a chance you wish you would havewhether it be
in love, work, your writing career or even something silly. Read more
Memorable Thunderstorm
A terrible thunderstorm leaves you without power. When the storm is over you head outside and
notice a neighbor heading your way. Shes afraid the food in her fridge will go bad, so shes invited
you and two other neighbors over for dinnerand it turns out to be one of the most memorable
nights of your life. Read more
Wrong Resume
After six months of mailing resumes all over the city, you finally have a bite. Though under-qualified
for the position, you attend the interview anyway because you desperately need work. As the boss
starts to ask questions, you notice that hes not reading from your resumeits someone elses.
Instead of correcting him, you go with it. Write this interview. Read more
Rogue Firework
Youre hosting a 4th of July party at your house. Your closest friend is in charge of the firework
show and its a spectacular display of colors in the skythat is, until one rogue firework misfires into
your neighbors home and catches her roof on fire. Write this scene. Read more
Best Place to Read

Where is your favorite place to read and why?
Drivers Test
Recount the day you took the drivers test (whether you successfully got your license or not). If
youve never taken the test, write how you imagine itll go. Read more
Diet Journal
Youre trying to lose weight and decide to keep a weekly diet journal. Write four short journal entries
that show your progress (or lack thereof) over the span of your first month. Read more
Family Networking
At an Internet caf, youve accidentally stumbled across an unlikely family members MySpace
page. What do you find? How do you deal with it? Read more
Box of Chocolates
Forrest Gump once said, Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what youre going to get.
What is writing like? Write a simile that starts with the phrase, Writing is like . Read more
Waiters Note
You and a friend have just finished a lovely meal at your favorite restaurant. But things take a turn
when you notice that the waiter has scribbled an unexpectedand startlingmessage on your bill.
Write this scene. Read more
Side Effects
The government has issued a warning that a particular (and common) household item is having an
unusual side effect on children. Worse yet, you own this item. You rush home to check on your kids.
When you get there, youre shocked to find that your kids have . Write this scene. Read more
Wishing Well
Youve just had one of the most grueling days of your life when you stumble upon a wishing well.
While you dont typically believe in such things, you need a pick-me-up. So you toss a penny down
the well and make a wish. Lo and behold, it comes true. Read more
In Retrospect
Start your story with, In retrospect, I wouldnt say it was my best idea. And end it with, And thats
how I attempted to make this world a better place. Read more
Favorite Song
Write a short story based on your favorite song, using the songs title as your storys title and the
lyrics for your plot. Read more
Riches to Rags
Write about a millionaire who suddenly loses his fortune and finds himself without any
possessions. Read more
Dream House
Describe your dream house. Where is it located? How many bedrooms? Is there a swing set in the
backyard or a motorcycle? The more details, the better. Read more
AP Feature
In 2020, The Associated Press writes another story about the Writers Digest legacy, and theyve
dedicated an entire paragraph to your successful career. When flipping through your local paper,
you find the story. What does the paragraph say? Read more
Life-changing Moment
Write a 16-line poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) about a moment from your childhood that changed
your life for the better. Read more
CSI Dog
Youre at home watching CSI when you hear a faint scratching at the door. Upon opening it, you
see a small dog looking up at you. You examine the dogs collar and see a phone number and the
message If you find this cat, call this number immediately. (Yes, thats right, cat.) Against your
better judgment, you call the number. Two hours later you find yourself in a basement with two
dead bodies on the floor. What happened? Read more
Friendly Execution
Youre in an unfamiliar situation. People you know are there, though they are all acting strange. As
the scene moves on, it becomes clear that youre about to be executed by friends and you have no
idea why. Find out why and attempt to save yourself. Read more
Babies Plan
Babies typically talk in babbles that adults cant understand. But one day, while at the park, youre
sitting on a bench next to two babies. They start their babbling, when all of a sudden you realize
you can understand them. Even more, they are plotting a nefarious plan. Write this scene. Read
more
First Letter Next Letter

Lets write a story together. Add one sentence to help further the story (you can read the sentences
before it to stay on theme). There is one catch: You must start your sentence with the alphabet
letter that follows the one that started the prior sentence. For example, if the last sentence is The
sun was shining bright that morning, the first word of your sentence must start with a U. (When it
gets to Z, start back again with A.). Read more
The Heckler
Youre a stand-up comedian having a good night on stage except for one loudmouth in the back of
the crowd who keeps heckling you. As your set ends, you storm off stage to confront this person,
only to discover its (fill in the blank). Write this scene. Read more
Garbage Day
Its garbage day and you put your trash on the curb, but when you return home from work, its still
there (though everyone elses garbage has been taken away). The next week, it happens again
and again the following week. Why is the trash collector snubbing you? Write a scene explaining
why hes skipping your garbage and how you figured it out. Read more
Describe an Object
Look around the room and pick an object. Write one paragraph describing the object in full detail
and a second paragraph explaining where it came from. Read more
Wrong Number
Youre sitting at work one day and receive a text message from an unrecognized number. The text
says, I have the money and hid the body. You think this is a practical joke from a friend, so you
play along at first. But the more texts you receive, the more you realize that it isnt a joke. Write the
text conversation you have with this unknown texter. Read more
I Quit You
After years of unhappiness, youve finally had enough and have decided to quit but were not talking
about your job. Write a letter of resignation to someone other than your employer, your school, your
family, your favorite sports team, whatever. Just be sure to keep it PG-13. Read more
Unusual Phobia
Create a character that has an unusual phobia. Write a scene that causes that character to face his
fear.
Resolution 2008
What are your New Years resolutions for 2008? Post them on our forum and then, at the end of the
year, Ill check in to see which ones youve accomplished. Read more
Interviewers Phone
You have a job interview and meet the interviewer. When you leave the interview, you realize
youve mistakenly taken the interviewers phone and hes taken yours. The new phone rings and
the caller ID reveals its someone you know. Read more
Eggnog Regret
After drinking a few too many eggnogs at your annual holiday party, you wake up the next morning
realizing you did some things you now regret. Write an e-mail to your boss that will ensure you still
get a raise next year. Read more
Alphabet Story
Write a 26-word story where every word begins with a different letter of the alphabet.
Life-changing News
You go to the doctor for a regular checkup and she gives you some life-changing news. Write this
scene.
Thankful Im a Writer
Finish this sentence: Im thankful Im a writer because Read more
Promises for Swing Voters

You are running for president of the writing community. What promises do you make to swing voters
in your direction? (For example, if Maria Schneider were running she would ban semi-colons and
the word whom from the English language). Read more
New Years Resolution

Most of us set a New Years resolution that this was going to be the year we finished our
manuscript. But once again, we neglected it. Write an apology letter to your manuscript explaining
what happened and how you plan to make it up to the manuscript by December 31. Read more
Pizza Delivery Driver

Youre a pizza delivery driver and its your last stop of the night. The house is on an unlit, unfamiliar
street. As you ring the doorbell, youre greeted by an unusual character who invites you in while he
gets cashand abruptly knocks you out cold. When you wake up, youre tied to a chair. What
happens next? Read more
Inspiring Books
As writers, we all love to read good books for inspiration. What book inspired you as a writer and
why? Read more
Best Prank
Whats the best prank youve ever pulled on someone?
Three Wishes
You bump into a genie and she offers to grant you three wishes. What are your wishes and why?
Post your response (500 words or fewer) in the comments below. Want more Read more

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Sky Diving

October 16, 2014 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 93

Caught Pants Down

I Think Im a Clone Now

A Few Sips Off

Captain off Deck

The Open Window

War Never Changes

Where Does The Tunnel Lead?

Going on Chore Strike

World Cup Madness

X Marks the Spot

A Mind of its Own

When a Stranger Taps You on the Shoulder

Youre Not Really Human

Your Life: A Mystery Novel

Dear John Letter

A Sword Fight Without Swords

Las Vegas Casino Night Gone Wrong

Im Supposed to Be Getting Married Today, But

Snow Day Surprise Your Brothers Top Secret Job

Everything You Know is a Lie

I Regret Sleeping on That Couch

What In The World Did I Agree To?

Your 2014 Writing Resolutions

Christmas Poem Parody

12 Days of Christmas Gone Wrong

A Non-Human Point of View

Neighbor Steals Your Christmas Decorations

Your New Home

Garfield in Real Life

Your Arch Enemy

The Letter in the Alley

The Never-Ending Dream

Dont Delete Chain Mail

The Worst News is No News

The Face Outside

Someone Else is Living Here

The Movie Confrontation

Whats in the Barn?

Why Did You Do It?

The Wedding Pawn

The Disappearing Act

Sleep Talking to the Pentagon

Falling from 12,000 Feet

A Note from the Past

Youre Only Crazy if You Say Youre Not

The Hidden Room

Inside the Old Box

The Man in the Park

The Mysterious Men

The Missing Shoe

If Art Could Talk

Camping Trip Gone Wrong

Sting Operation at the Post Office

Selling Your House

Its Time to Save Yourself

The Terrorist Attack

Valentines Day Poem

Theres Something You Need to Know About That Night

What Happened to Your Pants?

A Mad Scientist Approaches You With an Offer

Your 2013 New Years Resolution Top 10 List

New Years Eve Letter from Future You