Want to spark creative conversations in your writing community but tired of the same old posts? Our Would You Rather templates offer a playful, imaginative way to get members thinking and talking. Use these prompts to energize your space and watch participation grow.
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Would You Rather questions tap into the core of creative thinking by presenting members with intriguing scenarios that require imagination and reasoning. For writers, these prompts encourage exploration of different perspectives and storytelling paths, making them particularly engaging.
This content type is effective because it lowers the barrier to participation. Members do not have to craft lengthy responses, yet the questions invite deeper thought and discussion. The playful format also helps break the ice, making members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and preferences in a low-pressure setting.
Would you rather write a novel in one month or edit a novel in one month?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a novel in one month or edit a novel in one month? Share your pick and why!"
Would you rather create a world with no magic or one where magic is everywhere?
💡 Example: "Would you rather create a world with no magic or one where magic is everywhere? Explain your choice!"
Would you rather write only dialogue or only description for a week?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write only dialogue or only description for a week?"
Would you rather kill off your favorite character or your readers' favorite?
💡 Example: "Would you rather kill off your favorite character or your readers' favorite? Tell us your reasoning!"
Would you rather write a story set in the past or the future?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story set in the past or the future?"
Would you rather write by hand or type your stories?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write by hand or type your stories?"
Would you rather have endless story ideas or perfect grammar skills?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have endless story ideas or perfect grammar skills? Why?"
Would you rather write in silence or with background noise?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write in silence or with background noise?"
Would you rather get feedback from a friend or from a stranger?
💡 Example: "Would you rather get feedback from a friend or from a stranger? Tell us why!"
Would you rather have your book made into a movie or a TV series?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have your book made into a movie or a TV series? Share your dream!"
Would you rather write a plot twist nobody sees coming or a perfect ending?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a plot twist nobody sees coming or a perfect ending? Discuss!"
Would you rather write with coffee or tea by your side?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write with coffee or tea by your side?"
Would you rather write a story with no dialogue or no narrative description?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story with no dialogue or no narrative description? Which would you pick?"
Would you rather brainstorm with a group or alone?
💡 Example: "Would you rather brainstorm with a group or alone?"
Would you rather publish traditionally or self-publish?
💡 Example: "Would you rather publish traditionally or self-publish? What appeals to you?"
Would you rather write 500 words daily or 3500 words once a week?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write 500 words daily or 3500 words once a week? Why?"
Would you rather create a villain everyone loves or a hero everyone dislikes?
💡 Example: "Would you rather create a villain everyone loves or a hero everyone dislikes? Share your thoughts!"
Would you rather write in your favorite genre forever or try a new one each year?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write in your favorite genre forever or try a new one each year? Why?"
Would you rather have endless time to write or unlimited inspiration?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have endless time to write or unlimited inspiration? Which matters more?"
Would you rather write in the early morning or late at night?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write in the early morning or late at night?"
Would you rather outline everything or write by the seat of your pants?
💡 Example: "Would you rather outline everything or write by the seat of your pants? Explain!"
Would you rather write a story with one setting or many locations?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story with one setting or many locations?"
Would you rather write short stories or a novel?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write short stories or a novel?"
Would you rather start with character or plot first?
💡 Example: "Would you rather start with character or plot first? Why?"
Would you rather have a writing mentor or a supportive writing group?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have a writing mentor or a supportive writing group? Share your pick!"
Would you rather write a story where the villain wins or where no one wins?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story where the villain wins or where no one wins? What would you choose?"
Would you rather write a story based on a dream or based on real life?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story based on a dream or based on real life?"
Would you rather write fan fiction or original fiction for a year?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write fan fiction or original fiction for a year? Why?"
Would you rather write for fun or for publication?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write for fun or for publication?"
Would you rather have writer's block for a week or delete 10,000 words by accident?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have writer's block for a week or delete 10,000 words by accident? Which is worse?"
Would you rather write with a cat or a dog as your writing buddy?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write with a cat or a dog as your writing buddy?"
Would you rather use only metaphors or only similes in your next story?
💡 Example: "Would you rather use only metaphors or only similes in your next story? Share why!"
Would you rather write a book with a co-author or go solo?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a book with a co-author or go solo? What would you prefer?"
Would you rather write a story with no adjectives or no adverbs?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story with no adjectives or no adverbs? Explain!"
Would you rather write every day for 10 minutes or once a week for 2 hours?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write every day for 10 minutes or once a week for 2 hours? Why?"
Would you rather write poetry or prose for a month?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write poetry or prose for a month?"
Would you rather write a story with no conflict or no resolution?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story with no conflict or no resolution? Which would you choose?"
Would you rather write in first person or third person point of view?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write in first person or third person point of view?"
Would you rather invent a new word or a new writing genre?
💡 Example: "Would you rather invent a new word or a new writing genre? Share your idea!"
Would you rather write a 100-word story or a 100,000-word novel?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a 100-word story or a 100,000-word novel? Why?"
Would you rather have your story published anonymously or under your real name?
💡 Example: "Would you rather have your story published anonymously or under your real name? Discuss!"
Would you rather write a story in a genre you dislike or about a topic you love?
💡 Example: "Would you rather write a story in a genre you dislike or about a topic you love? Why?"
Copy and paste a template into your next community post or discussion thread. Encourage members to not only choose an option but also explain their reasoning, or even riff on how they might write about each scenario. Use these prompts as icebreakers, warm-ups before writing sprints, or fun diversions between more serious topics.
These templates work well on all platforms. On forums and chat apps, pin a Would You Rather post for ongoing engagement. On social media, use hashtags and reply to comments to keep the conversation going.
Balance your prompts by alternating between fiction-centric dilemmas (e.g., 'Would you rather write an unreliable narrator or a morally gray protagonist?') and nonfiction scenarios (e.g., 'Would you rather research a controversial topic or interview a difficult subject?'). Consider using genre-neutral options occasionally, such as choices about drafting vs. editing.
Address familiar challenges, like 'Would you rather face writer's block for a month or have to completely rewrite your manuscript?' or 'Would you rather get critical feedback from an agent or your critique group?' These relatable dilemmas spark discussion and empathy among writers.
Absolutely! Prompts like 'Would you rather outline every scene before writing or discover the story as you go?' directly reference the perennial plotting vs. pantsing debate, encouraging writers to share their own process and learn from others.
Incorporate up-to-date topics, such as 'Would you rather pursue traditional publishing with an agent or go indie and self-publish?' or 'Would you rather land a BookTok viral moment or win a literary award?' Use industry vocabulary to keep prompts relevant and engaging for experienced writers.
Rotate genre-specific prompts, like 'Would you rather write a plot twist in a mystery or world-build in a fantasy novel?', and invite all members to imagine themselves in that scenario. Occasionally, ask open-ended questions where members specify their genre in their answers, fostering cross-genre appreciation.
Focus on dilemmas writers face during the revision process, such as 'Would you rather cut your favorite chapter or add a new subplot during revisions?' or 'Would you rather receive line edits or big-picture feedback first?' These targeted prompts encourage sharing of editing strategies and experiences.
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