Fresh, New Topics to Write About

Topics to Write About for Writers Ages 8-80 — Whether you’re eight years old or 80 years old, there’s always something you can learn about yourself and the world around you when you take a few minutes to write and reflect. To help you get started, we’ve put together 33 new topics to write about that are suitable for writers of all ages.

Answers will vary dramatically based on the author’s age—but it’s the way that our perception is shaped by experience and time that truly makes these prompts so special. A simple question like “What was the best decision you ever made?” takes on an entirely different shape at 60 than it does at 16.

We encourage you to write and reflect on these topics in a special journal or through a digital format so that you can then revisit them again at a later date. Reread your answers and take some time to think about how things have changed. Or, for an instant perspective shift, try answering the question now—and then write about the answer you might have given 5, 10, or 20 years ago. How did things change? And how did they stay the same?

Whether you’re looking for a little fresh inspiration for your journal or trying to find some new insights into your life, we know you’ll love these topics to write about!

33 Fresh New Journal Prompts for Writers Ages 8-80

What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever seen?
Write about a song that always reminds you of a special memory.
If you had to eat one food for dinner every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?
What would you do if you knew there would be no consequences?
Write about a person in your life who has proven that you can always count on him or her.
What has been your favorite age so far? Why?
Where do you like to go when you need some peace and quiet?
What is the happiest sound in the world?
What is something that you will never understand?
Do you believe miracles can happen? Why or why not?
Would you like to have a surprise party thrown for you? Why or why not?
If someone could tell you the exact date of your death, would you want to know it? Why or why not?
Write about somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit.
What types of dreams do you typically have? Do you think they mean anything? Why or why not?
When is your birthday? Do you like having your special day fall during that month? Why or why not?
Would you ever want to try skydiving? Why or why not?
Write about something interesting that you learned recently.
What was the best decision you ever made? How did it impact your life?
What would you say if you had the chance to ask your great-great-great-great-grandmother a question?
Write a poem about your favorite thing that can be found in nature.
What is your worst habit? Where did you pick it up? Is it something you want to change about yourself?
Write about a time when you were truly speechless.
Spend five minutes looking in a mirror. What do you notice about yourself that you don’t normally pay attention to?
What is the first thing you would do if you found out you had a long-lost twin?
Write about a time when you did something that made another person’s day.
What is your favorite game? What do you enjoy most about it?
What would you do if you could be invisible for a day?
Have you ever done something that you immediately regretted? Describe your experience.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Did you take it?
If you could change one thing that happened to you in the past, what would it be? Why?
What historical event would you most like to witness? Why?
What is your greatest fear? How do you cope with it?
Write about a time when you did something you shouldn’t have—because you knew it would be worth it.