Writing Ideas | 47 Poetry and Story Topics

As the first post to this blog, I have decided to provide you all with ideas for your latest writing passions. Please let me know what you think of these and if you would like me to post something else that can help you!

Here are 30 writing themes/topics of different types to help you get started!

Section 1: Your experiences - 15 Poem and Story Prompts with Starter Questions

1. Write about an object in your room that is special to you. Describe what it looks/feels/smells. Where did it come from? What is special about it?

2. Write about a sunset/sunrise that you have experienced. (Or make it up!) What were the colors of the sunset? Did you see clouds?

3. Write about applying makeup. What products did you use? Were you satisfied with your final look? Did you feel like a new person, prettier, etc.

4. Write about a time when you were indulged in a book. What book was it? Include small details, such as what you felt when you flipped a page, or the texture of the book cover. What was the genre of your book?

5. Write about a time you were outside. What was the temperature/weather like? What were you doing? Biking, running, walking, etc. How did you feel?

6. Write about feeling hot on a summer day/cold on a winter day. What were you wearing? Use adjectives and metaphors to describe what you felt.

7. Describe your experience waking up to a loud alarm. What time did it go off? What sound did it make? Write specifically about how you felt and how much time it took for you to get out of bed.

8. Write about moving homes. How did you feel the first day in your new house? What were your feelings about moving? Excited, unhappy, numb, etc. Describe the differences between the two houses.

9. Write about a memorable time you travelled in an airplane. Where were you going? How far back was your seat? Were you travelling with anyone else? How was your overall travel experience?

10. Write about an object you have had ever since you were born. Is it special to you? Where do you keep it? Describe the object with your 5 senses.

11. Write about someone who is special to you. How did they impact you? Why were they special?

12. Write about your biggest achievement. What was it and how did it change your life?

13. Write about a time you went on an adventure? Where did you go and what did you do? Did you go with anyone?

14. Write about baking or cooking with/for someone. What did you make and who was it?

15. Write about your quarantine life during the pandemic. What did you do to pass the time? Who did you spend it with? Did you learn something new?

Section 2: Your writing piece should include... - 21 Prompts to Get the Creative Juices Flowing

1. An evergreen tree, a young boy, a lemon

2. A gold necklace, a window, a dog

3. A haircut, a ceiling fan, a mailbox

4. A train, a sunrise, a backpack

5. A blanket, broken glass, a staircase

6. An email from an unknown person, a door stopper, fruit punch

7. Northern lights, an expensive painting, a know-it-all character

8. A science lab, a pillow, a fake ring

9. An animator, grass, a rainbow

10. A computer, a rickety drawer, a rat

11. A chair, a shoe, a camera

12. A mountain, soda, a marker

13. A scrunchie, a bowl, a pencil

14. Cotton, glitter, a key

15. A puzzle piece, Legos, a curtain

16. A journal, lotion, a fake plant

17. A toy car, sunglasses, a sweater

18. A pillow, scissors, a fork

19. Pizza, a flower, hair

20. Nail polish, a pencil sharpener, a bossy sister

21. A thief, a movie ticket, an ice cube

Section 3: Story Starters - 11 Prompts to Start or Develop Your Story

1. "Don't tell me you lost it."

2. What is the difference between alone and lonely? I know.

3. "What's in your hand?"

4. Well, this wasn't the best way to start a normal Tuesday.

5. "What did you do this time?" The principal rapped his knuckles on the smooth office desk.

6. "Don't just stand there! Run!"

7. I don't know who I am.

8. "Well, would you take a look at that?" The man adjusted his sunglasses at the edge of his nose.

9. The snow blanketed the city, like a blank canvas, waiting to be painted.

10. Mom dangled the keys in front of us. "No way, that can't be ours," I muttered.

11. It fell of the chair, making a loud noise as it hit the ground. I jumped, frightened at the sound. As I looked at what had fallen, my eyes widened in horror. What had I done?

Please provide feedback in the comments and let me know some ideas for my next post. Lastly, I will be doing Student Writing Features every Sunday. If you would like me to feature your story, please fill out the form on the home page of this website. Thank you for reading my first post!