Over 20 "19th Century" Writing Prompts
Set in the backdrop of the 1848 Gold Rush, your narrative follows an intrepid Chinese immigrant who ventures to California in hopes of finding fortune. Detail their arduous journey across the Pacific, their confrontation with lawlessness in the mining camps, and their unlikely alliance with a Native American tribe.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Craft a story about two sibling musicians in Vienna, Austria, during the vibrant 1870s, struggling to make a name for themselves while competing with the likes of Johann Strauss II. Include a twist that leads to a scandalous performative duel that could either make or break their careers.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Imagine the diary of a young servant girl working in a Victorian mansion in London. She's privy to the secrets of a high-society family during a time of great political and social change. What does she witness, and how does it affect her view of the world?
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, write from the perspective of a Confederate soldier who befriends a Union prisoner. Explore the complexity of their relationship as they share stories and discover common humanity amidst their opposing sides, ultimately planning a daring escape together.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Craft a story about the construction of a mythical Transcontinental Railroad through the eyes of a Native American tribe witnessing the encroachment upon their lands. Through meetings, conflicts, and negotiations, explore the impact on the tribe's culture, traditions, and survival.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Write a story set during the California Gold Rush, focusing on a family from the East Coast who relocates in search of fortune. Explore the challenges they face, both physical and emotional, as they strive for a new life in the bustling, lawless camps of the West.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Write a story set in 19th-century New Orleans during the height of the steamboat era. The protagonist is a young deckhand who uncovers a smuggling ring that threatens to destroy the city's economy. In the mix of their adventures, they encounter a mysterious woman who is seeking justice for her slain father, a former riverboat captain.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Imagine a tale set during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s. It centers on an Irish immigrant and a former enslaved person who, despite their disparate backgrounds, forge a strong friendship as they face labor disputes, harsh conditions, and racial tensions. Their bond becomes pivotal to their survival and the success of the monumental project.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Detail the journey of a mid-19th century explorer who joins an expedition to map the uncharted territories of Africa. Describe the discoveries, the strange encounters with indigenous peoples, and the personal transformations the explorer experiences.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
Write a story about a young apprentice clockmaker in Victorian London who discovers a hidden message inside an ancient clock that leads to a city-wide scavenger hunt.
Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century
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