Thrilling Writing Prompts to Spark Your Next Story

Dive into the world of suspense and intrigue with these thrilling writing prompts! Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these prompts will help you craft gripping tales filled with twists, tension, and unforgettable characters.
By Alex

1. The Locked Room Mystery

Imagine a character who wakes up in a locked room with no recollection of how they got there. As they try to piece together their memories, they discover clues that suggest they might not be alone. What happened before they woke up? Who is the person lurking in the shadows?

2. The Phone Call

A character receives a mysterious phone call from someone claiming to be a long-lost relative. However, the conversation quickly turns sinister when the caller reveals they know things about the character’s past that they thought were long buried. What secrets are about to be unearthed?

3. The Missing Person

Write about a detective who is assigned to find a missing person, only to discover that the case is more complicated than it seems. Every lead they follow unravels a web of lies that implicates someone close to them. Who can they trust, and will they find the missing person before it’s too late?

4. The Unseen Threat

A character begins to notice strange occurrences around their home—a flickering light, a misplaced item, a shadow that seems to follow them. As they dig deeper, they realize that someone is watching them, but they can’t figure out who it is. How do they protect themselves from an unseen threat?

5. The Reversal of Fortune

Picture a wealthy businessperson whose life is turned upside down when they find themselves accused of a crime they didn’t commit. As they fight to clear their name, they learn that their greatest enemies may be lurking among their closest allies. What lengths will they go to regain their freedom?

6. The Double Life

Explore a character who leads a double life, appearing as an ordinary citizen by day but engaging in illegal activities at night. When a new neighbor moves in and starts to get suspicious, the character must balance their two worlds while keeping their dark secrets hidden. What happens when the lines begin to blur?

7. The Heist Gone Wrong

Craft a story around a group of thieves who plan an elaborate heist. Everything seems to be going smoothly until one of them has a change of heart and decides to betray the group. How does this betrayal unfold, and what are the consequences for those involved?

8. The Last Message

A character receives a text message from a friend who has just been declared dead. The message contains a chilling warning that leads the character on a race against time to uncover the truth behind their friend’s demise. What will they discover, and who can they trust?

9. The Whispering Walls

Write about a journalist who moves into an abandoned building rumored to be haunted. As they investigate, they start hearing whispers that seem to be tied to a tragic event from the past. Are the whispers a figment of their imagination, or do they hold the key to solving a decades-old mystery?

10. The Final Countdown

Imagine a character who finds themselves in a life-threatening situation with only 24 hours to solve a puzzle that could save their life. As the clock ticks down, they must decipher cryptic clues while evading a relentless pursuer. What sacrifices will they make to survive?


Use these prompts as a launching pad for your imagination. Remember, the heart of a thriller lies in suspense, tension, and the unexpected—so let your creativity run wild and see where these ideas take you!