33 Wonderful Writing Prompts for Beginners Writing Prompts for Beginners (2024)

Writing prompts are perhaps the most valuable tool in any writer’s arsenal—and that is doubly true for beginning writers who are just starting out. Now, get to it and take a look and enjoy our wonderful writing prompts for beginners list shown below. You’ll be glad you did!

Why Use Our Writing Prompts for Beginners?

Every writer struggles with writer’s block from time to time. I mean, it can be a challenge to pull words seemingly from thin air. However, writing prompts can help break the loop of feeling like you have nothing to say.

You see…

Many new writers tend to have preconceived ideas about what writing is “supposed” to be—but prompts can show them that journaling is actually totally flexible and freeing.

And…

A prompt gives the writer a direction to go in and allows you room to experiment and see where your pen takes you.

Writing prompts are especially helpful to beginning writers because they show students what is possible through journaling.

4 Tips to Help Beginners Get Started with Writing & Journal Prompts

Here are a few tips to help your beginning writers get started with writing prompts:

1. Answer a daily writing prompt. Regular, consistent journaling is key to developing good writing habits. Create a routine of having your students use a new writing prompt each day.

2. Write for a set period of time. We recommend having a regular time to journal each day, as well as a minimum writing time of 10-20 minutes (depending on the age and experience level of your students).

3. Be fun and flexible with your journal. Encourage students to treat their journals artistically! Students should feel free to show their creativity by decorating the covers of their journals, doodling in the margins, or pasting in photos or magazine clippings.

4. Try different types of writing prompts. Every writer responds differently to different types of writing prompts, so be sure to try a variety of styles with your students. Some kids will prefer writing short stories, while others will enjoy personal, self-reflective writing.

Ok… without further ado. Check out the 33 brand-new writing prompts for beginners below to get your students journaling!

33 Writing Prompts for Beginners

1. What is something that you wish people understood better about you? Explain how this makes you feel.
2. What is the happiest moment you’ve ever experienced?
3. Write a short 100-word biography of yourself. Be as specific as possible.
4. Imagine that you are asked to give a speech with a list of “rules for life.” What rules would you include? List three to five rules and explain why you believe they matter.
5. How frequently do you use social media? How does it influence your perspective on the world?
6. Are you excited to grow up and become an adult, or would you rather stay the age you are now? Why?
7. What is the craziest thing you think you might see someday in the future? How old do you think you’ll be when it happens?
8. What is the most important lesson you’ve ever learned from a friend or classmate? How did it impact you?
9. Write a “recipe for happiness.” Be sure to include an ingredient list, measurements, and instructions!
10. What is your favorite way to spend a rainy Saturday?
11. Write a poem about the passage of time. Include a line that describes each year of school you have completed.
12. Write about something you think is highly underrated.
13. Write about something you think is highly overrated.
14. What current event is most interesting or engaging to you? Explain why it has captured your attention.
15. Describe what standing in the grass with bare feet feels like as though you were explaining it to someone who had never experienced it before.
16. Do you believe honesty or kindness is more important? Are they the same thing or different? Why?
    
17. What is your favorite word? Try not to think too hard about your answer and go with your gut! Then explain why it appeals to you.
18. What would you do if you had the ability to communicate with animals?
19. Write a short story about a teenager who wakes up on their 16th birthday to a magical surprise.
20. What are you most looking forward to right now?
21. Do you feel like the adults in your life understand the issues you face? Why or why not?
22. If you had to describe your family in just three words, what would they be? Explain why you chose each word.
23. Write a short story about the most vivid dream you have ever had.
24. What are you thankful for? Write about one specific thing you are grateful for or make a long list of all the things you appreciate!
25. Write a poem based on your favorite movie.
26. If you could ensure that you would remember every detail of one memory forever, what would it be? Why?
27. If you could forget one memory forever, what would it be? Why?
28. Imagine that you and several classmates get trapped in the school overnight. Do you try to escape or take the opportunity to cause a little mayhem?
29. Write a letter to your future 45-year-old self.
30. What is the first thing you notice when you meet a new person? What do you think people notice first about you?
31. Write a short story about an eerie portal to another world.
32. Do you believe that nature or nurture has more of an impact on a person’s development? Why?
33. Make a list of things that would be on your “bucket list.” Then choose one and explain why you chose it.

We hope your beginning writers have found inspiration in this list of writing prompts for beginners that can be used as creative writing prompts, journal entries, story starters, or even the start to a novel! Regular writing exercises will always result in increased writing skills.

More Resources for Beginners

• How To Journaling Guide for Beginners
• Journal Writing Examples + 10 Bonus Prompts
• Writing Skills: Advice for Writers
• 50 Easy Journal Prompts that Make Journaling a Breeze

Until next time, happy writing…

If you enjoyed these Writing Prompts for Beginners,
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I appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Jill
journalbuddies.com
creator and curator

PS – take a look at these Kid-Friendly Writing Warm-Ups!