Prompt Series
Each series is thirty prompts long so if you're thinking of trying NaNoWriMo or Camp but you're at a loss for ideas, check this out!
Each series has thirty connected prompts so you can create a story in any genre you want. Complete one prompt per day and rearrange your scenes to form a complete novella in one month!
Series 1 // Series 2 // Series 3
Looking for more prompt series? Check here.
This page is open to any writer, anywhere. Anyone may use these prompts for their own purposes.
Please credit The Writer's Workout if one of our prompts inspired a piece you publish.
Better Writer subscribers may submit their creations as their monthly feedback option.
We will update this page as often as possible.
Good luck, writer!
Series 1
This series includes three major characters (A, B, and C) and two minor characters (D and E).
This series was created in part by the 2019 Fall Internship program.
-
B and C are invited to a party
-
C convinces B to come with them to a dangerous location while A follows unseen
-
B accidentally discovers C’s biggest fear in public
-
C asks A for a big favor, but A is on the fence about whether to help
-
B isn’t feeling well but is afraid of wrecking everyone’s good time
-
Minor character D steals something important to A. B and C try to help get it back
-
B goes missing. A and C are worried about them
-
Surprise! A’s family is in town
-
D asks C to betray A and B
-
B finds themselves in a sticky situation. A helps them out
-
A tries to comfort C after a terrible loss
-
B and C find A’s stolen item, but it’s not the same
-
D strikes up a friendship with A’s family
-
C is waiting anxiously for news
-
A and B have an argument when suddenly the power goes out
-
B has to make a difficult choice concerning C
-
A goes to C for advice about their family
-
B learns something crucial about D
-
C has to face their fear; B tries to help
-
B and C try to give A the replacement to their stolen item
-
B pursues D to a location and unexpectedly runs into C
-
C gets an idea on how to help A
-
A confronts D during a family gathering
-
C convinces B to do something fun
-
B confronts an old enemy
-
A discovers a dark family secret
-
C and D have a tense standoff
-
A and C get an idea that’s reckless, but just might work
-
B is faced with a crucial choice; A and C try to help
-
A, B, and C take some time to unwind
Did you complete this series? Let us know on social media!
If you publish what you created, please credit The Writer's Workout.
Series 2
This series includes three major characters (A, B, and C) and five minor characters (D, E, and others).
-
Introduce a character (A) with a massive secret, who is currently away from home.
-
Introduce two new characters (B, C) who currently or will eventually work as a team, in a setting where they feel very comfortable.
-
A has returned home and someone is waiting for B and C.
-
Write a scene with a great triumph.
-
Two characters are eating a meal and someone made a very big mess. Can be any combination of A, B, C.
-
Two characters seek the advice of a specialist. Can be any combination of A, B, C. Can seek specialists separately.
-
Finally, a moment to relax. What do/does your character(s) do to unwind? Can be any combination of A, B, C.
-
Introduce a minor character who is socially awkward or has trouble communicating socially (D).
-
An explosion occurs.
-
A’s secret is revealed. Who broke the news and how are the other characters adapting?
-
An item belonging to C was swapped with a visually similar item belonging to A.
-
Write a scene with a pursuit.
-
B left something behind.
-
D interrupts an intense conversation between B and C.
-
Introduce a character with a debilitating physical ailment E. This character has a conversation with A.
-
Introduce a child.
-
A and B are secretly in cahoots. Write a scene where they discuss their plan.
-
C meets E. E knows things about A but refuses to share information.
-
Write a scene with a surprise love interest.
-
E bought something expensive and gave it away as a gift.
-
B and C work together on a problem involving A. The specialist (see prompt #6) has new information. B and C do not succeed.
-
E and the specialist work together against B. Write their secret meeting.
-
The child knows A's secret.
-
A is falsely accused of B's death.
-
D helps C fix an issue initiated by A. E is secretly watching.
-
C and A come face to face. They have something very important (to both of them) in common.
-
B dies.
-
E and A work together against C.
-
D receives terrible news.
-
C succeeds in solving the puzzle/issue surrounding A. E makes a clean break.
Did you complete this series? Let us know on social media!
If you publish what you created, please credit The Writer's Workout.
Series 3
This series includes four major characters (A, B, C, and D).
-
(A) faces their biggest fear.
-
(B) steps in to help a stranger: (D).
-
(C) catches A taking something that belongs to B.
-
A tries to frame C for the theft.
-
D helps C to prove their innocence.
-
D bumps into A; it is not a happy reunion.
-
B falls ill and is bedridden (character will recover).
-
A must face consequences for theft.
-
B recovers.
-
C experiences a triumph.
-
D's reputation falls.
-
B must solve a puzzle while ill and bedridden.
-
D splurges on something they don't need.
-
A's childhood friend dies.
-
C forgives A.
-
D and B develop a close relationship.
-
A and B take a trip together.
-
D is unprepared for an important meeting.
-
B teaches D a new skill.
-
A and B run into C in an unexpected place.
-
A attends the same important meeting as D.
-
C convinces D to play a game.
-
C does something that scares them.
-
B runs into a long-lost relative who was assumed dead.
-
A makes a friend who has nefarious intentions.
-
C tries to help D improve reputation but makes things worse.
-
A and D get stuck in close quarters.
-
C helps B with a remedial task.
-
D investigates an anonymous tip.
-
A does something nice for B.
Did you complete this series? Let us know on social media!
If you publish what you created, please credit The Writer's Workout.