Since I could write, I have kept a journal. I’d write down everything from thoughts about the day to goals and to-do lists. Over the years my journals changed forms from a “Dear Diary” style to a book filled with story ideas. Whenever I think about journal prompts for writers, I’m reminded of these sweet times when I would be hit with inspiration while sitting around, waiting for a train or reflecting on a memory.
Although much of my musing and hastily-scrawled notes were unfit for public viewing, I’m also forever amazed at how the simple act of free writing can unlock creativity in a way nothing else seems to.
However, once I started writing for a living, my creative journaling fell by the wayside. It wasn’t intentional, and it was always something I meant to get back into, but as writing became more work than fun, these special moments of inspiration seemed to dry up.
My experience with structured writing and journaling prompts
In an effort to reignite my creative flame, I decided to attend a writing retreat where the focus was on writing for yourself and discovering possibilities. Sounds nice, right? I had been to many conferences but they were more practical and work-related. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
During our first session at the retreat, we were asked to write five words or phrases on slips of paper and then put them in a hat. At each subsequent session we’d draw one of the prompts and spend 15 minutes free writing, inspired by whatever was written on that piece of paper. No prep, no overthinking. Just a pen, a notebook, and a time limit.
Even though I was out of practice, it felt great to write for writing’s sake. There was no pressure; this was nothing other than a warm up for the rest of the day.
While it was nice to do this in a group setting, focused journaling is also helpful for writers to practice on their own. And using prompts is helpful if you don’t feel like you have a lot to say. It’s a judgment-free zone—launch from the prompt and capture whatever comes to mind. Keep going until the timer buzzes or until you feel like your story is complete. There’s no wrong way to keep a journal and while it doesn’t work for everyone, this can be a great way to work through writing blocks, perfectionism and overthinking. Get those kinks out in the journal and then get back to your big projects invigorated and inspired.
20 journaling prompts for writers
Here are 20 journaling prompts to help you tap into your creativity and get your words flowing. Choose one from the list that resonates with you, or allow this list to spark a new prompt. The main idea is to get you writing so go down the list in order, or do it another way. Whatever works!
Question and answer
1. If you could invent something to make your life easier, how would it work and what would it do?
2. What does love look like? What does it feel like?
3. Who do you look up to and why?
4. What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
5. Donating time or money—which do you prefer and why?
Descriptive
1. Describe something beautiful
2. Write about a time you were truly happy
3. Describe your ideal home in as much detail as you can
4. Write about your best friend and how you met
5. Write about a treasured memory and what makes it so special
Inspiration
1. Skim the headlines from your local newspaper or news site. What captures your attention? Why? Write about that
2. The next time you’re out, pay attention to the nametags of people working in stores or restaurants. Write an imagined life for one or more of them
3. Look out your window and write about what you observe. Use it as a launching point or stick to facts, wherever your pen takes you
4. Think about yourself, your relationships, your career, etc. What’s something you would like to change? Write about how you would change it if you could
5. Is there someone you’d like to thank but can’t for some reason? Write a letter to that person, even if you never send it
General Themes
1. Forgiveness
2. Love
3. Hope
4. Survival
5. Honor