21 Creative Nonfiction Prompts To Inspire Your Writing

Creative nonfiction is an exciting genre that blends storytelling with real life, allowing writers to tell personal stories, historical events, or cultural reflections, all with a narrative flair. But sometimes, finding a place to start can be challenging or you’ve hit the dreaded writer’s block. That’s where these prompts come in. A good prompt can spark an idea, unearth a memory, or help you see a familiar experience in a new light.

Here are 21 creative nonfiction prompts to help you get started, whether you’re writing a memoir, personal essay, or reflective piece. Enjoy!

Creative Nonfiction Prompts

1. Describe a time you faced a major fear. What led you to confront it, and how did it change you afterwards?

2. Write about a trip or place that holds many memories for you. How has this place influenced who you are today?

3. Reflect on an unexpected friendship. Who was the person, and how did they come into your life?

4. Think about a book, movie, or song that shaped you. Describe how it influenced your outlook or choices.

5. Recall a moment of “failure” that later led to something good. How did that failure end up guiding you in a surprising way?

6. Write about a family tradition that’s meaningful to you. What’s its origin, and how does it bring you closer to loved ones?

7. Describe a moment of profound awe or wonder. What happened, and why did it leave such a lasting impression?

8. Reflect on an item you’ve kept over the years. Why have you held onto it, and what memories does it carry?

9. Write about a time you experienced a personal “first.” How did it feel, and how did it impact your life?

10. Think back to an unexpected encounter with a stranger. How did it affect your day or your outlook?

11. Explore a difficult decision you had to make. Describe the process of making it and the effect it had on you.

12. Describe a moment of kindness that you witnessed or experienced. How did it impact your view of people or the world?

13. Write about a mentor or role model who shaped your life. What lessons did you learn from them?

14. Reflect on a significant change or transition in your life. How did you adapt, and what did you learn in the process?

15. Think of a time when you were at odds with someone close to you. What was the conflict, and how did it affect your relationship?

16. Write about a dream or goal you’ve pursued, whether or not you achieved it. What did the pursuit teach you about yourself?

17. Describe a time when you felt completely out of your element. What happened, and how did you handle it?

18. Reflect on a belief or value you once held that has changed. What influenced your shift in perspective?

19. Write about a small, everyday ritual that brings you joy. Why is this habit important to you?

20. Explore a memory that stands out vividly from your childhood. What details do you remember, and why is it so memorable?

21. Describe an experience where you felt a strong connection to nature. How did it make you feel, and what did you take away from it?

Use These Prompts To Inspire Your Story

Hopefully these prompts will spark ideas, evoke memories and guide you as a writer. You don’t need to use each prompt exactly as it’s written – please feel free to let them lead you in new directions or inspire tangents you hadn’t considered.

Start with whichever prompt speaks to you most, and remember that there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. You might uncover a vivid memory or stumble upon a theme that you want to explore further. Remember to write freely, be honest, and don’t hold back!