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BEST HIGH SCHOOL WRITING PROMPTS
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Set your story at a wedding reception, where a group of high school friends are meeting for the first time in years., write a story about an unconventional teacher., what was the last daydream that you dreamt while in class (be honest.) turn that into a short story..
High School
Write a story inspired by your favorite Tiktok reel.
You're trapped on a version of groundhog day... and the day that keeps looping for you is the day right before summer break starts..
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Write a letter to your middle school self. What would you want them to know?
Interview your favorite fictional villain. what questions would you ask them, you have to escape from a house on fire. what are the first three things you grab why, explain a computer to someone from the 16th century., define what trust means to you., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.
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Write a letter describing yourself and your modern life to a pen pal who lives in the year 1905.
What's your first memory describe it on paper using all five senses., write a guidebook for someone from outer space who is visiting your neighborhood for the first time., re-write a famous fairy tale from the villain's perspective., would you rather be able to change the past or change the future why, write about a time when you did something without thinking it through., if i were a superhero, i would..., describe the color blue to someone who's never seen it before., write a story that takes place completely in the dark., write an essay about technology, and the role that it plays in your life., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.
We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!
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The best writing prompts for high school
Ah, high school. The birthplace of future geniuses, the setting of a million Young Adult books — and the cutting ground of many a brilliant young author. Writing in the classroom is often the best outlet of creativity for kids, and what better way to get your students excited about it than through creative writing prompts for high school students?
Whether you use journal prompts or story ideas to kickstart your high school student’s imagination, writing prompts are sure to help broaden their thinking, sharpen their writing skills, record their thoughts, and get them to engage with the world around them.
If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's a top ten list of writing prompts for high school students:
- In the form of diary/ journal entries, write about someone who's just experienced a big "first."
- Just then, your phone rings. It's your friend and they have some interesting news...
- Write a short story where the protagonist has a doppelgänger.
- Write a story about a misunderstanding.
- Write a story about a strange family tradition, with at least two characters from the family narrating in the course of the story.
- Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as: kind.
- Write a story that centers on an Instagram post.
- Write a story that spans a month during which everything changes.
- Write about a group of people determined to win an award for making the biggest cookie ever.
- Write about someone going to extreme lengths to return an overdue library book.
If you have a high school student who’s interested in becoming an author, check out our free resources on the topic:
Develop a Writing Routine (free course) — Any high schooler who’s serious about becoming a published author should know that writing a book doesn’t just take talent. 90% of the process is sitting in front of a blank piece of paper, and having the drive and commitment to put words to paper. That’s why we created this free course, which shows people of any age how to develop a writing routine that works for you. It’s never too early to start the process today!
Want to encourage your high school students to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest , for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of writing contests or our directory of literary magazines for more opportunities to submit your story.
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Write a story about a misunderstanding. Write a story about a strange family tradition, with at least two characters from the family narrating in the course of the story. Write a story about someone who would be described, above all else, as: kind. Write a story that centers on an Instagram post. Write a story that spans a month during which ...