26+ ‘What Is It’ Writing Prompts
-
The Unexpressed Gift
Envision a gift that you would like to give your unrequited love. What is it? Describe it in detail.
-
Lonely Planet Explorer
You discover a previously unknown island. What is it like and what kinds of plants, animals, and people do you encounter?
-
Living in Shadow
Explore the superhero’s struggle with their secret identity feeling overshadowed by their fame as a superhero.
-
The Enchanted Metamorphosis
Write about a character who acquires the ability to transform into an object or animal at will.
-
Designing The Armor
Design your superhero’s costume with utmost detail. What does it look like, what is it made of, and what are its unique properties?
-
Hashtag Heroism
A new hashtag related to your superhero’s deeds is trending. What is it about and how does it affect the city’s perception of them?
-
Prompt Name: The Magical Backpack
Your backpack has a magical power, what is it and what adventures do you go on because of it.
-
An Overlooked Love
Write about a character who falls in love with the person everyone around them seems to despise.
-
Lucky Charms
You wake up on St. Patrick’s Day to find you have a superpower, what is it and how do you use it?
-
Unexpected Superpowers
Imagine that you suddenly obtained a unique superpower. What is it and how does it affect your daily life?
-
Sweater-Clad Superhero
There’s a new superhero in town, and their source of power comes from a seemingly mundane item: a brightly colored, eccentrically patterned, woolen sweater. Craft a story around their absurd, vibrant adventures.
-
A Message in the Sunset
Imagine that the patterns and colors of a summer sunset communicate a secret message. What is it trying to tell you?
-
A Glimpse of the Future
You have somehow received the ability to see one moment of the upcoming year. What is it, and how do you react?
-
Secret of the Bird’s Song
The birds have suddenly changed their song in the city. Write a story following a young girl as she tries to understand their new tune.
-
Magical Object
Imagine you’ve found an enchanted object. What is it, and what magical properties does it hold? How would you use it, and what consequences would it have?
-
The Friendly Monster
Imagine that you meet a monster in the park, but instead of feeling scared, you become friends. What is it like, and what do you do together?
-
Facing the Monster
Write about a negative emotion you are currently struggling with as if it is a creature you are trying to understand.
-
Unveiling Inner Artist
Describe a piece of art, music, or literature that deeply moved you, then imagine creating something that induces similar feelings in others.
-
A Sudden Superpower
You wake up one day to discover you have a less-than-useful superpower. What is it, and how does your day unfold because of it?
-
The Sweetest Daydream
Revisit your sweetest daydream, describing it in all its aspects and sensations.
-
Riding the Waves of Laughter
Reflect on a humorous anecdote, event or a joke that sends you into fits of laughter each time you come across it.
-
Swapping the Mundane
Imagine one common object in your everyday life had a magical twist. What is it, and how does it transform your existence?
-
Escape the Dystopia
Imagine being the first person to escape a dystopian society and your efforts to inform the world about your life.
-
The Purpose of Life
Explore what you feel is the purpose of life. Is it happiness, love, knowledge, or something else entirely?
