25 Very Weird Writing Prompts to Break Through Your Writer’s Block

Let’s get those creative juices flowing

Writing is actually pretty easy. You just punch the keyboard, and poof — you’re writing.

But coming up with ideas? That’s a little harder.

So I’ve created this list of 25 very weird writing prompts to help get you started. Feel free to use them to help you blow through that pesky “idea” part of the writing process like the Kool-Aid man so you can start smashing those keys…also like the Kool-Aid man?

If you like this sort of thing, leave a comment (or highlight your favorite prompts) and I’ll make writing prompts a regular thing.

Also, if these prompts help you write an article or story, please tag me when you publish it. (You can also name your main character after me if you want, no pressure).

So here we go. Let’s get weird, so you can get writing!

25 weird fiction writing prompts

1. The price of an expensive item is “$0.01.” With free shipping.
2. A 40-something finds their old slip ’n slide.
3. Your main character can smell sadness.
4. Gary sends an email to organize his 7-year high school reunion.
5. “Woah, that’s a big hamster.”
6. She got third place in the “design your own emoji” contest
7. Someone answers a spam call and it doesn’t go the way they expected.
8. One letter on the keyboard isn’t working…
9. Ph.D. student applies for a job at the last Toys-R-Us in the country.
10. That guy who winks in every single photo.
11. “That hummingbird is a real a-hole.”
12. Autocorrect is ruining someone’s life.
13. It’s the story of King Midas, but instead of gold, he turns everything into denim.
14. IKEA is selling its first car.
15. Gen Z finds a checkbook.
16. Nothing to see here, just taking a morning walk with my pet fish.
17. Painting the baby’s room isn’t as boring as they thought.
18. Someone is actually allergic to compliments.
19. A wild animal really wants to come inside.
20. Everything goes right for a change. Literally everything.
21. “He stood with arms akimbo, and blocked the aisle.”
22. “There’s no law that says I can’t use my wheelbarrow in here.”
23. This movie theater only plays You’ve Got Mail. Ever.
24. Headphones that only connect to other people's phones.
25. Mark has gotten noticeably better at pumpkin carving since last year.

Hope at least a few of those helped. If you’re interested in reading more here’s an article to help you get started as a writer:

… and another one to help you take your writing to the next level.

Shawn Forno is a travel writer with 15+ years of experience (Lonely Planet, Tortuga Backpacks, Unbound Merino). He’s also created and managed content strategies for creators like Matt D’Avella (Netflix director, The Minimalists). Shoot him an email if you want to work together or check out the travel channel he runs with his wife.