Welcome to our blog about the best creative writing prompts for teens!
Teenagers can use creative writing as a means of expressing themselves. This practice helps them delve into their creativity, enhance their writing abilities, and develop their distinctive style. It is a great way for them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and imagination in a captivating and individualized manner. Creative writing can provide a rewarding hobby or serve as the foundation for a professional writing career.
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” — Anne Lamott
We have created thought-provoking creative writing prompts for teenagers that aim to inspire and challenge them to improve their storytelling skills, encourage self-reflection, and ignite their imaginations. Each prompt provides a starting point that invites young writers to explore various themes, characters, and settings through captivating journeys.
Best Creative Writing Prompts for Teens
1) The Unlikely Friendship
Explore the transformative power of friendship between two characters from contrasting backgrounds with "The Unlikely Friendship" creative writing prompt. Craft a story that delves into their journey, the challenges they face, and the valuable life lessons they learn from each other. This prompt offers the opportunity to delve into themes of empathy, understanding, and personal growth.
To use this teen creative writing prompt effectively, consider the following steps:
Character Creation: Start by imagining two characters who hail from vastly different backgrounds. Think about their upbringing, personalities, and interests.
Establish the Setting: Choose a setting that complements the characters' backgrounds and allows their paths to intersect.
Introduce the Characters: Begin the story by introducing each character separately, providing insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Highlight the stark contrasts between their worlds to emphasize the unlikelihood of their friendship.
Initial Encounter: Craft a compelling scenario or chance encounter that brings the characters together. This event should ignite their curiosity or spark an unexpected connection.
Developing Friendship: As the story progresses, it depicts the gradual development of their friendship. Show how they learn to bridge the gaps created by their differences, finding common ground and sharing experiences. Explore the moments that solidify their bond and allow them to open up to one another.
Challenges and Conflict: Introduce obstacles and conflicts that test their friendship. These challenges can stem from societal expectations, misunderstandings, or internal struggles.
Life Lessons and Growth: Throughout the story, highlight the valuable life lessons that the characters learn from each other. Focus on the positive impact they have on each other's lives, demonstrating how their friendship fosters personal growth, broadens perspectives, and challenges preconceived notions.
Resolution: Conclude the story by reflecting on the characters' transformation and the lasting impact of their friendship. Consider how their newfound understanding and empathy shape their individual paths and influence their futures.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
2) Lost in Time
The writing prompt called "Lost in Time" encourages you to write about time travel and put your main character in a different historical era. You can write about their experiences, how they adapt, and what they discover in this new world. This gives you the opportunity to explore themes like cultural differences, personal development, and the importance of historical context.
To effectively use this teen creative writing prompt, consider the following steps:
Choose an Era: Select a specific era in history that you find intriguing or relevant to your protagonist's journey. It could be ancient civilizations, the Renaissance, a tumultuous period of revolution, or any other significant time period that captivates your imagination.
Introduce the Protagonist: Develop a compelling protagonist with unique qualities and a distinct perspective on the world. Consider their background, personality, and how their current life circumstances might shape their reactions to being transported to a different era.
Establish the Time Travel Mechanism: Determine how your protagonist is transported to a different era. It could be through a magical artifact, a scientific experiment gone awry, or any other plot device that fits the narrative.
Describe the Transition: Vividly depict the moment your protagonist arrives in the new era. Engage the senses to portray their initial shock, confusion, and awe as they take in their surroundings. Highlight the stark differences between their familiar world and the new era, such as clothing, architecture, language, customs, and technology.
Navigating the New World: Explore how your protagonist adapts to the challenges and nuances of the new era. Show their struggles, successes, and interactions with the people they encounter. Emphasize the cultural differences, societal norms, and historical context that shape their experiences.
Discoveries and Insights: Illuminate the discoveries your protagonist makes along the way. This could involve historical events, cultural practices, scientific advancements, or personal realizations.
Conflict and Obstacles: Introduce conflicts or obstacles that arise from the protagonist's presence in the new era. This could include misunderstandings, clashes with societal norms, or attempts to return to their own time.
Personal Growth and Reflection: Reflect on how their experiences in different eras have changed their perspectives, values, and priorities. Consider how they reconcile their newfound knowledge with their own time and whether they choose to stay or return.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Suspension
3) The Mystery Box
The prompt "The Mystery Box" is meant to inspire creative writing by encouraging exploration of the unknown and consequences of curiosity. Through crafting a story about a character who discovers an ownerless, mysterious box, writers can unravel secrets, build suspense, and create unexpected outcomes.
To effectively use this teen creative writing prompt, consider the following steps:
Introduce the Character: Establish your protagonist's background, personality, and circumstances. What drives their curiosity? What motivates them to investigate the mysterious box? Creating a relatable and engaging character will draw readers into their journey.
Setting the Scene: Describe the environment where the box is discovered. Is it in an attic, a hidden room, a park bench, or any other intriguing location? Set the mood and atmosphere to evoke a sense of intrigue and anticipation.
Unveiling the Mystery: Depict the moment when your character stumbles upon the mysterious box. Describe the appearance, size, and unique features that make it stand out.
The Decision to Open: Explore your character's thought process as they debate whether to open the box or leave it untouched. Consider their motivations, fears, and the potential consequences of their decision.
Surprising Consequences: Once the box is opened, reveal the unexpected consequences that follow. These consequences could be anything from a supernatural occurrence to a life-changing revelation or an unforeseen turn of events.
Unraveling the Secrets: Delve into the contents of the box and uncover the mysteries it holds. Connect the contents to your character's past, desires, or aspirations. Consider weaving a backstory that explains the origin and purpose of the box, leaving room for twists and revelations along the way.
Challenges and Obstacles: Introduce obstacles and challenges that your character must overcome as a result of opening the box. These hurdles can test their resilience, character growth, and resourcefulness. Explore how they navigate the consequences and strive to find a resolution.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Explorer (The Mystery Boxes)
4) Dear Future Self
The writing prompt "Dear Future Self" inspires you to reflect on yourself and your thoughts. You can write a letter to your future self to express your goals, dreams, and aspirations. This activity can help you plan the steps to take to achieve your desired future self.
To effectively use this creative writing prompt for teens, consider the following steps:
Set the Time Frame: Determine the period in the future to which you are addressing your letter. It could be a few months, years, or even a decade. This will help provide context for your aspirations and goals.
Introduce Yourself: Begin the letter by addressing your current self and reflecting on your present circumstances. Share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, providing a snapshot of your life at this moment.
Aspirations and Dreams: Detail your aspirations, dreams, and goals in a genuine and heartfelt manner. Be specific about what you want to achieve, whether it's personal growth, career milestones, creative pursuits, or relationships. Consider the impact you want to have on yourself and others.
The Person You Want to Become: Reflect on the kind of person you aspire to be in the future. Consider your values, character traits, and the qualities you want to cultivate. Describe the version of yourself that you envision and the positive impact you hope to make on the world around you.
Steps and Actions: Outline the steps you plan to take to achieve your goals. Break them down into actionable items and describe how you will work toward them. This could involve acquiring new skills, seeking mentorship, pursuing education, or engaging in personal development activities.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Letters to My Future Self
5. Through the Looking Glass
The writing prompt "Through the Looking Glass" asks you to write a story where mirrors act as doors to other universes. Your story can feature obstacles and escapades that your main character encounters while navigating these alternate universes. Additionally, you can use the story to communicate ideas on topics like self-exploration, discovering oneself, and the unfamiliar.
To effectively use this prompt, consider the following steps:
Establish the Protagonist: Introduce your protagonist and provide insights into their personality, motivations, and desires. Consider their initial fascination or skepticism regarding the existence of parallel universes. Create a relatable character who embarks on a thrilling journey.
Mirror as a Portal: Describe the discovery of the mirror that serves as the gateway to parallel universes. Highlight its appearance, the sense of mystery it exudes, and the initial hesitation or curiosity that surrounds it. Engage the senses to capture the moment when the protagonist crosses the threshold.
Exploring Alternate Realities: Detail the protagonist's adventures as they step through the looking glass and explore the parallel universes. Each reality can be distinct, with unique landscapes, cultures, and inhabitants. Paint vivid pictures of these worlds, incorporating both wondrous and treacherous elements.
Parallel Lives and Identities: Explore the concept of parallel lives and identities within the different universes. Allow the protagonist to interact with alternate versions of themselves, showcasing different choices, relationships, or even personalities. Reflect on how these encounters shape the protagonist's understanding of themselves and their place in the multiverse.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Through The Looking Glass
6. A Magical Encounter
The "Magical Encounter" prompt encourages you to write a story about encountering mythical creatures in a hidden realm. Through your character's experience with a magical being, you can explore themes of self-discovery, wonder, and the transformative effect of extraordinary experiences.
To effectively use this prompt, consider the following steps:
Introduce the Character: Establish your protagonist's background, personality, and circumstances. What brings them to the location where the hidden realm is discovered? What personal struggles or desires shape their journey?
Setting the Scene: Describe the environment in which the hidden realm is found. Is it a dense forest, an ancient cave, or an ethereal mist? Create a sense of mystery and anticipation as your character stumbles upon the entrance to this magical realm.
The Discovery: Depict the moment your character steps into the hidden realm and encounters the mythical creatures within. Engage the senses to convey the sights, sounds, and ambiance of this extraordinary place. Allow your character's awe and curiosity to shine through.
Encounter with a Magical Being: Introduce a magical being that captures your character's attention and curiosity. Describe their appearance, powers, and the air of wisdom or enigma that surrounds them. Show how the encounter unfolds and how the magical being interacts with your protagonist.
Impact on the Character: Explore the profound impact the encounter has on your character's life. Reflect on the emotions, insights, and transformative experiences they undergo. Consider the newfound perspectives, beliefs, or abilities they acquire through their interaction with the magical being.
Return to the Ordinary World: Determine the moment when your character must leave the hidden realm and return to their ordinary world. Reflect on how they have changed and the impact the encounter has had on their daily lives. Explore the challenges of integrating their newfound knowledge and experiences into their reality.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Harry Potter and The Sorceror’s Stone
7. Facing Fears
The writing prompt "Facing Fears" deals with the idea of conquering intense phobias. By writing a story about a character who must overcome their fear, you can explore how fear affects their life, their personal development, and the various methods they use to overcome it. Language: English.
To effectively use this prompt, consider the following steps:
Introduce the Character: Establish your protagonist's background, personality, and the phobia they are grappling with. Provide insights into their fears and the ways in which it has shaped their life and relationships. Create a relatable character with whom readers can empathize.
Identify the Phobia: Clearly define the specific phobia your character is facing. It could be a fear of heights, enclosed spaces, spiders, public speaking, or any other deeply ingrained fear. Develop a clear understanding of the phobia and its impact on your character's daily life.
Explore the Origins: Reflect on the origins of the phobia and its underlying causes. Is there a specific event from the character's past that triggered the fear? What memories or traumas are associated with it? Unravel the layers of the character's psyche to reveal the root of their fear.
Fear's Influence: Illustrate how the character's fear influences their thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. Show how it limits their potential, hinders their relationships, or holds them back from achieving their goals. Highlight the extent to which fear has shaped their identity.
Strategies and Coping Mechanisms: Introduce the strategies and coping mechanisms your character employs to confront their fear. These could include therapy, gradual exposure, support systems, visualization techniques, or any other methods that help them manage their fear. Explore their successes, setbacks, and the emotional toll it takes on them.
Conquering the Fear: Describe the pivotal moment when the character faces their deepest phobia head-on. Build suspense and tension as they confront their fear of a significant challenge or event. Show the character's inner turmoil, doubts, and eventual triumph as they conquer their fear.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss
8. The Power of Words
The writing prompt "The Power of Words" deals with the idea of words possessing real-life power. You can create a story set in a world where spoken or written words have a physical manifestation. This can help you investigate the effects, obligations, and potential risks that come with wielding such power.
To effectively use this prompt, consider the following steps:
World-building: Establish the rules and mechanics of the world where words have tangible power. Consider how this power is activated, the limitations or restrictions placed upon it, and the societal structures that have evolved to manage and regulate its use. Create a rich and believable backdrop that allows for the exploration of the consequences and complexities of this power.
Protagonist and Antagonist: Introduce your main characters, including the protagonist who possesses or discovers the ability to wield the power of words and an antagonist who seeks to misuse or exploit this power. Develop their backgrounds, motivations, and conflicting perspectives on the use of this power. This sets the stage for the central conflict of the story.
Manifestation of Words: Illustrate the ways in which words manifest physically in this world. Does writing on a page come to life? Do spoken words transform into tangible objects or have immediate effects? Depict the range of possibilities and the potential impact that words can have on the physical realm.
Consequences and Responsibilities: Explore the consequences, both intended and unintended, of wielding the power of words. Show how the character's actions and choices affect the world and its inhabitants. Delve into the ethical considerations and the responsibilities that come with this power, as characters grapple with the weight of their words.
Manipulation and Control: Examine the darker side of the power of words, as characters attempt to manipulate or control others through the use of persuasive language or by exploiting the physical manifestations of words. Highlight the dangers of unchecked power and the moral dilemmas faced by those who possess this ability.
Resistance and Rebellion: Depict characters who resist or rebel against the misuse of the power of words. They may seek to protect the vulnerable, restore balance, or fight for freedom of expression. Explore the challenges they face, the sacrifices they make, and their pursuit of justice in a world where words have such influence.
Resolution: Conclude the story by addressing the central conflict and its resolution. Reflect on the lessons learned, the characters' personal growth, and the potential future implications of the power of words in this world.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: The Book Thief
9. A New World
The prompt "A New World" gives you the chance to write a story about a society after an apocalypse, where nature has taken over. Through your character's journey of survival, interactions with other survivors, and efforts to create a better future, you can address themes such as resilience, human relationships, and the power of hope.
To effectively use this prompt, consider the following steps:
Establish the Post-Apocalyptic Setting: Set the scene by describing the devastated world in which your character resides. Paint a vivid picture of nature reclaiming the remnants of civilization, whether it's overgrown cities, crumbling structures, or a transformed landscape. Convey a sense of desolation and the aftermath of a cataclysmic event.
Introduce the Protagonist: Develop your main character, someone who embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and determination. Highlight their unique skills, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Consider their motivations and backstory, which could include personal loss or a sense of duty to rebuild a better future.
Quest for Survival: Outline the challenges your character faces in their daily struggle for survival. Explore the scarcity of resources, the dangers posed by the environment, and the need to adapt to the new world. Show how your character employs their skills, intelligence, and instincts to overcome these obstacles.
Encounters with Other Survivors: Introduce other survivors your character encounters on their journey. These can be allies, rivals, or potential threats. Highlight the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and coping mechanisms of these individuals. Explore the dynamics of cooperation, conflict, and the bonds that form in a world where human connection is essential.
Rebuilding a Better Future: Showcase your character's determination to rebuild and create a better world. Illustrate their efforts to restore a sense of community, establish sustainable systems, or preserve knowledge and culture. Emphasize their commitment to learning from past mistakes and envisioning a brighter future for themselves and future generations.
A book to reference for this creative writing prompt: Station Eleven
Conclusion:
These writing prompts are designed for teenagers to help them enhance their writing skills and explore different themes. These prompts aim to encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and creativity while engaging young writers with captivating narratives. By engaging in these prompts, teen writers will embark on exciting journeys that can ignite their passion for storytelling and nurture their unique voice. The prompts will help them develop their skills in creating compelling characters, building immersive worlds, and expressing powerful emotions through their writing.
Dear young writers, please take up your pens or open a blank document. These prompts are meant to inspire you. Use your creativity to explore new territories and unleash the endless possibilities of your imagination. Have a great time writing!