What kind of writing prompts do YOU like?

Once you develop a regular writing or journaling habit, you will be attuned to writing prompts everywhere—they key is to remember them. Pictured: a random card drawn from a conversation card deck to use as a life writing prompt.

If you’ve followed Modern Heirloom Books for a while, you know I love a good writing prompt. They’re like little doorways—small enough to step through without hesitation, but often leading somewhere unexpected. Whether you’re working on a memoir, collecting family stories, or simply trying to write more consistently, prompts can spark ideas you didn’t know were waiting.

Still, a prompt is never a rule. It’s an invitation. I always tell my clients and workshop participants that prompts aren’t assignments, they’re springboards. You can follow them closely or veer entirely off course; either way, what matters is that you start.

Writing prompts are not assignments—they’re suggestions

There are many reasons why it’s okay to stray from the topic of a writing prompt. Besides the fact that no one’s grading you (!), here are a few:

• To be creative.


  Writing prompts are a great way to get your creative juices flowing, but they don’t have to be followed exactly. If you have an idea that excites you, go off on a tangent.

• To explore different ideas.


  Writing prompts can help you test out different perspectives. If you’re unsure what to write about, start with a prompt and see where it takes you.

• To learn more about yourself.


  Writing prompts often lead to unexpected discoveries. As you write, you might find yourself exploring thoughts and feelings you didn’t realize you had.

• To have fun.


  Writing prompts are meant to loosen you up, not lock you in. Don’t take them too seriously—just enjoy the process.

Writing prompts are just a starting point. They’re meant to give you a general idea of what to write about, but they’re not meant to be followed exactly. If you have a better idea for a story, go with it!

“I write to explore, to decipher who I am, who I was in that family of mine, seeking clues in words and images. I write as if following a path through a forest—a narrow path—but one that goes deep into the discovery of me…” —Sue William Silverman

If you’re in the mood for…

…a tailored-to-you writing prompt, try this.

…a family history–specific writing prompt, try this.

…a sensory writing prompt, try this.

…a timed writing prompt, try this.

…a couldn’t-be-shorter writing prompt, try this.

…a writing prompt about family, try this.

…an introspective writing prompt, try this.

…a weekly writing prompt to hold you accountable, try this.

…a foolproof writing prompt, try this.

…a visual writing prompt, try this.

…a potluck writing prompt, try this or this.

Writing prompts are really just ways of listening—to memory, to emotion, to curiosity. They remind us that there’s no single path to finding your story; there are hundreds of small openings that lead to it.

I’ll keep sharing new life writing and memory prompts here on the blog and on Instagram (@modernheirloombooks), so you’ll never be short on inspiration. And if one of these sparks a story for you—even a single paragraph—I’d love to hear about it!

“When I write memoir, I’m undoubtedly in search of wholeness…. Maybe I’m trying to step into my truth. Maybe I’m trying to reveal myself to myself.” —Sue Monk Kidd