Everyone knows the old, familiar fairy tales of evil queens, curses, and heroic princes. Stories like Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, and Snow White have inspired and delighted us for generations. They continue to be popular today. If you're looking for fairy tale writing prompts, look no further!
In recent years, writers have begun to take these old stories and turn them upside down, reworking them for a whole new generation of readers. For instance, the Cinderella story has been reworked in Ella Enchanted (middle grade fantasy), Cinder (YA science fiction), and Geekerella (YA contemporary). Yet, each story has its own unique twist. Yours can too.
You can create flash fiction or even whole sagas from one small writing idea. I suggest taking fifteen minutes to free write using your favorite prompt below. Don't forget to share your work in the comments below!
Fairy Tale Writing Prompt #1
Just One Bite
Design Your Own:
Make up your own prompt, using the photo for inspiration.
OR
Try This One:
The little brat told the whole town that I had poisoned her apple. In truth, the apple was candied, nothing more. A failed attempt to win her affection.
Fairy Tale Writing Prompt #2
Mermaid
Design Your Own:
Make up your own prompt, using the photo for inspiration.
OR
Try This One:
After leaving the water, the mermaid no longer had her magical abilities. She was vulnerable on the land. The kind man, her traveling companion, asked her to wait while he checked the road for bandits. An hour passed, and he still had not returned.
Fairy Tale Writing Prompt #3
Blue Skies
Design Your Own:
Make up your own prompt, using the photo for inspiration.
OR
Try This One:
The castle was picture perfect. A thing of iconic beauty. But what was far more interesting was what its foundation, the mountain below, and what was hidden inside.
Fairy Tale Writing Prompt #4
A Warrior's Heart
Design Your Own:
Make up your own prompt, using the photo for inspiration.
OR
Try This One:
In the tradition of her land, warriors came one by one to petition her father for her hand in marriage. She turned each away. Her father swore that if she did not choose by the 100th suitor, she would marry the 101st. No matter who he was.
Fairy Tale Writing Prompt #5
Mirror, Mirror
Design Your Own:
Make up your own prompt, using the photo for inspiration.
OR
Try This One:
This face was new to her, younger than the one she had before. The cost had been terrible but worth every drop of spilled blood.
Looking for more story ideas?
Check out 365 Awesome Story Prompts. You'll find prompts from fantasy, romance, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, and more. Plus bonus setting and character inspiration lists. If you prefer a print version with a little space to jot notes and brainstorm, try 365 Awesome Story Prompts: Journal Edition.
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