Some prompts for horror stories include a group of people trapped in an abandoned asylum. The halls are filled with the screams of the past, and there are strange markings on the walls. Another is a supernatural entity that feeds on fear. It can take on different forms and appears when someone is most vulnerable. A third one could be a family inheritance that comes with a dark secret. As the heir explores the family's past, they uncover terrifying things that were meant to be buried.
A haunted house is a classic prompt. Imagine an old, dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of town, with creaking floors and shadowy figures in the windows. Another could be a cursed object, like a mirror that shows a different, terrifying world when you look into it. And a dark forest at night, filled with strange noises and unseen threats.
One great prompt for horror stories is a deranged killer on the loose. Think about a figure in a mask, lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. Also, the idea of a possessed person can be really scary. Their body moves in unnatural ways and they have an evil glint in their eyes. Then there's the concept of a lost, haunted town. The streets are empty, but there are whispers and cold spots everywhere.
One good prompt could be 'A mysterious door appears in the middle of a forest'. This can lead to various stories such as a magical adventure where characters enter the door to find a different world filled with strange creatures. Another prompt might be 'A letter arrives with no return address'. It could be the start of a mystery or a long - lost connection story. Also, 'A person wakes up with a strange power' can create a story about self - discovery and the use or misuse of that power.
One good prompt could be 'The time when a family member surprised us all.' Another could be 'A family vacation that changed everything.' And 'The family heirloom and its story.'
Another good prompt could be 'a voice that only one person can hear'. You could write a story about a person who starts hearing this voice in their head. The voice whispers dark and disturbing things, making the character question their sanity. As the story progresses, the voice becomes more powerful and starts to control the character's actions, creating a truly horrifying scenario.
One good prompt could be 'A mysterious letter arrives in the mail with no return address'. This can lead to a story about mystery, secrecy, and perhaps a journey to uncover the sender's identity. Another prompt is 'You wake up in a world where colors have disappeared'. It allows for a creative exploration of a dull, monochromatic world and the character's attempts to bring back color. And 'A strange noise coming from the attic at midnight' can inspire a spooky short story.
One prompt could be 'A world where time has stopped for everyone but one person.' Another could be 'Aliens that communicate through emotions rather than language.' And 'A future city that floats in the sky due to a new form of anti - gravity technology.'
Good prompts for short stories include 'A broken - down car in the middle of nowhere'. This might lead to a story of survival, self - discovery, or an encounter with unexpected help. 'A photograph that shows a different time and place' can inspire a story about memories, nostalgia, or time travel. Also, 'A magic potion that has an unforeseen side effect' which can result in all kinds of creative and wild short story ideas.
A mysterious old house on a hilltop could be a great prompt. You can build a story around who used to live there, what secrets it holds. Maybe there are strange noises coming from it at night and a curious kid decides to investigate.
A young artist moves to a big city and has to overcome numerous obstacles like poverty and rejection to achieve their dream of having their work shown in a major gallery. There can be themes of perseverance, the power of art, and the harsh reality of the art world.
A mysterious old house at the end of a desolate street. You can start with a character being drawn to it out of curiosity, and then strange things start to happen, like hearing unexplained noises or seeing shadowy figures.
Use them as a starting point. For example, if your prompt is a haunted house, start by describing the exterior in a spooky way. Then, introduce the characters who are about to enter it. Just jump right into the action.