Adventure writing allows us to escape into new worlds, explore the unknown, and face challenges head-on. Whether you’re crafting a thrilling tale of survival or a lighthearted journey, these prompts can serve as the perfect launchpad for your creativity. Here are three diverse examples of adventure writing prompts to inspire your next story.
Context: This prompt is ideal for writers looking to create a sense of mystery and exploration. It can be used for a short story, a novel, or even a screenplay.
Your character, an amateur historian, discovers an old map tucked away in a dusty book at a local library. The map leads to a forgotten island that supposedly holds the remains of a lost civilization. Ignoring the warnings from friends who think it’s just a legend, they gather a small group of adventurers and set sail. As they navigate treacherous waters, each member of the crew has their own reasons for embarking on this journey, leading to tensions and alliances that will shape their fate. What secrets will they uncover on this mysterious island, and what challenges will they face as they try to survive?
Notes: Consider variations such as setting the story in a futuristic world where technology plays a crucial role in the exploration, or perhaps blending genres by adding elements of fantasy or science fiction.
Context: This prompt works well for writers interested in character development and interpersonal dynamics. It can be adapted for a short story or a longer narrative.
Imagine a late-night train traveling through a desolate landscape. Your protagonist hops on, hoping to escape their mundane life and find adventure. However, as the train speeds through the night, it suddenly stops in the middle of nowhere. With no explanation and no sign of life, the passengers must band together to uncover the mystery of why they’ve been stranded. Each passenger reveals their backstory, from a runaway bride to a retired spy, and as they collaborate to find a way out, they inadvertently embark on a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie.
Notes: You might want to explore themes of redemption and personal growth, or even incorporate supernatural elements, such as the train being a portal to another dimension.
Context: This prompt is perfect for writers who enjoy blending adventure with elements of nature and the supernatural. It can be utilized for poetry, short stories, or novels.
Your main character, an environmental scientist, ventures into an ancient forest rumored to be enchanted. As they study the unusual flora and fauna, they begin to hear whispers that seem to guide them deeper into the woods. The deeper they go, the more they uncover about the forest’s secrets, including its connection to their own family history. With each step, they face not only physical challenges, like navigating through dense underbrush and overcoming natural obstacles but also emotional ones, as they confront their own past and the legacy they wish to leave behind.
Notes: Consider incorporating elements of magic realism or folklore, perhaps even having the forest itself act as a character that influences the protagonist’s journey.
These examples of adventure writing prompts aim to ignite your imagination and encourage you to embark on your own creative journey. Whether you’re writing for fun or honing your craft, let these prompts guide you into uncharted territories of storytelling!