Learning to write a romance or love story plot is a valuable skill for every writer because romance is one of the most common subplots across all genres. Let's look at how to write a love story and then dive into some romance writing prompts!
Need even more story ideas? Get our top 100 short story ideas here.
Romance is one of the nine types of stories and by far one of the most commercially lucrative. Even if you aren't writing a romance novel though, the love story is often a subplot across genres. Let's take a look at what romance readers expect.
Basics of a Romance AKA Love Story
If you're writing a love story, keep a few things in mind. The primary value in these stories is love vs. hate. Readers expect to see two people meet (called the meet-cute) or to see a couple about to break up. We want to know if they'll end up together and how. The conflict can stem from any number of complications.
The crisis will be directly tied to “will they or won't they declare their love” and the character must act to prove their love in the climax. Ultimately, they will find their way back to each other in the end, hopefully in an unexpected but satisfying way.
Also, if you want to learn exactly how to do this on your own, check out our definitive guide on how to write a love story. It has everything you need, from common love story character archetypes to love story masterworks to the seven steps to write a love story. Check out the post here.
With that in mind, give one of these romance story prompts a try and see where it goes!
A few notes:
- I'll do my best to keep these suggestions PG-13, but the genre DOES call for a bit of intimacy.
- Fair warning: my brain is a little odd, so these will not be your usual romance plots.
- Expect some gender-swapping.
- Speaking of gender, I'm writing these with the intent that you can do anything with the gender of any character in the prompt. Keep that in mind.
- Have fun! When it comes to romance, a sense of humor is always a good idea.
10 Quick Romance Writing Prompts
- A character's high school sweetheart shows up and it turns out the school crush feelings haven't gone away.
2. Two characters find an unexpected connection during a key scene that confuses one of them.
3. He gets a letter from a secret admirer and goes on a quest to uncover the identity of the sender.
4. They work together and a secret romance would be a terrible idea, putting both their jobs at risk, but the pull to each other is hard to resist.
5. She returns home when her family's had a tough time after the death of a parent. He's been helping them sort through the mess, and while she disagrees with how he's helping, she can't stop thinking about him.
6. At their large ten year high school reunion, he asks her to dance and she slowly realizes he's the brother of someone she doesn't want to ever see again, but there's an instant connection.
7. A romance writer can't find her own happily ever after until she meets…
8. It's conference season and he has to present all over the country. It's usually a boring string of business trips, but when he's put on a panel with a fiesty and brilliant woman who the night before had kissed him in a bar, he knows this conference season is going to be very different.
9. It's her first road trip after a bad breakup and she's determined not to depend on anyone else until…
10. A pop star and an astronaut in training meet at a benefit dinner and can't avoid each other's orbits.
20 More Romance Story Ideas
11. She's a cop. He's the owner of a jewelry store. A sudden rash of break-ins brings her to his store over and over and over again, until it becomes obvious that he might be tripping the alarm on purpose—just to see her. That's illegal—but she's kind of falling for him, too. Write the moment she realizes she has to do something about this crazy illicit courtship.
12. Two dirt-poor art students survive by sharing a nasty little apartment above a bodega. They struggle through four years, barely making ends meet, comforting one another through tragedies and triumph, but never openly admit how they feel about each other…until they graduate, and one of them gets a job in another city. Is it too late to confess their love?
13. Colorado Animal Rescue has never been more challenging than after that zoo caught on fire. Sally Cougar (no jokes on the name, or she'll kill you) tracks down three missing tiger cubs, only to find they've been adopted by millionaire Bryce Champion. Thanks to an antiquated law on the books, he legally has the right to keep them. It's going to take everything Sally has to get those tiger cubs back.
14. Ever heard of Balkan Sworn Virgins? Let's take that concept further. Unspecified ancient times; matriarchal society. Only a queen may ascend to the throne, and only daughters have been born to the royal family for generations—but to everyone's amazement, this royal couple had a son. To avoid some unpleasant relative taking over, the prince must become a princess in appearance, dress, and behavior—which makes things REALLY awkward because “she” has been betrothed to a neighboring prince before he—er, she—was born.
15. She's a nurse trying to work her way through both her massive student debt and the everyday living expenses of Boston. Desperate for cash, she takes a job as a model for a late-night sculpting workshop, and initially doesn't question why the workshop organizer keeps paying her more than agreed. Or keeps insisting on ordering delivery so she goes home with food. Or keeps making sure she gets the job even though several other people are trying for it. Initially, she doesn't question anything; when she finally does, how will she handle this attention? Is it adorable or terrifying?
16. Horticulture…in space! It's “the future,” and humans are in communication with an interdimensional alien species—but the only way they CAN communicate is telepathically via a certain type of plant. Elizabeth, the top human horticulturist, has been navigating these odd waters with the alien's top horticulturist for the past ten years. Whether she admits it or not, this being she's never seen is her closest friend and confidante. When the door between dimensions finally opens and she meets her counterpart, she's in for two surprises: one, he's tall, green, and gorgeous; and two, he thinks they've been courting all this time—and expects her to drop everything and marry him at once. How does she respond?
17. He's a museum curator with a fetish for perfection. No one's ever gotten close to him; how could they? They're never as perfect as the portraits, the sculptures, the art that never changes. Then one day, an intern is hired on—a young, messy, disorganized intern, whose hair and desk are in a constant state of disarray. The curator is going half-mad with this walking embodiment of chaos; so why can't the he stand the thought of the intern leaving at the end of their assistantship?
18. Yalena used to breed greyhounds; now, she rescues them. But one of the most powerful magnates in the racing industry takes issue with her efforts, and sends a professional saboteur to infiltrate her grassroots organization to undermine it from within. Unfortunately, that saboteur quickly finds Yalena's spirit and determination irresistible (not to mention her perky smile and gorgeous eyes). Failure isn't an option; what's a formerly heartless corporate terrorist to do?
19. He's a cop—one of the good ones—and when an undercover bust went bad ten years ago, his wife and small child were killed. He swore he'd never love again. Then his old partner retires, only to be replaced by a wide-eyed, spunky rookie, whose seemingly impossible innocence and joie de vivre remind him life is worth living again. This could only end in disaster…right? Dare he make the first move?
20. She's working her way to the top the only way a woman can in this business: by being absolutely ruthless, heartless, and six times as tough as the men. But when one of those men, an underling, begins to soften her heart, she panics. Will she take their relationship off the books? Or take the “safe” path and send him away?
More Story Ideas
21. After losing her husband to war, a widow, alone now on her family's farm finds love again in the most unexpected of places: the ostler hired to care for the horses.
22. Fun fact: There was a remarkable cat in World War II named Unsinkable Sam, who survived the sinking of not one, not two, but THREE vessels in the war. No, I'm not making this up. This is so marvelous that we're going to go in two different directions with it: First, write from the perspective of Sam the magical cat, whose job is overseeing burgeoning romance among humans. Describe his frustration over the fact that every time he's just about got the right couple together, SOMEBODY has to go and sink the boat. Again.
23. Now, write from the perspective of Martha, the widow who adopts Sam after the war. This kitty (the animal, not the woman) has been through a lot, and Martha takes him to the local vet, who happens to be single, lonely, and continually inventing reasons for her to bring the cat back in for more appointments. (“I need you to bring the cat in, Mrs. Smith. There's a possibility he contracted Saline Fever/Gooshy Madness/Purr Dementia/The Whiskered Moist.”)
24. After a horrible car accident, Charlene struggles through years of physical therapy to regain her mobility. Her PT (physical therapist) is a young man she initially assumes is married, which is upsetting because she falls in love with him. Describe her reaction the day she realizes she was wrong.
25. Fantasy time! The werewolves and vampires (all of whom are, naturally, ridiculously sexy) have been at war for centuries. Unfortunately, the crown vampire prince and the chief werewolf's daughter have been meeting in secret to fight and show off and act out their people's aggression. In the process, their little rivalry turns into something a lot more heated.
26. The Aztec warrior prince Matlal can't be beaten. By the time he's twenty, he's stronger, faster, and a better fighter than anyone in his kingdom, and one might say it's given him a big head. When he first encounters Chinese explorers (China very likely reached South America in the 1500s, just FYI), he thinks these strangers are just another chance for him to prove his prowess…and REALLY does not expect the diminutive captain to somehow spin him around and beat him most thoroughly via martial arts. Bad: the captain is short and looks weak. Even worse: the captain is a woman. What happens next?
27. For her graduate thesis, a young woman attending the University of Cape Town is doing a study on the folklore of Anansi the trickster and how he shaped various cultures throughout western Africa. Exhausted and overworked, even she can't help but notice that the professor seems too interested in what she finds…and more than that, seems to resemble the subject of her research a little too closely for comfort. Against all reason, she suspects he might be THE Anansi—which is more than a little terrifying. Is he playing with her, or is he actually falling in love? And even if he is, would she dare respond?
28. There are many ancient tales about love and desire in Hindu mythology. Write from the perspective of young adults in modern-day Dehli who've only met online, and are convinced they are the reincarnation of ill-fated lovers, Moomal and Mahendra (spellings vary). They believe they're supposed to be together, but equally afraid a misunderstanding will lead to more tragedy and death. Remember, they've never met: write out one of their instant messenger conversations as they try to figure out what they ought to do.
29. There's an ancient Blackfoot legend about Feather Woman and the Morning Star. Let's mess with that a bit. One day, the Morning Star fell in love with a young secretary working in Detroit. But there's a problem; in order to come to earth and express his love, he has to pass a test: he has to show up on her doorstep without his powers, perhaps even without clothes, and convince her to take him in. How does THAT conversation go?
30. It's 1700s provincial France, and sixteen-year-old Beau is a clever young man who's too curious for his own good. One day, he decides to go poking around the abandoned castle-that-you-should-never-go-near, and in the process, disturbs the hideous female creature who lives there. She captures him… and promptly explains that to break her curse, he must fall in love with her. In exchange, she promises tons of gold for Beau's family. Like a business arrangement, right? Write what happens next.
Do any of these story ideas get you in the story telling mood? Let us know in the comments.
Want more prompts? I've shared 20 fantasy story ideas and 20 sci-fi story ideas. Take a look!
PRACTICE
It's time to get creative with some romance story prompts! Take fifteen minutes and develop one of these story ideas into at least one scene. Don't edit yourself! Set your imagination free, then post your practice. Don't forget to leave feedback for other writers!
Pro members can post here in the Pro Practice Workshop. If you aren't a Pro member yet, consider joining us here.
Your brain is not old. This is a great article.
Thanks, James! 🙂 I don’t write romance, but I couldn’t resist this chance to write some prompts.
More Story Ideas #3: I had always assumed that he would never fall for me. He seemed as gay as they could get, so I shut myself off, not even trying to start anything that would end in pain and despair. Slowly but surely, my legs began to work again, my muscles became less stiff and my balance returned. Josh told me that I didn’t have to come back unless something was wrong and I could see how it went on my own. Even though I knew we could never work out together, it still hurt that I wouldn’t see him again for months. I sighed and left him behind, only to be greeted by a wave of pure loss, and a lightning bolt of loneliness. My breath caught in my throat and I turned back toward the door. I knew if I went back, he would want a reason for my sudden reappearance. But I didn’t care. I had fallen in love with a gay man and there was no going back. I opened that door, the way back to the only man I had ever loved.
Purpose in every step, I ignored questions of both receptionists and customers alike. The moment I stepped through the door of Josh’s office, I knew that I had made the right decision. Seeing his perfectly sculpted face and big, welcoming arms nearly knocked the breath out of me. But instead, my body had to choose that moment to fail me. My knees buckled beneath me, muscles shaky from over exertion. Before I knew what was happening, I was being swept off of my feet, both metaphorically and literally. Josh, with his PT instincts kicking in, has caught me before I injured my already fragile body by falling.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay? Why did you come back? Is something the matter?”
His genuine concern for me brought a smile to my pale face. I was starstruck, not able to do anything except stare into his bright green eyes.
“I’m fine, now that you’re here. I just…I couldn’t…”
He cut me off before I could say another word, setting me down in a nearby chair and then squaring down to face me. “Charlene, I know what you’re trying to tell me and I feel the same way.” The same way?! He loved me?!? “I’ve loved you since your first appointment and I’ve never been the same.” At that moment, I needed no more words to explain what was happening. Josh leaned in, his bright eyes dazzling me as his lips embraced my own. His arms curled around me and I felt as though nothing else mattered.
Awwww! A happy ending, to boot! What a great job with that prompt!
Annie, this seems really fun! Good luck! 🙂
Ruthanne, I love these! Makes me want to change genre. Truly, any of them would be fun to play with, but I liked the magical surviving cat who appreciates romance. Just a line:
“My physical reaction to her breath on my neck, the sensation,
the warmth of it, was simple response to stimulation. I lay still and enjoyed,
my eyes closed, feigning sleep until, finally overcome, I began to purr. This
woman deserved a mate. It’s time to hunt.”
I love what you did with that! It’s great! If you ever wrote a story about that, I’d certainly read it. 😀
I love these prompts! Gonna share them with my high school creative writing club 🙂 here’s my practice!
“Carlos,” Neal seethed, narrowing his eyes. “How could you?”
“She is qualified and creditable in every way except your impossible expectations….” Carlos continued to defend but was cut short by a succinct wave of the hand.
“I leave you in charge for one day…”
“Are you really going to take a chance of a lifetime away from that girl, Neal?”
Silence hung between them. Both of them silently reflected upon the truth of Neal’s success. There was no doubt that he came from humble beginnings. Tension still in his body – likable but never close to one of his perfect statues – Neal sighed. “Fine.”
Carlos beamed, his look was all that was need for Neal to feel a sinking feeling in the depths of his stomach. “Well, go meet her.”
Every step taken towards the intern’s office was dreadful and slow. When Neal had passed it before, he felt light-headed and still to the core, the colorful messy intrusion sore to his only perfect-approving eyes. He flinched as he heard a loud creak as he opened the old office door.
Messy. Neal’s stomach plummeted even lower. “Hello.”
Helena glanced up in surprise but instantly recognized the face she had seen in countless of museum reviews and praises. Instantly, she shot up, and she cringed when she heard one of the many binders cluttering her desk fall to it’s unfortunate death on the floor. “Sorry,” she squealed, slowly shuffling away from the desk. “Mr. Anderson,” she outstretched a hand boldly, “nice to meet you!”
Lord help me, was the only thought Neal could come up with.
How absolutely fun! I’m delighted you’re sharing them, and I really hope some great storytelling comes out of this fun and silliness. 🙂
I’m so glad you tackled this prompt! I think this one’s going to be a ton of fun. 🙂 You did a great job developing this. The characterization is so good!
Thanks so much! My classmates loved these prompts and my teacher definitely wanted me to submit these piece to our writing newspaper. Can’t wait to see more prompts!
#15, I’ve always loved vampires and werewolves, well here’s my try:
The way he looked at me with those red eyes made my blood boil, how they always seemed to hold a glint of dark humor and something between cockiness and pride, pride in himself of course. The teasing smirk he always seemed to wear on his face didn’t help either. But even I had to admit he was devilishly handsome, with his dark brown almost black hair, his defined jaw and high cheekbones, he was any girls dream, any girl except me. To me Dimitri was just a confidant, cocky, arrogant, conceited vampire prince, and I, Taima*, the next chief in line to lead the werewolves and his sworn enemy.
Since I was a young girl, I have been told about the myths and legends surrounding our feud with the vampires. I have been told that I must grow to become a fearsome warrior and leader, one all must look up to. I was trained to be the best, by the best. I have been taught many skills – some more useful than others – such as singing, sword fighting, archery and hand-to-hand combat. You could say my childhood was filled with classes and tutors, with very little time to actually be a child, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Over the past years, Dimitri and I had been meeting up in private – as we are now – to fight and prove who is the strongest. There have been many battles, along with that many losses for both sides. We have fought it out through various ways such as intelligence, speed, agility and my favorite, strength.
Standing opposite him in our usual meeting place – the clearing next to the waterfall on the boundry of our two communities – I look into his red eyes with my deep green ones. My long light brown hair tied behind my head as to keep it out of the way. Neither of us making any effort to speak, waiting for the other to make the first move.
Out of my peripheral vision, I saw his left leg tense as a sign that he is going to kick with his right foot. As his leg comes flying toward my stomach, I dodge to the left and give him a punch to the side of the face. As the fighting proceeds, it is not clear yet who is winning. As I am about to take my final blow to his head, that would render him unconscious, he grabs me hand and pushes me to the floor, straddling me to make sure I cannot get away.
After admitting defeat and lowering my head in surrender, I finally realize how close we are. I quickly look up at him to see him peering down at me, or more importantly, my lips. I have never been in this position before with anyone, as all my life has ever consisted of is training, and no free time for boys. I have no control as my eyes look down at his and my body slowly starts leaning closer. His head tilts to the side as he slowly starts descending his head closer and closer to mine. As soon as out lips brush, sparks explode throughout my body, making me close my eyes and enjoy this moment in time, even if it is with a vampire. Slowly but surely he starts moving his lips on mine, and letting my instincts take over I do the same. What started off soft and gentle soon became rough and full of passion, but not the passion I was use to. I tangles my hands in his hair – which was surprisingly soft – as I feel his tong roll over my bottom lip, making me shiver but deny him access to the rest of my mouth. I hadn’t noticed until now that his hands were on my hips but slowly felt them moving towards my butt.
“Such a nice ass.” I heard him mumble just before I felt him squeeze my left butt cheek. At this I gasped, which he took as an invitation to explore my mouth. I moaned feeling his tong massage mine in the fight for dominance. Even as a beginner at this I had to be dominant, it was just in a werewolf’s nature. After him winning the battle, I was out of breath and pulled away, feeling him place soft open mouth kisses down my neck, making my tug on his hair, which in turn made him groan.
After a few minutes of making out, he pulled away to just look at me. Both of us breathing heavily no one spoke as to try and catch our breaths. Looking into his eyes, I didn’t see his usual cockiness and self-pride, I saw passion and longing.
“You know we aren’t suppose to be together right?” I said, still slightly breathless.
“I know.” He said, attacking my lips with his once more.
*Taima is a female Native American name meaning thunder.
Ooh, passionate! This definitely feels like it’s going to be a super-intense struggle. I wonder what they’ll do!
I’m so glad you liked this inclusion. 🙂 I was trying to stay away from typical paranormal stuff, but I just HAD to throw this in there. I love vampires and werewolves, too!
Could I post my short story on here as well, its really good but I need more details
“They’re here” Matlal’s friend said in their native language. They traveled to the edge of the shore, waiting for their enemies to arrive off the boat. A black boot stepped on the ground, followed by another. The amazing captain Yixing” his friend informs. Matlal meet face to face with the captain. She was covered in a large white robe with her black feather hat and black mask that covered up to her nose.
“This is our land. Who ever wish to explore this land must battle with my first ” Matlal said. His wide smirk written across his face, knowing that he will win like always.
“Let’s battle, then, ” she said with confidence. She unmasked herself, which which cause Matlat to shake a little. Her black hair and light brown eyes highlight her pale skin making her a beauty. For some reason, his heart starts racing.
“A female captain, ” he laughed abruptly. “This will be over in less than a second, ”
“We’ll see, ” she said and went forward to attack him. He charged at her with great force. Even she was small, she was light on her feet. She counter blocks his attack and beat him down with her mighty strength. She was so fast that he couldn’t even touch her. Finally he fell to his knees. Knowing she won the battle, she grabs her gun for show.
“This what happens when you choose to fight with the mighty Yixing” her right hand man gloats. The faces of Matlal people were surprised that their great warrior had fallen. Her hand gently plays with the trigger. She dropped her gun and head to build her tent.
“You took quite a beating” Matlal’s friend said in their native language. He pushes him down. Right now, the last thing he wants to remember is the look of his people face when beaten by a measly female captain.
“Here she comes again” his friend informs him. They step outside the tent.
“I’m looking for the Montezuma’s treasure, ” she said “and I need someone to guide me to it” she demands
” I’ll do it” Matlal step forward. She raised her eyebrows as she notices him. She steps closer to him
“Are you sure. You better not try anything funny or you will get a beating worse than last time” she smirks. Matlal, Captain Yixing, and her men headed for the mountain.
“Alright, you guys will head to the left and we head to the right” she glares at Matlal.
“I don’t think you should go there. It’s not safe” Matlal said as they were alone.
“I go where ever I want. I am the captain after all, ” she headed right and follows behind after her. He hears the horns roar. Swiftly he catches the arrow that was headed toward her. Grabbing her wrist, they ran across the fields of arrows she yells as one landed on her thighs. They arrived by the river.
“Hey, ” she yelled as he rips a piece of her clothing. He wrapped it around her thighs. He dipped another cloth in the river. As he gently touches her chin. Her heart starts racing. The wet cloth kisses her cheeks, but all she could feel was the warmth of his hand. She has never been this close to someone of the opposite gender. She held her breath to stop the feelings.
Intense! I like how you added in his friends; the additional social pressure definitely makes it crazy for these characters! So is the entire ship filled with female sailors, too? 🙂
I used a more humorous approach, took a few liberties with the whole PG-13 thing, but here it is. I don’t usually post on here, but mainly Disqus discussion threads. Here’s my attempt. Originally had the thoughts in italics on Word.
Romance Story Idea #3 (aka, something, something, something, Title)
“What will we do to conceal the loins?” she asked, pointing between the child’s legs, where the only place that further distinguished him was still apparent. Otherwise they had taken his doublet, trousers, and shoes and replaced them with all the fancy feminine touches of a velvet gown straddled in golden lace, and a silver circlet. They had ceased to cut his hair for the past few months, letting it fall in mangy ripples about his shoulders before oiling and dressing them up handsomely with a comb. They had even taken his sword away, the one he trained with in the courtyard, dueling with Faiso, the old regent who was soon to die of delirium. They lastly took his soldier toys, the ones he played with at night in his chambers.
But not my balls, he thought, fondling them under the girl’s dress they had slipped on him so covertly, as not to arouse suspicion. They would have to do something about the balls, the maid had said. He looked at the chopping block outside the window, heart pounding with the utmost fear. That was only reserved for heads: at least the one on top of your shoulders. Heads and traitors.
Young Lleidovan stepped in front of the mirror, nearly sickening at the sight of his wardrobe. But at least they would let me keep the balls. Mother and father entered the chamber shortly after, mother in her demure damask gown that nearly rivaled his own in beauty, and father in a heavy ermine robe, clutching the scepter twice as tight when he beheld his son-now turned daughter. It would have to be this way, he told himself. In order to ascend, and more importantly keep the line intact from robber claimants, the issue had to be female. But what would the prince say, the night of their consummation, when he lifted the dressings and discovered his own sex? Lleidovan had already been promised, even before the hour of conception, fourteen years ago, once it was known that the kin of the queen was indeed a male. He stroked his beard, perplexed at the gaping conundrum they faced.
“We’ll have to do something about those” the maid pointed.
“Can you…” father started to ask him. “Can you…tuck them in?”
“It would be rather uncomfortable” his son answered.
“Walk a bit, dear; saunter” mother told him. Lleidovan rolled his eyes in vexation. “Go on, now.” He started to walk across the chamber, directly in front of the mirror, and a shaft of sunlight from the window blossomed his features for all to see. He would have to walk this way in the throne room; in front of all the others. Even in front of Dalia, whom he had kissed, and was much certain that the prince was a boy. From now on she would have to convince herself otherwise, and there would be no more sneaky kisses or cuddles late at night. No more swordplay. No more anything.
“Saunter, boy” his mother advised him. “You’re too rigid. A little more with the hips.” They would all have a merry laugh at his expense, Lleidovan thought to himself. Especially Parellis, the court fool. But mother would likely have off with his head at the first sign of ill-witted remarks. He had to be more than enough to convince the fool: he had to be enough to convince them all. But the problem still remained with the prince when he discovered her-him stark naked and swaying in all the wrong places.
Haha! “Swaying in all the wrong places.” I believe you should have some kind of award for that line alone.
I think you did a great job with this. It’s certainly a difficult topic to keep PG-13. 😉 I’m also fairly sure it’s happened at least once.
I really like what you did with this. Solid pacing, good characterization, and an effective build-up of tension.
Great writing so far, I agree with Ruthanne’s comment about your “swaying in all the wrong places” line. That sentence is a classic and memorable.
I love it! Very detailed. Is Lleidovan fourteen?
how do I go about writing historical fiction? Can I make something up and just some of it be fact?
Hi, Zenethea! Thanks for your question.
For historical fiction, you actually have to do a combination of a lot of research as well as making things up.
The historical part means you need to make sure this really COULD happen – that means knowing what it was really like in those times. What technology was or wasn’t available (like indoor plumbing), how people dressed and ate, what kind of food was available, what it was like being a female or a male and what kind of pressure was on, what kind of education…
Fortunately, the internet is FILLED with this kind of information. If you google something like, “life in the 1800s,” you’ll find it.
If you don’t want to do that research, you can just make it up – but you can’t call it historical. 🙂 Then it’s alternate history, or even just plain old “fantasy.”
Thanks!
I love these, I have one written now kinda based on #1. shes a cop he’s a bad guy… Turns out he frames her for something he did and she has to beat the clock saving another of his victims before shes killed….. Have been trying to edit it for a while. It is a romance.
Think I will try #3 I can see a couple of ways this can go. May turn it into a choose your own adventure those are sometimes fun to write…
That’s awesome, Debra! I love your twist, too. I think that’s a brilliant direction to take it! Mix and match at will, m’dear. 🙂
I had a good writing day yesterday working on #1 again. yesterday was mostly re reading it and getting acquainted with my characters and plot again- it really had been forever…
It sounds like this has helped you get back on your writing feet. That’s fantastic to hear.
It has thanks for the many ideas. Look forward to your next post
These are absolutely amazing! #12 really sticks out, and I couldn’t help but write a small prompt about it.
The deathly melody of the tides crashing against the cruise ship only added to the deafening quietude hanging about the ballroom. Piercing glares were passed on from person to person, each silently judging the other and determining their place on the food chain. The symphonic orchestra had promptly came to a halt, reluctant to break the tense atmosphere that hung about in the air. The one to blame for the unease was a simple feline with fur as dark as the night sky itself, with tufts of white spread across his body. His eyes scanned the room intensely, analyzing each of the apprehensive guests that were slowly beginning to crumble under his gaze. Eyes closing in disappointment, he curled himself up into a comfortable position on the wooden floorboards. Apparently it wasn’t time for him to play matchmaker yet – all of the guests were mindless idiots who’s identity was determined by their social status, and he wasn’t going to drink spoiled milk anytime soon.
Ooh, what a wonderful way of spinning this tale! You’ve made the kitty positively frightening, and yet… he’s just a cat, after all. 🙂 Lovely job! I hope you write more.
Thanks for the smile you brought to my imagination, Ruthanne. I have only written very short pieces so far (mostly poetry style), so these prompts actually provide a new inspiration for me … I’m going to use these as a model and challenge myself to write my own storylines. If I can’t make the time right now to expand my practice to actual stories (even the 15-minute variety), I can stretch my craft by setting up the plots. Thanks.
Susan, I’m delighted to hear it! I hope you do use these and enjoy the act of creation. You can absolutely do this!
Thank you for this wonderful post. These romance ideas are odd, but interesting. The werewolves vs. vampires idea is the most interesting. Do you have any advice for fantasy or supernatural romance? I am creating one, but it is for teens.
Thanks for the ideas. Eventually, I’ll be making use of #’s 1-3, 5, 7 and 14.
The curator idea is really nice. I can already think of certain actors if I were to write this for a movie! The Aztec-China idea would make for a good action-romance story in the same way. Too bad, I suck at coming up with such good ideas! Any ideas on how to populate some ideas on my own?
I’m Twelve and I like Romance novels,shows, and movies. The plots you have written are so good better than i have written my favorites are the ones about the police and the modeling.
Hi Riley. I’m your age and I like romance novels, shows, and movies too! I love to write them, but mine aren’t very good. My favorite books are the Divergent, Hunger games, Twilight, and Lemony Snicket series. But I like any good long book or long graphic novel. Also, the book The Giver was much better than the 2014 movie. Ugh. Email me some time. lmaevem04@gmail.com
Hi! I’ll be writing a story based on #9 although is that alright?
I wanted to try my hand at doing #6. Its just an opening to the idea. Just introducing the heroine, I suppose.
The sky was a silent black slate, dotted with millions and millions of tiny white specks. A soft breeze blew outside of the train traveling between domes. It was quaint, with a rustic, old style feel to it. It was comfortable, but not quite comfortable enough. It took the train almost three days to travel between the dome Hudson-4 and the dome Lincoln-6. It was currently barrelling down the heavy duty tracks underneath it’s loud metal wheels, straight towards Hudson-4. It was the second largest city on the alien planet, Gieles-cd48.
Faye Hadrian was bumping around in her car, sitting less than comfortable, on a cushioned chair. She was flipping through a month’s worth of paperwork regarding the new species of plant that she had been growing. She was the lead Horticulture scientist at the large research, and greenhouse, center in Hudson-4. She practically lived in the sterile building. Her life consisted of plants, coffee, and sleepless nights.
She had no time for romance, for going out, or anything that might amount to fun in her books, she was to busy with her work-it was her life now. She wouldn’t have it any other way, that’s what she thought anyways. She didn’t have much time for thinking about it, it was easy to forget when she was shoving her nose into paperwork and moving her hands over hundreds of plants as if she was some sort of puppet master and they, her puppets.
She blinked hard at the paperwork in her small white hands, shifting the papers restlessly, wondering how much longer the train would take to get to Hudson-4. She let the papers fall to her lap and pinched the corners of her eyes hard. She proceeded to look out the relfective window to her left, watching the landscape pass by. The colored plants in beautiful burgundy and blue hues passed by, waving at the train as if to say hello. A few trees that Faye had yet to study disappeared behind the train and she gave them a longing glance, wondering what species they were and how they worked. The nearly forest like plants broke away to flat terrain, a rocky-dusty field with sparse patches of grass and other small plants that looked like cactus but without the sharp spines.
She sighed and let her head fall against the cool glass, listening to the clings and clangs of the rattling train and wondering how long it had been since she had gotten a decent sleep; not just a power nap or a restless few hours on an uncomfortable couch in the research building. How long had it been since she had a decent meal? Something cooked, homemade, not something greasy and fattening, or a candy bar. Her mouth watered at the thought of the simple days when she was just a girl, and her mother would cook something fresh and homemade every night. The simple days when work didn’t consume her life. The simple days when she could sleep the entire night. The simple days when she could spend time with her friends all night and into the early hours of the morning having fun. Fun. She wondered if she even knew what fun really was anymore, if she even knew how to have fun anymore.
She lifted her head and looked out over the car at the various people. Her mind wandered a bit. How long had it been since she talked to him?
Let me know what you think 😀 I write stories all the time and would like to get some feedback on my writing.
this is really nice
hey I was just wondering if I could please use this, if it’s your version of a writing prompt? I have really bad writers block but am a good writer, I promise, and really could use a great story opener like this. My email address is mariabrue12@gmail.com. Thanks
Spin off #14
As Gerran takes the corner, he swerves across into the oncoming lane to miss the lady that stepped out into the road. Looking back at her, screaming profanities as he accelerates once again. He does not notice the transporter van that his coming down on him. As he turns back to the road, he sees that there is no way of getting past this oncoming vehicle and slams on anchors. The sound of screeching brakes could be heard two blocks down, but no chance of stopping in time. Gerran swerves and hits the mirror into the air as the fender tucks into the centre of his drive door. The seat unclips off of the adjustment rails and flips him sideways over the passenger seat as the door arch disappears under the other vehicle. Gerran obviously did not have his belt on, that is for old people. His legs pinned between the gear lever and the seat to the pedals below, unable to move them, he lays screaming in pain.
Rushed to the nearest hospital, Gerran is rushed into theatre to reset his legs that are now motionless. The doctor in the emergency room said that it would be unlikely that he would walk again or at least any time soon. Laying in the private room with nothing but the Television to keep him occupied, the door opens and a tall blonde man in light blue uniform walks in, pushing a wheel chair, “Good morning Mr Wright, I am doctor Saxton, I have come to fetch you for therapy.” The well-built doctor, leans over and picks Gerran off of the bed, before he even had a chance to sit up. Walking over and seating him in the wheel chair. “Here we go”, as he wheels him out of the room and down the hall. “Wow, how did you do that? Seemed so effortless, you must be a hit with the ladies. Looks and strength.” As they get to the treatment room, Wren Saxton motions the wheel chair to the side of the mat and in front of the equipment. He steps in behind the chair and with one movement, lifts Gerran onto his feet as the orderly takes it away. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”
Grabbing Gerran from behind, under the arms and across the chest, pressed against him for support, Wren motions Gerran’s legs forward with his, helping him get the motion back. They continue with the exercises for the next hour or so, before Gerran says, “I bet your wife or girlfriend enjoys you stretching her out”. Wren smiles as he looks up, “I’m not married and don’t have a boyfriend at the moment”, whispering sheepishly. He gets up and helps Gerran to turn and face him, waiting for a response, he takes Gerran’s hands and says, “let’s try to walk alone now.” Gerran moves his one foot forward and as he tries to move the second, he collapses into Wrens arms. “I think we done for the day”, he picks Gerran up and walks over to the chair.
may I use your idea number 1to write my own story on Wattpad? actually it will not written in english but indonesian.
I will only do that with your permission. thanks
Hi! I’m interested in developing a slightly longer (maybe a bit over PG-13) story based on the idea #16 with slight alternations (such as Spain instead of China and a male captain instead of a female.Gender bend always spices things up in my opinion.I was also wondering if somebody would be willing to read it over once I’m finished or if anyone knows a good platform to post my work to.I would greatly appreciate honest critique.Thank you!
maja you should go for wattpad
I love story idea #3! But I didn’t exactly use it in a short story, and I took a kid’s path for my book. But here is chapter 1:
Sirens blared. Fire trucks had already arrived at the scene, and I was helping the zookeeper and some of the caretakers escort the animals into the Colorado Animal Rescue truck. The first animal I helped out was Fuzzo, a polar bear cub. I hurried to the truck with Fuzzo in my arms, and gave him a short kiss on the head before slipping him into a cage.
Finally, the caretakers, the zookeeper and I finished with all the animals. The fire trucks were still here, trying hard to put out the rest of the fire. I could already see the metal bars and some of the habitats. The ice in the penguins’ small South Pole had almost all melted, and the pandas’ bamboo and trees were burnt down to the ground. I shook my head.
Suddenly, the zookeeper ran up to me. “Where is Flame and Evening?”
I gasped. Flame and Evening were the two fox kits that HADN’T been escorted to the rescue truck. My face was extremely serious. “I’ll have to go check the fox habitat.”
“No, I looked everywhere!”
“Then they must have escaped.”
“But Flame and Evening aren’t that intelligent yet!”
“What if you left the gate open?”
“I–”
I was already off. I hurried to Flame and Evening’s habitat. They were nowhere in sight. Just bits of burnt grass.
And a rusty open gate.
I flew back to the zookeeper. “You DID leave the gate open. Flame and Evening escaped. Their habitat is burnt down to the ground.
The zookeeper’s jaw dropped. “They were my wife’s favorites…” He trailed off. “I have to go tell my wife the news. Please, uh–go investigate tomorrow.
Before I got a chance to reply, he was off.