Struggling to spark meaningful conversations in your fiction writing community? Our collection of community question templates is designed to encourage members to share their experiences, opinions, and creativity. Use these prompts to drive thoughtful discussions and build a more engaged group.
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Community questions tap into the natural curiosity and shared interests of fiction writers. By inviting members to express their opinions, share experiences, and debate ideas, you foster a sense of belonging and validation that keeps writers coming back. Open-ended and thought-provoking questions encourage diverse perspectives, making every member feel seen and valued.
This approach also leverages social proof and peer learning. When members see others sharing openly, they are more likely to participate themselves. Regular community questions can help break the ice for new members and reignite passion among veteran writers, leading to higher retention and deeper engagement.
What is the most difficult scene you have ever written and why?
💡 Example: "The hardest scene I wrote was a character's death. What is the most difficult scene you have ever written and why?"
Plotter or pantser - which approach do you prefer for your stories?
💡 Example: "I am a plotter, but I want to hear from you all. Plotter or pantser - which approach do you prefer for your stories?"
What is your favorite writing prompt of all time?
💡 Example: "I love prompts about lost cities. What is your favorite writing prompt of all time?"
Have you ever based a character on someone you know? Tell us about it.
💡 Example: "I once based a villain on my old boss. Have you ever based a character on someone you know? Tell us about it."
If you could co-write a novel with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
💡 Example: "I would team up with Octavia Butler. If you could co-write a novel with any author, living or dead, who would it be?"
Share a writing superstition or ritual you swear by.
💡 Example: "I need coffee before writing. Share a writing superstition or ritual you swear by."
How do you overcome writer's block when it strikes?
💡 Example: "I take a walk outside. How do you overcome writer's block when it strikes?"
What is the oddest piece of research you have done for a story?
💡 Example: "I once researched medieval plumbing. What is the oddest piece of research you have done for a story?"
Share a line from your current work-in-progress that makes you proud.
💡 Example: "Here is my favorite line: The sky burned red. Share a line from your current work-in-progress that makes you proud."
What genre do you struggle to write and why?
💡 Example: "I find sci-fi tough. What genre do you struggle to write and why?"
If your main character walked into this community, what would they say?
💡 Example: "My hero would ask for coffee. If your main character walked into this community, what would they say?"
What is your go-to source for naming characters?
💡 Example: "I use baby name sites. What is your go-to source for naming characters?"
Share a time when feedback changed your story's direction.
💡 Example: "A friend's comment made me rewrite my ending. Share a time when feedback changed your story's direction."
What book do you wish you had written and why?
💡 Example: "I wish I wrote 'Dune.' What book do you wish you had written and why?"
How do you keep track of your story ideas?
💡 Example: "I use a notebook. How do you keep track of your story ideas?"
What trope do you love or hate to see in fiction?
💡 Example: "I love found family. What trope do you love or hate to see in fiction?"
Share a time your character surprised you while writing.
💡 Example: "My villain became a hero. Share a time your character surprised you while writing."
What is your favorite setting to write about and why?
💡 Example: "I love writing about old cities. What is your favorite setting to write about and why?"
How do you know when a story is truly finished?
💡 Example: "When I stop tinkering. How do you know when a story is truly finished?"
What is one writing tip you wish you knew earlier?
💡 Example: "Show, don't tell. What is one writing tip you wish you knew earlier?"
If you could try any genre for a day, what would it be?
💡 Example: "I would try horror. If you could try any genre for a day, what would it be?"
Share your favorite fictional villain and what makes them memorable.
💡 Example: "I love Moriarty. Share your favorite fictional villain and what makes them memorable."
How do you balance worldbuilding with storytelling?
💡 Example: "I weave world details into dialogue. How do you balance worldbuilding with storytelling?"
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from writing fiction?
💡 Example: "Patience. What is the biggest lesson you have learned from writing fiction?"
Have you ever abandoned a story? What happened?
💡 Example: "I lost interest after ten chapters. Have you ever abandoned a story? What happened?"
What is your favorite way to brainstorm new story ideas?
💡 Example: "I use mind maps. What is your favorite way to brainstorm new story ideas?"
Share a piece of dialogue you are proud of.
💡 Example: "Here is my favorite line: 'I never wanted the crown.' Share a piece of dialogue you are proud of."
How do you choose names for places in your stories?
💡 Example: "I mix languages. How do you choose names for places in your stories?"
If you could give your younger writer self one piece of advice, what would it be?
💡 Example: "Don't rush the process. If you could give your younger writer self one piece of advice, what would it be?"
What book or movie has inspired your writing style?
💡 Example: "Blade Runner inspired my style. What book or movie has inspired your writing style?"
Share your favorite metaphor or simile you have written.
💡 Example: "My clouds were 'cotton castles.' Share your favorite metaphor or simile you have written."
What is your biggest writing distraction and how do you deal with it?
💡 Example: "Social media is tough. What is your biggest writing distraction and how do you deal with it?"
How do you handle negative feedback on your writing?
💡 Example: "I take a break, then review. How do you handle negative feedback on your writing?"
If you could set a story in any time period, which would you pick?
💡 Example: "I would choose Victorian London. If you could set a story in any time period, which would you pick?"
Share a writing goal you are working toward this year.
💡 Example: "I want to finish my novel. Share a writing goal you are working toward this year."
What is the most important quality in a protagonist?
💡 Example: "I value resilience. What is the most important quality in a protagonist?"
How do you decide when to reveal a plot twist?
💡 Example: "I plan my reveals in advance. How do you decide when to reveal a plot twist?"
Share a moment when you almost gave up on writing.
💡 Example: "I almost quit after a big rejection. Share a moment when you almost gave up on writing."
What is your favorite way to celebrate finishing a draft?
💡 Example: "I treat myself to pizza. What is your favorite way to celebrate finishing a draft?"
How has your writing process changed over time?
💡 Example: "I outline more now. How has your writing process changed over time?"
Select a question template that aligns with your community's current interests or challenges. Post it with a short personal note or context to model vulnerability and kick off the conversation. Tag relevant content pillars or upcoming events, and encourage members to reply in the comments. Rotate question styles and topics to maintain interest and reach different types of members.
These templates are designed for all platforms. Adapt your posting style to fit the platform's format: use short, punchy questions for fast-paced chats like Discord or Slack, while providing more context or visuals on platforms like Facebook or forums. Always monitor replies to keep discussions positive and on-topic.
Aim for 1-2 times per week to keep engagement high without overwhelming members.
Yes, sharing your own answer first sets the tone and encourages others to participate.
Frame questions respectfully, encourage open-mindedness, and moderate comments to ensure a safe space.
Tag them in comments, use approachable questions, and celebrate all contributions to build confidence.
Yes, these questions work well in both settings. Adjust privacy or detail if needed for your group's comfort.
Absolutely. Customize the questions to fit your event themes or align with current writing challenges.
Try posting at a different time, rephrase for clarity, or follow up with encouragement or your own detailed answer.