Creative prompts

Write a [genre] short story of about [word count] words set in [setting]. The main character is [character], who wants [goal] but faces [obstacle]. End with a twist that is surprising but fair, and avoid clichés such as it was all a dream.

Create a character profile for [character name], a [role] in my [genre] story. Include appearance, background, what they want, what they fear, a secret, how they speak, and one contradiction that makes them feel real.

Help me build the world for my [genre] story set in [setting]. Ask me five questions first. Then, based on my answers, describe its geography, who holds power, everyday life, and one conflict that could drive a plot.

Write a [poem form, e.g. sonnet or haiku sequence] about [subject] in a [mood] mood. Use concrete images rather than abstract words, then explain in two sentences the choices you made with rhythm or rhyme.

Write a dialogue scene between [character A] and [character B], who disagree about [topic]. Each character should want something different, the subtext should be stronger than what they say, and one of them should shift their position slightly by the end.

Outline a three-act plot for a [genre] [novel or screenplay] about [premise]. Give the inciting incident, key turning points, midpoint, low point, climax and resolution, one sentence each.

Write lyrics for a [genre] song about [theme] with two verses, a chorus and a bridge. Keep the chorus simple and memorable, use an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme in the verses, and include one unexpected image.

Write a gentle five-minute bedtime story for a [age]-year-old who loves [interests]. Make a child called [nickname] the hero, include a small problem they solve with kindness, and end on a calm, sleepy note.

Give me 10 original creative writing prompts in [genre], each one sentence long and each with a character, a setting and a complication. Vary the tone from funny to unsettling.

Rewrite this scene in the style of [genre or era, e.g. hard-boiled detective noir] without copying any specific author's text. Keep the events the same but change the voice, sentence rhythm and imagery. Scene: [paste scene]

Generate 15 names for [characters, places or items] in a [genre] setting inspired by [culture, sound or theme]. Give a pronunciation hint and a one-line meaning or backstory for each.

Write a short comedy sketch of about two pages set in [setting] with [characters]. Build it around one absurd premise: [premise], escalate it three times, and end on a strong punchline.

Create a one-session tabletop role-playing adventure for [number] players at level [level] in a [setting]. Include a hook, three scenes (one social, one exploration, one combat), a twist and a reward.

Write a story of exactly 100 words about [object or idea] that hints at a bigger story without explaining it. Give it a title, and make the last line change how the first line reads.

Give me feedback on my [poem, story or chapter] the way a supportive writing workshop would: what works, where the energy drops, what confused you, and two questions to consider in revision. Don't rewrite it. Piece: [paste text]

Describe [place] at [time of day] using all five senses in about 200 words, from the point of view of [character], who feels [emotion]. Let the emotion color the details without naming it.

Here is a summary of a story: [summary]. Write three alternate endings: one happy, one bittersweet and one dark. Keep each under 150 words and true to the characters.

Write a one-minute dramatic monologue for [character] at the moment they [situation]. Reveal their backstory through what they say rather than through explanation, and end on a line an actor would want to deliver.

Develop a picture book idea for children aged [age range] about [theme]. Give a title, a 12-spread outline with one sentence of text per spread, and notes on what each illustration should show.

Let's write a [genre] story together about [starting idea]. Write the first paragraph, then stop and give me three options for what happens next. Continue from whichever option I pick, one paragraph at a time.