Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

Creativity is the spark that ignites the imagination, and for middle school students, it’s a gateway to self-expression and critical thinking. This guide offers a treasure trove of writing prompts designed to inspire young minds to explore new worlds, develop unique characters, and craft compelling narratives.

From dialogue-driven stories to journal entries and poetry, these prompts encourage students to embrace their creativity while building essential writing skills. Whether they’re envisioning life on a deserted island, reimagining fairy tales, or journaling about their deepest fears, each prompt serves as a stepping stone toward confidence and fluency in writing.

Let’s embark on this literary journey together—where every blank page is an invitation to discover the writer within.

The Best Writing Prompts for Middle School

1. Write about a time you overcame a fear.
2. Imagine your dream job and describe it.
3. Create a story based on your favorite movie.
4. Write a scene about your best friend’s secret talent.
5. Start writing a story with the first line “It was a dark and stormy night.”
6. Think of your greatest fear and turn it into a story.
7. Write about a blind date with your closest friend.
8. Create a character’s perspective on the first day of school.
9. Write a poem based on the word “magic”.
10. Imagine a world without technology and describe life there.
11. Write about a time you got lost and found your way home.
12. Create a story where you meet your future self.
13. Write a scene where you perform a magic trick in front of the whole school.
14. Think of a random word and build a story around it.
15. Write about a day in the life of a civil war hero.
16. Create a story where you’re trapped in a deserted island with a talking parrot.
17. Write a poem about your favorite season.
18. Imagine you have a time machine and go back to your childhood.
19. Write about a time you helped someone in need.
20. Create a story where you’re the world’s greatest detective solving a mystery.
21. Write a scene where you meet a famous author and ask for writing advice.
22. Think of a fairy tale and rewrite it with a modern twist.
23. Write about a summer camp adventure gone wrong.
24. Create a story where you discover a hidden door in your house leading to another world.
25. Write a poem expressing your emotions during a natural disaster.

Creative Story New Ideas: 25 Story Starters and Prompts for Middle Schoolers

1. Write a story that starts with dialogue between two characters who are strangers.
2. Imagine a scenario where a next door neighbor turns out to be a wizard.
3. Create a story where a character wakes up with the ability to read minds.
4. Start writing a story with the line “I never believed in ghosts until that night.”
5. Write about a character who finds a diary entry from their future self.
6. Think of a story where a character’s greatest fear comes to life.
7. Create a story based on the phrase “the light switch was the portal to another dimension.”
8. Write a story where a character is transported to outer space during a science experiment.
9. Imagine a story where a character’s best friend tells them a secret that changes everything.
10. Write about a character who discovers they’re a descendant of a famous historical figure.
11. Create a story where a character’s pet gains the ability to talk.
12. Start writing a story with the sentence “The day began like any other, but it ended with the world changing forever.”
13. Write a story where a character is chosen to lead a group of misfits on a quest.
14. Think of a story where a character’s wish has unexpected consequences.
15. Create a story based on the image of a full moon over a mysterious forest.
16. Write about a character who finds an acrostic poem hidden in an old book.
17. Imagine a story where a character’s artificial intelligence robot becomes sentient.
18. Write a story where a character is sent on a mission to save the environment.
19. Create a story where a character’s favorite rock band comes to life.
20. Start writing a story with the words “I never thought I’d be standing in front of the door to my destiny.”
21. Write a story where a character’s dream vacation turns into a nightmare.
22. Think of a story where a character’s greatest strength is also their greatest weakness.
23. Create a story based on the phrase “the eyes of the stranger seemed to pierce through my soul.”
24. Write about a character who discovers a hidden treasure in their hometown.
25. Start writing a story with the line “I had no idea that helping my friend would lead me into this dangerous situation.”

Writing a Stories That Start with Dialogue for Middle Schoolers

“I can’t believe you stole my idea!” she yelled, storming into the room. (Write the story that follows.)

1. “Have you ever seen anything like it?” he whispered, pointing at the strange object in the distance. (Continue the story.)
2. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to break it,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes. (What happens next?)
3. “You’ll never guess what I found in the attic,” my best friend exclaimed. (Write the story.)
4. “I dare you to go in there,” the bully challenged, smirking at me. (What do you do?)
5. “This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen!” the scientist shouted, holding up a glowing device. (Create the story.)
6. “I don’t want to be alone,” she confessed, her voice trembling. (Write the scene that follows.)
7. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he began, looking nervous. (What is the secret?)
8. “I can’t find my mom!” the little girl cried, clinging to my leg. (What do you do?)
9. “This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning,” the leader declared, rallying the crowd. (Develop the story.)
10. “I’m not afraid of you,” I lied, my heart pounding in my chest. (Write the encounter.)
11. “We have to leave before they come back,” the stranger warned, grabbing my arm. (What happens next?)
12. “I’ve always loved you,” he blurted out, then immediately regretted it. (How does she respond?)
13. “Do you believe in magic?” the old man asked, winking at me. (Start writing the story.)
14. “I can’t do this anymore,” she said, slamming the door behind her. (Write the aftermath.)
15. “This is the proof we’ve been looking for,” the detective announced, holding up a piece of evidence. (Continue the story.)
16. “I’m going to miss you so much,” my best friend sobbed, hugging me tightly. (What’s the reason for the goodbye?)
17. “I’m not who you think I am,” he revealed, shocking everyone in the room. (Write the revelation.)
18. “We need to save him before it’s too late,” the captain urged, steering the ship through rough waters. (Create the rescue mission.)
19. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” I muttered to myself, taking the first step. (What’s the challenge?)

General Creative Writing Ideas for Middle School Students

1. Write a short story about a day in the life of a lonely astronaut.
2. Create a story where a character finds a magical amulet that grants them one wish.
3. Write about a character who wakes up in a world where everyone can fly.
4. Imagine a scenario where a character’s favorite book comes to life.
5. Create a story where a character is transported to the time of the dinosaurs.
6. Write a scene where a character meets their idol and asks for advice.
7. Think of a story where a character’s pet can talk and takes them on an adventure.
8. Write about a character who discovers they’re a shapeshifter.
9. Create a story where a character is chosen to represent humanity in a competition against aliens.
10. Write a poem about the beauty of a sunset over the ocean.
11. Imagine a story where a character’s dream becomes reality.
12. Write about a character who finds a hidden garden with magical properties.
13. Create a story where a character is forced to live in a world without color.
14. Write a scene where a character stands up to a bully and inspires others.
15. Think of a story where a character’s invention accidentally changes the world.
16. Write about a character who gets lost in a mysterious forest and meets strange creatures.
17. Create a story where a character’s memory is erased and they have to rediscover their identity.
18. Write a poem expressing the emotions of a soldier returning home from war.
19. Imagine a story where a character’s voice has the power to heal.
20. Write about a character who is transported to the future and sees what the world has become.
21. Create a story where a character’s shadow comes to life and leads them on an adventure.
22. Write a scene where a character meets their nemesis and they have to work together to survive.
23. Think of a story where a character’s dream vacation turns into a journey of self-discovery.
24. Write about a character who discovers they can communicate with animals.
25. Create a story where a character’s greatest accomplishment is overshadowed by a tragedy.

Creative Writing Prompts Across Different Formats

1. Write a fictional diary entry from the perspective of a character living during the civil war.
2. Create a journal entry describing your first day at a new school and your hopes and fears.
3. Write a poem based on the theme of “finding yourself in a world that tries to change you.”
4. Imagine a scenario and write a script for a short play about two characters meeting for the first time.
5. Create a comic strip that tells a story of a character’s adventure in a parallel universe.
6. Write a letter from a character to their future self, describing their goals and dreams.
7. Think of a story and write it in the form of a series of text messages between the characters.
8. Write a news article reporting on a strange event that happened in your town.
9. Create a children’s book about a character who learns the importance of kindness.
10. Write a song lyrics that tell a story of love and loss.
11. Imagine a scenario and write a biography of a fictional character who becomes a famous inventor.
12. Write a haiku poem about the beauty of nature in each season.
13. Create a travel brochure for a fictional tourist destination in outer space.
14. Write a movie review for a film that hasn’t been made yet, based on your own story idea.
15. Think of a story and write it as a series of diary entries with illustrations.
16. Write a how-to guide on surviving middle school with your dignity intact.
17. Create a recipe book that includes stories about how each recipe became a family tradition.
18. Write a series of postcards from a character traveling the world and describing their experiences.
19. Imagine a scenario and write a courtroom drama script where a character is on trial for a crime they didn’t commit.
20. Write a blog post about your favorite hobby and why it’s important to you.
21. Create a memoir-style essay about a defining moment in your life that shaped who you are today.
22. Write a children’s story using only dialogue to tell the tale.
23. Think of a story and write it as a choose-your-own-adventure book.
24. Write a persuasive essay arguing for the importance of creative writing in schools.
25. Create a poetry slam piece about the struggles and triumphs of adolescence.

Journaling Prompts for Middle School Writing

1. Write about a time when you felt truly proud of yourself and what you accomplished.
2. Describe your perfect day from waking up to going to bed, including every detail.
3. Think about a person who has had a significant impact on your life and explain why.
4. Write about a book or movie that changed your perspective on something important.
5. Describe a place that makes you feel safe and happy and why it’s special to you.
6. Write about a goal you’re working towards and the steps you’re taking to achieve it.
7. Think of a problem you’re facing and brainstorm possible solutions in your journal.
8. Write about a tradition in your family that you love and what it means to you.
9. Describe your dream house and all the amazing features it would have.
10. Write about a time when you learned something valuable from making a mistake.
11. Think about what you want to be when you grow up and what steps you’re taking now to prepare.
12. Write about a hobby you’re passionate about and why it’s important to you.
13. Describe a person you look up to and what qualities you admire in them.
14. Write about a memory that makes you smile every time you think about it.
15. Think of a fear you have and how you plan to overcome it.
16. Write about a time when you stood up for what you believed in, even when it was difficult.
17. Describe your favorite season and the activities you love to do during that time.
18. Write about a friendship that means a lot to you and why it’s special.
19. Think about a teacher or mentor who has inspired you and what lessons you’ve learned from them.
20. Write about a time when you felt brave and what gave you the courage to face your fear.
21. Describe your favorite way to relax and unwind after a stressful day.
22. Write about a dream you have for the future and how you plan to make it come true.
23. Think of a skill you’d like to learn and what you’re doing to acquire it.
24. Write about a time when you helped someone else and how it made you feel.
25. Describe your favorite type of music and how it affects your mood and emotions.

Conclusion

Creative writing is a powerful tool for middle school students to explore their imagination, develop critical thinking, and express themselves. Throughout this guide, we’ve provided a diverse array of writing prompts and ideas to inspire young writers. These include dialogue-driven stories, diary entries, poetry, and narrative adventures that transport students to different times and worlds. By engaging with these prompts, students can practice crafting compelling characters, building suspenseful plots, and experimenting with various writing formats.

The prompts encourage students to reflect on their experiences, fears, dreams, and aspirations, fostering self-awareness alongside literary skill development. Whether they’re imagining a journey through outer space, rewriting a fairy tale, or journaling about their emotions, each exercise helps build confidence and fluency in writing.

Most importantly, creative writing empowers students to find their unique voice and share their perspectives with the world. As they continue to write, they’ll discover that every blank page holds the potential for a new story—a story only they can tell. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and Wukong Education let your creativity shine!

Liz

My name is liz and I graduated from the University of International Business and Economics. I have a strong background in fields such as education, economics, artificial intelligence, and psychological aspects, and I have dedicated my career to writing and sharing insights in these areas. Over the years, I’ve gained a wealth of experience as an English guest blogger, writing for a number of platforms. Currently, I write for WuKong Education, which focuses on sharing learning experiences with young readers around the world. My goal is to help more teenagers gain more knowledge through my experience and research.