Creative writing has never been more important.

What is creativity?

The ability to see something ordinary as more than that.

We can all learn to see this way — to imagine beyond the ordinary. But for many, it doesn’t come naturally and perhaps it’s even a muscle you’ve never flexed. Therefore, I’ve put together this collection of creative writing prompts to help you learn to think creatively as you write more frequently. Each prompt uses an ordinary item as a fun starting point.

Besides aiding in creativity, these free prompts are also designed to inspire students and professionals to become better writers by writing more often. Because it’s always easier to write when we’re inspired.

Never go lacking for creative inspiration again!

-Derek

P.S. Did you write something based on a prompt? Feel free to share it! Comments are open, as well as my inbox: derek@plain.run

Window blinds, custom-made

Window blinds, custom-made

An exercise in adding to the story

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Beauty in brevity

Beauty in brevity

An exercise in describing a setting

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Long sleeve, bamboo

Long sleeve, bamboo

A one-sentence exercise in positioning

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Two men, on a fence

Two men, on a fence

An exercise in writing the unexpected

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Smoothie, in a bag (and a box)

Smoothie, in a bag (and a box)

An exercise in writing creative product descriptions

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Bar of soap, goat milk

Bar of soap, goat milk

An exercise in writing seven words or less

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Stroller handle, multi-use

Stroller handle, multi-use

An exercise in writing product descriptions

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comment

Fruit, chocolate-dipped

Fruit, chocolate-dipped

An exercise in writing positioning statements

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Memory book, handmade

Memory book, handmade

An exercise in sharing our feelings

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023Comment

Wool sweaters, Tibetan Yak

Wool sweaters, Tibetan Yak

An exercise in storytelling

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Vintage writer's bag, leather

Vintage writer's bag, leather

An exercise in writing product descriptions

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Skylights, tubular

Skylights, tubular

An exercise in writing very short headlines

Derek GilletteMarch 16, 2023 Comments

Coffee, steeped

Coffee, steeped

An exercise in writing personas

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

The lists we make

The lists we make

An ordinary bowl, possibly a centerpiece

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

The dress

The dress

An ordinary decorative tray

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

Build or smash

Build or smash

Ordinary wood blocks and playdough toys

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

She was thirsty

She was thirsty

An ordinary glass pitcher

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

Advance headlong

Advance headlong

Three ordinary kid bike helmets

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

Proper tea

Proper tea

An ordinary tea set in a wicker basket

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comments

Into eternity

Into eternity

An ordinary wall clock

Derek GilletteMarch 15, 2023 Comment