All writers get stuck behind the proverbial wall called “writer’s block.” Sometimes, we just don’t know what to write! But, the key to breaking down that wall isn’t to find the perfect thing to write about; it’s just a matter of getting words on the page. And these free journal prompts are a fantastic way to get started.
The next time you feel like you just don’t know what to say, choose a prompt and get to work! Forget about grammar, punctuation, and structure. Just write what you know and write what you feel. That wall is sure to come crumbling down.
Free Journal Prompts
Grab your favorite journal or notebook and get to work!
Letters
- Write a letter to yourself either 10 years in the past or 20 years in the future. What do you want that “other” you to know?
- Make a list of your favorite books. Then, dig deeper. What was it about the story/character/theme that really spoke to you? Write a letter to the author to explain the impact they had on you.
- Write a letter to someone you’ve wronged in the past. Tell them what happened and why it’s taken you so long to apologize.
- Write a letter to someone who has wronged you. Allow your true feelings to hit the page. Then, throw it in the trash as a way to put it all behind you.
Places
- Write about a place you would absolutely hate to take a vacation.
- If you could live in any city/country in the world, where would you choose? Then, paint a picture with words to show yourself actually living there.
Your Fears & Dreams
- Tell about something you are absolutely terrified of. Then, write about the same topic again and make it something beautiful.
- Tell about a time when you did something you thought you’d never be able to do.
- List 5 long-term goals you’d like to achieve in your life. Then, choose one and write out the steps you can take to make that goal happen.
- What is something you’d do if money and risk weren’t a factor?
- If you could jump forward in time, what would you want to make sure would absolutely happen in your life or someone else’s?
Get Creative
- Do a search for your favorite color, and click on the “images” tab. Choose one image, and use it as a prompt for a poem.
- Get on your favorite music app and hit shuffle. No matter what the lyrics are, write the background story of a person you’d imagine would say those things.
- Look back through your photos on social media. Choose one, and write a fictional story about what’s happening in that moment.
- Head to your local used bookstore, and find the crafting or art section. Cut out any images that spark your interest, and write a short story based on what you see.
- Imagine that your favorite TV/movie/book character appeared at your door. Write down the conversation you think you’d have. Then, rewrite the interaction with them being a fan of you.
- Write a poem about your favorite piece of clothing. However, you can only talk about it using textures, scents, and emotions.
- Take a look around your room and choose an item. Then, describe yourself from that item’s perspective.
- Tell about a time when you had some of the best fun of your life. Then, rewrite the story from a different perspective, and turn that moment into a horror story.
What do you think?
- Do you think soul mates are real? Why or why not?
- If you had to live the rest of your life in only one season of the year, what would it be and why?
- Think about your everyday life. What emotion colors most of your days?
Your Relationships
- What are three things people do that irritate you? Also, why does it bother you so much?
- What is one quality you absolutely want your friends to have? Also, why is that quality important?
- Are you able to forgive others easily? Why or why not? Then, write about a time when you wished someone would forgive you. What stood in the way of that forgiveness?
- Which parent were you closest to as a child? Is that relationship still there? Or, have you become distant?
Get to know yourself
- Imagine that your house catches on fire, and you only have a few minutes to grab a few key things. Your family and pets are all safe, so anything you grab will be a belonging. What do you grab? Why do you choose that over everything?
- Describe one of the saddest memories you have. Then, rewrite it with a tinge of happiness. What good came from that moment?
- Describe anger without naming the emotion. However, you can only use textures, colors, and sounds.
- Talk about your favorite holiday. Then, explain one year when that holiday was ruined by something unexpected.
Start Writing!
Use these free journal prompts to kickstart your writing. Whether you write a paragraph or a page — or fill pages upon pages with your writing — the words will start to flow easier the more you practice. And when you’re ready, book a coaching call with one of our qualified writing coaches for feedback and tips on how to improve your writing.
