100 paranormal writing prompts

In this list of 100 paranormal writing prompts, you’ll find a treasure trove of ideas to ignite your imagination and explore the mysterious, the unexplained, and the supernatural. Writing prompts are essential tools for any writer, whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out on your creative journey. They serve as catalysts for new stories, helping you break through writer’s block and discover fresh perspectives on familiar themes. Paranormal writing prompts, in particular, can be incredibly effective in unleashing your creativity and pushing your boundaries as a writer.

The paranormal genre encompasses a wide range of topics, from ghosts and hauntings to witchcraft, curses, and otherworldly dimensions. By delving into these eerie and often unsettling themes, you can tap into the deepest fears and desires of the human psyche, creating stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. Paranormal writing prompts encourage you to ask “what if?” questions and explore the consequences of supernatural phenomena intruding upon the everyday world.

Whether you’re writing a short story, a novel, or a screenplay, these prompts can serve as the foundation for a captivating narrative. They provide you with a starting point, a central concept or character that you can build upon and develop in countless directions. You might choose to focus on the psychological impact of a paranormal event on a single character, or explore the ripple effects of a supernatural occurrence on an entire community. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.

As you browse through these 100 paranormal writing prompts, let your mind wander and embrace the strange, the unnerving, and the impossible. Allow yourself to be inspired by the images and scenarios that capture your attention, and don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on them. Remember, the best stories often emerge from the most unexpected places, and paranormal writing prompts can be the key to unlocking your creative potential.

So, whether you’re a fan of classic ghost stories, modern urban legends, or mind-bending tales of alternate realities, this list of 100 paranormal writing prompts has something to offer you. Dive in, and let your imagination run wild as you explore the shadowy corners of the human experience and the mysteries that lie beyond the veil of the ordinary world.

Here are 100 paranormal writing prompts:

1. A haunted house that seems to have a mind of its own.
2. A cursed object that brings misfortune to its owner.
3. A ghost who seeks revenge on the living.
4. A person who can communicate with the dead.
5. A town where everyone has a supernatural ability.
6. A portal to another dimension opens in someone’s basement.
7. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful witch.
8. A group of friends summon a demon during a séance.
9. A person’s doppelganger starts taking over their life.
10. A character’s imaginary friend turns out to be real and sinister.
11. A character’s dreams start coming true, with disastrous consequences.
12. A character discovers they are a reincarnation of a historical figure.
13. A character’s shadow starts behaving independently.
14. A character’s reflection in the mirror starts talking to them.
15. A character discovers they have the power to heal others.
16. A character’s pet starts exhibiting supernatural abilities.
17. A character’s house is built on an ancient burial ground.
18. A character encounters a mythical creature in the woods.
19. A character discovers a book that predicts the future.
20. A character’s loved one returns from the dead.
21. A character is haunted by a ghost who wants them to solve their murder.
22. A character discovers they have the power to astral project.
23. A character’s tattoocomes to life and starts controlling their actions.
24. A character is trapped in a time loop.
25. A character discovers a hidden room in their house filled with occult objects.
26. A character’s phone starts receiving calls from the dead.
27. A character is cursed to die on their 30th birthday.
28. A character’s paintings come to life.
29. A character discovers they are a human-alien hybrid.
30. A character’s dreams are invaded by a malevolent entity.
31. A character discovers a portal to Hell in their backyard.
32. A character’s imaginary world turns out to be real.
33. A character is possessed by a demon.
34. A character discovers they are a descendant of a famous occultist.
35. A character’s furniture starts rearranging itself.
36. A character discovers a cursed board game that traps players inside.
37. A character’s computer starts predicting future events.
38. A character is haunted by a ghost who wants them to complete an unfinished task.
39. A character discovers a secret society of witches.
40. A character’s dreams start bleeding into reality.
41. A character discovers they have the power to control the weather.
42. A character’s house is infested with poltergeists.
43. A character discovers a cursed mirror that shows an alternate reality.
44. A character’s plants start talking to them.
45. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful sorcerer.
46. A character’s car develops a mind of its own.
47. A character is haunted by a ghost who wants them to find their lost treasure.
48. A character discovers a portal to a parallel universe.
49. A character’s shadow starts attacking them.
50. A character discovers they have the power to read minds.
51. A character’s house is built on a ley line, attracting supernatural activity.
52. A character encounters a ghost ship while on a cruise.
53. A character discovers a cursed amulet that grants wishes with a twist.
54. A character’s imaginary friend turns out to be a ghost.
55. A character discovers they have the power to see the future.
56. A character’s house is haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners.
57. A character discovers a secret room filled with cursed objects in an antique store.
58. A character’s dreams start coming true, but with a dark twist.
59. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful necromancer.
60. A character’s mirror starts showing them visions of the future.
61. A character discovers a cursed painting that traps its subjects inside.
62. A character’s imaginary world starts merging with reality.
63. A character discovers they have the power to communicate with animals.
64. A character’s house is built on top of a hellmouth.
65. A character encounters a group of fairies in their garden.
66. A character discovers a cursed book that brings fictional characters to life.
67. A character’s shadow starts revealing their deepest secrets.
68. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful druid.
69. A character’s phone starts showing them glimpses of alternate realities.
70. A character discovers a hidden cemetery in the woods behind their house.
71. A character’s dreams start affecting the real world.
72. A character discovers they have the power to manipulate emotions.
73. A character’s house is haunted by a ghost who wants them to right a past wrong.
74. A character discovers a cursed music box that traps listeners inside.
75. A character’s plants start growing at an alarming rate and taking over the house.
76. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful shaman.
77. A character’s computer starts showing them visions of the past.
78. A character discovers a portal to the underworld in a cave.
79. A character’s imaginary friend turns out to be a demon in disguise.
80. A character discovers they have the power to control the elements.
81. A character’s house is built on top of an ancient Native American burial ground.
82. A character encounters a werewolf in the city.
83. A character discovers a cursed necklace that absorbs the life force of its wearer.
84. A character’s dreams start revealing the secrets of the universe.
85. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful alchemist.
86. A character’s mirror starts showing them visions of alternate timelines.
87. A character discovers a hidden room filled with haunted dolls in their attic.
88. A character’s shadow starts taking on a life of its own.
89. A character discovers they have the power to bring drawings to life.
90. A character’s house is haunted by a ghost who wants them to solve a centuries-old mystery.
91. A character encounters a group of vampires in a nightclub.
92. A character discovers a cursed ring that grants the wearer immortality at a price.
93. A character’s imaginary world starts affecting reality in dangerous ways.
94. A character discovers they are a descendant of a powerful voodoo priestess.
95. A character’s phone starts receiving messages from a parallel universe.
96. A character discovers a portal to the realm of the gods in a temple.
97. A character’s dreams start revealing the location of hidden treasures.
98. A character discovers they have the power to manipulate time.
99. A character’s house is built on top of a gateway to another dimension.
100. A character encounters a dragon in a remote mountain range.

In conclusion, this list of 100 paranormal writing prompts is a valuable resource for any writer seeking to explore the boundless realm of the supernatural. By immersing yourself in these prompts and allowing your imagination to run wild, you can create captivating stories that will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Remember, the paranormal genre is not just about scares and thrills; it’s also a powerful tool for examining the human condition and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

As you embark on your writing journey, embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by these prompts. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to experiment with new ideas and to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Writing is a process of discovery, and by exploring the paranormal, you may uncover hidden depths within yourself and your characters that you never knew existed.

Whether you’re writing for publication or simply for your own enjoyment, these prompts can help you hone your craft and develop your unique voice as a writer. Use them as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to make them your own. Infuse your stories with your own experiences, emotions, and insights, and watch as they take on a life of their own.

Remember, the power of a great story lies not just in the paranormal elements themselves, but in the way those elements reveal the truths of the human experience. By tapping into the fears, hopes, and dreams that we all share, you can create stories that resonate with readers on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.

So go forth, armed with these 100 paranormal writing prompts, and let your imagination be your guide. Embrace the unknown, the mysterious, and the impossible, and see where your writing takes you. Who knows what incredible stories you may unleash upon the world, and what new heights of creativity you may achieve. The only limit is your own imagination, so let it soar, and enjoy the journey. If you enjoyed this list, we have many more writing prompts on our site.

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.

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