Writer’s block can feel like a towering wall, blocking your path to creativity. But sometimes, all it takes to break through is a single, compelling question. Questions pique curiosity, invite exploration, and ignite the imagination. Here are three diverse examples of stories that begin with a question to help you overcome writer’s block and spark your creativity.
Imagine a character who finds themselves at a deserted train station late at night. This prompt can lead to a suspenseful or poignant narrative.
What if the last train home never arrives?
Jenna glanced at her watch for the third time in as many minutes. The night air was thick with an unsettling silence, punctuated only by the distant echo of her footsteps on the cold, hard platform. She had just missed her train, the last one of the night, and now she was alone—except for the shadowy figure sitting on the bench across from her. “Why are you still here?” he asked, his voice a raspy whisper. Jenna took a step back, her heart racing. “Because I have nowhere else to go,” she replied, unsure if she was speaking to him or to the darkness that loomed around them. Just then, the lights flickered, and she heard a low rumble in the distance—a sound she couldn’t quite place. Was it the train? Or something more sinister? As the figure leaned forward, a chilling thought crossed her mind: What if she was meant to miss that train?
This prompt can lead to a range of genres—from thriller to psychological drama. Consider varying the time of day or the character’s backstory for different outcomes.
This example can inspire a whimsical or magical story, perfect for fantasy enthusiasts.
What if every question you asked opened a door to a new world?
Oliver had always been curious, his mind a whirlpool of questions about the universe. One sunny afternoon, while exploring his grandmother’s attic, he stumbled upon an ancient-looking key and a dusty old book titled