A Week’s Worth of Experimental Journal Prompts

A week’s worth of journal prompts.

As writers, we are constantly told (usually by other writers) that we should be writing every day (without exception!), but rarely are we provided with details of what we should be writing.

Of course, many writers already know what to write. They are poets, short story writers, novelists, memoirists, literary journalists, and bloggers. Their niche informs what they write.

But poets don’t necessarily want to write poetry every single day. And fiction writers may want to take a break from storytelling. Exploring different types of writing broadens our abilities and keeps our skills sharp. Plus, we can learn a lot from experimenting with various forms.

Today’s journal prompts encourage you try writing different types of material. Just for a week, step out of your comfort zone or take a break from what you usually write to try something new or rediscover a form that you haven’t used in a while. And while you’re at it, try tackling a variety of topics. I bet you’ll be surprised by what you can write when prompted!

If you keep a journal regularly, then these journal prompts will simply provide fodder for you. If not, then try this week-long experiment in variety to see how far and wide you can stretch your writing.

Seven Journal Prompts

Below, you’ll find seven days’ worth of journal prompts. Each prompt provides you with a form to write in and a topic to write about. Feel free to mix and match forms and topics. Be creative, write well, and have fun!

Remember, the purpose of journal prompts is to get you started with a writing session. Don’t worry if you stray a little from your topic or use the same form day after day. Try to reach past what is comfortable for you and test your own limits. Good luck, and keep writing!

Did you find these journal prompts helpful or inspiring? Do you often use writing prompts? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Journal Prompts for Giving Thanks

Journal prompts for cultivating gratitude.

Are you looking for a writing challenge? Want to stretch and tone your writerly muscles? Do you need ideas to trigger a good writing session?

Journal prompts can be used in a number of ways.

Journal writing is excellent for building skills and maintaining a regular writing practice, and journal prompts can help you use your journal creatively and effectively.

In keeping with the theme for November, a month when we here in the U.S. pay more heed than usual to giving thanks, today I’d like to present a series of journal prompts for promoting thankfulness.

Journal Prompts

You can use one of these journal prompts or use all of them. You might even want to start a gratitude journal just for giving thanks. Such a journal is a great way to remind yourself of all the things in life for which you are grateful and to keep your mind in a positive space.

1. One of the best experiences of my life was… I am grateful for that experience because…
2. Appreciating little things like a sunset or a delicious meal is important to me. Some of the little things that I appreciate are…
3. People aren’t perfect, but even with all their flaws, they bring much happiness to my life. I am grateful for the following people… I love or appreciate them because…
4. There are lots of things I can do to make sure I feel grateful each and every day. Some of those things include…
5. Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I have much to be thankful for. I can remember those things through journal writing and by…

You can also simply make a list of all the things and people that make you feel grateful. Write a list of 100 people you’re grateful for, 50 experiences you’re glad you’ve had, or 25 little things you appreciate every day.

Feel free to use these journal prompts to inspire a comment. Tell us what you’re grateful for! And keep writing.

Got any journal prompts to share? Leave a comment!