25 Summer Writing Prompts

by Arielle Haughee

25 Summer Writing Prompts

It’s gotten hot, the grass is fried…and so is your brain. Well good news! We have a batch of writing prompts as big as a five-scoop sundae. So do a few stretches, get that pencil ready, and take a gander at 25 summer writing prompts.

Writing Prompts Based on Images

Check out the following picture bank and see if any of these spark something for you.

Writing Prompts Based on Senses

Sensory details make things vivid for the reader. Maybe one of these will bring ideas to life for you.

• the cool, sweet crunch of watermelon
  
• grains of sand falling through your fingers
  
• the savory aroma of burgers sizzling on the grill
  
• the constant strained thrumming of an air conditioner
  
• fuchsia crepe myrtle flowers swirling on top of crystal-clear pool water
  

Writing Prompts Based on Action

I used the word “you” in here, but of course it could be a main character instead. Adapt as you feel necessary.

• You sprint into the crashing waves. Something rips you under the water.
  
• The dog trembles with each boom of thunder. Rain seeps in and pools on the windowsill.
  
• Children squeal at the sight of the ice cream truck and race to the street.
  
• Fireworks crack in the air. You smack a mosquito on your arm. Nausea rolls through your stomach.
  
• The boat bobs in the water. All your muscles relax. You close your eyes, and the sun kisses your eyelids.
  

Writing Prompts Based on Dialogue

​This dialogue could be used in the piece you write, or just as a jump start to get your scene going.

• “I never thought I’d see a sunset like this again.”
  
• “My mother always warned me about storms like this.”
  
• “We never had air conditioning where I grew up. Just good ol’ fashioned sweat.”
  
• “Is a grill supposed to be doing that?”
  
• “You’ll never believe what I found inside this strange shell.”
  

Writing Prompts Based on Concepts

• ​​opposites: the deafening sound of harmless cicadas compared to the silent waves of lethal heat floating up from the pavement
• reversal: the love of a fresh new season full of possibilities turning to loathing of fun never had, days dragging on
• parallelism: the bright colors of beach umbrellas, summer fruits similar to the brightness of the sun and the happiness of the season
• personification: heat as a character; mosquitoes with clear, evil intent; thunderstorms following you intentionally
• flashback: someone puts a colorful, children’s popsicle in your hand and it brings you back to…

We hope you got some inspiration from our 25 summer writing prompts. Could you help us out and leave a comment letting us know which section or prompt was most helpful to you? That will help us with the next list. Thank you and happy writing!