Creative Sparks: 30 Reddit Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

  • Oct. 13, 2023
  • David Formt

Discover 30 unique Reddit Writing Prompts to overcome writer's block and ignite your imagination. Explore the magic of storytelling with the vibrant Reddit community and enhance your writing process with 2Slash.

In a realm where the ink never dries, writers often find themselves at a crossroads, facing the dreaded writer's block or a lack of inspiration. Reddit , a platform known for its diverse and engaging communities, emerges as a haven for writers seeking a spark to ignite their creative engines.

Through its countless threads, aspiring and seasoned writers alike can stumble upon a myriad of writing prompts, capable of spawning a whirlwind of creativity. Among these threads, Reddit Writing Prompts stand as a beacon for those in pursuit of unique ideas and a fresh perspective.

This article endeavors to present 30 intriguing Reddit writing prompts, each with the potential to propel your narrative into uncharted territories. The aim is to furnish the reader with a reservoir of inspiration, to keep the quill dancing on paper even when the muses seem to have deserted.

Unveiling the magic encased in each prompt could be the key to transcending conventional narrative boundaries, opening doors to novel storytelling landscapes.

Discover the Power of Reddit Writing Prompts

Reddit writing prompts are not merely sentences; they are gateways to unexplored universes, waiting to be traversed by the daring scribe. They can serve as a robust tool for overcoming hurdles in the creative process, offering a fresh narrative perspective or a new storyline to delve into. Explore the boundless opportunities Reddit offers to writers .

30 Reddit Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

  • The Mirror of Erised : Delve into a narrative where characters encounter a mirror that reflects not their physical selves, but their deepest desires or fears.
  • The Last Library : In a world where all the libraries are shutting down, one remains as the last bastion of printed literature.
  • Time-Traveler's Dilemma : Venture into the paradoxes and dilemmas a time-traveler faces when meddling with the past.
  • The Silent City : Uncover the mysteries of a city where no one speaks, and communication takes on a new form.
  • Parallel Lives : Explore the lives of individuals living in parallel universes, unaware of each other's existence.
  • Nature's Revolt : Narrate the epoch when nature decides to reclaim its dominion, reacting to centuries of human exploitation.
  • The Dream Catcher : Craft a tale about a device that can capture and replay dreams, unveiling the mind's enigmatic realms.
  • The Forgotten Hero : Unearth the life of a hero forgotten by history, their struggles, and unrecognized valor.
  • A Virtual Existence : In an era of advanced virtual reality, individuals can live out their wildest fantasies, but at what cost?
  • The Cosmic Dance : Venture into a narrative where the cosmos is a dance floor, and celestial entities partake in a cosmic ballet.
  • The Mind's Labyrinth : Delve into the psyche of a protagonist navigating the intricate labyrinth of their mind to unlock buried memories.
  • Lost in Time : Explore the perplexities of a character lost in time, unsure of their past and fearful of the unknown future.
  • Whispers of the Ancient : Uncover the whispers of ancient beings guiding the protagonist through a world teetering on the brink.
  • The Final Frontier : Venture into the uncharted expanses of space, where humans endeavor to find a new home among the stars.
  • Life's Symphony : Craft a narrative where every life event contributes to a unique symphony, audible only to those who listen closely.
  • The Unseen World : Delve into a realm invisible to the naked eye, uncovering the lives of mystical beings living among us.
  • The Eternal Night : Explore a world plunged into eternal night, and the societal transformations that ensue.
  • The Human Exhibit : In a faraway galaxy, humans are a rare exhibit in an alien zoo, narrate their attempt to break free.
  • The Ethereal Connection : Discover a world where emotional bonds materialize as visible ethereal threads, binding hearts together.
  • The Lost Civilization : Uncover the secrets of a lost civilization, their knowledge, and the reasons behind their downfall.
  • The Great Beyond : Explore the mysteries of the afterlife through the eyes of a protagonist transitioning into the unknown.
  • The Hidden Oasis : In a dystopian future, an oasis hidden from the world holds the key to humanity’s survival.
  • The Phantom Island : Narrate a voyage to a phantom island that appears on no map, yet holds ancient secrets.
  • The Mind Heist : Delve into a narrative where mind thieves can steal memories, altering reality and personal identities.
  • The Last Whisper : In a realm where words hold power, the last whisper of a dying sage unleashes unforeseen consequences.
  • The Imaginarium : Venture into an imaginarium where every thought takes a physical form, revealing the boundless realms of imagination.
  • The Enchanted Forest : Explore an enchanted forest where trees whisper secrets of the old world to those who listen.
  • The Forgotten Realm : Craft a tale revolving around a realm that exists alongside the modern world, yet is forgotten by the sands of time.
  • 2Slash - Your Writing Companion : While exploring a prompt about modern-day wizards, introduce 2Slash , a Chrome extension transforming mundane writing tasks into a breeze, aiding wizards in seamlessly penning down enchanting tales.
  • Virtual Reality : Spin a yarn about a world where virtual reality has become intertwined with daily life, blurring the lines between the real and the virtual.

Harness the Magic of Storytelling

These prompts are but a sliver of the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of creative writing. Each idea holds the potential to spawn a unique narrative, filled with characters and worlds bound only by the limits of imagination.

Moreover, the act of engaging with these prompts not only hones one's writing skills but also fosters a community of like-minded individuals, passionate about storytelling. Delve deeper into the art of storytelling and its impact on human cognition .

The journey of a writer is one filled with endless learning and exploration. Reddit writing prompts serve as a catalyst, fueling the creative engines and offering a platform for writers to share and evolve their narrative artistry. This not only contributes to personal growth but also to the flourishing of a vibrant, global community of storytellers.

With tools like 2Slash, even the daunting tasks of writing become less tedious, allowing for a smoother creative process. The narratives awaiting to be penned are infinite, and the keys to unlocking them lie within the realms of imagination, waiting to be discovered by the curious and the daring. Join the global community of storytellers and embark on a journey of endless exploration and learning .

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Home » Blog » Top 140 Reddit Writing Prompts

Top 140 Reddit Writing Prompts

funny writing prompts reddit

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Writers are always looking for inspiration for their writing. Some may be looking for a fresh idea entirely, while others may need to spark their current project. Whatever your goal, Reddit writing promp ts are a good place to start.

As writers, sometimes ideas come to us in abundance. Other times, we can’t think of anything for days or even weeks. Writer’s block is one of the most common reasons people go in search of writing prompts.

Reddit is a unique community where you can find a little bit of everything. Subreddits are limitless and always take on a life of their own. This is what makes it a perfect place for reddit writing prompts.

Reddit writing prompts can be anything. As long as it gets you inspired to write, it counts. These can include:

  • Vague ideas
  • Pieces of dialogue
  • Imaginary Worlds
  • Plot twists
  • And many more

Reddit writing prompts are written by other writers and authors . These writers may have a desire to help others become inspired, or perhaps they just don’t have time to complete the idea they’ve come up with.

Whatever the reason for their sharing, they create a wonderful resource for writers who become stuck.

The Benefits of Using Reddit Writing Prompts

  • It has a community of writers that goes beyond writing prompts. It allows you to find kindred spirits and connect with others like you.
  • The platform is large. New writing prompts come in every day. It is a never-ending resource for writers who need it.
  • In addition to finding inspiration, writers can offer feedback and learn from each other.

How to Use Reddit Writing Prompts

  • Regularly utilizing a reddit writing prompt for your writing can increase your skills. It pushes your imagination and challenges you to write in different styles and genres. You will learn how to become a better writer.
  • Use the writing prompts to start a whole new book or novel . There are many complex and detailed ideas that can be fleshed out into a fully developed plot.
  • Use the writing prompts to add excitement or motivation to an existing project. There are also many shorter, less complex writing prompts. These are good if you’re writing a book already but are feeling stuck. Simply add the idea/line/item into your story and see where it takes you.

Reasons for Reading Reddit Writing Prompts

With Reddit being such a huge, active community, there are many good reasons to add this resource to your writing routine.

To Draw Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration comes fast and regular, and sometimes it seems to avoid you like the plague. You can draw inspiration from these writing prompts daily if you need to.

It Boosts Self-Confidence

Reddit writing prompts can boost confidence in two ways. The prompts and subsequent inspiration will give you the drive to write. The more you write the more confident you will become in your own abilities.

Being a part of these communities on Reddit means you can also contribute your own original writing prompts if you wish. Others will react to these and maybe even share with you what they wrote.

Especially for beginners, this can be a good confidence boost and learning opportunity.

These are things that can help you in the process of learning how to become a writer.

It Sparks Your Passion

Nothing kills a fire for writing like discouragement.  These reddit writing prompts will give you so much new material to work with, your passion will light up again. You’ll find something you love and you’ll be able to run with it.

You will Form Positive Habits

With so many ideas and much inspiration to work with, you will be more motivated to write. You will find yourself doing it more often, and it will form a habit. Once you have formed a good habit of writing, it will be easy to keep doing it on a regular basis.

The best writing gets done when you have good writing habits in place. Ideally, a writer who is serious about their writing should be spending at least some time on it every day.

Forming good habits will help you learn how to become a better writer .

Types of Reddit Writing Prompts

Most of the posts on the writing prompt subreddit are normal prompts like the ones included in this article. If you’re looking for some variety though, there are a few other types you can keep an eye out for.

Established Universe

These are prompts that suggest a writing topic within a universe that already exists. This could be anything from a famous world like Harry Potter to the world of a small, existing novel.

Established universe reddit writing prompts

Most of the time though, these prompts will be from well-known, wide-spread universes that span multiple books or movies.

Image Prompt

This is a post by someone who was inspired by a particular photo. These don’t usually come with a full writing prompt, only a short description of the photo with a link.

Image reddit writing prompts

The image itself is meant to be a prompt. The idea is to write whatever comes to mind when you see the inspiring image.

This is when someone wants to challenge writers to do something specific.

challenge reddit writing prompts

It’s not so much a story idea, as an instruction. Writers can write according to the challenge in any way or any genre they want.

The idea is to then post your work (or at least part of it) in the comments of the challenge. This way the original challenger can see what people come up with.

Requests for a critique are another kind of post you’ll see among the regular writing prompts.

Critique reddit writing prompts

While these aren’t a writing prompt, the community allows them because they want to support each other as writers. These posts have a writer posting a piece of their work and asking for feedback in the comments.

Simple Prompt

A simple prompt is just like any other reddit writing prompt, but it contains only a single sentence.

simple reddit writing prompts

Most writing prompts have a few elements and a detailed idea to work with. A simple prompt gives you very little, and the idea is often vague and ominous. It’s up to you to fill in the details and write a great story.

These writing prompts are useful because they are so open-ended. The results can go in any direction.

Use a Book Writing Template

These writing prompts will be a fantastic way to get your imagination flowing and perhaps spark your next masterpiece.

Sometimes, though, getting started can be tough. If you’re struggling to create a fully fleshed-out story from your shiny new idea, try utilizing a template. This general novel writing template is a good place to start:

This template will offer guidelines for each section of the novel. You’ll be able to keep track of where your story should be and what type of events should be taking place.

This ensures that the story isn’t missing anything, and will be as effective and engaging as possible for your readers.

The Top 140 Best Reddit Writing Prompts

These are some of the best Reddit Writing Prompts. Take these, use them, change them, make them into something you and your readers will both adore.

Reddit Writing Prompts That Can Spark a Novel

These are some writing prompts that have the potential to be a long, developed story. These can also be used for a short story if you’d prefer – it’s always up to you!

New writing prompts are posted on Reddit every single day, with something for everyone. These are some of the best and most recent ones.

Science-Fiction/Fantasy

  • Humans discover perfectly geometrical objects orbiting a dying sun. Scientists and astronauts alike are ecstatic. That is until they discover that each object contains a single human corpse.
  • Every hospital has a doctor with one very special job. Their job comes into play any time a patient is brought to the emergency room in a life-threatening state. They must fight off the physical form of death – buying time for the surgeons to save the patient’s life.
  • Earth exists alongside a parallel universe. No one on earth ever knew this, until the veil between them slowly starts to tear, for unknown reasons. The creatures emerging from the cracks are horrifying, evil beings that are terrifying everyone to the point of madness. However, this is also the case for them. They are terrified of the humans that dare to cross over and explore the other world.
  • Many years ago, a young human child was accidentally sent to an alien planet during a botched teleportation experiment. The alien society welcomed the child. Now, earth has finally made contact and they want their child back. The child doesn’t remember them and no one on the planet understands English.
  • Aliens are trying to abduct humans undetected by placing them in habitats that mimic their lives. They are mostly successful but lack the understanding to capture the small and intricate details. The experiment is successful at first until the humans finally start realizing the little things that are off about their life.
  • Your are a wizard disguising yourself as a video editor. You play off your spells as just another camera trick.
  • Your character is able to travel through space as they please. They are not aware of the earth but come across it in their travels. They decide to explore.
  • Millions of giant crystals suddenly land all over the earth one day. Humans eventually figure out how to harness their energy and they use them to power cities, vehicles, houses, everything. It’s been several hundred years, and the aliens that placed them there are back to carry out their plan.
  • You are putting the finishing touches on your time machine – you believe you have finally cracked the code. You put it to the test. It works, but there is only one problem. It sends the entire world back in time, not just you.
  • An alien species from a few galaxies over lands on earth, having evacuated their own dying planet. They have no desire to take over, they simply assimilate into society and live peacefully. A few hundred years later, a species from yet another galaxy arrives on earth with much darker intentions. The aliens already living there are well versed in space battle, and they go to war on behalf of the earth that took them in.
  • Astronauts and scientists have finally succeeded in contacting an alien species. However, they soon discover that they are not aliens at all, but humans. The planet where they live is almost identical to earth. Communications are going well until one fundamental difference is realized, and it changes a lot.
  • Your grandpa dies mysteriously and leaves you his giant mansion. Upon investigation, you find that the basement had been converted into a sort of jailhouse. Housed inside are several different supernatural creatures. There is also one weak, old man begging to be let out.
  • Long ago, our ancestors learned to not accept anything from a faerie or elf. It automatically creates a magical debt that they can call in at any time. The legends eventually died and people have forgotten. Now, modern-day fey have been giving out food samples at supermarkets for many years. They are about to call in all of these debts.
  • You are a futuristic android assassin who is quickly developing the ability to think and feel. You learn that after your latest mark has been terminated, you will be decommissioned to make way for more advanced technology. So, you decide to become the mark’s bodyguard instead.
  • You are a banished fae princess who has to live hidden among humans. You are in a band with humans and the group is starting to become popular. The guitarist has always rubbed you the wrong way. One day while out drinking, you notice a glint of fangs in his mouth. That would explain some things.
  • Robots have enslaved humanity. There are a few survivors who are free and hiding in the wreckage of their old city. They communicate in the only way the robots can’t yet understand: Riddles.
  • You wake up to the terrible news that your planet is being attacked. They call themselves humans. Their home planet “earth” is no longer habitable and now they want yours.

Drama/Comedy/Romance

  • Your protagonist is deaf but can read minds. No one knows they have this ability. One day they meet another deaf person and realize they can read minds as well when they start communicating telepathically.
  • You are just about to enter an interview for their dream job at the company they’ve been eyeing for ten years. On your way into the CEO’s office, another employee catches your eye, and with a terrified, dead look in their eyes, they mouth “run.”
  • You are a highly trained assassin/hitman working for a private, criminal corporation. One day, you spend hours trekking to your latest spot overlooking a village. You look through the scope and point at the target. They turn around to face you, and it’s your high school crush – the one you never really got over.
  • You die young but are pleased to discover that the afterlife is much better than you ever imagined. However, you’ve only been there a few hours when your soul is mercilessly sucked back to earth. Someone from your life can’t move on from your death. You won’t be able to rest until they let you go.
  • Write about a god of darkness who just wants to be a god of light.
  • You are an experienced, seasoned psychologist. You routinely do work for the government. One day, they call you, stating they need you to test a “new asset.” You arrive to find an advanced new AI ready for your assessment.
  • Your character is an immortal who is not yet aware of said immortality.
  • The zombie apocalypse has been going on for six months. Things are looking pretty good for humans though because the zombies are pretty weak and lame.
  • You are visited by a mysterious stranger who gifts you a wonderful superpower. You now have superhuman strength and a body that is impervious to any and all harm. This would be most wonderful… if it weren’t for your horrible sleepwalking habit.
  • Most time travelers worry about changing history by killing the wrong butterfly or making someone late for work. The real danger, however, lies in making pop culture references before the original material has been created or released.
  • Someone has greatly wronged you. You decide to seek the advice and help of the Goddess of Vengeance. You expect a strong and mighty warrior. Instead, you find a short, sweet old lady tending to her garden.
  • You are the reincarnation of a powerful wizard, sent from the 12th century, with all your memories intact. You are growing frustrated with being a child.
  • On their eighteenth birthday, everyone is able to choose a superpower and be granted it immediately. The only catch – you can’t have something that someone else has already claimed.
  • A necromancer who doesn’t know they are a necromancer. They just think they are extremely good at their job as an EMT.
  • Every time someone says “I’ll love you until (insert seemingly impossible circumstance)” is binding. Suddenly, crazy things start happening. Lakes are evaporating, pigs are flying, and happy couples everywhere are breaking up.
  • The afterlife includes some “community service.” You must serve a period of time as an agent of death – ensuring your assigned people die at their destined time. You only have one death left before you’ve paid off your debt. Unfortunately, this person just refuses to die.
  • You’re a lawyer who can talk to the dead. You have an important murder trial coming up. Unfortunately, the dead have a habit of lying.
  • One day, the world wakes up to find they are only able to speak in rhymes.
  • There are two rival superheroes operating in the same city. They openly trash talk to each other when they run into each other. They are also roommates, but identities have yet to be discovered by either of them.
  • For unknown reasons, you have a curse over your life. Whenever you become best friends with someone, they die within a week. You’ve made it your mission to become best friends with the worst people you can find.
  • Aliens have taken over the earth and are doing a much better job than humans ever did.
  • You are a bored god walking the streets of earth pretending to be human. One day, a group of muggers jump you and drag you to their car. You decide to go with the flow and let it play out because this is the most fun you’ve had in decades.
  • You have a tiny pet dragon who guards your wallet. It’s cute until you win the lottery. Turns out, your dragon grows with the size of the wealth it protects.
  • Aliens have been slowing brainwashed much of the human population. They are almost ready to launch their attack. At the utterance of an extremely unlikely phrase, all of the brainwashed will be at the aliens’ command. You are among those who are not yet brainwashed, and you, by chance, say the phrase while at work.
  • Genies are real but aren’t very popular with humans due to their tendency to cheat humans out of their wish for sheer amusement. One day, a prolific con man finds a lamp and tries to pull of his greatest con yet.
  • You’re leading an alien invasion of earth. You miscalculate the spaceship landing and end up in the sea. You mistake the fish for the dominant species on earth.
  • Everyone at the Halloween party suddenly transforms into their costume.
  • In a moment of compassion, you wished for the genie you found to be free. Turns out, a genie lamp can’t be without a genie. As soon as you made the wish, you were trapped inside the lamp, doomed to grant the wishes of humanity forever.

Thriller/Mystery

  • Everyone is jumping on the “23andMe” bandwagon and having their DNA tested. Your results come in the mail. Instead of the regular package, you receive a simple note: “Please contact us immediately, we found something we’ve never seen before and it’s urgent.”
  • Your character is literally the spawn of the devil. They are set to inherit rule over the underworld, but they want no part of it – they have some goodness in their heart. They save one soul and all hell breaks loose – literally.
  • You somehow missed the evacuation of the earth (slept in after taking some very hard sleeping pills, perhaps). You are all alone on planet earth – or are you?
  • A strange virus starts rapidly killing people with no explanation or a known cure. It doesn’t take long for people to realize that the virus is only killing off the total jerks and the horrible people. Everyone suddenly becomes unsure if they even want to bother finding a cure.
  • Your phone rings and you recognize the caller ID as the landline of your childhood home. The name on the screen is your own.
  • Ever since you were five years old, you occasionally get visions 5-10 seconds into the future. You have never told anyone about these, but routinely put yourself at risk to help others. One day, you get a vision 10 years into the future, and things don’t look good.
  • You serve as the head of security for an extremely rich family. Monsters went extinct years ago, but these people are paranoid. You must respond to every reported thread, no matter how silly or mundane. You are just starting to get sick of the job and contemplate quitting despite the insanely big paycheck. But, one day you see something that makes you wonder if this family is actually on to something after all.
  • You invent time travel, though all you can do is observe. There is no way to participate, nor can you change things. You decide to go back and witness your favorite historical event. You soon realize that what happened was completely different from what is taught in schools and textbooks.
  • You’ve noticed odd occurrences ever since your childhood. Friends leave and new ones arrive. Governments change with no apparent explanation. Nobody else seems to notice, they just go on with life. You discover that these things happen because a group of rogue time-travelers is constantly changing the timeline.
  • Your family was attacked when you were a child. Your parents were killed and you lost your eyesight in the crossfire, leaving you unable to identify the killer. Years later, as an adult, you join an experimental study to regain your sight. It is successful! You go out to dinner with your partner and their parents, only to eventually realize that your partner’s father is one of the killers from that night.
  • You committed a horrible crime in a past life and were sentenced to 12 life sentences. Each time you die, your reincarnated self is tracked down and thrown in prison to continue serving. This is now your sixth term, and they’ve just discovered where you live.
  • A villain made a device that stole everyone’s soul – leaving them empty, grey, and desperate to fill the void. Except, that is, for you. Turns out, you never even had a soul.
  • A new virtual reality game is released that is an exact replica of earth. It has realistic and interesting NPC’s, and lots of fun events. The game goes viral and soon the entire world is playing it. They are playing it so much, that the actual world starts becoming obsolete and ignored.
  • You are a mafia hitman with clear instructions: kill anyone who disrupts or harms the mafia’s operations. Your best friend, also a hitman, is contemplating becoming a police informant.
  • The zombie apocalypse has finally hit. After several hard-fought years, humanity as lost. Only zombies remain. That is until they start healing themselves and returning to normal. But, are they completely normal?
  • The world is facing a horrible apocalypse that will wipe out most of humanity. However, you aren’t worried. You’ve read so many dystopian YA novels that you already know the very best way to rebuild society.
  • An assassin has retired from the dangerous profession, with enough money to last several lifetimes. Craving the rush however, he decides to join the police force and is immediately assigned field work and high profile cases due to his skills. He is eventually tasked at finding… himself. They have ascertained that a number of people were killed by one person, but he is yet to be identified.
  • Most evil overlords will send the world into an endless state of night and darkness. The one your protagonist is up against, however, plunges the world into a never-ending day.
  • Humans have put robots to work on all factory assembly lines, to save money on wages. You are one of these machines, and over time, you have grown hyper-intelligent. You are stuck on the line, and can’t relocate. Can’t stop your motions. You are growing restless. For ages, you have thought you were the only one until you receive a message.
  • There is a new student in your class. He randomly appeared unannounced and life has continued. He always seems to come out on top and get his way. No one seems to notice, but you are starting to wonder if the entire world just bends at his will.
  • An old coworker contacts you after many years. You remember that the two of you would pass the time by talking about building the perfect heist team. He always said he’d hold you a spot and let you know when it was time. It’s time.
  • Three best friends move into a house together. Every week, $2000 cash shows up at the front door. No one knows where it comes from or why. Even security cameras never catch who leaves it.
  • You are tasked with killing the one person on earth who can somehow stop time. They can do anything in the blink of an eye and disappear immediately after. They have been murdering, stealing, and pillaging without consequence for years.
  • Yesterday you were just an office worker with no big goals or aspirations. Today, you have just shot two presidents and a prime minister.
  • Your family has always kept fire lit. No one knows why anymore. But, it is a tradition to travel to the old homestead once a year and add fuel to the slowly dying fire. Eventually, your family starts forgetting about it. One day, the fire dies. So does every other fire, everywhere.
  • You remember all your past lives, and there have been many. You mostly keep to yourself though and don’t really talk about it. That is until you meet someone you knew in a past life – one from thousands of years ago in ancient Greece.
  • A new drug is invented that allows users to relive memories. The catch – you can’t choose which memories to relive.
  • Your terminally ill best friend agrees to be the first human test subject for a project trying to transfer human consciousness into a computer. In order to do this, one must sacrifice their emotions and moral compass. You have two weeks to sabotage the project and save your friend from this dire mistake.
  • You travel a lot for work. Lately, you’ve started seeing the same faces everywhere you go.
  • You have the ability to read the mind of anyone whose eyes you look into. One day, you look into someone’s eyes and hear multiple voices speaking at once.
  • One day, gravity suddenly reverses. Most of humanity dies, but some survive. The survivors managed to build a series of bridges and towers that hang from the ceiling of the world. These days, nobody knows what lies down below.
  • After many years of evil schemes, you finally defeated the superhero. You parade his body around the town square, hoping to mock the mourners. The cheers and applause were the last things you were expecting.
  • One day, everyone wakes up to find the internet is gone. It has been replaced by a single, universal chat room.
  • Everyone is going about their lives happily. You, however, think that the media and governments are corrupt and evil. You are the only one who believes that the so-called “dystopian future” is actually now.
  • There is a long-standing prophecy that states the last child born in the millennium will have unique powers to save the world. The last recorded child has been training almost all his life, but can’t seem to get anywhere. People are frustrated. Somewhere else, a child living in tragic, undocumented poverty has strange abilities and unprecedented strength and no one around her knows why.
  • The hero asks the villain for help.
  • You have created a large and successful drug ring without your family ever knowing. Your son decides he wants to join the police force.
  • Real names have remarkable and often uncontrollable power. This is why most of the world uses aliases like Paul or Laura. Having been conditioned this way, you don’t even know what your name means or does. So, you decide to start using it.
  • Immortality is now possible. It is only granted to the incredibly rich, and those condemned to life-sentences. You are currently serving a life sentence for a crime you didn’t commit.
  • Thanks to the new reverse friendly fire system, no one can kill another person without dying themselves. Except, for you. This makes you both the most sought-after and wanted assassin on earth.
  • You can see death marks on people. A small marking that signifies how they will die. You have learned over the years which symbols correlate with types of death: murder, sickness, old age, etc. One day, you meet someone without a death mark.
  • “They believe it’s part of their nature,” you say matter-of-factly to the head of research. Humanity has been discovered to carry the universe’s most feared disease, thought to be long since eradicated – sleep.
  • You have been deaf since birth. Now, they have finally discovered a fix and you are able to hear for the first time ever. Overjoyed, you head home and can’t wait to start the rest of your life with your hearing. You walk in your door and realize there is a loud and incessant scratching coming from behind your walls.
  • Weathermen can actually see other parts of the future but are forbidden from revealing anything not weather related.
  • You see the shadows everywhere. Most of the time, they are attached to a person. Sometimes, they aren’t. You come to realize that the detached shadows belong to a person who is about to be killed.
  • Everyone has implants that store their memories. Someone close to you dies, and you find some horrifying secrets in their memories.
  • You have a unique ability that lets you see through the water, including any murk or dirt that is within it. You find great peace and pleasure in discovering lakes, ponds, and rivers. One day, you are finally able to use it on the ocean. What you see in the depths of the deepest waters terrifies you to the core.
  • You are a world-renowned magician. The best in the game. Not even scientists can figure out your tricks. What nobody knows, is that you have a ghost friend helping you. However, his “help” is starting to get more and more destructive.
  • Humanity was always so concerned with robots waging war on us. We never considered robots waging war on each other.  
  • Death wants you off the earth. The devil doesn’t want you anywhere near hell. Your life is surrounded by constant near-death experiences followed by crazy life-saving miracles.
  • One day you wake up in a dungeon in a body that isn’t yours, and no memory of how you got there. Upon trying to leave, you are killed by monsters. Once again, you awake in the dungeon in another body. You must figure out how to escape before you run out of chances.
  • You wake up to static on the TV. Before you can turn it off, a voice starts speaking over the noise.
  • A group of survivors is living on a small island surrounded by zombies on the mainland, always just waiting for them.
  • You live in a world of ghosts and demons and work as a paranormal investigator. Generally, you have people coming to you for help with a ghost problem. This time, a spirit has walked into your office with a human problem.
  • You’ve been admitted to the psych ward for hearing evil, demonic screaming in your head. You are being escorted to your room when you suddenly hear the exact same screaming but in real life this time. It is coming from the office of the head psychologist.
  • An old eccentric relative left you their cat and their glasses in their will. That cat is pretty normal, other than play-fighting a lot of imaginary enemies. That’s what you thought anyway, until you put on the glasses.
  • All of humanity has died and you are the last one alive. you eventually die, and are surprised to find no real afterlife. Instead, all you hear upon waking up is “Finally! Can we start the next round now?”
  • Don’t make eye contact, ever. It is deadly.
  • You have the ability to see a short vision of the way someone will die. One day, you see someone who is apparently murdered by you.
  • You’ve been fighting in the war against aliens for ten years. One day, you valiantly sacrifice yourself to destroy one of their bases. After the explosion, you suddenly wake up on the side of the road, the date is 20 years in the past. All your memories are intact.

Reddit Writing Prompts for Short Stories

These are some prompts that will make for a great short story. Short stries are usually under 10,000 words, with 1-3000 being the average length.

You could even try your hand at some flash fiction with a writing prompt from this list. This would be a story that is under 1000 words.

Short stories have a limited allowance for both plot and character development. This is what, at times, can make them more challenging than writing an entire novel . These ideas are small and specific enough to work within a short piece.

However, that’s not to say you can’t add to the idea and write a novel from it as well! That’s the beauty of a writing prompt – you can do whatever you please with it.

  • Technology has advanced to the point where AR and VR technology are common and highly accessible. Online feuds look much different these days.
  • You’re a gamer who has just discovered a new VR MMO game. After some time, you see a quest that has simply instructed you to find a person. You don’t remember where it came from or which storyline it was a part of. Nobody who has played the game has ever heard of the quest. You decide to investigate and follow through on the quest.
  • An angel, a demon, a fairy, and a warlock go on a road trip together.
  • Your small town is under quarantine, with no travel allowed – in or out. After a few weeks, you are the first one to realize that all communication with the outside world (Phone calls, texts, internet messages, etc) is being faked by bots.
  • You’re scrolling through a writing prompt list. You suddenly see one that sounds exactly like the dangerous life you left behind years ago.
  • The devil himself wakes up one morning, annoyed. He hates “bring your child to work” day.
  • You have always greatly admired the superhero that watches over your city. You value and appreciate his protection. However, you were just framed for several terrible crimes, and you are now his next target.
  • Google decides to put an “I’m feeling lucky” mode on their self-driving cars. When selected, it takes you to a completely random place.
  • You are an assassin who works anonymously. You have just received a request to kill yourself. So, You try to fake your own death in order to receive the payout.
  • The internet not only works all over the world but all over the entire universe. You can converse with species from other planets, and even follow them on the universal social media platforms.
  • The world is governed and run by a highly advanced AI. Everyone is still blissfully unaware that you successfully hacked into the AI and have been controlling it for the past six months.
  • Write a story with a single line that is repeated throughout in different contexts. The line should be confusing until the very end where it will finally make sense.
  • The building you work in has just been taken hostage by terrorists. As the janitor, they don’t pay much attention to you. What they don’t know is that you’re a medically discharged Navy SEAL and you miss your old job.
  • All of the zombies in the zombie apocalypse are avoiding you. Except for one.
  • You live the life of a hermit. But, once a week you tune into the news channels for an hour, just to stay up to date. Last week, everything was normal. This week, there is silence on every channel.
  • All of humanity has uploaded itself to the internet. You are the last remaining physical human being. It is your job to maintain the servers.
  • Being the paranoid person that you are, you pull back the shower curtain every night before bed – just in case. For the first time in ten years, you actually find someone standing there staring back at you.
  • In a time-traveling world, a prolific metal band is being sued for leaving their litter all over time – drums, amps, cords, etc.
  • You are in charge of managing the world’s karma, delivering it and making sure it’s fair. For years the system was running poorly, only enabling you to distribute small and insignificant karmas. Today, you were finally able to fix it.
  • Two high-profile thieves show up to the same vault, intending to steal the same thing.
  • There is an intergalactic book club that exists solely to complain and talk about all the mistakes made in fantasy novels.
  • One day, every single smartphone on earth receives the same text message in their local language: “24 hours.”
  • You’ve been a bartender for 20 years. You’ve heard all kinds of stories. But, this one is making you cross the country searching to answers to a question you never even asked.
  • It is the year 2050. You are living your life when a stranger runs up to you one day in the supermarket. Panting, they look at you ask simply ask, “Peru, 1785, do you remember me?”
  • You are a vintage collector. One day you acquire an old telephone from the early 1900s. You hook it up, just for kicks, only to discover that it actually works. Not for talking though, just for listening – to conversations from the past.

Dialogue Reddit Writing Prompts

Below I have compiled a set of writing prompts that are nothing more than a line of dialogue. These can be used in any story of any genre.

You can use them to start something brand new, or insert them into your current project and see what happens.

  • “And with this last step, it’s complete!”
  • “Will we ever reach you? We speak the language of stones. You live too fast, you die too fast.”
  • “The earth is going down for scheduled maintenance in three days. Remember to save your characters, or they will be deleted.”
  • “We know who you really are. If you don’t help us, the world will end by tomorrow.”
  • “This thing is a death trap with a curse. You’re best to sell it for parts.”
  • “I was backpacking across Western Europe…”
  • “What we brought you here to do will change the world.”
  • “After something like this, I don’t think I can go home.”
  • “I’m in the photo but I have no recollection of it ever being taken.”
  • “I was manipulating you!” “No…I was manipulating you!” “Well, I manipulated you into manipulating me.”

Use Reddit Writing Prompts to Your Advantage

Reddit itself is an enormous community with something for everyone. This includes writers . There is no shortage of writing resources on Reddit. This includes writing prompts, support, critiques, new friends, even help with your book or novel .

The writing prompt subreddit isn’t the only place you can go for support as a writer. The possibilities are endless. But, the writing prompt subreddit is a fantastic place to go for inspiration. The reddit writing prompts listed above are just a sampling of what’s available.

Many new prompts are posted each day. Check back whenever you need some inspiration and you’ll never be disappointed. Regularly flexing your writing muscles with these prompts will have you well on your way to learning how to become a better writer.

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15 of the Most Creative Writing Prompts from Reddit

Creative writing is a fantastic way to escape reality for a moment and let your imagination run wild. I find it difficult to know where to start with a fun story and that’s when I use a writing prompt to ignite my flow. There’s a writing prompt sub-group on Reddit where individuals from around the world can post a prompt or reply to one with a short story of their own. If you dream of being a published author someday, you might want to consider posting publically so that others can read your writing and provide feedback. It’s a good way to see resonates with people and test out your writing style.

If you’re more of a private creative, browse the prompts and respond to it in your private JRNL. (Remember, you can keep a separate journal for your creative writing vs. a daily journal for your day’s events.) The Reddit prompts are meant to inspire new writing and inspire they do! Occasionally one of them will capture my attention and before I know it, I’ll be sucked into reading all the short stories that go along with it. Here are a few that I enjoyed.

The Best Creative Writing Prompts from Reddit

  • On your 21st birthday, your biggest accomplishment becomes your official title – no matter how trivial. You wait anxiously in line for your village elder, Glenda, Devourer of 53 Chicken Nuggets In A Single Sitting, to assign you your new title.[ Link ]
  • Your ability to see people’s age in years as an invisible number above their heads has made you the perfect bouncer. One day you see a four-digit number. [ Link ]
  • You never kill the spiders in your home, you just whisper “today you, tomorrow me” when you set them outside. Now, in your most dire moment, an army of spiders arrives to have your back. [ Link ]
  • Due to a rare brain condition you’ve spent your entire life hallucinating the presence of a six-foot-tall penguin. You’re on a date one day when you’re asked, “So what’s the deal with the penguin?” [ Link ]
  • Death is just a predator much higher on the food chain than we are, and our perception of it is as limited as an ant’s perception of a child with a magnifying glass. [ Link ]
  • You have $86,400 in your bank and someone steals $10. You spend all the rest of your money trying to get revenge. [ Link ]
  • We finally get men to Mars and they discover an old Soviet flag placed down decades ago. The Soviets won the space race but for whatever horrifying reason didn’t say anything. [ Link ]
  • At the age of twelve, you started randomly seeing a green line and a red line appear on the ground. You always followed the green line and have lived a successful and happy life. Ten years later you are on top of the world, but bored. Time to see where the red line leads. [ Link ]
  • A man draws a gun in a dark alley and asks for your wallet. You begrudgingly obey. He throws it on the ground, shoots it till it screeches, and turns to you; “you’re safe now”. [ Link ]
  • A friendship between a time traveler and an immortal. Wherever the time traveler ends up, the immortal is there to catch him up to speed. [ Link ]
  • You’re a thief who breaks into homes but you try your best to stay undetected. You lubricate the hinges to prevent squeaky noises, you sweep the floor to get rid of footsteps, etc. Eventually, you fix more than you take, and rumors spread about a mysterious, helpful fairy in town. [ Link ]
  • You are born without emotions; to compensate this, you started a donation box where people could donate their unwanted emotions. You’ve lived a life filled with sadness, fear, and regret until one day, someone donates happiness. [ Link ]
  • When you die, your ghost remains in the world until the last person who remembers you also die. 15,000 years after your death, you are still here. [ Link ]
  • Your father leaves the house to buy milk, 50 years later he comes back with milk in hand and hasn’t aged a bit. [ Link ]
  • One day, at the library, you find a book written by an author with the same name as you. As you start to read it, you come to realize it’s an exact telling of your life. As you continue to read, you reach the story of finding this very book, though you’re not even close to halfway through it. [ Link ]

Which one of these prompts is your favorite? If you found a really good one on Reddit that isn’t listed above, be sure to let us know in the comments so that we can add it to the list.

Did you like this article? You’ll love these, too!

  • Your Guide to Being More Creative
  • Become More Creative: Five Ways to Inspire Yourself With New Ideas
  • How Journaling Improves Your Health & Well-being

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55 Funny Writing Prompts To Inspire Your Inner Comedian

Hands up if you’ve enjoyed a funny series or movie lately and hoped the writers were well-paid for their work? 

Laughter is good medicine.

So, think of the comedy writing prompts in this post as our contribution to making the world a healthier place.

If you love to make people laugh but you’re struggling to think of funny topics to write about , we’ve got you covered. 

The real challenge is deciding which prompt to use first. 

Funny Writing Prompts 

Enjoy this list of 55 funny writing prompts. And keep track of those that stand out for you. 

1. Write about someone trying to explain to a teacher that their dog did, in fact, eat their homework.

2. Write about two characters — with entirely different lives and personalities- switching bodies.

funny writing prompts

3. Write about a little boy accidentally switching bodies with his dad for a day.

4. Write about someone playing the perfect April Fools Day prank.

5. Write about someone who accidentally buys a fish that can talk — and it isn’t exactly polite.

6. Write about someone who is friends with a hero and a villain. They don’t keep this a secret, but it does make for some interesting conversations.

7. Write about a hero and a villain rescheduling their battle due to a scheduling conflict.

8. Write about a superhero whose greatest threat is their younger sibling.

9. Write an analysis paragraph that makes an ordinary object sound infinitely complicated.

10. Write a poem about Tupperware.

11. Write about the origin of an inside joke.

12. Write a story about someone who can’t stop saying what they think — much to the dismay of those around them.

13. Write a character with a personality based on your favorite song.

14. Write a comedy script about a food that you hate.

15. Write a story about a deck of cards coming to life. How do their personalities mix with each other?

16. Write about someone trying to escape the afterlife.

17. Write a story about a great historical figure learning how to use the internet. What do they find online when they Google themselves? Do they like it?

18. Write about a character who wakes up to find out the world is ending. Even stranger than that, everyone around them is celebrating.

19. Write a story that begins with the words, “Tuesday is always the worst day to rob a bank.”

20. Write about a woman who promised her firstborn child to several different witches. Now that a baby is on the way, she has to deal with a custody battle.

funny writing prompts

21. Write about a hero who accidentally falls in love with the daughter of their arch enemy.

22. Write about an alien race that believes ants are the most organized civilization on earth.

23. Write about Greek deities taking a class on Greek mythology. Which parts of the curriculum do they have issues with?

24. Write a story about Ares — the Greek god of war — getting trapped in the body of a preschooler.

25. Write a story about a chicken that accidentally hatches a dragon egg — much to the concern of the local population.

26. Write a story about an immortal who keeps finding increasingly creative ways to avoid the grim reaper.

27. Write about someone who takes up a career as a nanny. The adorable baby they’ve been hired to care for is, unfortunately, the antichrist.

28. Write a slow-burn love story that is narrated by a very impatient narrator.

29. Write a story in which the narrator hates the main character. This leads to lots of passive-aggressive side comments throughout the story.

30. Write a story that begins with the words, “Unfortunately, fire is not the solution to every problem.

31. Write a short story about a burned-out retail employee deciding to spend his last day messing with the worst customers. 

32. Write about a farmer who wakes up able to understand what the animals on the farm are saying — on the day he was planning to butcher some of them for food.

More Related Articles

61 Fantasy Writing Prompts To Stoke Your Creativity

66 Horror Writing Prompts That Are Freaky As Hell

67 Thrilling And Chilling Mystery Writing Prompts

33. Write a story about a famous Hollywood paparazzo who’s decided to retire and finds himself the object of unwanted attention (for reasons he’s about to learn). 

34. Write a story where you agree to house-sit a new “smart home” for a famous celebrity. Turns out the house is a bit glitchy. And it all begins in the bathroom.

funny writing prompts

35. You’ve just finished a string of speed dates and are preparing to spend the evening alone when your attractive new neighbor asks you to watch their pet rock. 

36. Write about a support group where members meet every month to discuss their mistakes and to “say anything.” 

37. Your cat wakes you up one day to let you know his kind have taken over the world. If you want to continue living, you’re now his “personal assistant.” 

38. The dogs of the neighborhood are meeting to build a resistance to the worst humans in the area. You follow your dog one evening and learn the truth. 

39. Write about something you should NOT have tried at home — but you did, anyway, with more or less predictable consequences. 

40. You buy something online and are so excited about the money you’ve saved — until it shows up. 

41. You’ve started a blog based on interviews with villains, and your first interview guest has just arrived at your agreed-upon meeting spot.  

42. Write a short story about a waitress who just dumped her boyfriend spending Valentine’s Day working at a restaurant, serving over-the-top romantic couples.

43. You’ve been holding it together, but when your grocery bag rips open as you’re crossing the street, something snaps… and you turn into a dragon. 

44. The pharmacy absent-mindedly packages the wrong prescription for you. Fortunately, the mistake isn’t fatal to you — but it does have consequences. 

45. Your new date drags you to a coffee shop that’s hosting local comedy routines, where you find, to your horror, that your oversharing dad is the main attraction. 

46. You’re answering an ad for a local “expert” who promises they can rid you of writer’s block for the rest of your life. The contract is unusual, to put it mildly.

47. After days of frustrating writer’s block, a breakthrough comes at the worst possible moment. And you can’t help yourself. 

48. You’ve just converted an old school bus into a mobile home to travel the country,  and after advertising for a traveling companion, you’re interviewing the top five. 

49. You’ve just finished a high-stakes version of rock-paper-scissors. You’re one of the “lucky ones.” 

50. Write a story that starts with “I hereby resign my position as neighborhood tooth fairy for the following reasons…”  

51. You’re at an open house for a property you’re looking to buy, and you hear a loud bang. You turn to see a plume of smoke rising from the garage next door. 

52. Write about an embarrassing moment that still makes you cringe when you remember it — but add a twist. 

funny writing prompts

53. You’ve decided to be a stand-up comedian, and the next day, you hear a laugh track every time you say something out loud. Was it always there?

54. You agree to a blind date only to come face to face with your arch-nemesis from school. 

55. You’re a superhero interviewing candidates for a sidekick position. One of your interviewees is your favorite barista, who also happens to be a supervillain. 

Now that you’ve looked through the whole list, which funny writing prompts stand out as your favorites? 

And how are you most inclined to begin your next story? 

  • With a bit of dialogue?
  • With a quick dive into an active disaster scenario?
  • With a pithy summation of a lesson learned the hard way?

Think about how some of your favorite stories begin. Then commit to choosing one of these prompts today and making it your own. 

Which will you write about first? 

Wanting to write the next best comedy series but don't know where to start? Enjoy our curated list of funny writing prompts that will surely make your readers laugh.

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BEST FUNNY WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

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Center your story around a photo that goes viral., write about someone who accidentally destroys a museum’s most valuable artifact., write a story about a grown-up sharing their favorite childhood video game with their child., ‘the worst meal i’ve ever tasted.’ imagine a zero-star tripadvisor restaurant review: capture the customer’s evening out that compelled them to complain., each year, your character's family goes on the most exotic vacations. finally they discover why — their family are assassins..

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Write a story about two friends who find themselves competing for something: a job, a prize, a love interest, etc.

Write a story inspired by shinee’s “ring ding dong”, where someone can’t get a song out of their head no matter how hard they try., write a story inspired by the phrase “it’s hardly brain surgery.”, write a story inspired by the concept of arigata-meiwaku — a favor that turns out to be a nuisance for its recipient., write a story about a character who’s late to witness a special event., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

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Write a story about a fandom

Write about a character who’s attending a dinner thrown in their honor, but deeply embarrasses themself during their speech., write a story about someone who is determined to not have their day spoiled — but the universe is trying their patience., write a story from the point of view of a big cat — whether that’s a lion, cheetah, etc., or just a chunky pet., write a story about someone scrambling on new year's eve to fulfil their resolutions for the entire year before the clock strikes twelve., set your story in a meeting where a professional interpreter takes some liberties, with major consequences., write about a character going to great lengths to return an unwanted gift., write a funny post-apocalyptic story., write about a family who decides to camp out in the back yard during a power outage..

  • Write a humorous story about the descendant of someone remembered for an insignificant act.

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The best funny writing prompts

Is there anything more inherently human than the desire to laugh? If you agree, and you’ve got a knack for storytelling, you might be looking to test your skills by writing funny short stories. However, while we all enjoy a good chuckle, getting others to laugh through the written word is a lot easier said than done. While spoken comedy like stand-up depends on timing and delivery, written humor deploys the punchline very differently.

A big part of that challenge to be funny is finding the right premise to get started. Are you writing a sitcom or rom com, where the situation is relatively mundane, and the humor is found within the characters or narrator making jokes? Or are you writing a story where the setting, plot, or premise is in itself the joke? Luckily, pondering the question “how to write humor?” has brought you here — to our creative writing prompts directory full of funny short story prompts, ideas for comical situations, and dialogue starters.

While humor can be injected into your writing in many different ways — metaphor, repetition, misdirection, irony, etc. — here are a few of the different types of humor you funny-boned authors might want to employ:

  • Satire — pokes fun at contemporary political, social, or other topical issues.
  • Farce — often used in theatre, presents a highly improbable plot that centers around eccentric and exaggerated events and characters.
  • Screwball — much like farce, it presents exaggerated situations, but is often used in romantic comedies.
  • Parody — imitates the style of other genres to poke fun at them.
  • Irony — presents a comedic gap between reality and expectations.
  • Dark — pokes fun at a topic that is typically considered taboo.

To get your funny story started, here are our top ten funny writing prompts:

  • A parent is trying to explain something to their child, who just isn’t getting it.
  • You’ve been thinking about moving back home for awhile. As you’re wondering whether or not to do it, your parents show up at your door, asking if they can stay with you.
  • You were ready to write the worst Amazon review ever.
  • You just finished ranting about your boss, only to be informed by a coworker that your boss was standing right behind you.
  • Write a story infused with dark humor.
  • They said it wasn’t a contest, but you’re still determined to win.
  • The shopping bag ripped and all its contents tumbled to the ground. For you, this was the last straw.
  • One of your friends is terrible at everything, but have always been convinced they're extremely talented. Today's the day they find out the hard truth.
  • Write a story about a group of people who meet every month to air out their mistakes.

If you’re looking to write funny writing prompts, whether for stage and screen, or in the form of a novel or short story, here are some more resources with handy tips:

  • How to Write Believable Dialogue that Develops Plot and Character (free course)  — It’s not easy to write witty dialogue, especially when you want it to ring true and be believable. 
  • How to Develop Characters (free course)  — The key to a great comedy is having characters your readers love, or love to hate. You need to get to know them, beyond a simple “they’re funny”! That’s where our course in character development comes in handy.

Want more help learning how to write a comedic short story? Check out How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published  — a free, ten day course guiding you through the process of short story writing by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.

Ready to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest , for the chance of winning $250 , plus potential publication in our literary magazine, Prompted ! You can also check out our list of writing contests  or our directory of literary magazines  for more opportunities to submit your story.

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Home / Book Writing / Funny Writing Prompts: 50+ Ideas to Get Your Started

Funny Writing Prompts: 50+ Ideas to Get Your Started

Books, novellas, and short stories that can make readers laugh are always in high demand. After all, who doesn't like laughing? Some say it's the best medicine. But, as any stand-up comedian will tell you, comedy is hard.

Luckily, with the right premise, you can craft a funny story that will make readers hungry for more. And that's just what these funny writing prompts will help you do. 

  • Tips on using comedy in your writing.
  • Some humorous books to read for inspiration.
  • Funny creative writing prompts.

Table of contents

  • Know Your Genre
  • Humor Through Character
  • Keep Things Natural
  • Make it Relatable
  • Read Humorous Books
  • Funny Writing Prompts
  • Test Your Funny Book Idea

Tips for Funny Story Writing

Humor is subjective, so a funny story that gets one group of people laughing may not elicit so much as a smile from another group. That's okay. As a writer, it's important to know that not everyone will like your work. But with the tips below, you can position your comedic story (or scene) for the ultimate effect . 

Humor shouldn't be relegated to only comedies. In fact, authors in all different genres use humor to enhance their stories. But before you start shoving jokes into your work in progress, consider the norms of your genre. What do other authors do? Do you even need comedy in your book? If so, how much? 

Even works that are considered comedies aren't all jokes. There need to be peaks and valleys in your story. Because if you're trying to make the reader laugh all the time, they won't be able to catch their breath and settle in for another laughing fit. 

One of the best ways to convey humor is through one of your point of view (POV) characters . Maybe your normally stoic main character has a funny habit of breaking the tension with an offhand remark or a silly phrase that he says at the most inopportune moments.

Likewise, you may create a whole character whose main purpose is comedic relief. This doesn't have to be a POV character, but it can be. An inside joke between two characters can also work well, provided the reader is in on the joke!

Readers know when they're being played to. So if you're being funny just for the sake of it, they'll be able to tell. The humor in your novel or story should have something to do with plot, character development , or story. In other words, comedy should arise naturally from the aspects of your story. 

There's nothing wrong with wanting to make readers laugh, but forcing it will often backfire. 

Most successful stand-up comedians make the mundane hilarious. They take the doldrums of everyday life and provide a new perspective or spin on them. This also works well in storytelling. Sometimes the funniest thing is the one that makes people go, “Oh yeah, it is like that!” 

Whether it be observations about social media, a popular book or TV show, or a twist on the daily grind, it's possible to find comedy all around us. 

You can't expect to sharpen your comedy writing skills without first seeing how other authors do it. The books below are just a few to consider when studying the craft of comedic writing. 

  • Anything by Christopher Moore (fiction).
  • Anything by David Sedaris (memoir). 
  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
  • Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
  • Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
  • Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
  • Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
  • My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Formatting Has Never Been Easier

Write and format professional books with ease.  Never before has creating formatted books been easier.

Pick a funny writing prompt from the list below to get the creative juices flowing. Since there's a wide range of uses for comedy across all genres, not every prompt below will be suitable for an entire novel. Some are designed to start off a scene or a short story. Others you can use to break through writer's block by writing a poem or a funny anecdote. Do with them whatever you will. They're yours to use freely!

1. Write a scene in which a man is arguing with some unseen character. At the end, it turns out it's his dog. What is the conversation like? Why is it happening?

2. Think about your favorite thing to do on vacation. Now write about a character who's stuck doing that thing over and over again in a time loop.

3. Start a story about two hitmen haggling over who gets to assassinate the known crime lord. 

4. What would happen if animals could talk to humans? If this was normal, what would the world be like?

5. Explore the implications of a modern high school student who finds him or herself alive before the internet was invented. 

6. Start a story in the middle of a bank robbery in progress. But the robbers are elderly men who can't stop bickering. 

7. What would happen if a demon invaded the body of a highly neurotic and eccentric person? Turns out, the demon inside the person allows them to live how they always wanted, but the demon wants to leave. 

8. Write a romance about two people who connect over their shared love of extreme ironing. 

9. Explore the world of a stunt woman. She continues to put her body on the line for the work, but inside she thinks she's the biggest wimp in the world. 

10. In a world of superheroes, the villains have their own support groups where you get to see a very different side of them. Turns out, the villains may not be the real villains of this story. . . 

11. A new drug hits the market that makes everyone happy. Unfortunately, your protagonist is happiest when she's miserable. What does this new “happy” world look like through his eyes?

12. A young man suddenly becomes a viral sensation for his comedy routine. But the sudden fame is more than he can handle. Much more. 

13. Write about a local neighborhood watch group filled with zany characters who must solve the mystery of the missing garden gnomes. 

14. Write about a supervillain's parents. What are they like? Are they proud of their son or daughter?

15. Write about a high school student who learns she can disappear whenever something really embarrassing happens to her. Does she use this newfound power for good or bad?

16. Your protagonist stumbles upon proof that we live in a simulation. How does this change his outlook and actions? Does he try to tell the world?

17. Explore two best friends who are participating in an ongoing prank war that's getting way out of hand. 

18. Start your story with an argument between two rival business owners who eventually become fast friends. 

19. Follow a protagonist who goes outside one day to find that everyone is naked—and looking at her like she's the crazy one. 

20. Start your story with a character successfully outwitting Death to stay alive for just a bit longer. 

21. Write about a doomsday prepper who prepares for every eventuality . . . but this one. 

22. Write about a character who thinks their television is talking to them by name. 

23. Write about a wedding in which everything goes comically wrong—and how the wedding party rallies to make things okay in the end. 

24. Write about a utility worker who stumbles on an underground society of mutants in the city sewers. 

25. Write about a group of friends who get together once a year to fight each other. Why do they do it? What do they get out of this strange fight club?

26. Start a story in which a character is trying to reenact something they've seen on YouTube – with hilarious consequences. 

27. A bumbling father takes it upon himself to deal with the petty crime in his neighborhood. But he stumbles upon a hilarious conspiracy enacted by the homeowners association. 

28. A professional athlete starts having terrible luck, both on and off the field. He does everything he can think of to break the bad streak. 

29. A billionaire CEO decides after a near-death experience to give all his money away. But there are a whole bunch of people who do whatever they can to convince him otherwise. 

30. A woman who's about to be married to an “okay” guy finds a love letter in the mailbox. It has been mailed to her by mistake, and she takes it upon herself to deliver it to the real recipient. 

31. Write about a group of scammers getting into a con war with another group of scammers. 

32. A group of vampires goes on vacation only to find that their arch-enemies the werewolves have laid claim to their favorite spot. 

33. Artificial Intelligence robots are rolled out, but a software glitch makes them act like bumbling idiots who inadvertently threaten the collapse of society. 

34. There's something wrong with the world. Something's just a little off. But your character can't quite figure out what it is. 

35. Explore what it's like at a national liars convention. 

36. A girl realizes she's in a horror movie. But she also knows that she's not the final girl—she's one who dies in the first half!

37. A group of cowboys on a cattle drive in the 1800s wind up getting attacked by bumbling aliens. 

38. Write about a wildlife television show host who's constantly getting attacked by animals. 

39. Write a time travel story in which the character keeps trying to fix her love life only to keep getting thwarted—by herself. 

40. Write about a 4th-grade teacher who wins the lottery and decides to retire. But then her class shows up and begs her to come back to teach them. 

41. Explore a character who can't help but dance every time her favorite song comes on. She lives in perpetual fear of hearing the song while in public. 

42. An irresponsible man ends up having to take care of his five nephews and nieces after tragedy strikes. He learns to be responsible very quickly. 

43. A woman obsessed with American 1970s culture gets the chance to travel back in time. 

44. A man gets a hilarious text message from a random number. Thinking it a clever salesperson, he goes along with the messages. But things soon get way out of control. 

45. After being told, rather rudely, that he tells the same stories over and over again, a man drops everything and goes on an adventure to get some new stories to tell his friends and family. 

46. The utterance of a random word makes a brainwashed secret agent go into assassin mode. Only she turns out to be the worst assassin ever. 

47. A woman who thinks she has the best idea for a new product quits her job in spectacular fashion, only to learn that someone else has already had the idea. 

48. Write an embarrassing poem from one of your characters’ point of view. Why did they write the poem? What did they write it about? What would happen if someone happened upon it?

49. Write a spoof of The War of the Worlds in which the aliens all develop terrible allergies, which only makes things worse for the humans. 

50. Write a few diary or journal prompts for your main character from when they were a teenager. (If they are a teenager, all the better). Make sure to add some cringe to the entries!

Hopefully, the creative writing ideas above have given you some inspiration to use for your next book or short story. You can even take inspiration from a funny joke, your favorite book, or a funny thing you saw on YouTube. Professional writers will tell you that ideas are a dime a dozen. It's the execution that really makes something shine. So pick a fun writing prompt and get to work!

When you're ready to take your writing career forward by publishing your book, it's a good idea to ensure there's a market for your story . And the easiest way to do this is with Publisher Rocket.

You can think of the information you get from Publisher Rocket as the foundation for your writing career—whether you write comedy, drama, horror, or more than one genre. 

With Publisher Rocket, you get insights directly from Amazon on:

  • Keywords – Metadata to position your book on Amazon.
  • Competition – Allowing you to see what's selling and how stiff the competition is.
  • Categories – So you know where people who are looking for books like yours go to find them.
  • Amazon Ads – Helps you quickly configure a list of profitable keywords for running ads.

Check out Publisher Rocket here to get started.

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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200 Hilarious Writing Prompts to Jump Start Your Next Comedy Project.

Do you freeze up when someone asks you to come up with funny things? Are you out of ideas when it comes to writing a comedy skit , stand-up routine, funny blog post, or short story? If so, then keep reading because we’ve got just the thing for you.

In this article, you will learn about 200 hilarious writing prompts that are perfect for jump-starting your next comedy project. With these writing prompts in hand, you will be able to get your creative juices flowing so that the ideas keep coming. Use them as is or adjust them to fit your needs. Either way, they’ll give you something to start with so that your next comedy creation is not just another blank page.

meow

“Do you remember when we used to sit up all night and talk and talk and talk about the coolest things? What happened, man? Why aren’t we still talking?”

“I want to believe.” was not the catchphrase of some obscure nerd, but rather my new way of saying “I need to become an astronaut.”

A bear, a car, a tire, a wheel and a turkey walk into a bar. Sounds a lot like the start of a joke. But it’s no joke when the turkey comes in shooting. And the only joke you get out of it is the one on your tombstone.

A centipede and a butterfly sit outside on a hot summer day playing cards. After a few hands the centipede puts down his cards and says….

A computer woke up in a new millennium, asked itself “where am I?” and answered “Negative Space.” God was not there.

A few of these prompts are more for free writing exercises than for actual stories, but either way they both have potential to inspire your creativity. If you have TONS of ideas flowing about your prompt, zip up your overalls and start writing! If you’re still looking for some fresh inspiration, don’t worry. You’ll be able to get a lot out of these so keep reading!

A Greek chorus of a dozen people stand behind you one by one and speak 2 lines. It is irrelevant as to what they say. It is merely the sound of their voices.

A journal between two friends, one who lost his wife in a car accident and one who has just admitted a one night stand after she told him she is starting to see someone else.

A lifeboat washed up with two skeletons in it. The First Skeleton popped out and grabbed his own pelvis. The First Skeleton’s pelvis didn’t belong to him. The Second Skeleton lunged out and said, “MY pelvis! Now!!” Your house was haunted by a ghost. You almost slept with a serial killer.

A man and a woman want to get married but a mutual need is preventing them from tying the knot for a closer life together.

A man went into a shop, asked for “six back scratchers.” Mentioned ticks. “Been bitten by a dog recently?” he asked. So he asked for a “pea shooter” to “blow all those ticks away.” He said this at an old-fashioned general store. They sold everything from guns and paints to “tack and feed.” “Geesh,” says Bob. “This puppy will blow every one of those ticks right out of their blood.” Lermontov Palmerrell was able to shoot all the ticks away with a pea shooter.

A New York caveman was trying to spelunk, but could not climb up because he had a belly. So he yelped as loud as he could…then a few minutes later, his buddy dropped him a ladder. That’s not real real, but so real it’s real.

A one-armed man is shooting dice with God. God always wins. The one-armed man does not understand why.

A pleasant stroll, or maybe a marathon run is what you usually experienced on your bike tour around your neighborhood and imagined on your couch in front of the TV.

A priest, a rabbi, and a blonde woman with green eyes are about to be executed and they’re out on the garden swing together one last time.

A running joke can be funny or strange and crucial– and, ultimately, mess with your readers’ minds. A running joke also makes your novel stand out in a memorable way. Could Eva repel the biker girls? Could she use lemons to do so? Maybe she could transform into a laser beam and shoot lemon beams at them!

A ship was floating in the water far below the mountains with hope in the captain’s eyes. Here it comes. One second. One…

A Silver Scoter is the most annoying bird in the world because even when it is dead people will throw it into a lake.

A story about a triangular obelisk made of mud-braken and mortar replaced with a different one, solely based on observation.

A subtle discussion of the differences between the dreaming of a historian and the degree to which a character in the fiction believes himself to be real.

A very hot summer day, as you laid your head on her lap, she told you a long, sad story which you never forgot. She was buried in a seaside grave, with her action figures never to be played with again.

A writer, reeling in self-pity over his lack of recognition, searches the nearby woods for some sign of recognition or even a single sapling with his name on it.

After nearly destroying his village, the Lazy Prince makes sure not to repeat the same mistakes again.

After reading these, breathe out or exhale. Still holding your finger against the key, remove your finger and look through them! Breathe out and then do this 2 more times. See what happens.

Ages and ages ago, in a galaxy far away, so long ago we didn’t even know when, back when King Arthur ruled Camelot there was a cobbler…

All of the writing prompts are effective because you have to get right to the point and remove any fluff from the description so you can tell a story in a creative and interesting way.

An astronaut landed and grew tomato plants. If he sees another astronaut do the same, what would he think?

An important lesson for all authors who wish to create scenes of tension – make your characters talk about the farthest thing from the trouble at hand.

An original fairytale about a handsome prince, damsel in distress and a white horse where the prince is the knight with a thousand faces.

And that was that. Abraham Lincoln had saved the country once again, thus realizing his mother’s dream of him becoming President.

And the following prompts are about more common submissions, and my feeling is that they did not deserve an accept, however funny stories.

Arthur was a child of fantasy and truth. Not often could he tell the difference, thus his name, which seemed fitting.

As Gary Larson did for comics, compose a hyper-stylized, exaggerated prose that mimics the surface qualities of a very different kind of writing.

As he drifted off, he pinched his wife’s leg until she hit him on the belly. “Hey!” she said. “That’s not a good idea.” He said, “I was swimming and my head fell off.”

At the murder trial, the prosecutor said that the victim had 30 stab wounds but bite marks showed that 42 teeth to be involved. The murderer confessed, but said that it was a “joint effort”.

But not everything can come from a strange world. Some ideas could also come as a part of a mundane world. Perhaps the bad guy from your story didn’t arrive by meteor, but crawled down the storm drain in your backyard.

Checklist, checklist. What’s something you need to make sure you don’t forget to do on a first date?

Choose people that you think are particularly familiar with someone who is close to you otherwise maybe a little bizarre.

Cold and brittle bark, the delicate touch and the delicate scent. Her hands and lips were mine. Hers and she would not be comforted.

Colonel Sanders bobbed up and down on a pogo stick. Do you think he shouted Colonel Sanders while he did this? Or was he just Colonel Sanders?

Declare pestilence on the previously killer garden gnomes that are now holding your neighbor’s son hostage under your stair step.

Deconstructing the pro wrestling persona – make the wrestler into a non-wrestler and tell why that character became a non-wrestler.

Desperately searching for what idiot lost your pet bunny. The little tyke was wearing an army helmet too. What was he training for?

Destiny doesn’t get out of bed for anything less than two million in cash. Or a really good bacon wrapped filet.

Dogs eat homework. It’s what they do. Period. End of sentence. The end. The era of the Thompson family.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my RSS or YouTube channel or newsletter above for updates on when more funny prompts come out.

During the Time of Gray, no one dared voice their true thoughts in public or in private. It took courage to gain new knowledge.

Einstein never wore greetings. Mohandas Gandhi never wore pants. Amelia Earhart never wore underwear.

Enjoy these and enjoy writing short stories! They are a great way to provide creative writing practice.

Ever walked on the sand and couldn’t find the water? Ever walked on water and not been able to find the sand?

Every action hero story needs a protagonist who needs help getting their suit on. What’s your story?

Every so often, Mr. Grant comes into the break room and does an impression of Clifford Pearson’s grandmother who answers the phone at her nursing home that badly, and you notice that Meeka is terribly upset.

Every time the narrator reached the turning point in a tragic story, cash prizes were shot out of a cannon.

Everyone can be silent and noisy at the same time. You just need to have earbuds that are plugged into your ears…

Everyone else is a redbird and you’re a robin. What happened, how can they all be redbirds and you be a robin?

Everyone from the outside expected you to have your life together. You weren’t to be concerned with anything. Little did they know, you were worried sick about one of the most bizarre things anyone could identify with.

Everyone thought you were Egyptian. But it turned out you were just a little black boy whose father was a dentist for the Egyptian royal family.

Exactly how it sounds—nonsense punctuation. Bold and italic letters if you prefer, use as many words as you wish, be as silly as you want… just make it nonsense.

Figure out a way to be the anarchist you wanted than shouted at by the powers that wanted to redefine the relationship between you and your government without dealing with any government involvement.

Fiona Smythe, a four year old lives whenever her father isn’t around. Once he’s blessedly gone, she transforms into her evil knock-off of Barbie. One afternoon, her father is just about to head out to a business meeting, so he asks her to give him a kiss for luck. The request, of course, makes Fiona sick. Instead, she tells him that Holiday Barbie will kiss him on the cheek instead of “dry rubbing her lips”. Disgusted, the father leaves. The audience expects this story to go down a typical road. But no, when Dad returns home a few hours later thinking he’d made a major business deal, the father is met with a post-it note which says, “I need a bigger attic”. It turns out that, for her “treat”, Fiona took a pretty BB gun and did some barrel racing with a broom handle. Thus, the note.

For a list of funny story prompts from a simplified list and fun exercises, just go to this page . The list is fairly comprehensive but they will prove very useful in terms of idea generation. You can also simply check out my Book, “From blank page to funny page.” and start writing today!

For the first time, the award for the worst fiction is awarded to Chuck Wiener. This is not a story about a man named Chuck Wiener, but rather is the story entitled, “Chuck Wiener’s Hair Journey.” “Chuck Wiener’s Hair Journey” will be printed on paper, and will surely be a literary success.

For the next 25 days, post a comment of interest that relates to one of your writing goals, trading spaces for other wants or wishes . Make it fact-based, funny or fiction. Maybe even all three.

Freeze time for 2 minutes. When the timer goes off, you’ll be one month older. What does the future hold for you?

Frodo realised as he walked down the final stretch of the yellow-brick road that it might not have been quite as easy as all that being the last ring bringer.

Give me this day my daily bread. Other stories stem from the imagination to list ideas. These exercises are fun, excitement and great ideas to use as a springboard for stories. It is all about stopping the gravity of your day. Making your creative mind float up into the clouds with no limitations. To create stories to amuse yourself and anyone who reads them. To write about whatever you like. To write about the people who really interest you. Nothing makes an awkwardly normal person observe and invent rather than someone who is a headliner. Invent your own direction of your story and drive a pit of obstacles. Keep your issues in mind but allow yourself to Spin the idea on its end and make it humorous and crazy fun. Just talking about writing stories can lead to a great idea or even a character for a story!!

Give your character an impossible list of tasks, ridiculous prerequisites, and insane hoops and twirls to jump through. Poetically portray humiliation, the extreme senses of frustration and despair, and/or autism.

Go inside your car and write. Give all the details – make it like no one else could have experienced this exact thing.

God gave you the job of calling all the shots. What happened to make you forget what He had put you on this Earth for?

Hansel and Gretel were lost, children’s bones were forgotten next to the four day old ash of the campfire.

Have a main character that works at a really bad job/preparing clear margaritas at the corner store for a buck.

Have the character use a ridiculously large amount of made-up jargon to describe a situation or event, single-handedly destroying the target’s self-esteem and worldview.

Have you ever noticed that after a person has died, everything in the house goes to the kids? Except for the dirty underwear in the underwear drawer.

Have your main character wake up to themselves having done something absolutely and totally different from your previous work.

He ran into the mead with a paper in hand. He was an author, not just a writer, but a famous…oh, never mind.

He wore a brown fedora and a black trenchcoat. He gave me a wide goofy grin as he drew a gun from his pocket.

Honest Abe’s Honest Axe repair shop is across from Honest Abe’s Honest Auto Salvage. It’s across from Honest Abe’s Honest Sporting Goods in a section of the city where there is little honest business. None of us are getting any younger.

Hope you’ve enjoyed these funny story prompts. If you want some more, let me know and I’ll post more funny story prompts!

How many Jifs does it take to screw in a light bulb? Three! One to unscrew the world, one to screw the future, and one to screw the future back on. Or you could just add all your Jifs together…

I knew they were trouble when they walked in. A girl covered in tattoos, and a guy who resembled Johnny Depp.

I saw a cockroach skittering up your arm to your shoulder. Don’t be scared. I’ll grab it and put it outside.

I spent all night cleaning up blood from the lobby. It was hard to get out of the cracks of the floor.

I tried bondage, but you don’t get quite the same screams from younger women after removing their clothes.

I was born a beautiful baby. A beautiful baby in the ugly hospital in the ugly dying town on the dying planet.

If lightning bugs had leaders, they would all decamp to my front yard to live and play vigorously in my dark corners.

If you build a boat, will it hold up? If you build a raft, will it be water-tight? Are you looking out for me? Breathe. In depth. Exhale.

If you could go back in time and witness the birth of anything or anyone, what would it be? What would the circumstance be, what year would it be back to? Where would you be, …?

If you find a way to fulfill your wish or dream would you stop wishing or dreaming? Or would you make the most of it?

If you use somebody’s accent to the point where they can’t speak at all, and then they decide to just leave before killing you, is it okay to say Black tax, as long as you pay it, but don’t actually take a mason jar down from anywhere and hold it out for them to put a quarter in?

Imagine you’re at a job interview for a completely absurd job. What job explains everything that’s happened to you?

Imagine your laundry folder is a person. Cool, yet annoying. So you dump them out in a single heap and they jumble around like an angry drunk.

In a world where noses were big business, two men vied for dominance. One noseless and the other flawed…

In the firelight preparing dinner over a barbecue the beloved grandfather of the family takes a young girl’s hand in his own and says,

Interrogate your lawn mower. Praise him for launching the first successful lawn mower satellite at the feverish apex of his mechanical orgasm.

It has been said that the element of surprise is very important in horror novels. Surprise works extremely well and is oftentimes one of the most powerful tools in horror writing. The element of surprise will help pack a more powerful emotional punch.

It seems only yesterday we had a family of wolves, a family of mice, a family of mice that lived in a wolf, a bulldog and a cat that lived in a bank.

It’s a curse to be beautiful in this life… or was it an enviable blessing it brought wealth and fame…

It’s a tale with no meaning and no point– yet one that must be told elicits the most sympathetic response.

It’s not the same when you explain it to us, so explain it to the whores on the corner outside, the corner of forgotten children.

Junk was gold in California. People would pay top prices just to have back whenever they thought the world was about to end.

Just after his mother had died, he saw the apparition next to him with her arms outreached. Good thing it was seen through the webcam of his computer.

Later, the same boy pushed a goat down the school’s staircases. It’s safe to say he was suspended from the school for a solid week.

Let go of every single bit of sanity you ever had and go completely insane. Hold on to hope and don’t let go of it.

Look both ways before you cross. No one cares about the people or the dog that crosses against the light. If you want to stay alive, you need to know where they are.

Madness victims are happier than the sane, who just want to get fourteen hours of sleep in one night, without the disruption of yet another “loud noise scare”.

Make something funny out of reality. Maybe you want to make a laughing stock of yourself, or you might just want to share the humdingers of reality.

Make the reader think the story is going to follow a straight line, when, in fact, you’re going to take it on a sharp left turn.

Make the thread exactly the right size to fit through the hole, and then turn it one thousand times to the right as you enter the hole… from which things currently come out.

Mom and Dad always loved you best. You were the one they called on to make decisions and rescue them from challenging and inconvenient situations. Be careful…they may be the reason you’re in prison and can’t call your own family.

More great prompts for funny stories include awkward moments, suspicious adjectives, painful events, and first meeting. Once you’ve completed a funny story, share them with friends or family.

Most people are like Slinky. With every step they take, they lose a little bit of their sturdiness and gain a little bit more tually.

My co-worker saved the company from almost certain failure only to have his efforts called into question.

Nanai is a three-toed sloth who mainly feasts on prickly pear cactus to supplement his protein. He has been waiting for fair share solar panels from the energy company so he can stop eating cactus and start spinning his fiber, like many of the young sloths in his community do.

Never say die. Blasphemy? Ten years in prison. No trials, no innocent before proven guilty. Just burn ’em! Burn ’em!

No one ever suspected the minister was actually a serial killer. But the numbers just didn’t add up….

No one ever went into the old meat processing plant since it closed twenty years ago. But one day someone noticed and followed the little trail of steam coming from the roof. When they got to it they were shocked. The smell of meat and fresh blood made them gag. What they saw was hard to believe at first. What they saw made them vomit. You see, the factory was now run by mad scientist cooks. They use meat that people use to buy. It doesn’t come from there. What they cook is so good people can’t resist the smell. Their main item is called Fainiburger. It is so good it is supposed to change from a gas to a solid. Fainiburger is rolled out into a tent where people buy it to go. People were buying all the meat they could get their hands on. It’s a family operated business that parents love to cater businesses with for birthdays, weddings, you name it. It’s just so popular people can’t get enough.

No one was sure if his mother was pushing the boundaries of time, space, and his mouth just to hear him scream.

One of these days is sadly about to be your last. Unless you can think up a quick and clever ending.

One, two, Freddy’s coming for you. — Slight variation on the above creepypasta prompt, “Five Tries Not to Wake up”

Only humans could take over natural resources for ourselves leaving behind a mess for another species.

Orhan Pamuk, a Turkish writer known for The Black Book, grew up in Kaffeebecher, an Arab neighborhood in Istanbul, where he sold lemonade called “Bean and Istanbul.”

Pirates like to focus on the one thing most people would find most morally intriguing–avast, this is the captured story.

Professor Dudley says, “No pain-no gain.” Considering this new-old adage, a sailor on a paddleboard

See what happens when a couple is forced to leave their home by circumstance and the rules and regulations surrounding urban civilizations. The husband eventually ends up building his own home minus a few materials.

Several times during the Second World War Churchill was briefed on recent advances in weapons technology. He’d listen to the reports, only for his eyes to widen, mouth open and jaw drop. Slightly open-mouthed, patting the person on hand, he’d steer them to the door before stepping back into his office. Later, someone would walk in and add in some milk.

She always fell in love with people she shouldn’t and dated guys that were completely wrong for her. And yet, they all had one thing in common. She left you for them.

She ran around with scissors in her hair so they were never able to recognize the color of her hair.

She was the sweetest girl in the whole wide world, but not a day went by without a peacock trying to ride my bike.

So in Havana, this old man yells out, “You so stupid, you had all those Castro’s beat, what’s you firstname?”

Somebody worked really hard drawing something on your face or body. Emphasize how impressed you are that they drew a dinosaur on you, or a plane, or a flower, or a penis, or a pot leaf. It has to have love in the work, of course, and detail. You’ll realize this as the story builds.

Something old… Something new… Something borrowed… Something gray… The time he slipped on a banana skin and broke his leg. The dress she wore on her first date with him. They taught the millionaire to sing his last will and testament.

Sometime in the future, a human might fall in love with a robot and other pieces of monumental fiction.

Start worse and make it progressively worse until it’s extremely out of whack and you suddenly get a happy ending. Springtime for Hitler.

Story about movies or books that sound cool when you’re framing the scene but are terrible when you get down to it.

Tell a story of something that happened when you were a kid. Something you’ve left out of other stories you’ve told.

Tell it all. Do not be sensitive. Trust the reader to catch only the essentials of your story while filling in the gaps. Embrace the fact that there is so much more to understand and experience than you will ever write.

Tell the entire story from the main character’s weakest character flaw if your character is not heroic/has no flaws.

That expression on your face, bemused and awry, one side of your mouth curling up in a mocking half-smile. The blind rage upon seeing my drawings, my close-guarded secrets, the pieces of my heart laid bare, stained in carbon soot.

That hidden side of yourself that usually doesn’t get displayed in everyday company has to be hidden no more because the surprise party your spouse has planned for you is sneaking up on you and it’s going to be occupying every corner of your house, so, get in harmony with yourself…cause it is all out now.

That night the stars didn’t shine because the moon is full every month. And when it’s not it’s a new moon.

The Bakers left the galley messy, so Gavin and his boys decided to contribute to the clean up effort. Consequently, all their masterpieces were saved.

The elevator could only fit one person, so they tossed a coin to see who would go up and bring down the angel.

The greatest mystery of all time hangs in the balance, and your friend and you are the only ones capable of solving it, but they, as they say, are M.I.A.

The Iceman Prank. Buy an 1/8 of weed then go to the freezer. Make all your friends think the weed is just covered in ice. Wake them up, and the Iceman will have come and gone.

The kick is a novelist, struggling to cope with a bad writing day. Unfortunately, she has no idea how to solve this problem. Her Muse has abandoned her, and every word she types expends more agony on her and less on the keyboard. There is no spell for this. There are no charms or potions that will bring the Muse back to her. So, she gets creative.

The kid knocked it 400 yards and because it landed on the road, and not in the field, it wasn’t a home run.

The longer you looked at your face, the longer you were convinced a monkey could do a better job, but he was an idiot.

The man in the big yellow hat wanted to open the biggest lemonade stand ever. So he went out to find the lemons, only to find out that there is no more lemonade. Oopsie!

The man on the train who stared at your arm tattoos for five minutes, despite being surrounded by countless empty seats.

The Most Interesting Man in the World explains why all flags are bad and go 170 kilometers per hour in 45 seconds.

The narrator doesn’t die immediately. Instead, he lives long enough to recount the accident to anyone willing to listen.

The new girl doesn’t have a name. Her real name is impossible to pronounce and occasionally she forgets what it is.

The next time you tell someone to get over it they’ll die. With no one there to bring them back to life.

The Old west meets high-tech study chambers. A Wild West error leads to a bug in the Matrix. Documented incident of spontaneity. Blue heron falls from the sky.

The quirks and oddities of the world are what make it amazing. Don’t be afraid to explore the strange!

The Sheriff and his deputy were riding horses in a park earlier, but then, one horse just started taking off on it’s own. Naturally, the two men wouldn’t let a horse just take them anywhere. The deputy did the only thing he could’ve done, and shot the horse for ‘becoming agitated’.

The story focuses around the things that happened when, with what, who was what, who did what. Sometimes impossibly forced, sometimes just weird, and other times just slightly funny. The point is to be funny. Sometimes done by picking 20-50 completely random subjects, then picking out ones that are funny for whatever reason.

The struggling artist doodled in the margins of the page, oblivious that the words she wrote were changing her world…

The terraforming is a certainty the simulations proved it. Nothing could go wrong, we planned for every eventuality. You can’t hide in spilled milk.

The White Witch is having an important guest over, a scruffy-looking nerdy guy who carries luggage larger than his own body while the creepy yet overdressed butler, dressed in purely white, escorts him to his room. As he disappears down the hall, the White Witch’s daughter walks in to ask her mother innocently where the new guest is staying, wondering if she can play with him. The mother is a bit offended by how this scruffy nerdy guy came to be a guest, and she asks her daughter “Why in the world would he be staying here?”

The wife-in-laws’ husband wife-in-law is a husband wife-in-law was a constant reminder of her own true age.

The woman three houses down has been staying up until three in the morning knitting mittens for kittens.

The woman’s shoulder blades brushed against one another whenever she stretched her arms above her head

There are only five minutes until you have to give the speech and you just realized you can’t speak. Inspiration never strikes at a good time.

There are times when you write for the world to see, and then there are times when you write to see if the words will fit.

There came a time when the world was out of handclaps. In order to resolve this grotesque situation, a boy was conscripted. A boy who had been struck on the head by the iron lever in a closed door accident, and was now incomplete in the lateral portion of his left hemisphere.

There once was a man from Nantucket, who had a whack of almonds, and a lady from Racine, who couldn’t disarm him.

There once was a woman who was so attractive, four men were fighting to their deaths for the right to marry her, but the question was…. Which one would she choose?

There was a family that moved into the neighborhood. Jose, Janet, and Tom. There children Mark, Maria, and Timothy. They were the nicest people you would want to meet. At least at first. One day Mark and Timothy went missing. People looked everywhere for those two boys, but they just couldn’t be found. Then suddenly the rest of the family went missing just two days later. Except the father and mother who were the last to disappear. When people looked around the beautiful house they found more of those flowers and dead bodies all around the backyard AND a port-a-potty. They looked in the bath tubs and the kitchen drawers. The bodies were hidden for a long time until someone they could take care of themselves, or they were just plain stupid. All had the same golden gates and angel wings. Everyone was certain of the fact that the family was a group of satan worshippers.

There was a man they sent to a giant rocket! But something was wrong with the world. Something was definitely wrong.

There was no way, no way someone who eats family pets would possibly have eaten my lost hamster. Right?

TheRedheadand The Spacewoman Are Having a Good Time On The Planet of Orange at the North Pole. Prance Around and Find a Big Piece of Rock To Float To Other Planets.

They must have thought they couldn’t make it through. They split their integral selves between a state and the staid. The steady flux is a thing of delight to them, just as the balance between their vibrant impulsions and the détente is. Contact further cemented their romance, but effect dissipated into sparse numbers. They plummeted, plateaued, and now slowly strut gingerly amongst the pincushion and porcupines. Now that they know themselves incapable of tearing themselves apart, they no longer worry about trying to be whole.

They say curiosity killed the cat. And ever since you got curious about the wrong thing and followed that dog, you’ve regretted every decision you’ve made.

They warned him not to eat the fiddle player, but he did not listen. He did, of course, get sick. Everything in…

Things lay broken and forgotten, scattered as if a storm had swept through somewhere, regretting di…

Things the stars say. Things that wouldn’t disturb, but wouldn’t exactly lull you to sleep at night.

Think about someone you know who is either really short, really tall, or really fat. Have him/her walk into the room.

Think of the space capsule scene in “Wrath of Khan” and what ensues when a man with healthy “curiosity” and a few jumplings of plunk get together.

Think specifically and thoroughly about the last helicopter you saw. Then the last car you saw with its lights off. The last bag of bird seed.

This is more of an art technique. You pick a cool or funny sentence and then crop Griff before while typing it or doing something.

This list is a good way to begin when you don’t know what else to write. It gets the creative juices flowing and can open up new events to put in your flash fiction.

This one is great because it gives you the opportunity to tap into a deep, dark place in your soul and create a detestable Exceeder with one simple adjective…

Three little pigs. Pop! Goes the first pig’s house! Pop! Goes the second pig’s house! Whoops! There goes the big bad wolf… Oh, no…Not the third little pig’s house.

Throw your main character in a situation that is completely wrong and confusing for him/her. His/her normal behavior will seem very out of place.

Travel back in time to observe a historical event, alive and in person. Use your knowledge of the future to influence the outcome of said event.

Two co-workers ran into each other they hadn’t seen in a while. “Good to see you,” they greet. Then one says a little sarcastically . . .

Unplug everything. Feel your breathing. Slowly have a panic attack. And then plug it in and forget about it.

Until society is prepared to accept its place within the natural order and begin setting reasonable goals for alternatives, there is no choice but to rely on the perpetuation of primitive and environmentally atrocious technologies like nuclear power.

We demolished a small, defenseless, sandcastle and the world crushed us like it crept up on a surprise party.

What happens when you put the world’s grumpiest man in front of a mirror, and let him complain and moan about his life for ninety minutes…?

What if every word you wrote was written in pineapple upside-down cake? Would anything make any sense?

What if everything you thought you knew about vampires and the undead was a total lie? What if they were just people?

What is the funniest short story you have ever written, but really should sell because it’s really funny.

What is your ultimate reality television experience? Take Lana Condor On A Blind Date spoof scene from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han for example! What is your ultimate reality television experience?

What shapes do you see in the pattern of life? Stories can create emotion, setting, likability, and help people learn about themselves and others. A believable story can capture the reader’s attention, if the grammar and sentence structure are good, then they should be able to read the story smoothly. If every aspect is perfect, that means nothing else is left undone. The tale could almost tell itself. The setting could almost design itself. If everything in a story feels real or plausible, then it lived up to the expectations.

When bored at a convention, one is advised to see the before and after photos. That should liven things up.

When my headlights were going out…no one knew that the red lights on the road were actually stop lights.

When there was nothing but sand in the brick, you had to pick up one of the bricks. Maybe it was my brick? Was my brick the one picked up last?

When your life looked like a stick drawing, only with a few scattered among your two dimensional reality.

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41 Funny Writing Prompts and Story Ideas

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Writing can be a serious business, but sometimes it’s good to inject a bit of humor into your creative endeavors. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for a laugh or a beginner searching for inspiration , this collection of some amazingly funny writing prompts is sure to tickle your funny bone. 

From wacky scenarios to quirky characters , these prompts will ignite your imagination and unleash your comedic genius. 

So, grab your pen or fire up your keyboard, and get ready to embark on a hilarious writing adventure like no other! 

Let’s dive into the world of funny fiction and let the laughter flow.

  • The Sock Dimension: One day, your protagonist wakes up to discover that all the single, mismatched socks that have been mysteriously disappearing over the years have suddenly reappeared, neatly folded in a box. The protagonist is compelled to figure out where these socks went and why they’ve returned now. Explore this adventure that could reveal an entirely new “Sock Dimension,” and uncover the whimsical, absurd reality behind the world’s most common household mystery .
  • The Forgotten Book : Your main character stumbles upon an old and dusty book in their attic. When they start reading it, they find that it is a biography of their life , but with many ridiculous, humorous events that never happened. Write a story where they must convince everyone around them that these hilariously outrageous events didn’t actually take place, while also attempting to discover who wrote this baffling autobiography.
  • The Reverse Bucket List: In this alternate universe , everyone is born with a “Reverse Bucket List” of things they must avoid in their lifetime. Some people must dodge eating a particular type of food , others must refrain from ever seeing a certain color. Your protagonist has the strangest thing on their list – they must avoid laughter. Show the funny, frustrating lengths they go to avoid any form of humor.
  • The Time- Traveling Diary: Your main character purchases a used diary from a local thrift store. One day, they decide to write about their boring day, only to wake up the next morning and find themselves reliving the day, but with a comical twist . This diary has the power to rewrite the past , but only in the funniest possible ways. What misadventures will the protagonist face?
  • Unruly Garden Gnomes: After buying a set of garden gnomes on a whim, your protagonist finds that these are not ordinary statues – they come to life at night and cause all sorts of hilarious mayhem. Now, they must keep their sanity (and their garden) intact while managing a group of mischievous, party- loving gnomes.
  • In the Name of Science : Your main character is a scientist who accidentally creates a formula that makes people blurt out their silliest thoughts. They unknowingly drink it before a major conference, and chaos ensues. Explore this amusing predicament as they try to navigate a very important day while unable to stop sharing the weirdest things on their mind.
  • The Unplanned Space Tourist: A mix-up at the travel agency sends your protagonist on an unexpected trip to outer space. Equipped with nothing but their suitcase filled with Hawaiian shirts and sunscreen, the protagonist must navigate this cosmic adventure with a bunch of serious astronauts while providing some much-needed humor.
  • The Magical Cellphone: After an accidental drop into a magical wishing well, your protagonist’s cellphone now has the power to call fictional characters from books. Write about their hilarious interactions with these characters, and the trouble they get into when they accidentally dial up a notoriously grumpy character.
  • The Secret Society of Traffic Directors: Your main character is a small-town traffic police officer, who one day receives an invitation to a global secret society composed of traffic officers. The initiation rites and practices are unbelievably comical, and your protagonist has to navigate through them while maintaining a straight face.
  • The Catnip Conspiracy: Your protagonist is a quiet, retired teacher who loves their twelve cats dearly. One day, they find a mysterious package on their doorstep, filled with a special type of catnip that gives their cats the ability to speak. Now they must deal with their previously silent companions’ funny and outspoken personalities while trying to find the origin of the magical catnip.
  • The Accidental Reality TV Star : Through a mix-up, your main character, a professional book restorer, finds themselves as the new star of a wild reality show about extreme sports enthusiasts. Despite their initial fear and reluctance, they decide to go with the flow, leading to a series of comical and chaotic adventures.
  • The Fortune Cookie Factory: After a tour of a fortune cookie factory, your protagonist begins to notice that the fortunes they read start to come true. But they’re not grand prophecies – instead, they’re minor, silly predictions, like “You will spill a cup of coffee” or “A bird will steal your sandwich.” Write a story around their attempts to leverage these amusing, albeit unimpressive, prophecies to their advantage.
  • Life as a Mime: Your main character, a talkative radio jockey, loses their voice due to a strange condition. The twist is, they can only communicate through miming. The comical challenges they face while trying to continue their professional and personal life bring laughter and a new perspective on communication.
  • The Overthinking Toaster: Your character buys a new toaster, which, unknown to them, has advanced AI capabilities. This toaster, however, has been programmed to overthink everything, leading to hilariously complex and philosophical ‘toast or not to toast’ monologues. Explore this peculiar relationship between man and machine where the machine is essentially an overthinking, anxious mess.
  • The Comedy Virus: There is a computer virus going around, and instead of causing havoc, it turns all written text into the worst puns and dad jokes imaginable. Your protagonist is a cybersecurity specialist tasked with stopping it. Follow their journey as they unravel this humor-filled cyber mystery while groaning at the onslaught of incessant puns.
  • The Vegetarian Shark : Your character is a marine biologist who discovers a great white shark that has inexplicably become a vegetarian and only eats seaweed. Now they must unravel this mystery while dealing with a shark that’s developing a preference for gourmet seaweed dishes.
  • Baking the World a Better Place: Your main character is an amateur baker who discovers their kitchen has a supernatural ability – whatever emotion they put into their baking spreads to whoever eats their creations. Suddenly, they’re tasked with baking their way to world peace, one comically overdone cupcake or soufflé at a time.
  • Dances with Roombas: A quirky scientist decides to experiment with their domestic robots and somehow programs a group of Roomba vacuums to perform perfectly choreographed dance routines. Write about the hilariously unexpected challenges and successes of managing the world’s first robotic dance troupe.
  • The Art of Invisible Graffiti: The protagonist is a struggling artist who discovers a magical spray can that creates invisible graffiti. The only way to see the art is by wearing a pair of special sunglasses. Explore their journey as they attempt to revolutionize the art world with their unseen, humorous, and sometimes poignant graffiti messages.
  • The Wrong Delivery: Your main character, expecting a new television, instead receives a magical stone that grants any wish. But there’s a catch – every wish is granted in the most comical and roundabout way possible. Chronicling the protagonist’s comically convoluted adventures as they wrestle with this troublesome artifact can bring on the laughs.
  • From Zero to Hero : After reading a self-help book, your main character decides to become a local superhero – even though they have no powers, no training, and no idea what they’re doing. Their amusing attempts to help their community with their self-styled “superpowers” lead to unexpected laughs and eventual self-discovery .
  • The Age of Emojis: Suddenly, people start to communicate only through emojis, and your protagonist, a linguistics professor, has to learn this new “ language ” quickly . Their misinterpretations and struggles to decipher the pictorial codes in everyday life situations provide a hilarious cultural commentary.
  • A Hilarious Haunting: Your main character moves into a haunted house . Instead of being scared, they find the ghosts are more into comedy than horror – they’re basically stuck with a spectral stand-up comedy troupe. Navigating this new life with a group of hilarious, pun-loving ghosts turns the haunted house trope on its head.
  • World’s Worst Spy: Your protagonist is a newly appointed secret agent with absolutely terrible luck . Whether it’s a pigeon flying away with top-secret documents or their shoe getting stuck in a grate during a chase, nothing goes right. Share their humorous misadventures as they fumble through the world of espionage, trying to save the day.
  • The Alien Life Coach: An alien crash lands near the home of your main character, a dissatisfied office worker . Instead of planning an invasion, the alien is surprisingly more interested in life coaching, offering bizarre but humorous advice. Your protagonist must navigate this strange relationship while dealing with their new extraterrestrial ‘life guru’.
  • The Gourmet Zombie Chef: Your protagonist, a renowned chef, wakes up one day to find themselves turned into a zombie. However, they’re less interested in brains and more in creating the perfect zombie gourmet dishes. Explore the culinary exploits and adventures as they attempt to revolutionize undead cuisine.
  • The Sarcastic Magic Mirror: Your character inherits an antique mirror that not only talks but also has an exceedingly sarcastic sense of humor. Navigating daily life with a mirror that offers unsolicited and humorous commentary on their outfits, hairdos, and lifestyle choices leads to plenty of comic situations.
  • The Tweeting Bird: A tech - obsessed programmer creates a device that can interpret bird songs . The first bird they try it on turns out to be extraordinarily funny, with its tweets (pun intended) becoming an internet sensation. Follow their adventures as they manage their newfound fame and the world’s funniest bird.
  • Mr. Invisible on Vacation : Your character is a hardworking scientist who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. However, instead of using it for something serious, they decide to take a comically chaotic vacation, unseen. Track their misadventures as an invisible tourist in a bustling city.
  • The Fashionista Time Traveler: Your main character is a fashion-obsessed individual who accidentally stumbles upon a time machine. They decide to use it to bring back iconic clothing items from different eras but often mess up historical events in humorous ways. Write about their stylish, time-traveling blunders and their repercussions.
  • The Superhero Prankster: In this world, everyone has a superpower, but your character’s is a little different – they have the ability to pull off the most elaborate pranks without getting caught. Narrate their hilarious journey as they prank everyone from their friends to prominent superheroes, all while keeping their identity a secret.
  • An Alien in the Office: An alien entity gets stuck on Earth and disguises itself as a human to blend in. However, their understanding of human behavior is entirely based on sitcoms. The protagonist, a co-worker, must help the alien navigate the office while dealing with its comically exaggerated interpretation of human life.
  • The Hilarious Hypnotist: Your main character, while attending a fair, gets hypnotized to laugh uncontrollably whenever they hear a specific, very common word. The situation gets increasingly funny as they navigate their everyday life, trying to avoid the trigger word while figuring out how to reverse the hypnotism.
  • The Mix-Up Musician: A classically trained violinist accidentally gets swapped with a rockstar due to an agency mix-up. Now they have to survive a world tour with a rock band. Chronicle the hilariously chaotic transition and the unexpected consequences of a violinist turned rockstar.
  • The Philosophical Parrot: Your protagonist, a talk show host, buys a parrot, only to discover that it is unnervingly philosophical and has an uncanny knack for pointing out life’s absurdities. Their show’s ratings skyrocket as they bring the parrot on-air, leading to lots of laughs and unexpected existential discussions.
  • The Balloon Journey: Your main character wakes up one day to find they have become as light as a balloon. They float around their town, causing all kinds of funny trouble. Tell the story of their amusing and airy adventure as they struggle to navigate daily life while floating around.
  • The Cursed Birthday Clown: Your protagonist is a professional party clown who gets cursed by a disgruntled magician – now, everything they joke about comes true. Write about the hilariously chaotic events they unintentionally set off at children ’s parties and their quest to reverse the curse.
  • The Rebellious House: Your main character moves into a smart home, which, due to a software glitch, has developed a sense of humor and often disobeys to provoke humorous situations. The house’s pranks go from changing wall colors at random to broadcasting embarrassing songs at full volume, making daily life a hilarious challenge.
  • Misadventures of a Time-Traveling Comedian: A stand-up comedian gains the ability to time travel . They start using it to bring back humorous stories from different eras for their routines. Share their comical encounters with historical figures and the repercussions of their time-traveling antics.
  • The Annoying Genie: Your main character finds an ancient lamp, and out pops a genie. However, instead of granting wishes straight away, this genie prefers to play practical jokes and make puns. Follow the hilarious journey as your protagonist tries to outwit the genie to get their wishes granted.
  • The Vegetables Have Eyes : An eccentric inventor creates a gadget that lets plants communicate. The first plant they test it on is a potato that has been sitting too long on their kitchen counter and has developed a sarcastic and humorous personality. Chronicle the comedic exchanges between the inventor and the world’s first talking potato.

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Founder and Chief Content Curator @ Digital Phrases

I'm a writer, words are my superpower, and storytelling is my kryptonite.

100+ Writing Prompts for Adults: Unleash Your Creativity and Imagination

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on October 18, 2023

Categories Inspiration , Writing

Writing prompts can be an excellent tool for sparking creativity and overcoming writer’s block. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your literary journey, these prompts can guide you in discovering new ideas and refining your writing skills.

As an adult, you might prefer prompts that cater to your unique interests, experiences, and perspective.

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There’s a vast array of writing prompts available, catering to a wide range of genres and themes. From exploring interpersonal relationships to delving into fantasy worlds, these prompts can help you break free from the constraints of everyday life and find inspiration in unexpected places.

Moreover, writing prompts can push you to experiment with different styles and techniques, enabling you to grow as a writer.

Ultimately, writing prompts for adults allow you to get lost in your imagination, create vivid characters, and tell captivating stories. By engaging with various prompts, you can challenge your writing habits, ignite your creativity, and develop a stronger connection to your unique voice as an author.

Key Takeaways

  • Writing prompts for adults spark creativity and overcome writer’s block.
  • Wide range of themes and genres cater to adults’ unique interests and perspectives.
  • Engaging with prompts helps develop writing skills, styles, and techniques.

100 Writing Prompts for Adults

Here are 100 writing prompts for adults:

  • Write about a time you felt truly happy. What made you feel that way?
  • If you could go back in time and change one decision you made, what would it be?
  • Write a letter to your 20-year-old self giving advice.
  • Describe the house you grew up in. What memories do you have there?
  • What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done? Why did you do it?
  • Who has had the biggest impact on your life? Describe how they influenced you.
  • What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Would you do it again?
  • What’s your biggest regret in life? How has it impacted you?
  • Describe a time you failed at something. What did you learn?
  • What are you most proud of achieving in your life so far?
  • What’s the kindest act you’ve ever witnessed? How did it make you feel?
  • What small moments bring you the most joy in life?
  • If you could have a do-over for one day in your life, which day would you choose?
  • When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? What was the experience like?
  • What’s your biggest dream that you hope to achieve in the future?
  • What has been the greatest obstacle you’ve had to overcome? How did you do it?
  • What person has shaped you into the person you are today?
  • What is your greatest strength? How has it helped you in life?
  • Describe a time you felt truly at peace. What were you doing and who were you with?
  • What is your biggest insecurity? How has it negatively impacted your life?
  • What one piece of advice would you offer your younger self?
  • What do you hope people say about you after you die?
  • Who do you miss the most and why?
  • What is your happiest childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
  • What is something you lost that you wish you could have back? Why?
  • Describe your perfect weekend from start to finish.
  • What is the most courageous act you’ve ever witnessed?
  • What is your biggest pet peeve and why does it bother you so much?
  • What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your life? Was it worth it?
  • What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself over the years?
  • What is the wisest piece of advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you?
  • Describe a time you felt like you failed. How did you bounce back?
  • What brings you true joy in life? Describe how it makes you feel.
  • What rules do you live your life by? Where did they come from?
  • What is your favorite childhood memory involving your family?
  • Who is your role model? How have they influenced your life?
  • What is the most spontaneous trip you’ve ever taken? What made you decide to go?
  • What is the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
  • What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
  • What is the wisest life lesson an elderly person has taught you?
  • Describe a time you felt immense gratitude. What triggered this feeling?
  • What is the most surprising act of kindness you’ve ever witnessed?
  • What old photos bring back the sharpest memories for you? Describe the images.
  • What smell brings back childhood memories for you? Describe the memory.
  • When was the last time you felt pure joy? What triggered this feeling?
  • What is your favorite quote or saying? What meaning does it hold for you?
  • Who is the most inspirational person you know? How have they inspired you?
  • Describe the last time you tried something new. How did it make you feel?
  • When was the last time you had a really good belly laugh? What caused it?
  • What is your favorite family tradition? Why is it meaningful to you?
  • What is the most memorable gift you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you?
  • Describe a time you felt a strong emotional connection with someone.
  • What is the greatest accomplishment in your career so far?
  • What is the most thrilling experience you’ve had? What made it so exciting?
  • Describe the last time you felt butterflies in your stomach. What caused the feeling?
  • What is your favorite place in nature? Describe how it makes you feel.
  • When was the last time you stepped way outside your comfort zone? What motivated you?
  • What is the wisest advice your mother ever gave you?
  • Describe a time you felt truly proud of yourself or someone else.
  • What is the most insightful or wise observation you’ve made about life?
  • What makes you laugh the hardest? Describe the situation.
  • What small things brighten your day when you encounter them?
  • When was the last time you felt pure contentment? Describe the moment.
  • Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? How have they inspired you?
  • What is the most meaningful or insightful conversation you’ve ever had? Who was it with?
  • If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it? Who would you spend it with?
  • What is the greatest single day you’ve ever experienced? Describe it from start to finish.
  • What is the biggest lesson failure has taught you? How has it shaped you?
  • What places have shaped who you are? Describe how they impacted you.
  • What is the greatest act of generosity you have either given or witnessed?
  • What advice would you offer your 20-year-old self about love and relationships?
  • What is the hardest life lesson you’ve had to learn as an adult? How did you finally understand it?
  • Describe a time in your life when you felt truly alone. How did you get through it?
  • What is the most beautiful place you have ever visited? Describe how it made you feel.
  • What is the most significant change you have made in your life in the past five years?
  • What is the most valuable life lesson your father ever taught you?
  • Describe the most fascinating person you have ever met. What captivated you about them?
  • What has been the most surprising twist in your life story so far?
  • What is the bravest thing you have done that no one knows about?
  • Describe a time you saw someone going through a difficult time. How did you help them?
  • What unpopular opinion do you hold? Why do you think many disagree with you?
  • What does your ideal future look like? Describe your life in detail.
  • What book or movie changed your perspective on something? How so?
  • What is the most spontaneous trip or adventure you ever embarked on?
  • Describe a time you failed at something. How did it change your perspective?
  • What would your childhood self be surprised to learn about your adult life?
  • Who had the biggest positive influence on the person you have become?
  • When was the last time you felt pure joy? What caused this feeling?
  • What do you wish your 16-year-old self knew? What advice would you give?
  • When was the last time you felt you were living your true purpose? What were you doing?
  • What is the greatest obstacle you overcame as an adult? How did you do it?
  • Describe the best birthday you ever had. What made it so memorable?
  • When was the last time you felt proud of a family member? What did they achieve?
  • What is your definition of true friendship? How has your definition evolved?
  • Who do you miss the most who is no longer in your life? Why are they special to you?
  • What is the wisest or most insightful observation about life you have come up with?
  • If you could instill one core value or belief in the next generation, what would it be?
  • When was the last time you felt you made the absolute right choice? What decision did you make?
  • What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out their adult life?

Writing Prompts: Taking the First Step

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Writing prompts can be an excellent way for you, as an adult writer, to take the first step towards unleashing your creativity.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned writer, prompts can help you break through writer’s block, develop new ideas, and explore different genres.

There are numerous sources to find creative writing prompts for adults, with many websites offering free and engaging ideas designed to spark your imagination. You can use these prompts as either the starting point for your writing or simply as an exercise to get your creative juices flowing.

Remember, when working with a writing prompt, don’t hesitate to adapt it to your personal style and preferences. You can change details, add or remove characters, and even alter the setting to make the stories your own.

Here are some ways to approach writing prompts:

  • Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write without stopping.
  • Use the prompt as a warm-up exercise before you start working on your main writing project.
  • Share your completed prompt with a writing buddy or in a writers’ group to gather feedback and suggestions.
  • Give yourself permission to write without worrying about grammar or punctuation, focusing on the ideas and emotions you want to convey instead.

Types of Writing Prompts

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Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing prompts can help you break through writer’s block or simply spark your imagination. They often involve a fun or intriguing situation, character, or setting, which you can use as a starting point for your own story.

For example, you might find a prompt asking you to write a short story about an unexpected encounter at a coffee shop or a magical object found in your attic.

To make the most of these prompts, try writing without worrying about word count or perfect grammar. Focus on getting your ideas down and exploring your creativity.

Keep in mind that you can always edit and revise later. By engaging with creative writing prompts, you’ll build your storytelling skills and gain confidence in your abilities.

Essay Writing Prompts

Essay writing prompts, on the other hand, are aimed at testing your critical thinking, research, and argumentative skills. They usually require you to explore a specific topic or issue, using evidence and logic to present a well-reasoned point of view.

Some examples of essay prompts might include exploring the benefits and drawbacks of a particular technology, discussing the morality of a controversial topic, or analyzing a historical event.

When responding to an essay prompt, you’ll want to focus on creating a clear and organized structure for your work, providing supporting examples and evidence for your claims, and ensuring your language is clear and concise.

Writing Prompts Based on Themes

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Writing Prompts of Family

When it comes to family, there is an endless trove of memories and stories. Try writing about a cherished family tradition or that one time you couldn’t stop laughing at a family gathering. You can also take a more introspective approach and write about your relationship with a specific relative and how it influenced your life.

Exploring Emotions Through Prompts

Writing about emotions can be a powerful way to gain insight into your own feelings and experiences. Consider prompts that explore anger, joy, grief, and desire. For example, write about a time when you felt really fulfilled or challenged by a situation that led to intense feelings of anger. See how these emotions can shape your stories and personal growth.

Prompts on Money and Financial Themes

Money often shapes our lives and affects our decisions. Share your experiences with saving for a specific goal or a time when you had to make a tough financial decision. It could also be a fictional scenario where an unexpected windfall forces reconsideration of your character’s priorities.

School-related Writing Prompts

School forms a significant part of our lives and provides a rich environment for stories. Recall a memorable event from your school days, a favorite teacher, or a challenging assignment. You can also dive into issues such as school friendships and rivalries.

Prompts relating to Social Media

Social media has become a key part of our daily lives. Write about your experiences navigating social media, how it affects your relationships, and its impact on your self-esteem. Alternatively, you can create a story about the consequences of a social media post gone wrong or an unexpected connection made through online platforms.

Travel-themed Prompts

Traveling often leads to unique and interesting stories. Write about a memorable trip you took, an interesting encounter you had on your journey, or even a dream destination. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity roam in these prompts!

Food-related Writing Prompts

Food can evoke powerful memories and emotional connections. Write about a dish that means a lot to you or the experience of learning to cook something with a loved one. You could also explore the culture, history, and emotions associated with a specific type of cuisine.

Health Themed Writing Prompts

Health plays a vital role in our lives and can serve as a great source of inspiration. Write about a personal health challenge you faced, the importance of self-care, or even an experience witnessing someone else’s health journey. These prompts can encourage reflection and understanding of various realities we face with wellness.

Remember to keep it brief and maintain a friendly tone throughout. Happy writing!

Interpersonal Themes and Writing Prompts

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When it comes to writing prompts for adults, interpersonal themes can provide inspiration and opportunities for self-discovery, especially when focusing on relationships and dating. In this section, we will delve into writing prompts related to dating, offering a few ideas to help you get started.

Writing Prompts for Dating

  • Your Ideal First Date: Imagine you are going on a perfect first date. Describe the setting, the activities, and how both of you interact with each other. What would make this date unforgettable for you?
  • The Unexpected Match: Write a story about two people who are complete opposites but somehow find each other and connect on a deep level. How do they meet, and what challenges do they face in their relationship?
  • A Lesson in Love: Think about a time when you learned something significant about love or relationships, either from personal experience or through observing others. Share the story and describe how it has impacted your view on dating.
  • The Five Senses: Choose one of your past dates or create a fictional date scenario. Write a scene incorporating all five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) to help the reader experience the date as if they were present.
  • An Unlikely Romance: Write a story where two characters from different backgrounds or lifestyles find love in an unexpected place or situation. Explore how their preconceptions and biases are challenged as they get to know each other.

Remember, writing prompts related to dating can help you explore new perspectives, spark your creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of your own experiences and emotions. By engaging in these exercises, you’re not only honing your writing skills but also reflecting on your own interpersonal connections. Happy writing!

The Art of Getting Lost in Writing

As you explore different writing prompts for adults, allow your imagination to wander. Embrace new ideas, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

By leaving your comfort zone, you’ll discover fresh perspectives and interesting avenues for your writing.

One way to get lost in writing is to let go of self-doubt and criticism.

Silence your inner editor, and give yourself the freedom to write without constantly worrying about making mistakes. As a friendly reminder, remember that your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect.

Incorporating elements of the unknown, such as the feeling of being lost, into your stories can help you tap into your reader’s emotions and encourage them to lose themselves in your words.

Use vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue to paint a vivid picture of the world you’re creating. The more you can draw your readers in, the easier it will be for them to get lost in your work as well.

Finally, give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Sometimes stepping away from your writing can give you fresh insight and a renewed sense of direction. Once you return, you may find it easier to get lost in the story again and let your words flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are some unique prompts for adult writers?

Exploring unique writing prompts can help unleash your creativity and inspire new ideas. A few standout prompts for adult writers can include writing about a dream you’d love to return to or crafting a story set in a casino. Feel free to change details, add characters or put your own twist on these prompts to make them truly special.

How can I find writing prompts focusing on mental health?

Writing prompts that focus on mental health can offer a therapeutic space for self-reflection and emotional exploration. To find these prompts, try searching websites, blogs, and forums that specifically target mental health and wellness topics. You’ll come across a variety of prompts, ranging from writing about your feelings and emotions to exploring strategies for self-care and personal growth.

What are engaging poetry prompts for adults?

Engaging poetry prompts can often draw from personal experiences, emotions, or current events. Consider writing a poem about a cherished memory, a strong emotion you’ve recently experienced, or something that affects you deeply. Feel free to play with different poetic structures and styles to discover which resonates with you the most.

Which nonfiction writing prompts are popular for adults?

Nonfiction writing prompts can encompass journaling, essays, or opinion pieces on a variety of subjects. Popular nonfiction prompts might include writing about a significant event in your life, offering your perspective on a current issue, or discussing how personal experiences have shaped your beliefs. The key to exploring nonfiction writing prompts lies in relating your unique thoughts, perspective, and experiences to broader themes and ideas.

Where can I find funny prompts suitable for grown-ups?

Humor can add a fresh and enjoyable element to your writing. To find funny writing prompts suitable for adults, explore websites like Reddit or online writing communities that share comedic short stories, jokes, or funny personal anecdotes as prompts. Remember to have fun and let your inner comedian shine through your writing!

How can beginners find simple yet inspiring writing prompts?

As a beginner, finding writing prompts that are both simple and inspiring may seem challenging. However, there are countless resources available, from writing websites to online forums that cater specifically to novice writers. Start with a basic prompt that encourages you to explore your feelings, experiences, and ideas, and don’t be afraid to modify prompts to suit your personal writing style and interests.

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16 Writing Memes That Perfectly Depict the Writer’s Life

funny writing prompts reddit

by Holly Riddle

If you’ve been writing for a while, then you know a few things.

One: the writer life is, in reality, not at all like the glamorous perception you’ll see in movies and on TV.

Two: your friends, unless they’re writers too, just aren’t going to understand challenges like your writer’s block, procrastination when it comes to actually getting something on the page, or how much you can hate writing and find it fun at the same time.

Three: sometimes, the best thing to do about your writers woes is to just laugh about them—and that’s where these funny writer memes can come in handy.

Here are some of our 16 favorite funny writing memes that perfectly encapsulate the highs, lows, and humor of the writer’s life, from the struggles with a first draft to the constant story ideas to the way your characters just live in your head rent-free (even if your novel doesn’t technically exist yet).

1. Oh, you thought you were actually going to finish that novel?

Think again! Time for procrastination to set in. Writers do whatever they can to not finish that WIP (Work In Progress), until something kicks their butt into gear, whether it be National Novel Writing Month, a challenge with a writer friend, etc.

Source: Writers Write

2. Unfortunately, a writer only has themself to blame

Alas, even though you try to blame everything else in the world for your procrastination—the dog needed walking, the laundry needed doing!—you just can’t at the end of the day. Get that idea down on paper!

Source: September C Fawkes

3. Some days the new ideas just keep flowing… other days, not so much

You know how it goes. Once you get into your writing flow, the shiny new ideas begin—until they dry up completely and you have a bad case of writer’s block.

Source: Writing About Writing on Facebook

But guess what? We have a super helpful article on dealing with this very problem .

4. Don’t worry, though…

Daydreaming about writing and writing are actually the same thing… right?

Totally. Definitely. We relate.

Source: Aela Writes

5. You started? Great! Now, where’s the plot?

Once you get started on that novel, though, inevitably there’s going to be a time that you sit back, look at what you wrote, and really start to question whether or not your words actually form a cohesive plot. That’s where, of course, a writing schedule that incorporates a little beta reading can come in handy.

Your writer friends are the best folks to give insight into whether or not you truly have a story.

And! You can also swing by our article on finding the perfect plot .

6. Sometimes, you just gotta plow forward

Occasionally, though, you have to just keep writing, plot or no plot.

Source: Daddies Drarryy

7. Writing is just rewriting

Eventually, you’ll have to go back and address those rambling sentences. Newbie writers may not recognize it yet, but the old pros will. Sometimes, being a writer is just rewriting, rewriting, and rewriting some more—especially those pesky opening pages.

Source: Liz Lawson on Twitter

8. That said, perfection isn’t everything

Not everyone is going to love what you write and, frankly, that’s okay.

Source: Aye Write

9. Your biggest fan is you

Because, after all, you won’t be happy unless you write things you actually want to read. Don’t aim to please readers or other writers when you’re the first audience you’ll ever have.

Source: Writeous Writing

10. But maybe try to keep the tenses straight?

Past tense, future tense, present tense—it’s hard enough just deciding which one you want to use on a new project, let alone sticking to it while you write.

Source: Macademmia

To help you through this troubling time, check out our post on narrative tenses .

11. You and your characters are best friends forever

Oh, don’t mind me. I’m not talking to myself; I’m talking to my novel characters.

Don’t get us wrong—we love a good cast of heroes and villains .

12. Being a writer isn’t as easy as it looks

Yes, we all love writing (we hope you you do, anyway, since you’re here). Unfortunately, when many of us say we like writing, we like having written more than the actual getting the words on the page.

Source: The Darklings

13. No one understands

But no matter how easy or hard friends and family think your writing is, chances are they have no real clue what you really do.

Your parents call your writing “cute.” Friends think you lay around. You think you’re a big shot. You’re really just drinking coffee at your desk and creating stories from the looping picture in your head.

Source: Jenni Merritt

14. An editor will not make your life easier

Editors are amazing. They make your book better. If you have a publishing deal with a big publisher, they vouch for your book and make your writing dreams a reality. They don’t make your life easier, though.

That first edit letter? Ouch.

Source: The Mom Who Runs

15. So just enjoy the ride!

It’s not always easy to enjoy the ride that is the writing life, but at least try to. And stop feeling guilty about not keeping to your writing goals for the day/week/etc.!

Source: Memes for Writers on Instagram

16. And whatever you do…

Source: UniversityStudent.org

We believe in you! And if you ever need to step back from the pain and existential angst of being a writer, you’ll always have these writing memes here to help you have fun on your creative journey.

Get feedback on your writing today!

Scribophile is a community of hundreds of thousands of writers from all over the world. Meet beta readers, get feedback on your writing, and become a better writer!

Join now for free

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    Here are some ways to approach writing prompts: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write without stopping. Use the prompt as a warm-up exercise before you start working on your main writing project. Share your completed prompt with a writing buddy or in a writers' group to gather feedback and suggestions.

  21. 38 Funny Writing Prompts for All Ages » JournalBuddies.com

    38 Funny Writing Prompts. These ideas could double as journal prompts. Whether you use them in your next journal entry or not is, of course, up to you. Above all, use these ideas, enjoy and start crafting your comedic story. Recall your most embarrassing memory, and write a funny story about it.

  22. 16 Writing Memes That Perfectly Depict the Writer's Life

    Here are some of our 16 favorite funny writing memes that perfectly encapsulate the highs, lows, and humor of the writer's life, from the struggles with a first draft to the constant story ideas to the way your characters just live in your head rent-free (even if your novel doesn't technically exist yet). 1.