Many of Ness Labs’ readers want to write more. Oftentimes, people write back saying they would love to build a writing habit, but they don’t know what to write about. Writing prompts may sound cheesy but they’re actually a great way to get started. Here is a living repository of writing prompts you can use anytime you need some inspiration for your next article.
These writing prompts span topics such as creativity, productivity, science, and the human mind. Have fun!
- What are the most beautiful words in your native language?
- How do you document your life?
- What does it mean to be conscious?
- What is it like to be a bat?
- Why do we crave to create?
- Do we still need libraries?
- Should we trust “History”?
- What do you think about homeschooling?
- What is your earliest memory?
- Do we live in a simulation?
- Does the Internet make us smarter?
- How did the Internet impact our creativity?
- How did the Internet impact our self-esteem?
- How has social media impacted your life?
- Does being successful mean being happy?
- What books should everyone read?
- What movies or documentaries should everyone watch?
- How should the education system work?
- What’s the link between dreams and memories?
- How to find meaning outside of religion?
- Should extinct animals be resurrected?
- Do people need role models?
- Do people need a best friend?
- Should we be anonymous on the Internet?
- Is it possible to truly “be yourself”?
- How can we reduce our impact on the environment?
- Is modesty a weakness?
- Is novelty-seeking bad?
- What would you do if you won the lottery?
- Would you like to be immortal?
- “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”—what do you think?
- Do leaders need to be extroverts?
- Should everyone have hobbies?
- What are some of the best ways to relieve stress?
- What’s the impact of sleep on our creative/cognitive performance?
- Are we ever ready to become parents?
- What would you create if you didn’t have to worry about money?
- Best books: read them once or twice?
- What are the best ways to acquire a new skill?
- What does it mean to get out of one’s comfort zone?
- Should people go to college?
- Should zoos be legal?
- Can creativity be taught?
- “When an old person dies, a library burns to the ground”—what do you think?
- What are the characteristics of a good relationship?
- Can trust be regained?
- What does “justice” mean?
- Are memes dangerous?
- Does everything happen for a reason?
- What are the pros and cons of being famous?
- What does it mean to reinvent oneself?
- Money: should we save or should we spend?
- How much does where you live define who you are?
- Is it possible to overcome your fears?
- Is fashion superficial or meaningful?
- What’s one piece of advice every child should hear?
- What piece of advice would you give to your parents before they have you?
- Why do we oscillate between motivation and procrastination?
- What skills should we teach in school?
- Is minimalism a fad?
- How can you identify your cognitive biases?
- Should we celebrate birthdays?
- What is your favourite place on earth?
- What does it mean to be a self learner?
- What do you want your eulogy to say?
- Have you ever felt lonely?
- Is it possible to fall in love with a complete stranger?
- What do you think about body modifications, such as tattoos and piercings?
- Can science fiction predict the future?
- Is science broken?
- Should everyone experience living in another country?
- What’s one skill everyone should have?
- Are some companies too powerful?
- Should we live on Mars?
- Should we upload our minds to the cloud?
Writing has a compounding effect. It’s a superpower you need to exercise with consistency. Don’t let a lack of inspiration stopping you from making it a habit. Please let me know if you answer any of these writing prompts. I would love to read your essays.
And if 75 writing prompts are not quite enough, you can explore the New York Time’s massive list of over 1,000 writing prompts on diverse topics such as gaming, relationships, arts, and history.