Write, Every Day of Your Life
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Enjoy this year-long collection of writing prompts geared to get
you writing each and every day. We made them for you, with love.
Check out The Daily Post for writing inspiration, tips and
techniques on making blogging a habit, and how to nurture your
audience and grow your traffic. You can even get some friendly
moral support from the blogging community.
- The Editors, WordPress.com
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January
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January 1
Stroke of Midnight
Where were you last night when 2013 turned into 2014? Is that
where you'd wanted to be?
January 2
Resolved
Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution that you kept?
January 3
Kick it
What’s the 11th item on your bucket list?
January 4
Quote me
Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again?
What is it, and why does it move you?
January 5
Call Me Ishmael
Take the first sentence from your favorite book and make it the
first sentence of your post.
January 6
My favorite
What’s the most time you’ve ever spent apart from your favorite
person? Tell us about it.
January 7
Helpless
Helplessness: that dull, sick feeling of not being the one at the
reins. When did you last feel like that –- and what did you do
about it?
January 8
Teacher’s pet
Tell us about a teacher who had a real impact on your life,
either for the better or the worse. How is your life different
today because of him or her?
January 9
1984
You’re locked in a room with your greatest fear. Describe what’s
in the room.
January 10
32 flavors
Vanilla, chocolate, or something else entirely?
January 11
This is your life
If you could read a book containing all that has happened and
will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read
it, you must read it cover to cover.
January 12
Take two
Run outside. Take a picture of the first thing you see. Run
inside. Take a picture of the second thing you see. Write about
the connection between these two random objects, people, or
scenes.
January 13
Clean slate
Explore the room you’re in as if you’re seeing it for the first
time. Pretend you know nothing. What do you see? Who is the
person who lives there?
January 14
Ripped from the headlines
Head to your favorite online news source. Pick an article with a
headline that grabs you. Now, write a short story based on the
article.
January 15
Polite company
“It’s never a good idea to discuss religion or politics with
people you don’t really know.” Agree or disagree?
January 16
Toot your horn
Most of us are excellent at being self-deprecating, and are not
so good at the opposite. Tell us your favorite thing about
yourself.
January 17
In a crisis
Honestly evaluate the way you respond to crisis situations. Are
you happy with the way you react?
January 18
Free association
Write down the first words that comes to mind when we say . . .
home. . . soil. . . rain. Use those words in the title of your
post.
January 19
Apply yourself
Describe your last attempt to learn something that did not come
easily to you.
January 20
Breaking the law
Think about the last time you broke a rule (a big one, not just
ripping the tags off your pillows). Were you burned, or did
things turn out for the best?
January 21
Sweet sixteen
When you were 16, what did you think your life would look like?
Does it look like that? Is that a good thing?
January 22
I got skills
If you could choose to be a master (or mistress) of any skill in
the world, which skill would you pick?
January 23
Shipwrecked
Read the story of Richard Parker and Tom Dudley. Is what Dudley
did defensible? What would you have done?
January 24
Ready, set, go
Set a timer for ten minutes. Open a new post. Start the timer,
and start writing. When the timer goes off, publish.
January 25
Dearly departed
Write your own eulogy.
January 26
Musical
What role does music play in your life?
January 27
Sliced bread
Most of us have heard the saying, “That’s the best thing since
sliced bread!” What do you think is actually the best thing since
sliced bread?
January 28
Ode to a playground
A place from your past or childhood, one that you’re fond of, is
destroyed. Write it a memorial.
January 29
Through the window
Go to the nearest window. Look out for a full minute. Write about
what you saw.
January 30
Burning down the house
Your home is on fire. Grab five items (assume all people and
animals are safe). What did you grab?
January 31
Burnt
Remember yesterday, when your home was on fire and you got to
save five items? That means you left a lot of stuff behind. What
are the things you wish you could have taken, but had to leave
behind?
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February
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February 1
Flangiprop!
Invent a definition for the word “flangiprop,” then use the word
in a post.
February 2
Think global, act local
“Think global, act local.” Write a post connecting a global issue
to a personal one.
February 3
Writing room
A genie has granted your wish to build your perfect space for
reading and writing. What’s it like?
February 4
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
You need to make a major change in your life. Do you make it all
at once, cold turkey style, or incrementally?
February 5
Call me, maybe
Describe your relationship with your phone. Is it your lifeline,
a buzzing nuisance, or something in between?
February 6
Choose your adventure
Write a story or post with an open ending, and let your readers
invent the conclusion.
February 7
Right to health
Is access to medical care something that governments should
provide, or is it better left to the private sector? Are there
drawbacks to your choice?
February 8
Karma chameleon
Reincarnation: do you believe in it?
February 9
Childhood revisted
Sure, you turned out pretty good, but is there anything you wish
had been different about your childhood? If you have kids, is
there anything you wish were different for them?
February 10
Teachable moment
You have to learn a new skill. Do you prefer to read about it,
watch someone else do it, hear someone describe it, or try it
yourself?
February 11
Whoa!
What’s the most surreal experience you’ve ever had?
February 12
All about you
Explain why you chose your blog’s title and what it means to you.
February 13
Shoulda, woulda, coulda
Tell us about something you know you should do . . . but don’t.
February 14
Cupid’s arrow
It’s Valentine’s Day, so write an ode to someone or something you
love. Bonus points for poetry!
February 15
Proud
When was the last time someone told you they were proud of you?
February 16
The clock
Write about anything you’d like. Somewhere in your post, include
the sentence, “I heard the car door slam, and immediately looked
at the clock.”
February 17
Mentor
Have you ever had a mentor? What was the greatest lesson you
learned from him or her?
February 18
Far from normal
Many of us think of our lives as boringly normal, while others
live the high life. Take a step back, and take a look at your
life as an outsider might. Now, tell us at least six unique,
exciting, or just plain odd things about yourself.
February 19
Nightmares
Describe the last nightmare you remember having. What do you
think it meant?
February 20
A plot of earth
You’re given a plot of land and have the financial resources to
do what you please. What’s the plan?
February 21
Undo
If you could un-invent something, what would it be? Discuss why,
potential repercussions, or a possible alternative.
February 22
Seconds
Describe the most satisfying meal you’ve ever eaten, in glorious
detail.
February 23
B+
Write about what you did last weekend as though you’re a music
critic reviewing a new album.
February 24
Buffalo nickel
Dig through your couch cushions, your purse, or the floor of your
car and look at the year printed on the first coin you find. What
were you doing that year?
February 25
Cliché
Clichés become clichés for a reason. Tell us about the last time
a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush for you.
February 26
Happily ever after
“And they lived happily ever after.” Think about this line for a
few minutes. Are you living happily ever after? If not, what will
it take for you to get there?
February 27
Comedy of errors
Murphy’s Law says, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
Write about a time everything did — fiction encouraged here, too!
Bonus assignment: do you keep a notebook next to your bed? Good.
Tomorrow morning, jot down the first thought you have upon
waking, whether or not it’s coherent.
February 28
First light
Remember yesterday, when you wrote down the first thought you had
this morning? Great. Now write a post about it.
3
March
March 1
Back to the future
A service has been invented through which you can send messages
to people in the future. To whom would you send something, and
what would you write?
March 2
Places
Beach, mountain, forest, or somewhere else entirely?
March 3
No, thanks
Is there a place in the world you never want to visit? Where, and
why not?
March 4
Twenty-five
There are 26 letters in the English language, and we need every
single one of them. Want proof? Choose a letter and write a blog
post without using it. (Feeling really brave? Make it a vowel!)
March 5
Perspective
Write about the last disagreement you had with a friend or family
member — from their perspective.
March 6
All grown up
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if
ever)?
March 7
Seven days
You wake up tomorrow morning to find all your plans have been
cancelled for the next seven days and $10,000 on your dresser.
Tell us about your week.
March 8
Fantasy
The Tooth Fairy (or Easter Bunny, or Santa Claus . . .) : a fun
and harmless fiction, or a pointless justification for lying to
children?
March 9
VIP
Who’s the most important person in your life — and how would your
day-to-day existence be different without them?
March 10
Playlist of the week
Tell us how your week went by putting together a playlist of five
songs that represent it.
March 11
Ghostwriter
If you could have any author –living or dead – write your
biography, who would you choose?
March 12
Erasure
You have the choice to erase one incident from your past, as
though it never happened. What would you erase and why?
March 13
Silver screen
Take a quote from your favorite movie — there’s the title of your
post. Now, write!
March 14
180 degrees
Tell us about a time you did a 180 — changed your views on
something, reversed a decision, or acted in a way you ordinarily
don’t.
March 15
Comfort zone
What are you more comfortable with — routine and planning, or
laissez-faire spontaneity?
March 16
Show and tell
You’ve been asked to do a five-minute presentation to a group of
young schoolchildren on the topic of your choice. Describe your
presentation.
March 17
Bone of contention
Pick a contentious issue about which you care deeply — it could
be the same-sex marriage debate, or just a disagreement you’re
having with a friend. Write a post defending the opposite
position, and then reflect on what it was like to do that.
March 18
Impossible
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things
before breakfast.” – the White Queen, Alice in Wonderland.
What are the six impossible things you believe in? (If you can
only manage one or two, that’s also okay.)
March 19
Menagerie
Do you have animals in your life? If yes, what do they mean to
you? If no, why have you opted not to?
March 20
INTJ
Do parties and crowds fill you with energy, or send you scurrying
for peace and quiet?
March 21
Bedtime stories
What was your favorite book as a child? Did it influence the
person you are now?
March 22
Stranded
You’re stranded in a foreign city for a day with no money and no
friends. Where do you go; what do you do?
March 23
Local flavor
Write a piece about a typically “local” experience from where you
come from as though it’s an entry in a travel guide.
March 24
Competition
What activity, task, or game most brings out your competitive
streak?
March 25
Idyllic
What does your ideal community look like? How is it organized,
and how is community life structured? What values does the
community share?
March 26
Déjà vu
Have you ever truly felt déjà vu, the sensation that you’ve
already had the experience you’re currently having?
March 27
Judgment day
If you were to judge your favorite book by its cover, would you
still read it?
March 28
Happy happy joy joy
We cry for lots of reasons: sadness, pain, fear . . . and
happiness. When was the last time you shed tears of joy?
March 29
Trading spaces
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a member of
the opposite sex for a day? What do you think life would be like?
March 30
Five a day
You’ve being exiled to a private island, and your captors will
only supply you with five foods. What do you pick?
March 31
Odd couple
Does a messy home (or office) make you anxious and cranky, or is
cleaning something you just do before company comes over?
4
April
April 1
The social network
Do you feel like you “get” social media, or do you just use it
because that’s where all your friends and family are?
April 2
Prized possession
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a child. What
became of it?
April 3
Escape!
Describe your ultimate escape plan (and tell us what you’re
escaping from).
April 4
The transporter
Tell us about a sensation — a taste, a smell, a piece of music —
that transports you back to childhood.
April 5
Share the love
Tell us about another blogger who has influenced your own online
journey.
April 6
Third from the top
Head to your favorite blog. Scroll down to the third post in the
list. Take the third sentence in the post, and work it into a new
post of your own.
April 7
Alma mater
You’ve been asked to speak at your high school alma mater — about
the path of life. (Whoa.) Draft the speech.
April 8
Turn, turn, turn
For many of us, winter is blooming into spring, or fall hardening
into winter. Which season do you most look forward to?
April 9
Do-over
Go back to a blog post you always thought could be better, or
were unsatisfied with — now, fix it.
April 10
Imperfection
Imperfections — in things, in people, in places — add character
to life. Tell us about an imperfection that you cherish.
April 11
Press it
Give some love to three blog posts you’ve read and loved in the
past week, and tell us why they’re worth reading.
April 12
Decisions, decisions
How are you more likely to make an important decision — by
reasoning through it, or by going with your gut?
April 13
Charitable
You’ve inherited $5 million, with instructions that you must give
it all away — but you can choose any organizations you like to be
the beneficiaries. Where does the money go?
April 14
S/he said
Pause whatever you’re doing, and ask the person nearest you what
they’re thinking about (call someone if you have to). Write a
post based on it.
April 15
The satisfaction of a list
Who doesn’t love a list? So write one! Top five slices of pizza
in your town, ten reasons disco will never die, the three secrets
to happiness — go silly or go deep, just go list-y.
April 16
History of language
Write a piece of fiction describing the incident that gave rise
to the phrase, “third time’s the charm.”
April 17
Million-dollar question
Why do you blog?
April 18
Unknown caller
You receive a call from an unexpected person. Who is it, and what
is the conversation about? Go!
April 19
Freaky Friday
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and
why? If that seems too easy, try this one: who would you like to
have spend a day as you and what do you hope they’d learn from
the experience?
April 20
The bizarro world
In the DC comics universe, a planet called “Htrae” (“Earth”
spelled backwards) is populated with bizarre versions of
superheroes. A Seinfeld episode made the idea of this Bizarro
World popular, where the characters encountered their opposite
selves. Craft a scene in which you meet an opposite version of
yourself — or a story in a bizarre, backwards world.
April 21
Companionable
Head to one of your favorite blogs. Write a companion piece to
their penultimate post.
April 22
Critical eye
Write about the subject you usually blog about as if you were a
music critic.
April 23
Earworm
What song is stuck in your head (or on permanent rotation in your
CD or MP3 player) these days? Why does it speak to you?
April 24
Stranger
Have you ever had a random encounter or fleeting moment with a
stranger that stuck with you?
April 25
Clone wars
If you could clone yourself, how would you split up your
responsibilities?
April 26
Second time around
Tell us about a book you can read again and again without getting
bored — what is it that speaks to you?
April 27
Wall to wall
What do you display on the walls of your home — photos, posters,
artwork, nothing? How do you choose what to display? What mood
are you trying to create?
April 28
Your time to shine
Early bird, or night owl?
April 29
Cringe-worthy
Do you feel uncomfortable when you see someone else being
embarrassed? What’s most likely to make you squirm?
April 30
Art appreciation
Do you need to agree with an artist’s lifestyle or politics to
appreciate their art? To spend money on it?
5
May
May 1
Personal space
To what extent is your blog a place for your own self-expression
and creativity vs. a site designed to attract readers? How do you
balance that? If sticking to certain topics and types of posts
meant your readership would triple, would you do it?
May 2
Mad Libs
Turn to your co-workers, kids, Facebook friends, family — anyone
who’s accessible — and ask them to suggest an article, an
adjective, and a noun. There’s your post title! Now write.
May 3
The little things
Describe a little thing — one of the things you love that defines
your world but is often overlooked.
May 4
It’s a text, text, text world
How do you communicate differently online than in person, if at
all? How do you communicate emotion and intent in a purely
written medium?
May 5
The glass?
Is the glass half-full, or half-empty?
May 6
Evasive action
What’s the most significant secret you’ve ever kept? Did the
truth ever come out?
May 7
Key takeaway
Give your newer sisters and brothers-in-WordPress one piece of
advice based on your experiences blogging. If you’re a new
blogger, what’s one question you’d like to ask other bloggers?
May 8
Success
Tell us about a time where everything you’d hoped would happen
actually did.
May 9
Landscape
When you gaze out your window — real or figurative — do you see
the forest first, or the trees?
May 10
Morphing
Language evolves. The meaning of a word can shift over time as we
use it differently — think of “cool,” “heavy,” or even
“literally.” Today, give a word an evolutionary push: give a
common word a new meaning, explain it to us, and use it in the
title of your post.
May 11
I want to know what love is
We each have many types of love relationships — parents,
children, spouses, friends. And they’re not always with people;
you may love an animal, or a place. Is there a single idea or
definition that runs through all the varieties of “love”?
May 12
Fill in the blank
Three people walk into a bar . . .
May 13
Unconventional love
Over the weekend, we explored different ways to love. Today, tell
us about the most unconventional love in your life.
May 14
The interview
Interview your favorite fictional character.
May 15
Memories for sale
On a weekend road trip, far away from home, you stumble upon a
garage sale in a neighborhood you’re passing through. Astonished,
you find an object among the belongings for sale that you
recognize. Tell us about it.
May 16
Too big to fail
Tell us about something you would attempt if you were guaranteed
not to fail (and tell us why you haven’t tried it yet).
May 17
Feed your senses
Write down the first sight, sound, smell, and sensation you
experienced on waking up today. Pick the one you’re most drawn
to, and write. (For a bigger challenge, pick the one you’re least
drawn to.)
May 18
Helping hand
Tell us about the most surprising helping hand you’ve ever
received.
May 19
Dulled
You encounter a mysterious man offering you a magic potion that,
once sipped, will make one of your senses (sight, hearing, taste,
smell, touch) super sharp — but dull the others. Will you sip it,
and if so, what sense do you choose?
May 20
Bittersweet memories
You receive a gift that is bittersweet and makes you nostalgic.
What is it?
May 21
Goals
When you started your blog, did you set any goals? Have you
achieved them? Have they changed at all?
May 22
Green-eyed
Tell us about the last time you were really, truly jealous of
someone. Did you act on it? Did it hurt your relationship?
May 23
Fictional elevator
You’re stuck in an elevator with an intriguing stranger. Write
this scene.
May 24
The next big thing
What will the next must-have technological innovation be?
Jetpacks? Hoverboards? Wind-powered calculators?
May 25
Tell us your story
Tell us about a journey — whether a physical trip you took, or an
emotional one.
May 26
Switcheroo
If you could switch blogs with any blogger for a week, with whom
would you switch and why?
May 27
Say your name
Write about your first name: Are you named after someone or
something? Are there any stories or associations attached to it?
If you had the choice, would you rename yourself?
May 28
Elevator from the past
You’re stuck in an elevator with a person from your past. Write
this scene.
May 29
Weaving the threads
Draft a post with three parts, each unrelated to the other, but
create a common thread between them by including the same item —
an object, a symbol, a place — in each part.
May 30
Fight or flight
When faced with confrontation, do you head for the hills or walk
straight in? Was there ever a time you wished you’d had the
opposite reaction?
May 31
Teleport
If you could travel to any location in the universe — where would
you travel and why?
6
June
June 1
Silver linings
Write about something you consider “ugly” — war, violence,
failure, hatred — but try to find beauty, or a sense of hope, in
your thoughts.
June 2
The zone
Tell us about your favorite way to get lost in a simple activity
— running, chopping vegetables, folding laundry, whatever. What’s
it like when you’re in “the zone”?
June 3
Tourist trap
What’s your dream tourist destination — either a place you’ve
been and loved, or a place you’d love to visit? What about it
speaks to you?
June 4
Red pill, blue pill
If you could get all the nutrition you needed in a day with a
pill — no worrying about what to eat, no food preparation — would
you do it?
June 5
Never
Tell us about a thing you’ll never write about.
June 6
Four stars
Write a review of your life — or the life of someone close to you
— as if it were a movie or a book.
June 7
RSVP
Plan the ultimate celebration for the person you’re closest to,
and tell us about it. Where is it? Who’s there? What’s served?
What happens?
June 8
Do not disturb
How do you manage your online privacy? Are there certain things
you won’t post in certain places? Information you’ll never share
online? Or do you assume information about you is accessible
anyway?
June 9
The normal
Is being “normal” — whatever that means to you — a good thing, or
a bad thing? Neither?
June 10
Ripped into the headline
Write about something that happened over the weekend as though
it’s the top story on your local paper.
June 11
Take care
When you’re unwell, do you allow others to take care of you, or
do you prefer to soldier on alone? What does it take for you to
ask for help?
June 12
You’ve got the power
You have the power to enact a single law. What would it be?
June 13
Person of the year
You’re asked to nominate someone for TIME’s Person of the Year.
Who would it be, and why?
June 14
In good faith
Describe a memory or encounter in which you considered your
faith, religion, spirituality — or lack of — for the first time.
June 15
Singin’ in the rain
Safe inside, toasty warm, while water pitter-patters on the
roof…describe your perfect, rainy afternoon.
June 16
Bookworm
Tell us about the last book you read (Why did you choose it?
Would you recommend it?). To go further, write a post based on
its subject matter.
June 17
Shape up or ship out
Write a letter to the personality trait you like least,
convincing it to shape up or ship out. Be as threatening,
theatrical, or thoroughly charming as is necessary to get the job
done.
June 18
Might as well jump
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been
able to? What would have to happen to make you comfortable taking
it?
June 19
Tagline
Often, our blogs have taglines. But what if humans did, too? What
would your tagline be?
June 20
Moment of kindess
Describe a moment of kindness, between you and someone else —
loved one or complete stranger.
June 21
Ha ha ha
Tell us a joke! Knock-knock joke, long story with a unexpected
punchline, great zinger — all jokes are welcome!
June 22
No, thank you
If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one
would it be? Why?
June 23
Island of misfit posts
We all have something we’d like to write about, but that doesn’t
really “fit” our blog. Write it anyway.
June 24
Morality play
Where do your morals come from — your family? Your faith? Your
philosophical worldview? How do you deal with those who don’t
share them, or derive them from a different source?
June 25
21st century citizen
Do you belong in this day and age? Do you feel comfortable being
a citizen of the 21st-century? If you do, explain why — and if
you don’t, when in human history would you rather be?
June 26
Planes, trains, and automobiles
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, or
car? (Or something else entirely — bike? Hot air balloon?)
June 27
The artist’s eye
Is there a painting or sculpture you’re drawn to? What does it
say to you? Describe the experience. (Or, if art doesn’t speak to
you, tell us why.)
June 28
We can be taught
Tell us a moment or an incident that you treasure — not
necessarily because it brought you happiness, but because it
taught you something about yourself.
June 29
No longer a mere mortal
You’ve imbibed a special potion that makes you immortal. Now that
you’ve got forever, what changes will you make in your life? How
will you live life differently, knowing you’ll always be around
to be accountable for your actions?
June 30
The natural world
Describe your first memorable experience exploring and spending
time in nature. Were you in awe? Or were you not impressed? Would
you rather spend time in the forest or the city?
7
July
July 1
Great or greatest
What makes a blog great? What makes you follow a blog or “Like” a
post?
July 2
The road less traveled
Pinpoint a moment in your past where you had to make a big
decision. Write about that other alternate life that could have
unfolded.
July 3
A mystery wrapped in an enigma
Tell us something most people probably don’t know about you.
July 4
From the gut
Tell us about the last time you had a real, deep,
crying-from-laughing belly laugh.
July 5
Mirror, mirror
Finish this sentence: “When I look in the mirror, I . . .”
July 6
Tables turned
Are as comfortable in front of a camera as behind one? Being
written about, as well as writing?
July 7
Rolling stone
If you could live a nomadic life, would you? Where would you go?
How would you decide? What would life be like without a “home
base”?
July 8
Barter system
If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would
you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would
you struggle?
July 9
Keep out
Who is the one person you hope isn’t reading your blog? Why?
July 10
Earworm
Write whatever you normally write about, and weave in a book
quote, film quote, or song lyric that’s been sticking with you
this week.
July 11
Fandom
Are you a sports fan? Tell us about fandom. If you’re not, tell
us why not.
July 12
Singular sensation
If one experience or life change results from you writing your
blog, what would you like it to be?
July 13
Your life, the book
From a famous writer or celebrity, to a WordPress.com blogger or
someone close to you — who would you like to be your biographer?
July 14
Opposite day
If you normally write non-fiction, post a photo. If you normally
post images, write fiction. If you normally write fiction, write
a poem. If you normally write poetry, draw a picture.
July 15
Far from home
Tell us about the farthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
July 16
Dream home
You win a contest to build your dream home. Draft the plans.
July 17
Stranger in a strange land
What’s your favorite part about visiting a new place — the food?
The architecture? The people watching?
July 18
Flip flop
Think of a topic or issue about which you’ve switched your
opinion. Why the change?
July 19
Fly on the wall
If you could be a “fly on the wall” anywhere and at any time in
history, where and when would you choose?
July 20
There’s no place like home
If you had the opportunity to live a nomadic life, traveling from
place to place, would you do it? Do you need a home base? What
makes a place “home” to you?
July 21
Party animals?
After spending time with a group of people, do you feel energized
and ready for anything or do you want to hide in the corner with
a good book?
July 22
The stat connection
Go to your Stats page and check your top three-five posts. Why do
you think they’ve been successful? Find the connection between
them, and write about it.
July 23
You, the sandwich
If a restaurant were to name something after you, what would it
be? Describe it. (Bonus points for writing a recipe!)
July 24
From the collection of the artist
It’s the year 2114. A major museum is running an exhibition on
life and culture as it was in 2014. You’re asked to write an
introduction for the show’s brochure. What will it say?
July 25
A friend in need…
Finish this sentence: “My closest friend is…”
July 26
Back to school
If you could take a break from your life and go back to school to
master a subject, what would it be?
July 27
From A to Z
Create a short story, piece of memoir, or epic poem that is 26
sentences long, in which the first sentence begins with “A” and
each sentence thereafter begins with the next letter of the
alphabet.
July 28
Life after blogs
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
July 29
State of your year
Write up a mid-year “State of My Year” post.
July 30
Drawing a blank
When was the last time your walked away from a discussion, only
to think of The Perfect Comeback hours later? Recreate the scene
for us, and use your winning line.
July 31
Pat on the back
Tell someone you’re proud of just how proud you are.
8
August
August 1
A house divided
Pick a divisive issue currently in the news. Write a two-part
post in which you take on two personas and approach the topic
from both sides. Bonus points for a creative format (roundtable
discussion, debate transcript, etc.).
August 2
Origin story
Why did you start your blog? Is that still why you blog, or has
your site gone in a different direction than you’d planned?
August 3
Green-eyed monster
Write an anonymous letter to someone you’re jealous of.
August 4
Back to the future
Anachronism (noun): an error in chronology; a person or thing
that’s chronologically out of place. Write a story in which a
person or thing is out of place, or recount a time when you felt
out of place.
August 5
Ballerina, fireman, astronaut, moviestar
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up? What
are you now? Are the two connected?
August 6
Everything changes
Walking down the street, you encounter a folded piece of paper on
the sidewalk. You pick it up and read it and immediately, your
life has changed. Describe this experience.
August 7
Never again
Have you ever gone to a new place or tried a new experience and
thought to yourself, “I’m never doing that again!” Tell us about
it.
August 8
(YAWN)
What bores you?
August 9
Smell you later
Humans have very strong scent memory. Tell us about a smell that
transports you.
August 10
Moved to tears
Describe the last time you were moved to tears by something
beautiful.
August 11
P.C.
Is political correctness a useful concept, or does it stifle
honest discussion?
August 12
Life line
You’re on a long flight, and a palm reader sitting next to you
insists she reads your palm. You hesitate, but agree. What does
she tell you?
August 13
Drawing the line
Can anything be funny, or are some things off limits?
August 14
Mirror, mirror, on the wall…
Think of your blog as a mirror: what does it reveal? Consider
your blog name, theme choice, design, bio, posts… what does every
element tell you about yourself?
August 15
Freaky Friday
You experience your own Freaky Friday, and switch bodies with
someone you love/hate. Tell us what happens.
August 16
Standout
When was the last time you really stood out in a crowd? Are you
comfortable in that position, or do you wish you could fade into
the woodwork?
August 17
Three-tenths
Scribble down the first ten words that come to mind. Pick three
of them. There’s your post title. Now write!
August 18
Procrastination
What have you been putting off doing? Why?
August 19
On the edge
We all have things as need to do to keep an even keel — blogging,
exercising, reading, cooking. What’s yours?
August 20
The full moon
When the full moon happens, you turn into a person who’s the
opposite of who you normally are. Describe this new you.
August 21
Fifteen credits
Another school semester will soon begin. If you’re in school, are
you looking forward to starting classes? If you’re out of school,
what do you miss about it — or are you glad those days are over?
August 22
Viral
The New York Times is going to feature your blog on its home
page, and you’ve been asked to publish a new post — it’ll be the
first thing tens of thousands of new readers see. Write it.
August 23
Pants on fire
What was the last lie you told? Why did you tell it?
August 24
These boots were made for walkin’
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve
taken you.
August 25
Secret of success
What would it take for you to consider yourself a “successful
blogger”? Is that something you strive for?
August 26
Funny ha-ha
Do you consider yourself funny? What role does humor play in your
life? Who’s the funniest person you know?
August 27
I’d like to thank my cats
You are receiving an award –- either one that already exists, or
a new one created just for you. What would the award be, why are
you being honored, and what would you say in your acceptance
speech?
August 28
Ready for your close-up
Cast the movie of your life.
August 29
I can’t drive 55
Take the third line of the last song you heard, make it your post
title, and write for a maximum of 15 minutes. GO!
August 30
A little sneaky
Are writing prompts a useful exercise, or do you find them to be
too limiting and/or hokey?
August 31
I pledge allegiance
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
9
September
September 1
Groundhog day
In the comedy “Groundhog Day” Bill Murray experienced the same
day again and again, stuck in a time loop until he got the day
“right.” What day would you choose to repeat until you got it
right? Do you think it’s ever possible to get life “right”?
September 2
Name that…you!
Do you know the meaning of your name, and why your parents chose
it? Do you think it suits you? What about your children’s names?
September 3
Blogger with a cause
If your day to day responsibilities were taken care of and you
could throw yourself completely behind a cause, what would it be?
September 4
I am a rock
Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you
prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?
September 5
Imagine all the people
The next time you’re in a public place — a coffeehouse, a park, a
store — observe the people around you. Pick a person, a couple,
or a group, and imagine what their lives might be like.
September 6
Regrets, I’ve had a few
What’s your biggest regret? How would your life have been
different if you’d made another decision?
September 7
Luxurious
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
September 8
The excitement never ends
Tell us about the last thing you got excited about —
butterflies-in-the-stomach, giggling, can’t-wait excited.
September 9
What a twist
Tell us a story — fiction or non-fiction — with a twist we can’t
see coming.
September 10
Six of one, half-a-dozen of the other
Write a six-word story about what you think the future holds for
you, and then expand on it in a post.
September 11
Thank you
The internet is full of rants. Help tip the balance: today,
simply be thankful for something (or someone).
September 12
Toy story
What was your favorite plaything as a child? Do you see any
connection between your life now, and your favorite childhood
toy?
September 13
Snark bombs, away!
Try your hand at parody or satire — take an article, film, blog
post, or song you find misguided, and use humor to show us how.
September 14
Bookworms
Grab the nearest book. Open it and go to the tenth word. Do a
Google Image Search of the word. Write about what the image
brings to mind.
September 15
Sorry, I’m busy
Tell us about a time when you should have helped someone… but
didn’t.
September 16
Super sensitive
If you were forced to give up one sense, but gain
super-sensitivity in another, which senses would you choose?
September 17
The cat says meow
Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object,
thing, animal, or another person.
September 18
Naked, with black socks
Are you comfortable in front of people, or does the idea of
public speaking make you want to hide in the bathroom? Why?
September 19
Are you being served?
What’s the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience you’ve ever
had as a customer?
September 20
No fair
Tell us about something you think is terribly unfair — and
explain how you would rectify it.
September 21
We can be taught!
What makes a teacher great?
September 22
Practice makes perfect
Tell us about a talent you’d love to have…but don’t.
September 23
Non sequitur
Write a post about anything you’d like, but be sure to include
this sentence somewhere in the final paragraph: “He tried to hit
me with a forklift!”
September 24
Standstill
For a moment today, time stands still — but you can tweak one
thing while it’s stopped. What do you do?
September 25
Celebrate good times
You receive some wonderful, improbable, hoped-for good news. How
do you celebrate?
September 26
2100
The language of the future: what will it be like? Write an
experimental post using some imagined vocabulary — abbreviations,
slang, new terms.
September 27
A bend in time
When you’re giddy with excitement, does time speed up? Slow down?
Tell us about the experience of anticipation.
September 28
Ebb and flow
Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life happens.
Write a post for your blog — but three years in the future.
September 29
Cleaning house
Is there “junk” in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of
it?
September 30
On the road
If you could pause real life and spend some time living with a
family anywhere in the world, where would you go?
10
October
October 1
Fearful symmetry
Pick a letter, any letter. Now, write a story, poem, or post in
which every line starts with that letter.
October 2
Reading material
How do you pick what blogs or books to read? What’s the one thing
that will get you to pick up a book or click on a link every
single time?
October 3
New internet order
All the world’s countries have decided that the Internet itself
needs a government. Your country asks you to run for Prime
Minister of the ‘Net — do you accept? If so, what will your
platform be?
October 4
The clothes that (may) make the (wo)man
How important are clothes to you? Describe your style, if you
have one, and tell us how appearance impacts how you feel about
yourself.
October 5
Eye of the beholder
Describe what it feels like to hear a beautiful piece of music or
see a stunning piece of art.
October 6
Mixtape masterpiece
You make a new friend. Make them a mix tape (or playlist, for the
younger folks) that tells them who you are through song.
October 7
Exhale
Tell us about a time when everything seemed to be going wrong —
and then, suddenly, you knew it would be alright.
October 8
Bloggers, unplugged
Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes.
How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make
it happen?
October 9
Can’t get enough
Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you
were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something
that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10
Fright night
Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe
the sensation of being scared, and why you love it — or don’t.
October 11
Mid-season replacement
For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably
between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new
season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12
Blogger in a strange land
What’s the strangest place from which you’ve posted to your blog?
When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly
thought, “I need to write about this!”?
October 13
Michelangelo’s YOU
Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from
the last month of your life into the glistening marble of
immortality. What’s the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14
Imitation / flattery
Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite
author.
October 15
Childlike
Explain your biggest regret — as though to a small child.
October 16
Honorific
October 16th is officially declared “Person X Day” — and you get
to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be
commemorated.
October 17
Community service
Your entire community — however you define that; your hometown,
your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues — is guaranteed
to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post you’d like them all to
see.
October 18
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news.
What’s the first thing you do?
October 19
Home sweet home
When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you
miss the most?
October 20
Release me
Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish —
and what it was like to set it free.
October 21
Blank is the new blank
Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th
words (that aren’t “the” or “an”). Drop them into this phrase:
“_____ is the new _____.” There’s your post title. Now write!
October 22
Sand but true
Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear — but accurate
— criticism you’e ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23
As seen on T.V.
Write a script for a late-night infomercial — where the product
is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you
embody that other “products” don’t? What are the benefits of
reading your blog?
October 24
Express yourself
Tell us about a time you couldn’t quite get your words or images
to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the
barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25
Simply the best
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the
best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26
Breakdown
Tell us about a habit you’d like to break. Is there any way it
can play a positive role in your life?
October 27
The golden hour
6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM
bedtime?
October 28
Seven wonders
Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one
another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would
your seven words be?
October 29
First
Tell us about your first day at something — your first day of
school, first day of work, first day living on your own, first
day blogging, first day as a parent, whatever.
October 30
Free to be me
What’s the character trait you admire the most about yourself?
October 31
Halloweeny!
If bloggers had their own Halloween and could go from blog to
blog collecting “treats,” what would your blog hand out?
11
November
November 1
Eat, drink and be merry…
…for tomorrow we die. The world is ending tomorrow! Tell us about
your last dinner — the food, your dining companions, the setting,
the conversation.
November 2
Conflicted
You’re in the middle of a terrible argument, and everyone turns
to you to help resolve it. How do you respond? How do you react
to conflict?
November 3
Placebo effect
If you could create a painless, inexpensive cure for a single
ailment, what would you cure and why?
November 4
It builds character
Tell us about a favorite character from film, theater, or
literature, with whom you’d like to have a heart-to-heart. What
would you talk about?
November 5
Intense
Describe the last time you were surprised by the intensity of a
feeling you had about something, or were surprised at how
strongly you reacted to something you thought wouldn’t be a big
deal.
November 6
Google and rescue operation
What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you
looking for it?
November 7
Cheering section
Do you have a mentor? Tell us about him or her. Are you a mentor
to someone else? Tell us what that relationship has added to your
life.
November 8
Connect the dots
Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how
it connects to your life. Write about that.
November 9
About page for the future
Write the About page for your blog in 10 years.
November 10
The perfect game
You’re set to play poker (or Scrabble or something else . . .)
with a group of four. Write a story set during this game. Or,
describe the ideal match: the players, the relationships — and
the hidden rivalries.
November 11
Food for the soul (and the stomach)
Tell us about your favorite meal, either to eat or to prepare.
Does it just taste great, or does it have other associations?
November 12
Come fly with me
Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
November 13
Non-regional diction
Write about whatever you’d like, but write using regional slang,
your dialect, or in your accent.
November 14
Write about evil
Write about evil: how you understand it (or don’t), what you
think it means, or a way it’s manifested, either in the world at
large or in your life.
November 15
FAQ
Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the
mailman — and write a post based on their responses.
November 16
Love to love you
What do you love most about yourself? What do you love most about
your favorite person? Are the two connected?
November 17
Land of confusion
Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.
November 18
Fear no more
What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to
get you to do it?
November 19
Perspective
Think about something that drives you crazy. Now, think about
something that makes you happy. Does it change your perspective
on the former?
November 20
Safety first
Share the story of a time you felt unsafe.
November 21
A bird, a plane, you!
You get to choose one superpower. Pick one of these, and explain
your choice: the ability to speak and understand any language,
the ability to travel through time, or the ability to make any
two people agree with each other.
November 22
Playtime
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
November 23
I have confidence in me
Are you good at what you do? What would you like to be better at?
November 24
Close call
Tell us about a bullet you’re glad you dodged — when something
awful almost happened, but didn’t.
November 25
Simply irresistable
Tell us about the favorite dish or food that you simply cannot
turn down.
November 26
To boldly go…
An impending new year gives rise to reflection and goal setting.
What will your goals for 2015 be? It’s never to early to start
thinking about self improvement!
November 27
Fear factor
People are afraid of all kinds of things: spiders, the dark, or
being enclosed in small spaces. Tell us about your greatest fear
— rational or irrational.
November 28
Keeping up with the Jones’
Tell us about the one luxury item you wish you could afford, in
as much detail as you can. Paint a picture for us.
November 29
Humble pie
Tell us about a time you found out after the fact that you’d been
mistaken and you had to eat a serving of humble pie.
November 30
Tattoo…you?
Do you have a tattoo? If so, what’s the story behind your ink? If
you don’t have a tattoo, what might you consider getting
emblazoned on you skin?
12
December 1
Hear no evil
Tell us about a conversation you couldn’t help but overhear and
wish you hadn’t.
December 2
No you see me
You have a secret superpower: the ability to appear and disappear
at will. When and where will you use this new superpower? Tell us
a story.
December 3
Sink or swim
Tell us about a time when you were left on your own, to fend for
yourself in an overwhelming situation — on the job, at home, at
school. What was the outcome?
December 4
Five items
A classic question, revisited: what are the five items you must
have on a deserted island?
December 5
The power of touch
Textures are everywhere: The rough edges of a stone wall. The
smooth innocence of a baby’s cheek. The sense of touch brings
back memories for us. What texture is particularly evocative to
you?
December 6
Fifteen minutes
You have 15 minutes to address the whole world live (on
television or radio — choose your format). What would you say?
December 7
What’s your learning style?
What’s your learning style? Do you prefer learning in a group and
in an interactive setting? Or one-on-one? Do you retain
information best through lectures, or visuals, or simply by
reading books?
December 8
A source of anxiety
Write about a noise — or even a silence — that won’t go away.
(We’ll let you interpret this in different ways…)
December 9
Out of your reach
Was there a toy or thing you always wanted as a child, during the
holidays or on your birthday, but never received? Tell us about
it.
December 10
Unexpected
Unexpectedly, you lose your job. (Or a loved one. Or something or
someone important to you.) What do you do next?
December 11
My precious
Who is the person in your life who can do no wrong? Describe this
person and tell us why you hold them in such high esteem.
December 12
Daring do
Tell us about the time you rescued someone else (person or
animal) from a dangerous situation. What happened? How did you
prevail?
December 13
Necessity is the mother of invention
Imagine, in great detail, an invention that could help reverse
pollution — describe for us how your invention works and how it
will help save the planet.
December 14
Festivus for the rest of us
You have been named supreme ruler of the universe. Your first
order of business is creating and instituting a holiday or
festival in your honor. What day of the year is your holiday?
What special events will take place? Describe YOU DAY in as great
a detail as you can muster: the special foods we’ll consume, the
decorations we’ll use…everything.
December 15
Memories of holidays past
What is your very favorite holiday? Recount the specific memory
or memories that have made that holiday special to you.
December 16
By the skin of your teeth
Share a time when you narrowly avoided disaster.
December 17
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch
What is your least favorite personal quality in others? Extra
points for sharing your least favorite personal quality in
yourself.
December 18
Mad as a hatter
Tell us about a time when you flew into a rage. What is it that
made you so incredibly angry?
December 19
A random act of kindness
Tell us about the time when you performed a secret random act of
kindness — where the recipient of your kindness never found out
about your good deed. How did the deed go down?
December 20
Forgive and forget?
Share a story where it was very difficult for you to forgive the
perpetrator for wronging you, but you did it — you forgave them.
December 21
My number one
Who is the most important person in your life? Describe that
person in as great a detail as you can muster and most
importantly, tell us why you cherish this person.
December 22
Interplanet Janet
You get to design your own planet: tell us all about your planet
— the weather, the seasons, the inhabitants. Go.
December 23
The guilt that haunts me
Share a time when you were overcome with guilt. What were the
circumstances? How did you overcome you guilt?
December 24
The best day ever
You get to enjoy the best day ever — describe in detail what that
means to you. Where are you? What will you do? What’s the weather
like? What will you eat? Who will you see?
December 25
I was here
You are the first astronaut to arrive on a new, uncharted planet.
Write the note that you leave to those who come after you.
December 26
Moment of clarity
Tell us about a time you’d been trying to solve a knotty problem
— maybe it was an interpersonal problem, a life problem, a big
ol’ problem — and you had a moment of clarity when the solution
appeared to you, as though you were struck by lightening.
December 27
You’re a winner
You’ve just won $1 billion dollars in the local lottery. You do
not have to pay tax on your winnings. How will you spend the
money?
December 28
The new school
You get to redesign school as we know it from the ground up. Will
you do away with reading, writing, and arithmetic? What skills
and knowledge will your school focus on imparting to young minds?
December 29
Brainwave
What’s the best idea you’ve ever had? Regale us with every detail
of the idea — the idea itself, where it came to you, and the
problem it solved.
December 30
I believe in magic
You have been transformed into a mystical being who has the
ability to do magic. Share your new abilities in detail. How will
you use your new skills?
December 31
A brand new you, effective tomorrow!
Tomorrow is the first day of a brand new year. Tomorrow you get
to become anyone in the world that you wish. Who are you? If you
decide to stay “you” share your rationale.
