Anyone who has ever kept a journal knows what it’s like to have run out of ideas on what to write about. That’s why we have put together a whole year’s worth of writing prompts that are designed to help spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing. To make it easy, we’ve broken it down according to the months of the year and each day. Simply go to the day of the year it is and write out the prompt.
We’ve gathered writing prompts that evoke all types of emotions. Your journal wants to know everything, from the saddest moments to the blissful highs. We’ve included quotes and statements to inspire you to write the rest of the story. While you go through every day, leave no stone unturned.
Of course, no one said you have to exactly follow the calendar. Feel free to answer whatever prompt catches your eye no matter what day it falls on in your own journal. You can answer these prompts from your own point of view, or you can adapt them to ask of fictional characters that you create. The answer you write down in your journal is completely up to you!
January Journal Writing Prompts
The beginning of a new year is always a new beginning. It’s the time to make resolutions – like keeping a journal every day. Writing in your journal is something that you do for yourself. Journal writing can be as healthy and important as taking your vitamins or getting enough sleep every day. If you don’t have a journal yet, that’s no problem! Getting a new leather journal may be just what you need to kick off your New Year in style! Check out our leather journal reviews or our buyer’s guide for purchasing a leather journal online. Have fun and happy journaling!
January 1 – Everyone has goals and every New Year almost everyone starts with a set of resolutions to mark a new beginning. What are some of the things you want to accomplish this year? Are they related to writing in your journal? Make a list!
January 2 – If you could be any character you’ve created or read about, who would it be? Why is that? Write out what fascinates you about them.
January 3 – Are you confident about your personal taste or style? How would you describe it?
January 4 – Write about the things that are most important to you? Is it money & career, family or is it something else that drives you? Is this something you are actively working toward achieving or protecting what you already have? Give details.
January 5 – What is your process before you sit down to write in your journal? Do you just start writing or do you use prompts?
January 6 – We’ve just started a brand new year. Write about what holiday is your favorite. How do you celebrate?
January 7 – Write about the most important place in the world to you? Is it your home or some other place? Describe it in detail as well as give your reasons for choosing that place.
January 8 – Write about what ‘beauty’ is to you. How do you define it?
January 9 – Give your definition of friendship.
January 10 – Our ancestors are a part of who we are. If you know your ancestry, is there a relative, either recent or in the distant past that you feel particularly interested in or an affinity to? Write about this in as much detail as possible.
January 11 – What things do you find yourself being most passionate about? Why?
January 12 – Do you tend to be a spender or saver? What sorts of things do you like to splurge on and what isn’t really worth it to you?
January 13 – What are you sensitive to?
January 14 – Gratitude for what we have is important. In an earlier blog entry, we talked about keeping a gratitude journal. What are the things you are most grateful for and why?
January 15 – What do you most like being noticed for? Do you get the kind of recognition that you want? Write about a situation where you either got positive or negative attention for something you did.
January 16 – Deadlines are something we all have to deal with from time to time? Do you procrastinate? How do you feel about having to do something when you’re feeling rushed? How do you deal with it?
January 17 – When have you been unexpectedly strong? Elaborate.
January 18 – Has there ever been a time when you were unexpectedly vulnerable? Elaborate.
January 19 – Do you enjoy going shopping? What kind of things do you like to shop for? Do your live for a trip to a bookstore or does shoe shopping or buying a new set of tools or electronic device really excite you? Do you prefer to shop online or an actual store you go into? Write about it.
January 20 – Write about your favorite statesman or world leader that you admire.
January 21 – If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom? Why did you choose this person or the gift that you did?
January 22 – Write about what someone would need to do in order for you to feel ‘spoiled’.
January 23 – Who would you like to pamper or spoil? What would you do for them?
January 24 – Nearly everyone has words that are particularly inspiring to them. What are some of your favorite words and why?
January 25 – If you could make some sort of change in the real world, what would you like to revolutionize?
January 26 – What kind of clothes are your favorites? If you could only wear one outfit what would it be? What is your reason for choosing it? Is it comfort? Style? Or is it something else?
January 27 – Write about what you think makes a man or woman attractive or even sexy? Give as many details as possible.
January 28 – Are you a morning person or a night person? Whatever time of the day it is that you get up, do you generally look forward to what’s ahead or do you resent it?
January 29 – Do you like what you do for a living? If you could choose absolutely any career, whether it’s what you are currently doing or not, what would it be?
January 30 – Considering the last prompt, describe your ideal day.
January 31 – Nearly everybody thinks about it at one time or another. Now’s the time to write it all down in your journal! What would you do if you won the big lottery jackpot? Write out all of the details. Make a plan as to what to do with all of those millions!
February Journal Writing Prompts
Writing in your journal can be a perfect way to beat the winter blues. Your pen to paper can help you break out and open new avenues of creativity you’ve never thought of before. As Julia Cameron suggested in her landmark book, “The Artist’s Way”, another way to jolt ourselves into the creative process is not only making the time to write but also giving yourself time to ‘restock the well’ by making a date with yourself that’s just fun. Try it during this next month of writing in your journal and see if opens up the doors of creativity for you.
February 1 – Myths and stories are a part of all of our lives. Write about one of your favorite myths. Could you take that same myth and make some changes to it? Maybe put it into a modern day setting, or reverse the outcome. Try it and see!
February 2 – Write about someone that you distrust. What about their behavior or personality makes you distrust them?
February 3 – If you could time travel and give some advice to yourself 5 years ago, what would you say?
February 4 – What event are you most afraid of possibly happening? What would you do if your worst fears came to pass?
February 5 – “A powerful insight communicated well can improve lives.” – Marcus Aurelius. What do you think that the author of the quote meant by that? Write about why you think this is true or not.
February 6 – Write about your education. Did you go on to college or to the school of hard knocks? Write about your major and/ or minor.
February 7 – Considering your answer to the previous prompt, are you using the skills you went to school for or were taught through experience? What are your most valuable skills and talents? Try to name at least four.
February 8 – Write about the past occupations that you’ve had.
February 9 – Leonardo DaVinci was probably one of the greatest minds in the world and he was an avid journaler. What kinds of things other than words do you make note of in your own journal?
February 10 – Write about a time when someone made you furious. Write about what they did and how the situation was resolved.
February 11 – Write about your pet peeves or gripes. Elaborate on what they are as much as possible.
February 12 – It’s in the headlines nearly every day. Climate change is affecting more and more of our daily lives. Are you seeing a difference around you? What is your opinion on environmental issues? Write about what you are doing or not doing about it.
February 13 – If you could solve one of the world’s problems what would it be? How would you do it?
February 14 – Valentine’s Day is here! Do you love it or is it just another ‘guilt holiday’? Is there someone special you celebrate with?
February 15 – What kinds of things make you embarrassed or uncomfortable?
February 16 – Write about a favorite hobby. What is it? Put together a tutorial about it in your journal to show someone how it’s done.
February 17 – What thing would you love to learn how to do but haven’t yet. Write out all the possible ways you might try in order to get your hands in there and try it for yourself.
February 18 – What are you really passionate writing about? Is this something you write about regularly? Write a journal entry listing your passionate topics for future reference.
February 19 – What is your favorite movie? Did it end the way you wanted it to? What elements would you change if the characters and the story were yours to do with whatever you liked? It’s your journal, so feel free to turn your creativity loose!
February 20 – Write an entry about a favorite TV show that you watched while you were growing up. Is watching reruns of that show still a guilty pleasure for you? How have your tastes changed (or not) since you were a kid?
February 21 – Travel is the spice of life! If you don’t already keep a travel journal what travel destination is your favorite? Is it somewhere you have already visited or is it still a dream destination
February 22 – Road trip! It’s time to get behind the wheel and just drive. Where would you go? Would you bring along any friends or strike out on your own and just enjoy the solitude?
February 23 – Describe your home, neighborhood or city in detail. What do you love or dislike about it?
February 24 – Considering the above journal entry, write about your dream home. What is the architecture like? Write about it in detail.
February 25 – Write about any traumas from the past.
February 26 – Everyone has a bit of the philosopher in them. Now it’s your turn to write about your personal philosophy on life.
February 27 – It’s often said that writers are readers. This is very often true of journalers, too. Write out a book review of your favorite book in your journal.
February 28 – Do you believe in fate or in free will? Write about why you feel that way.
February 29 – Do you have a favorite comic book hero? Who is it? Has a movie ever been made about them? Did it meet your expectations? Why or why not?
March Journal Writing Prompts
They say that March is the cruelest month, but that isn’t necessarily the case as long as you have your trusty leather journal by your side! March is the perfect time to really delve into a daily journal writing habit. It can be a reliable and true friend that you turn to when the harsh winds are blowing outside your door. It can also be right there with you when you have to brave the harsh weather outside. Your journal will always be there for you.
March 1 – It’s the start of a new month and a new set of journal prompts. Today, find the word that best describes you and talk about why you chose that word.
March 2 – Do you believe in ghosts, faeries, or extraterrestrials? Write a story about it.
March 3 – Some think that high school was the best time of their life. Is that true?
March 4 – It’s a touchy subject with two people who care about each other. In your opinion, is a prenuptial agreement necessary or does it take all sense of romance out of a relationship? Write out your reasons for why or why not.
March 5 – Do you consider yourself a good cook? What are your favorites / specialties? Do you keep a cooking journal? (http://top10leatherjournals.com/keep-cooking-journal/ )Let yourself imagine getting a one-on-one cooking lesson from your favorite celebrity chef. Who would it be? What would the two of you make?
March 6 – Write a journal entry about what the most beautiful words that were ever spoken to you were. Who was it that said them to you? Give details.
March 7 – You’re today’s lucky caller! You’ve won tickets to a live concert of your favorite artist. Who is it? Write about going to the rock show of your dreams!
March 8 – Would you rather be very popular or mysterious? Write about all of the reasons why.
March 9 – What someone believes about the subject of ‘art’, just like any other preference, is very personal. Do you keep an art journal? What kinds of things inspire you artistically?
March 10 – Write in your journal about your favorite visual artist. Is it Frida Kahlo (http://top10leatherjournals.com/journals-changed-world-frida-kahlo/ )? Or maybe it’s the work of Andy Warhol (http://top10leatherjournals.com/journals-changed-world-andy-warhol/ )that you admire. What about them do you find inspiring?
March 11 – Do you believe in magic? Why or why not?
March 12 – Is there a particular period of history that inspires you? Write a story set in that time period.
March 13 – Considering the last journal prompt and your response, in your opinion is doing research when writing a story set in an historical time period important? What kind of things do you do in order to do such research?
March 14 – Find a black and white photograph and write a story about it. You can do a search on the Internet or go through some of your own photographs to get some inspiration.
March 15 – Beware the Ides of March! We all have those days where nothing seems to go right, well, today is yours. Make up a story about it.
March 16 – Write about ten different changes you would like to make to improve how your year has been so far.
March 17 – Think back and reflect as far as you can as to your earliest memory. When was it? What do you remember about the event, who was there and how it affected you.
March 18 – Write about your dearest dream in life. What do you most long for?
March 19 – Who do you in your wildest deepest soul really love best in the whole world?
March 20 – What would you be willing to die for if anything? What is it? Has this changed over the course of your life?
March 21 – What song do you love to sing out loud? Share the lyrics & why you love it.
March 22 – What are your thoughts about the Divine / God? Do you keep a spiritual journal?
March 23 – Do you have any specific practices that are a part of your faith? Describe them in detail.
March 24 – Make up your very own Creation mythology.
March 25 – What are your thoughts about the afterlife? Do you believe in it? What do you think happens?
March 26 – What things do you consider to be sacred? Write about your reasons for believing this.
March 27 -Thinking ahead to the days when it’s warm enough to try this, imagine that you’re in a forest skinny-dipping in a beautiful lake or stream under a full moon. What happens? Is anyone there with you? Write out the scene.
March 28 – What will you never run out of? Is it a personal habit? Something you keep in the cupboards? Write about it in detail.
March 29 – Are you uncomfortable or comfortable about money? Write about it.
March 30 – Is there anything that you find hard to forgive? What are they? Is atonement possible? Why or why not?
March 31 – What kinds of things amaze you? What are they? What about them do you find so fascinating or awe inspiring?
April Journal Writing Prompts
April is the perfect time to try your hand at something new. No matter where you are in the world, you may notice that the change of the seasons is just starting to become a little more pronounced. Writing in your journal is a great way to work it all out.
April 1 – April Fool’s Day is the day of the year that many a joke is played. Do you love or loathe this annual day of tomfoolery? Did you ever play an April Fool’s joke on someone that was fun or was one played on you? Write out the scene.
April 2 – Write about something you do just for fun? Is it a game or a fun activity? Is it a walk in the woods? Give as many details as possible.
April 3 – What form of exercise do you like? What is it?
April 4 – Everyone likes to glance through a magazine from time to time. What magazines or regular publications do you read? Are you an avid reader of this publication? How long have you been a reader or subscriber?
April 5 – Write about one of your greatest fears. What is it? Does writing about it help you face this fear?
April 6 – Give your own personal definition of the word ‘Treasure’. Is it something you could put together a mind map for in order to find or to achieve?
April 7 – What movie have you watched so many times you can quote every line? Why is that one so memorable for you?
April 8 – Write about the most disastrous event or date you ever had. Was it a first date or what was supposed to have been a special occasion? Write about it in detail. Or if you can’t remember anything, make up a scene.
April 9 – Self-improvement is one reason for keeping a journal. Write about what things you do for self-improvement purposes. Does it help you in becoming your best self?
April 10 – What way do you think is the ultimate way to connect to another person? Has there ever been a time when this approach hasn’t worked?
April 11 – Can men and women truly be ‘just friends’? Why or why not?
April 12 – Do you consider yourself to be a romantic? Why or why not?
April 13 – Is there anything that pushes your stress buttons? What things are they? Write about the steps you take in order to alleviate stress.
April 14 – What do you do in order to relax? Is it writing in your journal? Make a list of all the different things you do in order to unwind.
April 15 – There’s probably no one who thinks that Tax Day should be a holiday. What holiday do you think should exist but doesn’t? Is there one that is celebrated but you wish it weren’t? Give all your reasons why.
April 16 – What is the one thing that you love doing enough that you would make a sacrifice in order to be able to do it?
April 17 – Write about a person you’ve lost in your life that you want back.
April 18 – Write about what you do in order to express your mental creativity. What are all of the things you do to find inspiration or writing in your journal?
April 19 – Consider the following prompt and dig a little deeper. What does your mind feel like when you are inspired? Do you find a way to express this physically? What ways does inspiration manifest itself for you?
April 20 – Write about when you were given an extra special gift. What was the best gift that you ever received?
April 21 – Write about your favorite bands or musicians? Do you play an instrument, sing or keep a music journal?
April 22 – Taking things a little bit further, write about someone in the arts who particularly inspires you. It could be any kind of art – whether it’s a painter, a filmmaker, architect or photographer. Describe what about their work that has made the most impression on you.
April 23 – As the song goes, you’re walking the floor over…..something. When was the last time you were up all night? Describe the situation and write out the scene.
April 24 – Write about throwing the ultimate celebration or party. What’s the reason for the party? Who would you invite and what kinds of things would you feature as a bit of party time frivolity?
April 25 – We all have people in our lives that made a great impact on us, or steered us onto a path we might not otherwise have seen. Write about them and how they impacted your life.
April 26 – What do you want more than anything? What is it? Is there anyone or anything that stands in your way of getting it? When you get what you want, then what? What do you think you will get by having it or not having what you want?
April 27 – There are times when our inner critic can really put the kibosh on our writing – even when it’s in our own journal. When does it happen? What do you do in order to get away from the critic’s nagging?
April 28 – If money, time or current situation were no consideration what kinds of things would you like to see, do or accomplish?
April 29 – Revenge on someone who has wronged us in the past can sometimes taste mighty sweet. Who is the one person you would like to see get their comeuppance and what would you personally like to do to them?
April 30 – Poetry can be inspirational. Who are your favorite poets? Do you keep a poetry journal? Write out a brand new poem about any topic that you choose.
May Journal Writing Prompts
The world seems to be created anew in the merry month of May. Writing is all about creating an entire world in our imagination and putting it down on paper. Whether we decide to take those dreams and publish them or keep them to ourselves, May is a great time to either start a new journal or really dig deep within ourselves and make our writing come to life.
May 1 – In your hands is a pen. Through your pen, you possess the power of creation itself. Try your hand at creating an entire world. What does this imaginary place look like? Does it have its own language, creatures, geography and history? Write out as many details as possible.
May 2 – Which do you think has more impact on a person’s character, genetics or environment? Give the reasons behind your choice.
May 3 – Is there anything that you believe is worth suffering for? Write about what it is and your reasons for that choice.
May 4 – What is your weapon of choice? Describe it in detail.
May 5 – Write a scene where you or a character of yours goes on a quest. Give details. You may wish to refer to Joseph Campbell’s book, “A Hero’s Journey” for more ideas.
May 6 – Consider who your heroes are. Who is it? Is it a humanitarian like Nelson Mandela? Or could it be a scientist like Marie Curie or a famous author such as J.R.R. Tolkien? Write out all of the reasons you can think of as to why they inspire you so deeply.
May 7 – What topic do you never tire of talking about? Do you have anyone in your life who shares that fascination with you? Write about it until your writing hand gets tired!
May 8 – “Don’t imagine you are on the high road just because it’s a well-beaten path.” – Unknown. Write out your thoughts about this particular quotation.
May 9 – Do you believe in the phrase ‘all men / women are created equal’? Why or why not?
May 10 – Think back to the previous year at about this time. Is there anything that happened that you would most like to forget? What was it?
May 11 – If you could change one thing you did in the last 24 hours, what would it be & why?
May 12 – Decisions, decisions…write about something that you recently changed your mind about.
May 13 – Is there anything that you know of that there is no wrong or right way to do it? Write about it.
May 14 – Write about something that you strongly believe but you can’t prove as being a fact. What is it? Why do you hold this particular belief?
May 15 – What would someone have to do in order to make certain you never speak to them again?
May 16 – Time to create a new character and craft that character out in detail. Do they have an accent? Is their voice grating? Make them come alive on the page by answering a character questionnaire (http://top10leatherjournals.com/creating-awesome-characters-new-worlds/ ).
May 17 – Is there anyone that you know, be it a relative or a friends who is most likely to end up in trouble with the law? Write about who it is and why or how they might find themselves in trouble.
May 18 – Write about something you have lost and never found. Did you replace it?
May 19 – Write about someone who makes you feel taken for granted or someone you feel that you take too much for granted.
May 20 – Have you ever told someone that you loved them before they told you first? Who was it? Describe the scene.
May 21 – If you had to host a dinner for a few close friends, what would you put on the menu? Would you have it catered in or would you cook it yourself?
May 22 – Write about something that you do only when you are upset
May 23 – What was the worst pick up line you ever heard and who used it on you? What happened?
May 24 – Who is the most brilliant person you know – outside of yourself? Do you seek them out for advice? If so, how often? Is this relationship mutual?
May 25 – Which of the 7 deadly sins in the worst: gluttony, greed, pride, lust, envy, wrath, or sloth? Why? Which of them are you most guilty of?
May 26 – Write about someone that you don’t trust to keep a secret, or write about someone who you trust implicitly to keep whatever you tell them to themselves.
May 27 – Considering the last journal prompt, would you trust that same person with your life or would someone else be more trustworthy? Write about why you chose that person for such an important task. Would that person feel the same way about you?
May 28 – Nearly everyone is different in private than they are in public. Describe how you are different when you are with others and when you are alone.
May 29 – Is there anyone that you would never want to be angry with you? Write about this person and why you wouldn’t want to risk their ire.
May 30 – Do you tend to consider your words carefully, or simply say what is on your mind? Has there ever been a time when it’s gotten you into our out of trouble?
May 31 – In our blog, we listed 20 different ways to use your journal. What other ways for using a journal can you think of ? Make as exhaustive a list as you possibly can in your own journal.
June Journal Writing Prompts
June can be a month of great expectations. If you’ve been turning to your journal on a daily basis, it’s practically inevitable that your writing muscle is getting stronger and your ability to show up at the page and the way that you express yourself will improve. If you’re a gardening enthusiast, why not consider keeping a botanical journal about what you’ve planted? June would be the perfect time to give it a try!
June 1 – Are you content with the direction your life is going in? Why or Why not? What do you think might help you break out into your desired direction?
June 2 – Write about something that you accomplished that and are particularly proud of.
June 3 – Write about something that you haven’t done that you wish you had.
June 4 – How much money would it take for you to feel financially secure? Write about how this would make it possible to do all of the things you aren’t able to do now.
June 5 – Do you consider yourself to be selfish or a philanthropist? Write about the reasons for your choice.
June 6 – Have you ever felt like the victim of injustice? Describe it.
June 7 – Write about an incident where you or one of your characters tried to cover up a weakness and failed miserably. Describe in detail what happened.
June 8 – If your friend was not forthcoming on something you asked them about, would you resort to spying? Would you go through their things? PC? Personal Diary? If so, why and if not why not?
June 9 – Have you ever considered keeping track of your dreams with a dream journal? Did you ever have a sense of déjà vu after having a dream? Write out in detail about a good dream or nightmare you might have had in the past.
June 10 – Try to write out a story, either fiction or a similar situation you have found yourself in with just this snippet of dialogue: “Well, someone has to make a decision!”
June 11 – Write about something that is happening in the world right now that frightens you.
June 12 – Go to a park or some other public place and just observe the people you see. Maybe make up a story around them. Many writers do this in order to get inspiration for their own work. Try your hand by writing out a scene using what you saw or maybe even a bit of conversation you overheard.
June 13 – Write a journal entry or compose a scene by completing the phrase, “The only thing I ever wanted was________.” Describe what it is and why you want it.
June 14 – What kinds of flaws are you or your character very good at hiding? Are you or they successful? Can others see through the facade?
June 15 – What is your opinion of the media? Is everything you see or hear on the news “fake?” Why or why not?
June 16 – It’s time to share something that you’ve written with someone else. Write out a profile of your perfect reader? Does that person exist? Is it someone you know? How would you feel sharing your journal with them?
June 17 – Write out what you think the meaning of the following phrase is: “Perfect people are perfectly boring.”
June 18 – You’ve been journaling for a while now. Why do you like to write? Do you prefer to write out whatever comes to mind in a stream of consciousness, or is it something closer to fiction?
June 19 – When we fall in love with a particular subject, it’s only natural to want to read about it as much as possible. What is something that you have been fascinated enough by to write about it? Did you create a research journal (http://top10leatherjournals.com/create-keep-research-journal/ ) for yourself or maybe even for publication someday?
June 20 – Do you find you gravitate toward fiction or non-fiction? What is your style when writing in your journal?
June 21 – When you write in your journal, do you choose topics, genres or characters because it provides a comfort zone ? Or are you a writer who chooses goes wherever the Muse sends you?
June 22 – Are there any topics that you won’t write about in your journal? What sorts of topics or situations do you tend to avoid? Push through your resistance and write about one of the topics you’ve been avoiding.
June 23 – You did it. You actually went there! Describe how you handle certain situations in your writing that may be considered over the line.
June 24 – Write a scene or a short story involving a favorite character that you have written, read about or seen in a movie.
June 25 – Turn yourself or one of your characters into something too perfect and can do absolutely anything and everything. Let loose the worst Mary Sue / Marty Stu that you can think of.
June 26 – Write about the real reason you want to write? Is it for self-betterment? Do you someday hope to land a book on the bestseller’s list? No matter how ridiculous or out of reach it might sound, write it out.
June 27 – Write about a mistaken identity.
June 28 – Create a scene involving ‘fun in the sun’. What springs to mind? Do you or your characters end up on a beach in your imagination or does the phrase bring other things to mind?
June 29 – Describe a character from the point of view of several others external to them. How would their mother describe them? Their ex-boyfriend / girlfriend / lover / spouse? How about someone who is a good friend or an enemy?
June 30 – Write about what is meant by the phrase, “You can never go back.”
July Journal Writing Prompts
July is all about socializing with family and friends. It’s also a great time to make new friends and acquaintances both online and off. You might want to explore some of the social media options we discussed in an earlier blog post and groups that are geared toward journalers and journaling. Who knows? You may meet more friends than ever before and get some more great ideas for things to write about in your own journal!
July 1 – In honor of Canada Day, write in your journal either a piece of fiction or a true story about taking a trip ‘up North’.
July 2 – Have you ever ‘rewound’ a storyline and completely edited it so that things turned out differently? Take a piece you wrote before and change it slightly or dramatically to tell an entirely different story.
July 3 – Write about a chance encounter, either real or imagined.
July 4 – Write about what ‘Freedom’ means to you.
July 5 – How do you or your character determine right and wrong? How does that differ from what you or they see others doing?
July 6 – Suddenly you or your character can travel backward or forward in time. What if the past or future could be changed? Write about it in detail.
July 7 – Describe your feelings on rewinding or severely editing a storyline. When do you think it’s necessary or not?
July 8 – Try your hand at writing something really bad! If you’ve read Douglas Adams’ book, “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, you may remember Vogon poetry. Do your best to compose the absolute worst poem in the Universe! .
July 9 – Do you feel that the world needs to hear what you have to say? Why or Why not?
July 10 – Write a situation when you or one of your characters witnessed something and then looked the other way.
July 11 – Families are rarely if ever perfect. Write about a relative you get along with the least.
July 12 – Is there ever a time where you just cannot bring yourself to write in your journal? What do you do to get you back into the mood to show up at the page?
July 13 – Do you feel that you are high, medium or low maintenance? Explain.
July 14 – While you were growing up, what were your favorite kinds of questions? Where there things that you never supposed to question? What were they?
July 15 – What aspect of yourself do you see as a weakness that others might see as a strength?
July 16 – One of your characters has over-indulged in something. Maybe it was wine, wo/men, song or something else. Write about them having to face the consequences.
July 17 – Just because you are angry, does that give you the right to be cruel? Why or why not?
July 18 – Write a fiction piece about finding a wallet or purse filled with cash. Do you turn it in or go on a wild spending spree? Explore the possibilities.
July 19 – Everyone has in in their life heard someone say something to them that affected them for the whole of their life. Who said it and what did they say? This can be written either your own experience or from the vantage point of one of your characters.
July 20 – You or your character are wrong and you know it. But nothing and no one can make you budge on the position you have taken. Write a piece about this and how far you would go rather than to admit it.
July 21 – Imagine you have the power to read minds. Write a journal entry on what it would be like to be able to know another person’s thoughts.
July 22 – Consider and write about what might be meant by the following quote: “To have a good enemy, choose a friend. He knows where to strike.” – Diane de Pittiers, 1499-1566, Mistress of Henry II of France
July 23 – What is your distraction drug of choice that keep you from writing? Is it television? Social media? Write about which addiction is the most challenging for you.
July 24 – Write about a long lost friend. Imagine a scene where the two of you meet up again after a long separation and write it down in your journal.
July 25 – Try a bit of inspiration from the following quote: “I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me.” – Jim Henson
July 26 – Write about a time when you lost something very important to you. Perhaps it happened so far in the past that you forgot about it. What was this item and what did it mean to you? Did you ever get it back? What if it were suddenly to reappear again?
July 27 – Write about the first time you traveled on your own without your parents or a chaperone.
July 28 – Write a description of your favorite fragrance in detail. Is it an exquisite perfume? The smell of baked bread or a forest right after it rains? Give as much detail as possible.
July 29 – In the time that you have been writing in your journal, is there anything you’ve discovered about yourself that you hadn’t realized before? What is it?
July 30 – Write about your favorite time of day to journal. Are you a morning person or a bit of a night owl? How long do your journal entries normally run? Try something new: Try something new and push yourself into writing just one more paragraph than what you usually do.
July 31 – Try to write a story around this snippet of dialogue: “Everyone is a slave; even you and me. It all just depends on what you’re a slave to”
August Journal Writing Prompts
Because August is the time when many people begin thinking about getting back to school, it’s also a great time to think about starting a new journal or deepening your journal writing habit. Maybe a brand new pen can get you in the mood to really make the most of your leather journal. Give it a try and see!
August 1 – Write about some of the most dramatic things that have happened to you over the past year that you’ve written about in your journal. What really stands out?
August 2 – There are times when the Muse will take over. Describe a time when the Muse, no matter what your best laid plans were, did a sudden turn that was absolutely inexplicable to you as their writer. What happened?
August 3 – Write a journal entry or write a piece of correspondence as one of your characters. Who are they writing a letter to? Make it into a believable piece of correspondence.
August 4 – Write a journal entry around the color blue. Consider using it symbolically in your story or journal entry.
August 5 – How do you respond to criticism? Explain.
August 6 – Someone has ruffled your feathers. Maybe it was during a business transaction, a chance encounter, or romance gone wrong. Let the angry words fly!
August 7 – You’ve found yourself in the midst of or a witness to a robbery. Describe the scene.
August 8 – Time to play, “Who Am I?” Pick the one trait that best defines who you are and write about it in detail.
August 9 – Write about “the end of the line”.
August 10 – War has been declared somewhere that directly affects you. It could be a personal war or on a global scale. Write about the emotions and situations that arise from this crisis.
August 11 – Write about taking two steps forward and one step back.
August 12 – Write about a romantic dinner.
August 13 – Write about a situation where something went terribly wrong. Maybe it ended up being a bit of a train wreck. Was it possible to correct the course of the situation without sacrificing what was important?
August 14 – It’s been said before that the pen is mightier than the sword. There’s also a very good argument as to why writing something longhand is far more effective for the creative process (http://top10leatherjournals.com/journaling-the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-keyboard/ ). Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?
August 15 – Write about being home alone. You aren’t expecting anyone, and suddenly you hear someone attempting to unlock the door.
August 16 – What qualities make a person “good” or “bad” in your eyes? Give details.
August 17 – Pick one of your characters and write about their personality in depth. Is there anything special you do in order to make them believable? What are they?
August 18 – Have you ever sent a love letter to someone? Write about it in detail.
August 19 – How do you deal with finding and maintaining a relationship, job, etc.?
August 20 – Write about a character that drives you or your character crazy. How do you deal with it?
August 21 – Consider the following quote. Do you feel that it’s true? Why or why not? “I’m just a human being trying to make it in a world that is very rapidly losing its understanding of being human.” – John Trudell
August 22 – Write a story set in the heart of a busy city. Maybe it’s a scene involving a situation a former lover, drunks, homeless people, party kids, criminal elements, or a personal adversary.
August 23 – Journals don’t really follow rules. In that spirit, write a story in which you break as many rules as possible.
August 24 – What’s the most difficult part of writing for you? Do you tend to use a passive voice rather than an active voice? Are you redundant? What ways do you think you can overcome this challenge?
August 25– Write a story about information overload.
August 26 – Write about a current crush or one from your past.
August 27 – Write about light and shadow. Give all of the details and impressions about it .
August 28 – Write out a story about a sudden storm or where it has been raining or snowing for several days in a row. What happens and how do you deal with it?
August 29 – Start today’s entry with “That was not part of the deal!” and elaborate.
August 30 – Write about sleeping under the stars.
August 31 – Write a little about what you think about this quote, “The longer you dance with the devil, the longer you remain in Hell.”
September Journal Writing Prompts
For people who live in the Western Hemisphere, it may be starting to look like fall. Or I could be that you’ve been blessed with an Indian Summer this year. Even though it’s still warm out, the colors are letting you know that change is in the air.
Now is the perfect time to pay special attention to your leather journal and take care of it properly. In one of our blog posts, we outlined the best way to protect your leather journal and the best way to keep it looking great. Now is also a great time to try your hand at some of this month’s prompts and put some more color into your writing! If you find a quote or a statement on its own, simply write whatever comes to mind when you read it.
September 1 – Write about catching fireflies, frogs or some other creature.
September 2 – You’ve just moved into a new house in a new neighborhood. Imagine what the person or family that lived there before you were like. Write a story about them.
September 3 – What do you think about this quote? What happened? “Alright. I did enjoy it. And you know what else? I’d do it again!”
September 4 – Write a story about being lost in the wilderness.
September 5 – The world ends tomorrow. What will you do today?
September 6 – Have you ever created a character, only to have them go suddenly silent? Were you able to get the muse to talk to you again? What did you do ?
September 7 – Which author or authors have influenced you the most? How did they inspire you? Give details about how and why they really resonated for you.
September 8 – Do you consider yourself to be a force of nature? Why or why not?
September 9 – Write a story about being in resistance to something or someone.
September 10 – Do you agree? “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein
September 11 – Write about a painful memory.
September 12 – “Sometimes I wish I could just forget everything that I know. It’d make things a lot easier.”
September 13 – Write about the most wonderful and hopeful thing happening in the world right now. What is it? Why or how does it inspire you?
September 14 – “Hope is the dream of a soul awake.” – French Proverb
September 15 – You’ve just discovered a magic wand in an old forgotten corner in your house! Write about w your life would be like if you had one.
September 16 – Write about a broken promise.
September 17 – When do you think a story is unsalvageable? Is there anything that would cause you to abandon a character or storyline?
September 18 – We all strive to make believable characters. What do you do in order to write your character believably? Do you think you have successfully pulled this off? How much research do you do?
September 19 – “As always, you speak wisely. I am such a positive influence upon you. You should thank me more often.” – Isabel Stornello
September 20 – Take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of your past journal entries. Write about your most or least favorites.
September 21 – Someday….
September 22 – You get caught in the middle of a rally, demonstration, or some other crowded event that ends badly and requires police intervention. Deal with the chaos that ensues up to and including getting arrested for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
September 23 – Write about getting married to the wrong person.
September 24 – Write about a character that drives you or your character crazy. How do you deal with it?
September 25 – Jane Austen once said, “You cannot have too large a party.” Write about a big party you either hosted or attended. Describe the scene.
September 26 – Write about being caught in the rain.
September 27 – Write about leaving.
September 28 – You are there! Describe the scene around some historical event. Write about this event from either your point of view or you can create a character for this prompt.
September 29 – Being completely honest, how would you describe yourself?
September 30 – “Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn’t try it on.” – Billy Connolly
October Journal Writing Prompts
This is the time of year when it’s said that the veil between the worlds is the thinnest and things can get a little bit scary. Why not tell yourself a spooky story or two this month? One sure source of comfort, no matter where you may find yourself is your leather journal. You’ll be sure to make a little magic of your own when you write in the pages of your journal every day.
October 1 – Write about the skeletons in your closet.
October 2 – Write about the thing that goes bump in the night that frightens you.
October 3 – Do you fear death? Why or why not?
October 4 – Your new job is the director of a mental institution. When you report for work, no one is there. Why are they gone? What happened? Write a scary story using this scenario.
October 5 – Can you keep a secret? Is there any time you didn’t? Write about it.
October 6– Do you believe in the presence of ‘evil’ in the world? Why or why not?
October 7 – You meet someone and just can’t shake the feeling that you’ve met someplace before. For good or bad the feeling is this there. Is it from this life or one before?
October 8 – You end up in an all-too-real dream which places you in the foyer of an old but at one time, elegant home. Despite not knowing how you arrived there, you’re left feeling you’re meant to be where you are. Describe how the dream plays out.
October 9 – “Every time I bestow a vacant office I make a hundred discontented persons and one ingrate.” – Louis XIV
October 10 – You’ve gotten what you have wished for so long – but the ramifications of your wish may become a nightmare. Write it out.
October 11 – You and your friend(s) have managed to get locked into someplace overnight. Is it a museum, a department store or some other place? Write a scene about it.
October 12 – Write about a ritual or ceremony.
October 13 – “So you think the answer to our problems is to summon a demon? Great.”
October 14 – Write about confronting your biggest and deepest fear.
October 15 – “Come, come, come. Without a monster or two it’s not a quest, merely a gaggle of friends wandering about.” – Alan Alexander Milne
October 16 – Write a story about an encounter with an extraterrestrial.
October 17 – This is the time of year that people get out DVD’s of old horror films. Which one is your favorite? Craft a story using a character from one of these old classics. Is it Dracula, the Mummy, or Frankenstein’s monster? Spin a tale designed to keep the reader up at night.
October 18 – “I hate to ask a stupid question, but why are there boxes of Silly Putty in the backseat of your car?”
October 19 – Write about needing to trust an enemy.
October 20 – Write a story in which one of your characters comes to you for counseling. Are you playing the role of a psychiatrist or do you read their cards or their palm like a fortune teller?
October 21– “So what’s this I hear about the place being haunted?”
October 22 – “Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to nurture it in solitude and to follow the talent to the dark places where it leads.” – Erica Jong
October 23 – Write about an escape.
October 24 – “You were supposed to have died yesterday. How come you’re still here?”
October 25 – “She died doing exactly what she loved – and swearing profusely while doing it.”
October 26 – A character from the last drama or sitcom you watched on TV or in a movie are coming to save you from a dire situation. Who is coming to your rescue?
October 27 – Scan the most recent newspaper or news story online and write a piece of fiction about it.
October 28 – “You were merely doing what blood demanded of you – just as they did what theirs demanded of them.”
October 29 – How hard is it for you to write in your journal when there are other things in life are going around you? In such instances, does your writing become your refuge or a burden?
October 30 – “I’ll be sure to send my regards – from Hell!”
October 31 – A ghost/apparition/spirit appears to you and forces you to face one of your greatest fears. You have no power to resist and can only watch as the scene unfolds around you. Describe not only the dream, but the affect it has on you.
November Journal Writing Prompts
November marks the beginning of the Holiday Season. Love them or not, it’s a great time to take the time away from the holiday bustle and write in your journal. Try some of these prompts and see what kinds of discoveries you can make about yourself through your writing.
November 1 – What sorts of things do you as a writer to create the best writing environment possible for yourself? Elaborate a little or a lot on the things that inspire you toward creativity.
November 2 – Close your eyes and let your imagination roam. Write a story about what you see using only your inner eyes.
November 3 – “Lady, the only time you’ve ever been happy to see me is when I shot your boss for you back in L.A. just so that you didn’t have to.”
November 4 – “We live for the nights we will never remember with the people we’ll never forget.” –Unknown
November 5 – Go to a coffee shop and spend at least an hour writing in a new place. Maybe use that time to compose a fan letter to a favorite author.
November 6 – What are some of the things you have done in order to develop your own writing voice?
November 7 – Considering the last prompt, has there ever been a time when you wanted to tell a friend or a writing partner that they’ve “lost their voice?” Has this happened to you?
November 8 – What determines in your mind when it is time to retire a muse? Are you guilty of keeping on writing a character even after you have lost their voice? What signals do you get when you lose a voice of a muse? Have you had ones that were absent for a while and came back? How about the ones that never return? What do you do?
November 9 – “It’s common knowledge that my marriage was merely one of convenience – but when aren’t they?”
November 10 -“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that it was required to actually give a damn every time you decide to bad-mouth me.”
November 11 – “Oh, the angst! How do you stand it?”
November 12 – “I am merely a mirage, a shimmering ghost in the heat made of nothing but smoke and mirrors.”
November 13 – “There’s a beauty to bringing out your inner strength.”- Cate Blanchett
November 14 – If you had to eat food from one country for the rest of your life, which country would it be and why?
November 15 – Write about a November memory.
November 16 – “I am fully aware of his reputation and that’s enough!”
November 17 – Write a story about lust. Who instills that feeling? How do you or your character deal with it?
November 18 – Write a story about going on a long expedition. Is it a trip across the country like Lewis and Clark did? Or is it to the final frontier of outer space?
November 19 – “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” –Alexander Hamilton
November 20 – It happened last night…..
November 21 –We published a blog post on the health benefits of journaling. How is writing in your journal particularly beneficial to you?
November 22 – “Who poured thunder clouds over your bowl of sunshine this morning?”
November 23 – Write a story about being lost.
November 24 –You find yourself in a situation or place where you are completely out of your element. Do you panic, get angry or get creative?
November 25 –“Nobody believes the official spokesman … but everybody trusts an unidentified source.” – Ron Nessen
November 26 – In what way has anger helped your writing? Did it get you fired up enough to break out of your rut when you were feeling blocked?
November 27 – “Holidays with my family is like going on a sleigh ride to Hell.”
November 28 – Write about an underwater adventure.
November 29 – Write about making a deal with the Devil. What kind of deal would you make and what might you gain or lose in the bargain? Can you get out of it?
November 30 – “Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than in a whole one.” – E. B. White
December Journal Writing Prompts
By now you’re probably seeing more holiday decorations and lights popping up everywhere you look. Now would be the perfect time to consider asking Santa for a new leather journal. Or maybe just splurge and get one for yourself! Below are prompts that can get you in the holiday spirit by giving topics to think and write about in your new journal!
December 1 – One of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves is the time and space to write and be creative. In your writing, what sorts of things make you feel skeptical about your abilities? How do you handle your inner skeptic? Give examples and possible solutions.
December 2 – Think about the following quote: Do you agree with it? Why or why not? “Change is created by those whose imaginations are bigger than their circumstances.” – Unknown
December 3 – Everyone needs someone to lean on. Who is it that you depend on in this way?
December 4 – Write about a compromising situation.
December 5 – “Everything’s got a moral, if only you can find it.” – Lewis Carroll Can you find a moral to one of the stories you wrote in your journal? Write it out.
December 6 –“You were the war I could never win.”
December 7 – Today is Pearl Harbor Day. Do you have any relatives that served during WWII? Write a story about their experiences, or write a story set in the period during that global conflict.
December 8 – “I have a servant who insists that I pay him; but I am also blackmailing him so I don’t pay him much.” – Pointycat
December 9 – Write about holiday spirit.
December 10 – “You know what you need to know, so deal with it.”
December 11 – “I can always tell that you’re angry when you start swearing in French.”
December 12 – Bah, Humbug! Write a new story using the situations or characters from Charles Dickens’ famous story, “A Christmas Carol”.
December 13 – Keeping a journal doesn’t need to take up large blocks of time. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes on your lunch break. Even if you only have a few minutes, let them be a part of what you do to feed your own creativity. Choose any prompt from this list and write it out.
December 14 – “I’m sorry that neither of us was what the other one wanted.”
December 15 – Give yourself the gift of super creative journaling. Create a zibaldone book of your very own. Ralph Waldo Emerson used to keep zibildones. What are the kinds of things that you would put in it?
December 16 – “One person’s craziness is another person’s reality” – Tim Burton
December 17 – You come upon a package in the road. When you open it, you discover that it’s filled with money. On closer observation, you discover a barely legible return address on the package. Is it a case of finders keepers? What do you do?
December 18 –“It isn’t whether you win or lose; it’s how good you look by the end of it all.”
December 19 – Ask yourself where your time is spent. Make a list of five major activities you did this week. How are you spending your time? Do you enjoy these activities? What if anything do you wish that you were doing instead? From this list write out at least five others that you have avoided this week and make at least one of them your goal.
December 20 – Who do you consider to be ‘your people’? What do you believe your purpose to be while here on Earth?
December 21 – “No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”- Friedrich Nietzsche
December 22 – Everyone has something that is a trigger for them; something that sets them off in an instant. What’s hot button and how do you react when it’s pushed?
December 23 – What do you find special in the day before the day before the greatest day in the world?
December 24 – ‘Twas the night before Christmas….write a story set on Christmas Eve.
December 25 – Write about a Holiday wish come true when you were a child or as an adult.
December 26 – “Don’t join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they never existed.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
December 27 – List ten possible resolutions for the year. They can be anything. Do you want to put in a vegetable garden this year? Or do you want to somehow spend less time arguing with people who don’t matter.” It can be anything from writing one more page a day to tiling a mosaic in your bathroom. Make a list and keep it nearby.
December 28 – “I’m way too sober to deal with this right now.”
December 29 – Looking back over the past year, we’ve lost a lot of wonderful and talented people like Carrie Fisher, for example. Was there anyone who passed away this year that really affected you? Who was it?
December 30 – “They speak of my drinking but never think of my thirst” – Scottish Proverb
December 31 – It’s New Year’s Eve! Write a story about a New Year’s Eve kiss. If you could kiss anyone in the world on midnight at New Year’s Eve, who would it be? Or consider how well you did over the course of the year.
Are you ready to give it another go? What kind of journal prompts can you think up?