Prompts

Each month, The Quillian will introduce a new writing prompt! Ready to combat writer's block? We'd love for you to share your work with us here! Have fun! 

Here Are Our Prompts for Fall 2024:

Prompt 1.

A robber has just entered your house, and you are gaming in your room. You are alone in the house while hearing footsteps coming upstairs. You drop the controller, turn off the TV, and shut the lights off. He approaches your room cautiously while you hide in your closet. The robber has heard your scuffle and starts looking for you. You try to stay put and as silent as possible, and you hold your breath, praying not to be found. He slowly opens the door to your room and skims past the closet you are hiding in. You freeze, but you can't hold your breath any longer. You exhale, and your hiding spot has been revealed. Write about how you escape the house and how the police find the criminal. 

Prompt 2.

An important radio station is being attacked by terrorists attempting to stop news that is crucial for the community to know from being spread. This news is sponsored by a peace organization that is attempting to get people to support a candidate running for mayor who is promising to reform the economy and government and secure the freedoms of the people. Write a story that explains what occurs in this battle. Which side do you think will win?

Prompt 3.

A group of people are sitting in an airplane that is flying high above an ocean. Suddenly, there is an extreme amount of turbulence, and the plane is now plummeting down towards the sea. Create a story that tells what will happen to the plane’s passengers and pilots.

Prompt 4.

Think of your favorite book character, be it in a fictional or non-fictional book. Then, imagine this character knows who you are and is in a situation where he or she desperately needs assistance. What is this situation, and how will you respond to the character?

 Prompt 5.

 A kid is on his bus on the way back from school, and then the bus driver has a problem (your choice) and the bus goes off track into the woods. There is a car chasing behind the bus. Write a story about what happens next and include why the car behind the bus is following them.

Prompt 6.

A kid is running a race (your choice) to win something (your choice) really important to him, and he gets a bad start and is really behind. Write a story of how he catches up and what luck and obstacles he faces.

Prompt 7.

You are walking down the street to the grocery store with your friend. Suddenly, a car skids down the street and stops in front of you and your friend. A tall man and a muscular woman get out, both wearing hoods, and skeleton earrings, and having mobster paintings on their arms. They are smiling evilly and cracking their knuckles. Your friend is clinging to your shoulder in fright. Predict what happens next, and write a story about your situation.

Prompt 8.

Somebody wakes up in a white world, with no memory. He wears the same color shirt and pants, along with 15 other people all with other individual colors. All people each have their powers, and there is an organization that is forcing them to fight, with a boss that has a stronger power. Write a story of how the person overcomes the organization with some of the other contestants, and how they get their memory back and escape this white dimension.

Prompt 9.

Your classmate threatens you for finding out their secret. They say they will attempt to spread fake rumors about you. You are conflicted and unsure of what to do. They knock you out as you try to make your way to the principal’s office. Everything turns black. What happens next?

Prompt 10.

The sky was ink black, and the wind was deadly cold. You were sitting on your bed, about to go to sleep when suddenly, you heard a crash from the living room. You hear a bunch of commotion downstairs. Startled, you grab your phone and call the police as silently as you can. However, someone barges into your room. You reduce the volume and become dead silent.