Creative writing prompts, shelved by genre.

Write a story about a Polynesian navigator who, in the pre-colonial period, discovers the coast of New Zealand. Intertwine his tale with that of a Maori tribe’s prophecy about a foreign voyager who would alter their fate forever, exploring themes of destiny, cultural exchange, and survival.

Write a story about two people who meet at a dog park every day, each unaware that their dogs have been swapping notes between them. They start to fall for each other, guided unknowingly by their pets' matchmaking skills.

Create a detailed profile of a woman in history who has been largely overlooked or misrepresented by traditional narratives. Delve into her contributions, the challenges she faced, and her lasting impact on her field or society.

Draft a biography of your own family, tracing back as many generations as possible. Use personal stories, historical context, and family myths to paint a picture of who your ancestors were and how their spirits, successes, and struggles have shaped the family’s identity over the decades.

Write a story about a teenager who discovers they can manipulate time but only during the most crucial moments of their life. Explore how this ability changes their relationships and future decisions.

Write a story about a retired professor who finds an old, unopened letter in a used book, which reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their past.

After receiving an anonymous love letter at their favorite indie bookstore, a shy aspiring writer decides to find the author by responding with a series of love letters hidden among the shelves. Each letter reveals a little more about their personalities and lives, leading to a heartwarming revelation of identities.

Imagine a Jewish watchmaker living in Warsaw, Poland, during the Nazi occupation. Describe how they use their skills to secretly sabotage German military equipment, while also shielding their family from the harsh realities of the war.

Reflect on a piece of public art that you encounter regularly. Describe the artwork in detail, its history, and its significance to the community, along with your personal interaction with it and thoughts about its meaning.

After receiving an anonymous diary in the mail on their sixteenth birthday, a teenager becomes obsessed with finding out who sent it and why. Each entry inspires them to undertake tasks that are outside of their comfort zone, learning more about who they are and the sender's connection to their past.