162 Creative Writing Topics (Updated!)

In August of 2022, this blog post went from 61 creative writing topics to a newly revised list of 162 creative writing topics.

Oh yeah! Plus… there is also a new listing of creative writing topics resources by grade level for you as well. Whoohooo.

Yes! Take a look now.

Table of Contents

List #1 — 61 Creative Writing Topics Fun and Fabulous Prompts
#2 — 61 of the Best Creative Writing Prompts for Young Writers
#3 — 40 Story Starter Creative Writing Topics for Students
#4 — Creative Writing Topics by Grade Level (Don't Miss These!)
Choosing the Best Creative Writing Topics for Your Students
Even More Great Advice on Using Creative Writing Topics with Students
Closing Thoughts

Here you’ll find three… yes, there are now three wonderful lists for you of Creative Writing Topics, Ideas, and Prompts for Writers.

Our lists of creative writing topics and journal writing prompts below are great resources for busting writer’s block. Enjoy.

List #1 — 61 Creative Writing Topics
Fun and Fabulous Prompts

What will the world be like in 50 years?
If you could be any superhero, who would you like to be?
Describe your best friend using only the letters in his or her name.
What does it mean to be part of a community?
Do you prefer sitting in the front or the back of the classroom?
What is your favorite emotion?
What does it mean to be creative?
What is your favorite kind of art?
If you had to eat one type of food forever, what would you choose?
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Would you rather watch a sunrise or a sunset?
Have you ever watched TV online? How is it different from watching on a traditional TV?
Write a story about a kid who lives in a land made of ice cream.
If bears could dance, what kinds of dances would they do?
Do you enjoy musicals? Why or why not?
Write a poem about the way you feel when you journal.
When did you first learn to ride a bike?
If you were a popsicle, what flavor would you be?
What is the craziest game you’ve ever played?
Do you believe that aliens exist? If so, what are they like?
Do you think people will ever be able to live on another planet?
What part would you play in the circus?
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Write about one of your future goals. How will you achieve it?
Why do parents dress little girls in pink and boys in blue?
Do you like babysitting the younger kids in your family?
What relaxes you more than anything else?
Where do you go when you need to concentrate on your homework?
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
Write an alternate ending to your favorite book.
What is your favorite thing about living in [hometown]?
Why does the government provide public education?
Are you close with any of your neighbors?
Write about a symbol that represents your family.
Do you like your first name? Does it fit your personality?
Make a list of all the things you’ve accomplished this week. How do you feel?
What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
How do you feel about the Twilight books and movies? Why?
What is your favorite thing to shop for?
Have you ever gone to a concert? What bands did you see?
What is the best sound in the world?
What is the best sight in the world?
What is the best smell in the world?
What is the best taste in the world?
What is the best feeling in the world?
Write an apology to a classmate that you should have been nicer to.
Do you listen to the radio?
Write about something you’re looking forward to.
If you were a Disney princess, who would you be?
Think about some privileges you have that others don’t. How do you feel?
What is your favorite treat at the movies?
Does your family ever go to the library? What do you like to get there?
What jobs do you consider to be the most important? Would you ever want to have one?
What is the best way to make someone feel loved?
Why is it important to learn about so many subjects at school?
Write a poem about something you’re good at.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If you were a bird, what kind of bird would you be? A large eagle? A tiny bluebird?
Write an alternate ending to your favorite movie.
What is your favorite thing to do on the playground?
Have you ever triumphed over something you initially struggled with? How did you feel?

I hope you enjoyed this listing of 61 fabulous creative writing topics and ideas.

Creative writing is an empowering activity that teaches kids how to use their imaginations. And, more importantly, it helps them to internalize the fact that their thoughts are worth sharing.

Ok…

Now, you can help fuel your student’s curiosity with this next list of awesome creative writing topics and ideas for writers.

#2 — 61 of the Best Creative Writing Prompts for Young Writers

The best Creative Writing Topics and Prompts can help writers discover their own writing style and learn to love the writing process. Now, you can use our wonderful list of the best creative writing prompts to inspire the kids you teach. Take a look!

Creative Writing Ideas for Young Writers

Yes, it’s true. Kids of all ages find creative writing to be an enjoyable activity, largely because they have the freedom to explore their own thoughts and share their ideas.

However, some kids need a bit of assistance when it comes to getting started, which is why it’s beneficial to have the best creative writing prompts on hand. And now, we have even more! This is why I’ve compiled for you 61 more of the best creative writing topics for kids.

Describe yourself without using any physical descriptions.
Write a story about your future self getting your dream job.
If you held a world record, what would it be in?
Write a poem that doesn’t rhyme about your family.
What are four things that no one knows about you?
Would you ever want to travel back in time? Where would you go?
Have you ever overcome a fear?
What is your biggest fear?
Write about a silly dream you once had.
Imagine living life in the jungle. What would you do?
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book?
Do you have any pet peeves?
Would you rather go fishing or skiing?
Do you like big parties or small groups?
What is your favorite mood?
What is your favorite kind of video game?
Write a poem about yourself.
How did you feel when you mastered cursive handwriting?
How do you feel when you are by yourself?
If you were a famous chef, what would you cook?
How is the world different than it was 20 years ago?
What is the best time of day to read a book?
If you met an alien, what would you want to ask him or her?
Write about something that you know is true.
What is your favorite drink?
What do you see when you look at your house?
If you could visit the set of any TV show, which would you go to see?
Write about the way it feels to share.
Write a fable about a very tall girl.
What do you think about more than anything else?
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Have you ever seen a live performance of a play? Did you enjoy it?
Who are you closer to than anyone else?
If you were a professional athlete, what sport would you play?
What is the best thing that’s happened this week?
What is the craziest idea you’ve ever had?
Have you ever persuaded someone to do the right thing? What did you say to him or her?
Do you think horoscopes and zodiac signs are fake or do they have some truth?
Do you think your zodiac sign represents you?
What is your favorite song?
If you were a household appliance, what would you be? A vacuum? Microwave? Blender?
What is your favorite road trip game?
If it rained food, what would you want the forecast to look like?
Write a poem about school.
Do you prefer popsicles or ice cream cones?
Would you ever change your name?
Write a story about someone who tells bad jokes.
If you could read minds, whose mind would you read?
Write a story in which you are a mini marshmallow in a cup of hot chocolate.
What is the best kind of breakfast food?
Write about your favorite sports team.
Which Harry Potter house would you be in—Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin?
If you were a Harry Potter character, who would you be?
What would you do if you lived on a farm?
Have you ever done something that you regretted later?
Write about a person you respect.
What is something you’d like to learn more about?
Are you especially close with anyone in your family?
Think of a book that you didn’t like very much. How would you have made it better?
How do you stay warm during the winter?
What is your favorite thing on the Internet?

#3 — 40 Story Starter Creative Writing Topics for Students

Students who practice daily creative writing enjoy a number of educational and emotional benefits. With increased creativity and improved critical thinking skills, kids who journal and write regularly are equipped to tackle greater challenges both in and out of the classroom.

Have you ever volunteered? If so, what did you do?
If you could be an animal, which would you be, and why?
Write a detailed excuse of why you missed school.
Write about the most recent dream you had.
Describe a time when you were very brave.
Would you enjoy visiting the moon? Why or why not?
Describe your favorite movie, television, or book character.
What would life be like if you were 20 feet tall?
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
What would you do if you were invisible?
If you invented a video game, what type of game would you create? Why?
If you had $1,000 and had to give it away, who would you give the money to?
How do you feel when you get into an argument with your friend?
Who is your hero? Why?
What are you afraid of?
Describe your best friend. What are they like and why are they your best friend?
What would your perfect job be?
What three items would you take on a camping trip? Why?
What is your favorite season? Why?
What was the best present you’ve ever received? Why was it so special?
Write a story about a day when everything went wrong.
You answer a knock at the door and there’s an alien there. What does it look like and what do you do?
What would happen if your dog started talking? Write a story about it.
Imagine a dinosaur was at your school. What would you do?
Write a story about an adventure on a pirate ship.
If you could have any animal for a pet, what animal would you choose? Why?
Describe some different ways you could make money at your age.
Write a short story about the oldest person you know.
Would a monkey be a great pet? Describe why or why not.
Come up with a new food and describe it.
What is your greatest accomplishment? Why?
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? Why would you change it?
What would you like to be famous for?
Write about one of the most important lessons you learned.
Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish? Why?
If you could meet anyone from the past, who would it be?
If you were rich, would you change as a person?
Should you have to take tests in school? Explain why or why not.
Describe the most irritating commercial on TV. Why don’t you like it?
Should you have to do homework? Why or why not?

Oh yeah, that was another fantastic list of Creative Writing Topics.

Now, let’s explore…

Creative Writing Tips and Starters for Students

#4 — Creative Writing Topics by Grade Level (Don’t Miss These!)

For the younger students:

And for those in fourth grade, middle school, and high school, check these out:

And, for good measure see this:

List of 40 Creative Writing Topics for Adults

Now, let’s explore…

Choosing the Best Creative Writing Topics for Your Students

In order for students to truly reap the benefits of regular journaling, teachers must choose great writing prompts and topics to keep their class busy. We suggest you choose a mix of writing starters that ask students to describe, explain, or reflect depending on the day. Prompts that ask students to write fictional stories will have them thinking differently than prompts that ask them to analyze experiences from their past and to write about themselves.

By having your students complete all of these types of writing and reflecting throughout the school year, you can help them become more well-rounded writers and more creative thinkers.

Even More Great Advice on Using Creative Writing Topics with Students

Before we get to the four tips on how to choose the best creative writing topics for kids, take a look at the above lists of creative writing topics and ideas.

Then, use these four simple tips outlined below to choose the very best creative writing starters for your students. There are thousands upon thousands of free writing prompts on our site and we are certain you can find the right ones to inspire your students!

4 Ways to Choose the Best Creative Writing Topics and Starters for Kids

1. Prompts Should Be Interesting, Thought-Provoking, or Engaging

If you’ve ever spent any time looking for creative writing starters, you’ve probably seen a lot of mundane questions and prompts. There’s a time and place for generic writing starters and icebreaker-type questions, but your classroom isn’t it!

Instead, look for writing prompts that will be interesting and engaging to your students—or that will push them to think about an issue that they may not have considered before. A great creative writing starter will catch a student’s attention and hold it as he or she puts the pen to the page.

2. Look for a Variety of Different Topics

It’s also important to choose writing starters on a variety of topics. Most students will respond better to daily creative writing when they are asked a unique question every day.

Look for writing prompts that offer a mix of topics and that ask your students to practice different types of writing. They’ll be more invested in their work and more likely to want to keep writing when they get to switch back and forth frequently between questions that ask their opinions, prompts that require them to reflect on their experiences, and writing starters that have them working in a particular genre.

3. Always Choose Questions That Dig Deeper

One often overlooked but incredibly essential aspect of a good creative writing starter is that is should dig deeper than a preliminary surface answer. Too many writing prompts can simply be answered with a simple “Yes,” “No,” or other one-word answer.

When you’re evaluating creative writing prompts, try to imagine some of the potential answers that your students may give. If the prompt can be answered too quickly or too easily, keep looking until you find something that goes deeper and requires students to explain the “why” behind what they think or to get more detailed with their writing.

4. Find Prompts That Promote Different Types of Writing Skills

Finally, it’s also a great idea to look for creative writing starters that promote various types of writing skills. Many students quickly grow accustomed to general journal writing and they may begin to develop a formulaic approach to their work. You can avoid this by looking for prompts that have them writing in a number of genres and answering different types of questions.

Oh, and here is a popular listing of 55 Creative Writing Story Starters for kids. If those do not suit your students, keep on looking until you find the prompts that do! With so many starters to choose from, your students are sure to find at least a few prompts that will get their creative writing juices flowing.

EVEN More Creative Writing Topics for You

We hope you enjoyed our listings of creative writing topics and prompts. Now…

Here are the links to more creative writing prompts for kids and a few other wonderful resources, too!

Whether you’re writing poetry or looking for romance writing prompts, we have resources that you can access here at any time of the day!

Writing Ideas for a Journal Entry, for Short Stories, or for Any Subject

You can encourage your students to keep a journal in just about any subject or class.

For example…

Your math students can keep a journal in which they write their own creative story problems. In science class, your students can keep a nature journal in which they describe what they find outside — and then use those elements in a creative writing piece.

Truly, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creative writing in the classroom.

Of course…

Writing Beyond the Classroom

Creative writing does not have to be limited to classroom space.

These creative writing topics and prompts can be sent home with your students to use on the weekend in their personal journals or to practice their writing throughout the summer months.

They may be used to help kids generate story ideas they can write about or just to get their writing creative juices flowing.

With journal prompts to cover topics ranging from how climate change affected the dinosaurs or what they’d bring to a desert island to what their favorite food is and whether or not they’d share it with their best friend, you’ll find inspiration that will make putting pen to paper a regular habit.

Regardless of a child’s age or writing ability, they should be practicing their writing on a regular basis. Children should understand that writing is a skill that is nurtured over time and that is never truly perfect.

Help Students Find Inspiration in this Writing Genre

When budding writers feel empowered to write about the things that matter to them and about the topics that capture their attention, they are far more willing to stick with writing and to see the benefits of this incredibly important practice.

Which is why…

You are invited to check out our list of 40 Creative Writing Ideas for All Ages. You can find even more creative writing resources —> here.

Yay! You see, on my blog, I offer you thousands of free prompts and ideas so there’s truly something here for every writer. For now, however, let’s get to yet another list of creative writing prompts. This one is especially for young writers.

Closing Thoughts

With creative writing topics and prompt lists to cover topics ranging from their favorite hobby or their dream job to the best field trip they ever went on or how high school students are influenced by social media, you’ll find a variety of resources to beat writer’s block here on Journalbuddies.com.

Whether your students — from elementary school to middle school, or high school to All ages — are writing essays, poetry, or short stories, we have a ton of ideas to get their creative juices pumping!

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed these Creative Writing Topics, Ideas, Creative Writing Starters for Students,
please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Jill
journalbuddies.com
creator and curator