Close your eyes, flip through a book, and put your finger on a page. Whatever word you’re pointing at, use it as a title and write that story or poem.

Write a story or poem about family traditions: keeping them, breaking them, or anything else you can do with them.

Write a story or poem that starts at the end, then moves backwards.

Write a story or poem about a word you despise. Bonus points if you can imply the word without actually typing it.

Write a story or poem that is split into two or three parts by the passing of a decade. How do familiar markers—like seasonal changes, reunions with friends or family,…

Our lives are filled with infinite possibilities. Write a story or poem that explores those possibilities through an alternate timeline.

Write about family secrets that are stored somewhere in the attic.

Go to the list of obscure words at this website. Write a story or poem inspired by one of these words.

Write a poem or story about a certain genre of music. Try to write in the style of that genre—pop is rhythmic, rock alternates in staccatos and riffs, etc. Poets…

Write about a character arriving in a place unlike anywhere they’ve ever been.