Struggling to spark quick, fun participation in your fiction writing community? Fill-in-the-blank prompts make it easy for members to jump in and share their ideas without pressure. Use these ready-to-go templates to turn lurkers into contributors and keep creativity flowing.
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Fill-in-the-blank prompts tap into the natural human desire to complete patterns and express individuality. Because answers are short, members feel comfortable responding quickly, lowering barriers to participation even for shy or time-pressed users.
This format encourages creativity in a safe, low-pressure way. By tying blanks to fiction writing themes, you invite members to play with their imagination, connect over shared interests, and see immediate validation in the form of replies and likes. As more people join in, the sense of community and collaboration grows.
The villain in my story always carries a __________.
💡 Example: "The villain in my story always carries a silver locket."
My favorite writing snack is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite writing snack is pretzels."
If I could write in any genre today, I would choose __________.
💡 Example: "If I could write in any genre today, I would choose sci-fi."
The best opening line for a story is __________.
💡 Example: "The best opening line for a story is It was a dark and stormy night."
My protagonist's biggest fear is __________.
💡 Example: "My protagonist's biggest fear is being forgotten."
Today, I am inspired by __________.
💡 Example: "Today, I am inspired by thunderstorms."
My favorite fictional world is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite fictional world is Middle-earth."
The strangest writing advice I ever got was __________.
💡 Example: "The strangest writing advice I ever got was write with your feet in cold water."
My current work in progress is about __________.
💡 Example: "My current work in progress is about time-traveling pirates."
I always write best at __________.
💡 Example: "I always write best at midnight."
My favorite writing tool is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite writing tool is Scrivener."
If my main character had a secret, it would be __________.
💡 Example: "If my main character had a secret, it would be they can talk to animals."
The best plot twist involves __________.
💡 Example: "The best plot twist involves mistaken identity."
I wish I could write dialogue like __________.
💡 Example: "I wish I could write dialogue like Aaron Sorkin."
My dream setting to write about is __________.
💡 Example: "My dream setting to write about is a haunted amusement park."
The writing habit I want to improve is __________.
💡 Example: "The writing habit I want to improve is finishing drafts."
When I get stuck, I __________.
💡 Example: "When I get stuck, I take a walk."
The best character name I have ever used is __________.
💡 Example: "The best character name I have ever used is Juniper Blue."
I would describe my writing style as __________.
💡 Example: "I would describe my writing style as whimsical."
The trope I love most is __________.
💡 Example: "The trope I love most is found family."
If I could co-write with any author, I would choose __________.
💡 Example: "If I could co-write with any author, I would choose Neil Gaiman."
My antagonist's motivation is __________.
💡 Example: "My antagonist's motivation is revenge."
A setting detail I always include is __________.
💡 Example: "A setting detail I always include is strange weather."
The most difficult part of writing for me is __________.
💡 Example: "The most difficult part of writing for me is endings."
I write because __________.
💡 Example: "I write because it helps me process emotions."
The weirdest thing I have researched for a story is __________.
💡 Example: "The weirdest thing I have researched for a story is how to make fake blood."
If my story had a theme song, it would be __________.
💡 Example: "If my story had a theme song, it would be Eye of the Tiger."
My favorite point of view to write in is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite point of view to write in is first person."
The writing goal I am working on this month is __________.
💡 Example: "The writing goal I am working on this month is finishing my novella."
The best advice I have for new writers is __________.
💡 Example: "The best advice I have for new writers is do not edit while you draft."
I am most productive when __________.
💡 Example: "I am most productive when it is raining outside."
If I could have any magical writing power, it would be __________.
💡 Example: "If I could have any magical writing power, it would be endless inspiration."
The genre I find hardest to write is __________.
💡 Example: "The genre I find hardest to write is romance."
If I could ask my favorite character one question, it would be __________.
💡 Example: "If I could ask my favorite character one question, it would be Why did you leave home?"
The best setting for a dramatic scene is __________.
💡 Example: "The best setting for a dramatic scene is a deserted train station."
My favorite writing prompt is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite writing prompt is write about an unexpected visitor."
The most surprising thing a character has done in my story is __________.
💡 Example: "The most surprising thing a character has done in my story is join the enemy."
If I could give up one bad writing habit, it would be __________.
💡 Example: "If I could give up one bad writing habit, it would be procrastination."
My favorite way to brainstorm is __________.
💡 Example: "My favorite way to brainstorm is mind mapping."
The one thing I always include in my stories is __________.
💡 Example: "The one thing I always include in my stories is a hidden clue."
Share your answer and tag a friend to try it too: __________.
💡 Example: "Share your answer and tag a friend to try it too: dragons."
Copy and paste these templates directly into your community posts or stories. For best results, post consistently—try one prompt each week or during low-activity periods. Encourage responses by replying to answers and mentioning standout contributions. Vary the prompts to keep things fresh and appeal to different writing interests.
These templates work on all platforms. For forums and Facebook Groups, post as a pinned weekly thread. On Discord or Slack, use in dedicated writing channels or as a daily bot prompt. For Instagram or Twitter, use in Stories or as graphics with text overlay to catch attention quickly.
It is a short sentence or prompt with a blank space for members to complete, encouraging quick and creative responses.
Aim for once per week or whenever you notice a dip in engagement. Consistency helps members look forward to participating.
Reply to answers, highlight creative responses, and occasionally add a call to action like tagging a friend or sharing answers.
Yes, they are designed for all platforms including forums, chat apps, and social media. Adjust formatting if needed.
Absolutely. The prompts are short and open-ended, making them accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Text works well, but adding a relevant image or simple graphic can boost visibility, especially on visually-driven platforms.
Monitor likes, replies, and shares. Over time, note which prompt themes get the most responses and adjust your strategy accordingly.