Over 471 "Historical Fiction" Writing Prompts

Set in the heart of the Renaissance, craft a tale around a fictitious artist who rivals Michelangelo. The artist receives a potentially career-making commission in a major city-state but is embroiled in its dangerous politics and the competitive art scene. Mix in historical figures, complex alliances, and rich descriptions of art and architecture.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
European

Set your tale in pre-Columbian America. Imagine the daily life and spiritual practices of a young member of the Maya civilization. What happens when their city-state faces an unprecedented drought, leading to both societal and personal transformation?

Fiction
Historical Fiction
Americas

Pen a narrative set during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Explore the camaraderie and conflict among Continental Army soldiers trying to survive, as seen through the eyes of an elderly camp follower tasked with nursing sick troops.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
American Revolution

In the bustling heart of ancient Rome, a recently freed slave inherits a mysterious artifact from his former master. The artifact, rumored to be a token from the gods, brings fortune but also unexpected attention. Write about the slave's journey to discover the true power and origin of the artifact, while navigating the complexities of his newfound freedom.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
Ancient Rome

Imagine a diary entry from a nurse serving in the American Civil War. Detail her daily challenges, the relationships she forms with the soldiers and other medical staff, and a particular event that changes her perspective on the war.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
19th Century

Set in ancient Rome during the reign of Nero, a young Christian slave girl is chosen to work in the imperial palace. As she navigates the dangerous and decadent world of Roman elite, she uses her position to subtly spread the Christian faith, all while forming an unlikely friendship with a philosopher who questions the gods. Explore their intertwined destinies and the impact of their covert exchanges on the palace and the early church.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
Christian Fiction

Imagine a character who is a servant in a grand Regency-era house. They come across a hidden letter that reveals a conspiracy against a high-ranking noble. Explore their moral dilemma and the world of espionage and whispers behind the façade of glittering ballrooms.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
Regency

Write a story set in the kingdom of Axum (modern-day Ethiopia), where a trader's return from a journey across the Indian Ocean brings not only spices and silks but also the news of a rising empire threatening their trade routes. Explore how this information shapes the fate of the trader’s family and their community’s future.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
African

Imagine a small village in France during World War

Fiction
Historical Fiction
World War 1

Write a story from the perspective of a drummer boy in the Civil War, who is sending secret messages through the rhythms he plays. Explore how he navigates the dangers of war, the bonds he forms, and the weight of the secrets he carries.

Fiction
Historical Fiction
Civil War

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