Over 180 "Science Fiction & Fantasy" Writing Prompts
The Engineer Between Worlds
A brilliant engineer living in a technocratic society invents a device that allows the user to travel through alternate dimensions. During her travels, she discovers a dimension where technology has destroyed civilization, and she must decide whether to share this knowledge with her own world, risking total anarchy or withholding the truth to maintain the status quo.
The First Magic in the Family
In a world where magical abilities are inherited, your protagonist is the first in their family to awaken a rare and possibly dangerous form of magic. They must decide whether to harness this power to benefit humanity or hide it to protect themselves from those who hunt the magically gifted.
Two Lives in Dreams
Imagine a world where every person has two lives: one in reality and another in their dreams. The choices made in dreams affect their waking life, and vice versa. Write a story about a character who begins to prefer their dream life over reality, and the consequences that unfold.
The Lincoln Memorial Door
Imagine a reality where historical landmarks can transport you to the time period they were constructed. Write a story about a group of teenagers who accidentally trigger this feature of the Lincoln Memorial and find themselves in the midst of the Civil War. Explore their struggle to return to their own time and the moral dilemmas they face in a torn nation.
The Sunset Symphony
Envision an alternate reality where colors are not seen but heard. Detail the experiences of a famous conductor who becomes the first to compose a symphony using the rarest sounds, the hues of the sunset, perceived by very few. Delve into his journey towards the performance and the unprecedented auditory spectacle that follows.
The Dream Weaver
Write a tale set in a universe where dreams are not personal but shared among communities. Describe how different towns and cities cultivate different dreaming cultures and follow one dream-weaver who is tasked with controlling and curating the shared dream experiences to maintain harmony.
Re-Rolling Destiny
In a futuristic society, citizens are assigned roles and professions by the all-encompassing AI, "The Game Master." Your protagonist, who dreams of a life different from the one assigned to them, stumbles upon a glitch in the system and gains the ability to "re-roll" their destiny. Explore their journey as they manipulate the system to not only change their fate but also to dismantle the very foundations of their society.
The Fallen Guardian Angel
In a world where people are aware of their guardian angels, a young woman discovers that her angel is actually a fallen one, desperately trying to earn redemption. Together, they navigate challenges that test their resolve, trust, and the very laws of the celestial world.
The Detective and the Shadow
In a city where everyone's shadow has a life of its own, tell the story of a young detective who must partner with their own shadow to solve the mystery of a series of shadow disappearances.
The Historian Who Changed Time
Write a story set in a reality where historical and future events can be visited like destinations, using a time-travel-like technology. Describe the experiences of a historian who uncovers unraveling errors in the timeline only to realize someone is deliberately altering history. Each scenario presents challenges and mysteries, driven by the rules of their unique alternate realities.