Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

Often times, when people think of creative writing they think of adventure novels, epic poems and written legends.

But what about non-fiction?

Memoirs, biographies and autobiographies are viewed as works akin to essay writing and journalism.

But the truth is, non-fiction works have room for creativity as well.

For example:

Anne Frank made use of her creative voice in her diary. In the published, translated editions, we can see a spunky, sarcastic and raw 13 year-old girl.

Maya Angelou wrote her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, like one would write a fiction story.

Your voice is one of the elements that contributes to the creativity of your non-fiction piece.

So . . .

Here are a few prompts to help you explore the non-fiction genre

1.) Have your values ever been challenged? How did you handle the situation? If you could go back, how would you change your response?

2.) When you think back on your childhood, what are some of the first things that you remember?

3.) Have you (or someone you know) struggled with addiction? Write about an instance where you experienced (or witnessed someone experience) the effects that the addiction had on other people.

4.) Have you ever been in a situation where your morals were (or almost were) compromised? Write about what you were thinking in that moment.

5.) Everyone showcases their love in different ways. How do you show love? Has there ever been a time where your affection was misinterpreted?

1.) Be honest with yourself and your audience.

2.) Remember: the concept of accuracy in non-fiction pieces can be a bit hazy (meaning what is true to you may not be true to someone else).

3.) Have fun!

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