Sarah Evans - 500 Writing Prompts

WRITING

PROMPTS

Sarah Evans

Copyright 2017 Sarah Evans

All rights reserved.

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.

- Gustave Flaubert

Animals

W hat did you name your first pet? Tell the story of how that name was selected.

Do you think zoos are important or should be banned? Why?

What animals, if any, should be allowed to be kept as exotic pets? What is your reasoning?

Write a story from the perspective of a hamster trying to figure out the world beyond his cage.

White rabbit can have many meanings. What does white rabbit mean to you?

If all animals and insects could talk, which species would most likely be avid liars? Explain your reasoning.

Describe an advertisement for deodorant featuring a yak.

What is the best kind of pet to keep in an office? Why?

Write a short story about the life of a cow that thought she was so small she could fit in a spoon.

What animal would you hate to be stuck on a tiny boat with the most? Why?

Which animal do you think would be the best at chess? Why?

If all animals could talk, which do you think would be the best at stand-up comedy? Why?

Write a story about a bat that loves baseball.

Which wild/exotic animal would you love to observe up close without disturbing it? What would you hope to observe?

Which wingless animal do you think would look the best with wings? How might their new wings conflict with the environment?

Zippy should be the name of what species of animal, domestic or otherwise? What characteristics brought you to this conclusion?

Which animal would you say is your spirit animal? Why?

What would a bee have to produce instead of honey in order for their endangerment to be taken seriously? Describe what the new Save the Bees campaign might look like with this new product.

Write a short story about an ant that marches in the wrong direction and gets split up from his friends in a big kitchen.

What might you name a green kitten? Why?

What animal or insect do you think would be the most musically-inclined? What instrument would they play and why?

Write a short story about a frog that infiltrates an eagle nest to save a baby bird.

What do you think dogs dream about? What might a dogs nightmare be about?

Write a story about a tiger that loves fruit.

Do you think skunks would make good pets? Why or why not?

Mistakes & Lies

D escribe a time when you got a haircut, hairstyle, or hair color that didnt look good on you.

Have you ever tried to teach someone something, only to realize halfway through that you gave them incorrect directions or information? How did you handle the situation?

Have you ever accidentally light something on fire? Explain what happened and how the situation resolved. If you havent, make up a tall tale about a time you did!

Describe a time you started crossing the street without checking both ways.

Write about a time you lied to a loved one. When (if ever) did you tell the truth?

Have you ever lied about your education (or the difficulty of classes you are taking)? What was your reason?

Write a story about a lie that spins out of control and the negative effect it has on those close to the main character.

Think of a lie you were frequently told as a child. How did it feel when you found out the truth?

Describe a time you told a lie as a child and completely got away with it. How does it feel now?

Have you ever stolen anything? Did you get caught? How did you feel afterwards?

Childhood

W rite a short story about a homeless child that finds a home.

Describe your favorite childhood summer.

What would you tell your 8-year-old self if you could?

Write about your childhood home and one of your favorite memories in that home.

Create a short story about a kid that believes toothpaste is magical.

When you were a child, how did you visualize the modern West.

What was your favorite rainy-day activity as a child?

Write a story about a child that becomes a world-famous magician.

Describe the time you found out that extra-hot objects should not be touched.

Who did you trust the most growing up?

What sports/instrument did you play as a child and how do you think it impacted your growth and development?

Write about a time you learned that being part of a team was valuable.

What did you imagine flying in a plane would be like before your first time?

Write about a vivid memory you have from elementary school.

Do you remember what it was like learning that things like Santa and the Easter Bunny werent real? Describe what learning that was like.

Did you love or hate school as a child? Why do you think that was?

What major childhood event do you think strengthened your character most? Why?

What is something you regret doing as a child?

What smell reminds you of your childhood?

Was there ever a time in your childhood when you were in danger? Write about it!

Did you prefer swimming in natural bodies of water or pools as a child? Why?

Describe the coolest pair of shoes you owned as a child.

In your childhood, did you prefer art class or gym class? Why?

What chore did you not mind doing so much growing up? Why do you think this chore was not a hassle for you?

Write about your favorite class field trip from elementary or middle school.

Fantasy

W rite a short story about a giant that wishes he were small.

What do you think faeries would look like if they were real? Be descriptive.