Over 180 "Science Fiction & Fantasy" Writing Prompts
The Haunted Apartment Lease
In your story, every city block has its own guardian spirit, and residents must negotiate with them for everything from parking spaces to noise complaints. Your protagonist, a skeptical real estate agent who never believed in such tales, starts seeing the spirits after unwittingly signing a lease on a haunted apartment.
The Robot's Egalitarian Blueprint
In a futuristic city, the rich and powerful live high above in the skies, while the poor are relegated to the shadows beneath. When an underground mechanic stumbles upon an old, decommissioned robot that possesses knowledge of the city’s original egalitarian blueprint, they embark on a dangerous mission to restore balance.
The Library for the Worthy
Write a story about an ancient library that appears only to those who are worthy. Its books offer unprecedented knowledge and spells. When a streetwise orphan stumbles upon it, they're drawn into a centuries-old battle between magical factions, all vying for control of the library’s secrets.
The Government's Game
Write a story set in a world where role-playing games are not just for fun, but are mandated by the government once a year as a means to assign professions and social standings based on players' performances. Describe your protagonist's preparation and the unexpected alliances and betrayals they encounter during their game.
The Martian Peace Talks
Humans have started terraforming Mars, but an ancient, dormant Martian technology awakens, recognizing the terraformers as threats. A historian specializing in Martian civilization is sent to negotiate peace, discovering deeply held secrets about both the technology and the true history of Mars that could change the future of both planets.
The Stolen Inspiration Market
In an alternate reality where artistic ability is the currency, explore the rise of a young painter who discovers a black market that deals in stolen "inspiration." What ethical lines are crossed to achieve fame and wealth?
The Warrior at Game Night
An ancient and revered tabletop game holds the secret to actual magic. You, a novice player, accidentally trigger this power during a game night and summon a legendary warrior into your living room. Write about your adventures together as you try to send them back to their realm.
The Ghosts of Every Age
The first human is born with the ability to see both past and future ghosts—spirits of those who have died and those who are yet to be born. Explore the implications of this ability on society, personal relationships, and the individual's own sanity as they grapple with knowledge no one else possesses.
Stranded Beyond the Wormhole
Humanity's first experimental jump through a newly discovered wormhole goes awry, stranding a group of scientists in a distant part of the universe with no immediate way back. Detail their survival and the alien societies they encounter as they seek a way to return home.
The Climate System Failure
In a world reliant on advanced technology to control the climate and keep natural disasters at bay, a catastrophic failure causes the system to break down. Describe the chaos that ensues and the group of engineers who must venture into dangerous conditions to restore order.