365 days of writing prompts

10 writing prompts on how to shape what you’ve written into what you wanted to write.

Congratulations! You’ve reached Day 14! Two full weeks of creativity, courage, and discovery. You’ve explored character, conflict, structure, and emotion. Now it’s time to step back and refine what you’ve built through the art of revision.

Here is an article about revising and editing. The two are not the same thing.

Revision isn’t editing; it’s rediscovery. It’s where a good idea becomes a great story, and where your voice grows stronger through every thoughtful change. Today’s prompts will help you approach revision with clarity, purpose, and grace.

1. The Big Picture
   Reread your story. What is it really about? Write a one-sentence summary that captures its heart.
2. The Strongest Moment
   Pinpoint the scene or paragraph that feels most alive. What makes it work? How can you bring that energy to the rest of your story?
3. The Weak Spot
   Find one place that doesn’t quite land. Ask yourself: is it the pacing, clarity, emotion, or motivation that needs work?
4. The Trim and Polish
   Cut unnecessary scenes from your story. Notice how your writing sharpens and breathes.
5. The Emotional Truth
   Read each scene aloud. Do they fulfill their purpose? If not, rewrite until they do.
6. The Character Check
   Make sure every character wants something in each scene and that there is conflict about that want.
7. The Flow Fix
   Reorder two or three scenes. Does it change the rhythm and meaning?
8. The Reader’s Eye
   Imagine reading your story for the first time. Where would you pause, reread, or lose interest? Rewrite those scenes to keep interest or remove them if they are no longer needed.
9. The Fresh Perspective
   Set your work aside for a few days. Then return to it as if it belonged to someone else. What surprises you?
10. The Quiet Confidence
    As a writer, write a note to yourself. What do you love most about this story? What do you hope it gives to the reader?

Revision is where your story comes to life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about discovery, honesty, and care.

Leave a comment about which prompt helped you with revising your story.