• Title Generator

Use our AI headline generator to generate title for anything.

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How do you use WriterBuddy’s AI title generator?

We’ve all been there. You’ve written a fantastic piece and are ready to share it with the world, but you hit a roadblock: crafting the perfect title. It’s no small task to create a concise and snappy title that captures the essence of your content and incorporates relevant keywords. WriterBuddy’s AI title generator is designed to generate headlines from keywords and save you time. 

Here’s how it works:

Step 1. Describe your content in the text area under Topic

Begin by providing insights about your content. Let the tool know whether it’s a blog post, a press release, a YouTube video, or another form of content.

AI title generator text area

The more you share, the better the results. Give details regarding the goal of your content, its main highlights, and any other relevant information or keywords. The details allow the AI to understand what you’re aiming to convey.

Step 2: Click Generate Title

In a few seconds, you’ll receive three titles tailored to your content and ready to grab your audience’s attention. Choose the title that captures your vision the most.

AI generated headlines

How to choose a good title (7 principles with examples) 

The title is the first impression that can invite readers in or leave them disinterested. A compelling title doesn’t just inform; it entices. 

While there’s no definitive rulebook for crafting the perfect title, certain guidelines can steer you toward a title that resonates with your audience. 

Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate the art of headline creation:

  • Use numbers : “5 Ways to Improve Your Diet” or “10 Books Everyone Should Read.” Numbers offer a clear and tangible benefit, making the content seem organized and digestible.
  • Use words that imply urgency : If your content offers a solution, let readers know they can reap the benefits sooner rather than later. Example: “Get Clear Skin in Just 7 Days!”
  • Make the benefit obvious : Be clear about what readers will gain from your content. If it’s a landing page for a product, articulate the specific challenge it solves. “Learn How to Boost Your Sales by 50%.”
  • Keep it short and sweet : While longer headlines can be effective, lead with the most crucial information. Ensure the headline communicates your main point in a few words without losing its essence.
  • Use attention-grabbing words : Words like “discover,” “free,” “proven,” and “guarantee” can enhance the allure of your title, making it more clickable.
  • Keep it meaningful : Your title should convey value. “Save $1,000 on Your Next Vacation With These Simple Tricks.”
  • Be ultra-specific : Instead of “Ways to Save Money,” try “7 Proven Strategies to Cut Your Monthly Bills in Half.”

How do you create a unique title?

Creating a unique title requires a blend of understanding your content’s core message, knowing your target audience’s preferences, and incorporating fresh perspectives or angles. 

Start by pinpointing the most compelling or distinctive aspect of your content. Then, experiment with different phrasing, considering both the emotional and informational appeal. Utilizing attention-grabbing words, numbers, or questions can further enhance uniqueness. Lastly, avoid generic or overused phrases and always ensure the title accurately reflects the content it represents.

WriterBuddy presents the most advanced and easy-to-use AI title generator, designed to craft headlines that grab attention and resonate with your target audience.

WriterBuddy AI title generator: Best free AI title generator for any headline

Book title generator.

Whether it’s a heart-wrenching romance or a self-help book, our AI-powered title generator can understand the essence of your narrative and offers suggestions that capture your book’s soul and promise.

Title generator for YouTube videos

Our specialized title generator can understand the nuances of your YouTube video content, ensuring your videos stand out in the sea of thumbnails and draw viewers in at first glance.

Creative title generator for blog posts

WriterBuddy’s creative title generator provides blog post headlines that pique curiosity and promise valuable insights and fresh perspectives.

Title generator for essays

Whether discussing modern society’s fallacies or analyzing a literary masterpiece, our AI-driven title generator crafts essay title suggestions that encapsulate your argument’s essence and importance.

Headline Generator FAQs

What is a title generator .

A title generator is an online tool that helps you craft compelling headlines for your content. By inputting specific keywords or information about the content, you receive title suggestions that enhance content’s appeal and click-through rates.

How does an AI title generator work? 

An AI title generator leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence algorithms and machine learning to analyze the information you provide. By assessing vast amounts of data and understanding patterns from effective headlines, the AI suggests titles that resonate with audiences and are relevant to the content’s subject matter.

Why Use an AI headline generator? 

Using an AI headline generator offers multiple advantages. It streamlines the process of crafting catchy and relevant headlines, ensures titles are optimized for search engines and reader engagement, and helps overcome creative blocks by providing a range of title options. Moreover, with AI, the suggestions are based on data-driven insights, increasing the likelihood of the titles resonating with the target audience.

How much does the AI title generator cost? 

WriterBuddy’s AI title generator is free, allowing you to generate up to 6 headlines per day. If you need more headlines, sign up for WriterBuddy to ger 2000 free monthly credits and access to a suite of 40+ AI templates. As your content needs grow, you can purchase additional credits.

Who owns the AI-generated headlines? 

Any headline or title generated by WriterBuddy’s AI title generator belongs to you. Once generated, users are free to use, modify, and publish the headlines without any restrictions or obligations to WriterBuddy.

Use our free AI headline generator to generate a title for any content

Whether you’re penning a blog post, creating a video, or launching a marketing campaign, our AI title generator is tailored to serve your needs. Dive into the future of content creation and let our advanced algorithms provide you with compelling titles that resonate. Don’t let your outstanding content go unnoticed due to a lackluster headline. Use our free AI headline generator now to give your content the attention it deserves! 

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Title Generator

Unleash your creativity with our AI-powered title generator! Simply enter your text below and hit the button to get the perfect title.

Below are 0 curated titles based on your input

Our versatile tool is tailored to aid in crafting titles for a variety of texts. Ideal for different users like bloggers in search of eye-catching headlines, students working on essays, or professionals preparing detailed reports, it employs AI technology to generate a range of title options. This is possible through your input, ranging from a title idea or summary to your entire text.

This free service's AI is designed to generate titles closely aligned with your content's theme. The technology aims to grasp the essence of your text, offering titles that are not only unique but also relevant to your work. The goal is to provide titles that not only fit well with your content but also have the potential to engage your target audience effectively.

The service offers a simple and intuitive user experience. After inputting your text, the AI quickly produces several title options. You can easily copy these for immediate use or save them for later. The interface is straightforward, allowing for easy management of saved titles. If the initial titles aren't quite right, you have the option to generate additional suggestions.

Envisioned as more than just a simple tool, this tool is designed to be a collaborative partner in your writing process. It aims to enhance your work by providing well-suited and engaging title options that complement your content. We encourage you to experiment with the Title Generator to see how it might enhance your writing tasks and support your creative processes.

Saved Titles

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CreativeWriting-Prompts.com

What Is a Writing Title and Why It Matters: In-Depth Analysis

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My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

What Is a Writing Title and Why It Matters: In-Depth Analysis

The Importance of a Writing Title: Grabbing the Reader’s Attention from the Start

Defining a writing title: what it is and how it works for your article, how the right writing title can boost the success of your piece, why the right writing title can boost the success of your piece, analyzing the key elements of an effective writing title, elements to consider in an effective writing title, crafting an eye-catching writing title: tips and tricks, the role of keywords in writing titles: optimizing for search engines, strategies to captivate your audience with a riveting writing title, harnessing the power of a well-crafted writing title: a step towards success, frequently asked questions, in conclusion.

When it comes to writing, you might think that the title is just a small part of the overall content. However, you couldn’t be more wrong! The title of your piece plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging your readers from the very beginning. A captivating title is like a magnet that pulls people in and makes them want to explore what lies within your words. Here’s why a well-crafted title should never be underestimated:

  • First Impressions Matter: Your title is often the first thing that catches a reader’s eye. Just like meeting someone for the first time, a strong title leaves a lasting impression. It sparks curiosity and makes the reader want to delve further into your work.
  • Relevant and Informative: A well-chosen title concisely summarizes the essence of your writing. It provides a glimpse into what readers can expect, setting the stage for the content to come. It should be relevant, accurately reflecting the main theme and capturing the core message of your work.

However, grabbing attention is not the only purpose of a captivating title. It also serves the practical function of making your work more discoverable. When writing online, where content is abundant, a title that stands out can greatly increase the chances of your piece being noticed and clicked on. So, don’t underestimate the power of a compelling title! Spend time brainstorming and crafting one that captures the essence of your writing and entices readers to embark on a captivating journey through your words.

Defining a Writing Title: What It is and How It Works for Your Article

Choosing the perfect writing title is crucial, as it sets the tone for your entire article and captures the interest of your readers. It serves as a concise summary that gives them a glimpse into what the content holds. An effective writing title should be descriptive, intriguing, and relevant to the subject matter. It should convey the main idea of your article in a catchy and memorable way.

When crafting a writing title, consider the following key factors. Firstly, it should accurately reflect the content and be specific enough to avoid misleading readers. Avoid generic titles that fail to give readers a clear idea of what they can expect to read. Secondly, a successful title is concise yet attention-grabbing. It should capture readers’ attention and make them want to delve further into the article. Lastly, incorporating keywords relevant to your topic can enhance the title’s visibility on search engines and help attract the right audience to your article.

To create an engaging writing title, you can experiment with different techniques. One effective approach is using strong action words or power verbs that convey a sense of urgency or excitement. Another method is using intriguing questions or thought-provoking statements that pique readers’ curiosity. Additionally, employing literary devices such as alliteration, metaphors, or puns can make your title more memorable and enjoyable. Remember, crafting an effective writing title takes time and brainstorming, but the effort will be rewarded with increased readership and engagement.

How the Right Writing Title Can Boost the Success of Your Piece

Crafting the perfect writing title is often underestimated but plays a crucial role in determining the success of your piece. A well-crafted title serves as the initial hook that captures your readers’ attention and entices them to explore further. It is the first impression that can make or break your content’s visibility and engagement. So, what makes a title stand out and boost the success of your piece? Let’s delve into the key reasons:

  • Grabbing attention: An intriguing and eye-catching title piques readers’ curiosity, compelling them to click and read your content. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a captivating statement, or using power words, a title that grabs attention increases the likelihood of your content being read and shared.
  • Setting expectations: A well-written title conveys what your piece is about, setting clear expectations for readers. This helps them evaluate whether the content aligns with their interests and needs. When your title accurately represents the content, readers are more likely to continue reading, resulting in higher engagement and satisfaction.
  • Improving search engine visibility: Crafting a title that strategically incorporates relevant keywords can improve your content’s search engine optimization (SEO). When your title includes relevant keywords, it becomes more likely to rank higher in search engine results , driving organic traffic to your piece and increasing its chances of success.

Avoid underestimating the significance of creating an impactful writing title. By grabbing attention, setting expectations, and improving search engine visibility, you can boost the success of your piece and ensure that it reaches your intended audience effectively.

Analyzing the Key Elements of an Effective Writing Title

An effective writing title plays a crucial role in catching the reader’s attention and engaging them from the start. To ensure your title stands out and effectively represents your content, consider these key elements:

  • Relevance: A title must be relevant to the content it represents. It should clearly reflect the main topic, theme, or message of your writing. This helps the reader understand what to expect and whether the piece aligns with their interests.
  • Conciseness: A concise title is powerful. It should be succinct while conveying the essence of your writing. Avoid lengthy or convoluted phrases that may confuse the reader or dilute the impact of your title. Opt for concise wording that piques curiosity without divulging too much.
  • Clarity: Clarity is vital to ensure your title is easily understood. Choose words and phrases that are clear, specific, and straightforward. Aim for simplicity without sacrificing the depth or complexity of your writing. A clear title helps readers navigate your content with ease.
  • Originality: In a sea of content, originality is a game-changer. A unique and creative title grabs attention and stands out from the crowd. It should give readers a sense of your distinct perspective, enticing them to explore the ideas presented in your writing.

By carefully considering these elements, you can craft an effective writing title that captivates your audience and sets the tone for the rest of your piece. Remember, a well-crafted title has the power to intrigue, inform, and entice readers to delve deeper into your content.

When it comes to grabbing the attention of readers, a compelling title can make all the difference. Whether you’re writing an article, blog post, or even a social media caption, a well-crafted title can draw people in and make them eager to read what you have to say. To help you create eye-catching titles that captivate your audience, here are some tips and tricks to consider:

  • Be concise and impactful: Keep your title short and sweet, focusing on the most enticing aspects of your content. By using powerful words and including keywords that resonate with your target audience, you can instantly grab their attention and make them curious.
  • Use numbers and lists: Including numbers in your title not only adds a sense of structure but also implies that your content is organized and easy to digest. A title like “7 Essential Tips for…” or “Top 10 Secrets to…” immediately signals value and piques curiosity.
  • Evoke emotion: Appeal to the emotions of your readers by using words that trigger their curiosity, excitement, or even a sense of urgency. Crafting a title that sparks an emotional response can entice readers to click and dive into your content.

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your title creation process, you can greatly increase the chances of your writing capturing the attention it deserves. Remember, a well-crafted title not only sets the tone for your content but also acts as a gateway to your ideas, making it a crucial element in engaging your readers.

When it comes to writing titles for online content, incorporating keywords is essential for optimizing your content for search engines. Keywords are words or phrases that people use when searching for information on a specific topic. By including relevant keywords in your title, you increase the chances of your content being found by search engines and ranking higher in search results.

One important aspect of using keywords in titles is to ensure they accurately reflect the content of your article or blog post. Search engines are becoming increasingly sophisticated at understanding context and relevance, so it’s crucial to use keywords that are not just popular, but also directly related to your content. This not only helps with search engine optimization (SEO) but also enhances the user experience by providing them with accurate and useful information. When selecting keywords for your title, it’s a good practice to perform keyword research to identify the most relevant and frequently searched terms in your niche. Using tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can provide valuable insights into popular keywords and help you choose the ones that align best with your content.

Strategies to Engage Your Audience with a Compelling Writing Title

Diving deeper into the art of crafting attention-grabbing writing titles, we unravel effective strategies that will captivate your audience from the get-go. By following these proven techniques, you can ensure that your content stands out and resonates with your readers on a deeper level.

1. Brainstorm impactful keywords: Start by brainstorming a list of powerful keywords that accurately represent the core message of your content. Consider the emotions you want to evoke in your readers or the problem you aim to solve. These keywords will serve as the foundation for your catchy title.

2. Incorporate curiosity: Humans are naturally curious creatures. By adding an element of mystery or posing a captivating question in your writing title, you can instantly pique the interest of your audience. For example, “Unlock the Secrets Behind Human Psychology: How Do Our Brains Really Work?” .

3. Craft it with brevity: A succinct and to-the-point writing title can often make a stronger impact than a lengthy one. Aim to convey the essence of your content in as few words as possible, while still maintaining clarity. Boldly condense your ideas into a concise title that draws the reader in.

4. Utilize vivid language: Inject your writing title with vivid and descriptive language that paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Invoke emotions and sensory details to engage your audience right from the start. For instance, “Unleash Your Inner Creativity: Ignite a Symphony of Imagination.”

With these strategies under your belt, you are armed with the tools to craft compelling writing titles that hook your audience and leave them hungry to consume your content. Experiment, have fun, and let your creativity soar as you uncover the power of the perfectly crafted title.

Creating a captivating and effective writing title is a strategic move that can greatly impact the success of your content. A well-crafted title acts as a gateway, capturing the attention of your readers and enticing them to delve into your writing. Here are some key points to consider when harnessing the power of a well-crafted writing title:

  • Make it concise and specific: A title that is too lengthy can be overwhelming and lose its impact. Instead, focus on crafting a title that succinctly conveys the essence of your content. Specificity is key, as it ensures that your target audience knows exactly what to expect.
  • Incorporate keywords: Including relevant keywords in your title can greatly improve its visibility in search engines. Research popular keywords related to your topic and try to organically integrate them into the title, making it both informative and optimized for search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Utilize curiosity and intrigue: Engaging your readers’ curiosity is an effective way to make your title stand out. Consider incorporating a question, a provocative statement, or a unique angle that piques their interest.

Mastering the art of crafting compelling writing titles takes time and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. A well-executed title can attract more readers, improve the visibility of your content, and ultimately lead to greater success in your writing endeavors. Remember to experiment, analyze the impact of different titles, and always keep your target audience in mind as you venture into the realm of powerful writing titles.

Q: What is a writing title and why does it matter? A: A writing title is the headline or name given to a piece of writing, such as an article, blog post, or essay. It serves as the first point of contact that readers have with your work. A well-crafted title can capture their attention, pique their curiosity, and compel them to read further. In essence, the title sets the stage for your content and can significantly impact its success.

Q: How does a writing title impact the overall success of an article? A: The writing title plays a vital role in determining whether or not your article will be read. It acts as a gateway to your content, influencing a reader’s decision to click on your link or scroll past it. An engaging and attention-grabbing title can significantly increase the number of people who choose to read your article. On the other hand, a bland or poorly chosen title may leave your words unnoticed, regardless of how remarkable your writing might be.

Q: What are the key elements of an effective writing title? A: An effective writing title should be concise, yet descriptive enough to give readers a clear idea of what to expect from the article. It should also utilize strong, compelling language that evokes an emotional response or creates intrigue. Additionally, including relevant keywords or phrases can help your article rank higher in search engine results. Crafting a unique title that stands out from the competition is equally important, as it helps your article to be distinct and memorable.

Q: Does the length of a writing title matter? A: Yes, the length of a writing title does matter. Roughly 50-60 characters is considered the optimal length for a title, as it allows for easy readability and avoids truncation in search engine results. Titles that are too long may appear cluttered or overwhelming, while overly short titles might not provide enough context or fail to capture attention. Sticking to a concise and focused title length can greatly enhance the overall impact of your writing.

Q: How can writers create effective writing titles? A: Crafting effective writing titles requires careful consideration and creativity. Start by identifying the main theme or core message of your article. Then, brainstorm attention-grabbing phrases or keywords related to your content. Experiment with different combinations, wordplay, or even posing a question to pique curiosity. It may be helpful to seek input from others or conduct some research to understand how effective titles in your niche are constructed. Finally, analyze and revise your title until it accurately represents your content and has a captivating appeal.

Q: Are there any common mistakes to avoid when creating writing titles? A: Yes, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when creating writing titles. Firstly, avoid misleading or clickbait titles as they may lead to disappointment and damage your credibility. Additionally, be cautious of dense or jargon-filled titles that could confuse readers rather than entice them. Lastly, refrain from using overly generic titles that fail to distinguish your content from others. Striving for clarity, relevance, and uniqueness will help you steer clear of these common pitfalls.

Q: Can writing titles be changed or revised after an article is published? A: In most cases, writing titles can be changed or revised even after an article is published. For online platforms, it is common practice to optimize titles over time, especially if the initial title isn’t generating the desired engagement. However, major changes to a title after publication may require consultation with an editor or considerations for potential SEO implications. It’s important to strike a balance between making improvements and maintaining consistency with the article’s content and overall tone.

Q: How can writers measure the effectiveness of their writing titles? A: Measuring the effectiveness of writing titles can be done by monitoring key metrics such as click-through rates, time spent on page, or social media engagement. These metrics offer insights into how well your titles are resonating with readers and whether they are successfully driving traffic to your content. Additionally, seeking feedback from readers or observing the response to your titles within your specific writing community can provide valuable feedback on their impact. Regularly evaluating and analyzing these indicators will help writers refine their skills in crafting impactful titles.

Q: In conclusion, why does the writing title matter and what should writers keep in mind? A: The writing title matters because it is the first point of contact readers have with your work and significantly impacts whether or not they choose to engage with it. A well-crafted title can attract attention, generate interest, and ultimately increase the readership of your article. Writers should aim for concise, descriptive, and unique titles that accurately reflect the content while sparking curiosity. By avoiding common mistakes and actively seeking feedback , writers can refine their title-writing skills and maximize the potential success of their articles.

In conclusion, a writing title is essential as it sets the tone, captures attention, and helps convey the main message of the piece.

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Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts

At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.

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Writing Beginner

What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Bright, colorful creative writer's desk with notebook and typewriter -- What Is Creative Writing

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

  • Short stories
  • Screenplays
  • Flash fiction
  • Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

  • Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
  • Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
  • Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
  • Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
  • Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
  • Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
  • Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
  • Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
  • Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
  • Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
  • Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
  • Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
  • Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
  • These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

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Read This Next:

  • What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
  • What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
  • How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
  • How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)
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Writing contests, make money writing, hottest topics, titles that talk: how to create a title for your article or manuscript.

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In selecting a title, you must cater to the prospective reader. Your athletic story, for example, will have little interest for the average woman. Call it “ Benny’s Triumph ,” and it will appeal to nobody in particular; but title it, “ A Winning Goal from Left Field ,” and you will interest common readers in things athletic. The title clearly appeals to the taste of these readers.

You should craft a fresh and original title

A title like “ Doing His Duty ” has been worn threadbare; “ Danger Points Across the Desert ” would be better. “ An Accident ” is too vague and broad; “ Between the Prison Bars ,” or “ A Path Through the Smoke ,” would appeal more. Names of heroes and heroines seldom attract a reader.

title for creative writing

Trite quotations are poor titles

. “ For the Love of a Girl ,” “ Love Will Find a Way ,” and “ Where There’s a Will There’s a Way ,” invariably head imitative, over-sentimental stories.

To name a story in another language is simply to narrow down its field of appeal. Unless one can understand the title, you have not invited the reader to peruse your story.

Harper’s magazine states that a title should excite curiosity . “ Wedded at Last ,” or “ Won in the Ninth Inning ,” reveals the climax, and there is no reason for reading the tale. Curiosity is the interest and mainstay of many stories. If the title excites the readers it will excite the editor. “ The Lions of the Lord ” is a direct appeal to this phase of the mind. “ Love, the Destroyer ,” grips the curiosity.

title for creative writing

You may make an intensely dramatic story or the tragic ending of a quarrel, but you will kill all chances of acceptance if you call it, “ Murdering His Wife ,” or “ Cutting Her Throat .” Common-sense and good-taste should warn you against such crudities.

Perhaps the prime requisite of a good title is that it fits and suggests the story

It should clue the reader onto the subject, to the character of the story, and to the treatment. Sometimes you can simmer down a well-constructed plot to one paragraph. You can then suggest a title bases on every sentence of this single paragraph. “ The Coil of Circumstances ” says much: one knows just what to expect. The subject deals with grave complications—crime, perhaps; the story is melodramatic; the treatment evidently describes the focusing of suspicions.

Ernest Hemingway crafted catchy titles for most of his best-selling novels, such as: “ The Torrents of Spring ,” “ A Farewell to Arms ,” “ Death in the Afternoon ,” “ The Old Man and the Sea ,” and “ Across the River and Into the Trees .”

title for creative writing

A title should appeal to the class of readers for whom you are writing. A title : 1) must call interest to your story; 2) must be fresh and original; 3) must be short; 4) should not be a quotation; 5) must be easily understood; 6) must excite curiosity; 7) should not violate good taste; and  8) should suggest the theme of the story.

Remember: your manuscript may be one of a hundred waiting in a pile. A title that warrants attention has a better chance of an editor picking it up and reading your manuscript.

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  • Made with Copyfolio
  • Portfolio Tips

13 Creative Writing Portfolio Examples & How to Create Yours

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Just as you need inspiration for writing, it also helps with putting together your writing portfolio . We’re here to provide you with exactly that, in the form of 13 creative writing portfolio examples.

They’re portfolio websites from different kinds of creative writers: some do poetry, some scriptwriting, some copywriting… One thing is for sure though: you’ll leave with ideas, excitement, and a clear vision of how to make your ideas come to life in your own portfolio.

Read until the end because we'll also show you how you can build yours easily, in 5 simple steps.

Create your site now

13 creative writing portfolio examples & why they’re excellent

1. macy fidel.

The portfolio website of Macy Fidel, creative non-fiction writer, featuring a brown background and six creative writing samples

Macy used Copyfolio's Premier template and "Cardboard Clip" color palette to create her portfolio

This portfolio is great because...

  • It has a crystal-clear tagline: you'll know at first glance what Macy does
  • The projects are upfront: you don't need to search and click around to check out Macy's writing skills and style
  • The homepage has a great about section with a CTA: you can find out a little more about her and know exactly what to do if you'd like to know more
  • The bold background color makes it memorable amongst simple white portfolio websites

2. Esa Haddad

The creative writing portfolio of communications and writing professional Esa Haddad

Esa's portfolio was made with Copyfolio's "Wallscape" template

  • It beautifully shows how a creative writer can do more than just that. He's also a communications professional, doing technical and academic writing next to his creative and poetic endeavors.
  • With a black background and white text , this site stands out. Having such a canvas makes it easy for bolder headlines and images to pop, leading the eyes nicely along the page.
  • It has an easy way for you to get in touch. All you need to do is click the LinkedIn icon to visit his profile or navigate to the contact page to find out more.

3. Julia Tula

The portfolio of creative writer Julia Tula, featuring her resume, introduction and seven writing samples

Julia created her portfolio with Copyfolio's "Artboard" template

  • It has an aesthetic and consistent design. Using simple squares for thumbnails, in colors matching the color palette pulls the whole site's design together.
  • Julia shows a great variety of creative writing pieces in her projects, including discussions about the theory of creative writing, creative non-fiction short stories, and fiction writing as well.
  • It showcases Julia's brilliant writing skills with every word she's written on the site. From the tagline, to her about me section, it's all written beautifully.

4. Larissa Vasquez

The writing portfolio website of Larissa Vasquez. The homepage says: I am glad you are here. Welcome. Writer in training.

Larissa created her site with the legacy version of Copyfolio's "Billboard" template .

  • It sets the mood for her writing portfolio with a white, beige, and brown color scheme.
  • The homepage features a photo of scraps of paper on the top —very fitting for a writer.
  • Choosing a photo of herself with similar colors , then creating custom beige and brown project thumbnails really pulled it all together.
  • It has a simple layout. On the homepage, Larissa added a short introduction, then dove right into her writing samples . This makes it easy for everyone to read her pieces and see her writing skills shine.

5. Andrea Arcia

The portfolio page of writer, editor, and upcoming novelist, Andrea Arcia

Andrea created her portfolio with the legacy version of Copyfolio's "Letterpress" template

  • Andrea used a constantly changing, but cohesive layout to keep you interested and engaged, even with a lot of text on the page.
  • She started out with three projects in a portfolio grid but then went on to use columns to display text, adding images every second block. This is a great way if you want to introduce projects or showcase longer stories or poems without overwhelming your visitors.

6. Hannah Rogers

The creative writing portfolio of Hannah Rodgers, introducing her and her writing services and best creative writing samples.

Hannah created her writer website using Copyfolio, and the “Typewriter” template .

  • You'll know who Hannah is and what she does right away. She's a versatile creative writer and editor, currently sailing with Firmenich.
  • It's easy to learn about her background too : after finishing her degree in English and Creative Writing, she perfected her skills, now offering copywriting, concept content creation, editing, and more.
  • Her fields of expertise are also clear : creative writing, brand storytelling, and editing. Displayed with short descriptions for each, it's the perfect way to introduce them.
  • It has great creative writing project displays . In the title, you can see her role (e.g. writer, creative lead, producer) —then you can check each piece published online if you click through.

Overall, the portfolio flows well, it’s clear at every step where you need to look, and she showcases her expertise wonderfully.

7. Shweta Shreyarthi

Two screenshots of the writing portfolio of creative Shweta Shreyarthi, which has a brilliant structure and clear layout

A brilliant structure and clear layout, if we do say so ourselves. She created it with Copyfolio .

  • Shweta decided to use a crips white canvas, simple black text, and black and white photos as the base of her site. But to shake it up a little, she’s using an orange accent color, and a pastel but colorful background photo for a few of her sections.
  • She has an amazing creative writing portfolio page , where she outlines what she does: she’s a creative communicator, using her copywriting and content creation skills in her work.
  • Her expertise is illustrated with work samples , and supplemented with short explanations. You can explore her work in different categories: social media, executive communications, proposal writing, website copywriting, and more.
  • The portfolio has a great variety of projects. In each category, she included 2-4 samples for visitors to check: illustrating them with a picture, writing a very brief description (with the client + category), and adding a clear CTA with a link.

8. Magd Elzahed

Two screenshots of Magd Elzahed's creative website.

Magd made her creative writing portfolio with Copyfolio, using the “Typewriter” template .

  • It has a distinctive and consistent branding , with the black-and-white top section and typewriter-like serif fonts.
  • Shows Magd's mission upfront. She makes it clear that her aim is “to bring your ideas to life through the power of language.”
  • an on-brand picture to illustrate it,
  • a clear title with the name of the client,
  • a short description of what the project was about,
  • and a call-to-action button.
  • Makes it easy to find out even more about each project if you're interested. Clicking on the buttons takes you to a page going into more detail on what exactly the project entailed, what her task was, and how the final results turned out.
  • It has a lot more information available on additional pages: you can read about her journey, services, references, and more.

9. Charlie Labbett

The portfolio website of Charlie Labbett, featuring four of his creative writing samples as projects

Charlie's portfolio website was made with Copyfolio's "Typewriter" template

  • The dark background makes it different from most creative writing portfolios. It also helps the lighter text and silver graphics to pop and draw your attention to them.
  • Has a clear tagline , from which you'll know that Charlie's focus is writing horror, science fiction, and fantasy stories within the realm of creative writing.
  • It showcases multiple types of writing projects: extracts from longer-form pieces alongside some poetry work. This shows how versatile his writing skills are.

10. Melissa Wade

Screenshot of Melissa Wade's creative writing portfolio website, featuring a banner advertising her writing

This lovely portfolio website was built with Copyfolio, using one of the legacy templates, “Agenda” .

  • It showcases the many talents Melissa has. She’s an Amazon best-selling author, content creator, brand ambassador, and more.
  • Right at the start, she grabs readers’ attention with a strong headline. How? By talking not about herself per se —but about what she can provide them .
  • She also added a nicely designed banner. On it are the things you’d typically write in that tagline: what it is exactly that you do, illustrated with more pictures of her and her book.
  • The portfolio site uses pictures with harmonizing colors. The pink in her blouse matches the background of the banner and the colorful wall. It helped her create a professional look and stylish design.

11. Lara Ramirez

The portfolio of creative copywriter Lara Ramirez, showcasing five writing projects, with mockups and custom illustrations on their thumbnails

Lara built a fun and creative writing portfolio using Copyfolio’s “Journal” template .

  • It sticks to one, cohesive color palette. See how she chose just a handful of colors, all matching her site’s palette, and only used them throughout the site? Follow her lead to ensure a great look for your own creative writing portfolio too!
  • It features fun and unique design elements. Using simple blobs and flower shapes as the background of photos and mockups gives the portfolio a youthful and fun personality.
  • Lara used mockups in her project thumbnails , which is an amazing way to elevate a portfolio and make it look even more professional.

12. Deeya Sonalkar

Screenshot of the black and white portfolio website of creative writer Deeya Sonalkar

This creative writing portfolio website was made with Copyfolio’s “Journal’ template , combined with the “Charcoal” color palette.

  • It sets the tone for a true creative writer portfolio with a Hemingway quote: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
  • Deeya builds rapport with a portrait and a short introduction talking about her life-long passion for writing.
  • It showcases her various projects , with the thumbnails mostly leading to websites and social media profiles she’s worked on. So visitors can see her words live, in action.
  • The website has a consistent design , only using black-and-white images, and simple black text on a white background.

13. Genie Smith

The author website and creative writing portfolio of Genie Smith.

Genie created her portfolio with one of Copyfolio's legacy templates, "Agenda"

  • Genie uses images intentionally , to set the mood: hands in black and white, a typewriter, windows, etc.
  • It has a deeper purpose other than just showcasing creative writing work . Formerly dealing with mental health issues, Genie turned to writing to help her heal herself —and to help others.
  • The layout leads you along the page, keeping you interested . First, you can learn about the big picture of her life and work, then learn more about her, and in the end, check her writing pieces.

Choose a creative writing portfolio template & create your page easily. Make it happen, it's free.

How to build your creative writing portfolio based on these examples

Checking out examples and getting ideas is an important first step… But then you’ll have to actually get started. Don’t worry, we’ll help you with the building process: we’ll outline how to create a stunning creative writing portfolio in just 5 easy steps.

1. Choose a platform & create an account

The first and maybe most important choice you’ll have to make is choosing a platform to build your portfolio website. Our recommendation is Copyfolio, a portfolio website builder that was designed for writers. It’s incredibly fast and easy to use, giving you all the help you need to create something powerful.

When you sign up, you can pick your profession (e.g. creative writer) and the goal of your site. Based on these, Copyfolio will generate a starter site for you.

The page and types of sections on them will be determined by your goal, while all the content inside the sections will be based on your profession. And yes, the latter applies to newly added sections too!

This will give you lots of ideas about what to write and where. All you'll have to do is personalize the text here and there and upload your own pictures. This leads us to the second step, to...

2. Personalize the content of your pages

You'll have an almost-complete site on your hands, but you still have to make it yours. So go over your pages and personalize their contents.

The most important part will be the top of your homepage. That's what everyone sees at first —and whether they'll keep checking your portfolio will depend on it too.

If you chose a writing portfolio template with a photo at the top, then try to find a nice picture of yourself to upload there. That'll help build rapport with your visitors.

If you're not comfortable putting yourself out there like that, you can choose a template with no picture, or upload a decorative one like Macy or Julia did above.

3. Add your creative writing samples

Once the basics are done, it’s time to add your projects. Creative writing samples give viewers a chance to see your writing skills in action and as such, they’re an essential part of your portfolio.

(Need a little help with writing yours? Check out our writing sample templates !)

Make sure you choose thumbnail images for them that all go together color- and design-wise, and add 4-6 of them for a good variety.

In Copyfolio , you can add 3 types of projects: case study pages, PDF files, or external links. Whichever you choose, we'll add a thumbnail image for you. When someone clicks on it, the project will open, in the case of PDFs and external links, in a new tab.

4. Set a custom portfolio URL

To put the cherry on top of a professional creative writing portfolio website, you should set a custom URL for it.

If you're not a freelancer, you can simply customize the ending of your URL. In that case, it's going to look something like this: https://copyfol.io/v/dorka —that's the link to our writer's own site, actually.

If you have bigger plans for personal branding, expanding your career, or going freelance, it's best you get a proper domain. You can buy one right in Copyfolio that'll be automatically connected to your site. Or if you've bought one already somewhere else, you can easily connect that too.

+1: Customize your extra settings : SEO, favicon, and more

This 5th step is not essential —that's why we named it a +1. But these little things can add a lot to the overall feel and performance of your portfolio. So if you have the time, we recommend you to go through them and customize each to your brand.

Extra things you could do are:

  • Optimizing your SEO settings. You can write custom meta titles and descriptions for each page + upload a preview image that appears when the page is shared online.
  • Set a custom favicon. It's the browser icon that appears next to the name of your page and it helps people to recognize your site amongst all the tabs they have open.
  • Write a blog. All it takes is adding a blog section and clicking the "Add new blog post button" and your blog is ready to go. It's amazing to showcase your writing skills and share your musings with the world.
  • Finetune your design. In Copyfolio, you can switch up the look of your site in one click, using global palettes and presets. Play around with the colors and fonts to see which one matches your brand the most.

Create your site now

Create your creative writing portfolio with Copyfolio!

Sounds pretty easy, right? And even if you have questions along the way, the blog and the in-app prompts and guiding questions will be there to give a helping hand. The Copyfolio Team is also always just an email away.

Give it a try, create your creative writing portfolio for free with Copyfolio today!

Author's profile picture

Dorka Kardos-Latif

Digital marketer & portfolio expert, the face behind all content on Copyfolio 👋

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ThinkWritten

365 Creative Writing Prompts

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to help inspire you to write every single day! Use them for journaling, story starters, poetry, and more!

365 creative writing prompts

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If you want to become a better writer, the best thing you can do is practice writing every single day. Writing prompts are useful because we know sometimes it can be hard to think of what to write about!

To help you brainstorm, we put together this list of 365 creative writing prompts to give you something to write about daily.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

Here are 365 Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire:

Whether you write short stories, poems, or like to keep a journal – these will stretch your imagination and give you some ideas for topics to write about!

1. Outside the Window : What’s the weather outside your window doing right now? If that’s not inspiring, what’s the weather like somewhere you wish you could be?

2. The Unrequited love poem: How do you feel when you love someone who does not love you back?

3. The Vessel: Write about a ship or other vehicle that can take you somewhere different from where you are now.

4. Dancing: Who’s dancing and why are they tapping those toes?

5. Food: What’s for breakfast? Dinner? Lunch? Or maybe you could write a poem about that time you met a friend at a cafe.

6. Eye Contact: Write about two people seeing each other for the first time.

7. The Rocket-ship: Write about a rocket-ship on its way to the moon or a distant galaxy far, far, away.

rocket ship writing prompt

8. Dream-catcher : Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.

9. Animals: Choose an animal. Write about it!

10. Friendship: Write about being friends with someone.

11. Dragon : Envision a dragon. Do you battle him? Or is the dragon friendly? Use descriptive language.

12. Greeting : Write a story or poem that starts with the word “hello” or another greeting.

13. The Letter: Write a poem or story using words from a famous letter or inspired by a letter someone sent you.

14. The Found Poem : Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines.

15. Eavesdropper : Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you’ve overheard.

16. Addict: Everyone’s addicted to something in some shape or form. What are things you can’t go without?

17. Dictionary Definition : Open up a dictionary to a random word. Define what that word means to you.

dictionary success

18. Cleaning: Hey, even writers and creative artists have to do housework sometimes. Write about doing laundry, dishes, and other cleaning activities.

19. Great Minds: Write  about someone you admire and you thought to have had a beautiful mind.

20. Missed Connections: If you go to Craigslist, there is a “Missed Connections” section where you can find some interesting storylines to inspire your writing.

21. Foreclosure : Write a poem or short story about someone who has lost or is about to lose their home.

22. Smoke, Fog, and Haze: Write about not being able to see ahead of you.

23. Sugar: Write something so sweet, it makes your teeth hurt.

24. Numbers:  Write a poem or journal entry about numbers that have special meaning to you.

25. Dread: Write about doing something you don’t want to do.

26. Fear: What scares you a little? What do you feel when scared? How do you react?

27. Closed Doors: What’s behind the door? Why is it closed?

title for creative writing

28. Shadow: Imagine you are someone’s shadow for a day.

29. Good Vibes: What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

30. Shopping:  Write about your shopping wishlist and how you like to spend money.

31. The Professor: Write about a teacher that has influenced you.

32. Rewrite : Take any poem or short story you enjoy. Rewrite it in your own words.

33. Jewelry: Write about a piece of jewelry. Who does it belong to?

34. Sounds : Sit outside for about an hour. Write down the sounds you hear.

35. War and Peace: Write about a recent conflict that you dealt with in your life.

36. Frame It: Write a poem or some phrases that would make for good wall art in your home.

37. Puzzle: Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles.

38. Fire-starters: Write about building a fire.

39. Coffee & Tea: Surely you drink one or the other or know someone who does- write about it!

40. Car Keys: Write about someone getting their driver’s license for the first time.

41. What You Don’t Know: Write about a secret you’ve kept from someone else or how you feel when you know someone is keeping a secret from you.

42. Warehouse : Write about being inside an old abandoned warehouse.

warehouse writing prompt

43. The Sound of Silence: Write about staying quiet when you feel like shouting.

44. Insult: Write about being insulted. How do you feel? Why do you think the other person insulted you?

45. Mirror, Mirror: What if you mirror started talking to you? What might the mirror say?

46. Dirty: Write a poem about getting covered in mud.

47. Light Switch : Write about coming out of the dark and seeing the light.

48. The Stars : Take inspiration from a night sky. Or, write about a time when “the stars aligned” in your horoscope.

writing prompt star idea

49. Joke Poem : What did the wall say to the other wall? Meet you at the corner! Write something inspired by a favorite joke.

50. Just Say No : Write about the power you felt when you told someone no.

51: Sunrise/Sunset : The sun comes up, the sun goes down. It goes round and round. Write something inspiring about the sunrise or sunset.

52. Memory Lane : What does Memory Lane look like? How do you get there?

53. Tear-Jerker : Watch a movie that makes you cry. Write about that scene in the movie.

54. Dear Diary: Write a poem or short story about a diary entry you’ve read or imagined.

55. Holding Hands : The first time you held someone’s hand.

56. Photograph : Write a story or journal entry influenced by a photograph you see online or in a magazine.

57. Alarm Clock: Write about waking up.

58. Darkness: Write a poem or journal entry inspired by what you can’t see.

59. Refreshed: Write a poem about a time you really felt refreshed and renewed. Maybe it was a dip into a pool on a hot summer day, a drink of lemonade, or other situation that helped you relax and start again.

60. Handle With Care : Write about a very fragile or delicate object.

61. Drama: Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other.

62. Slip Up: Write about making mistakes.

63. Spice: Write about flavors and tastes or a favorite spice of yours.

64. Sing a New Song: Take a popular song off the radio and rewrite it as a poem in your own words.

65. Telephone: Write about a phone call you recently received.

66. Name: Write a poem or short story using your name in some way or form.

67. Dollhouse: Write a poem or short story from the viewpoint of someone living in a doll house.

68. Random Wikipedia Article : Go to Wikipedia and click on Random Article . Write about whatever the page you get.

69. Silly Sports: Write about an extreme or silly sport. If none inspire you, make up the rules for your own game.

70. Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, such as a feeling.

71. Famous Artwork: Choose a famous painting and write about it.

72. Where That Place Used to Be : Think of a place you went to when you were younger but it now no longer there or is something else. Capture your feelings about this in your writing.

73. Last Person You Talked to: Write a quick little poem or story about the last person you spoke with.

74. Caught Red-Handed: Write about being caught doing something embarrassing.

75. Interview: Write a list of questions you have for someone you would like to interview, real or fictional.

76. Missing You: Write about someone you miss dearly.

77. Geography: Pick a state or country you’ve never visited. Write about why you would or would not like to visit that place.

geography writing prompt

78. Random Song: Turn on the radio, use the shuffle feature on your music collection or your favorite streaming music service. Write something inspired by the first song you hear.

79. Hero: Write a tribute to someone you regard as a hero.

80. Ode to Strangers: Go people watching and write an ode to a stranger you see on the street.

81. Advertisement: Advertisements are everywhere, aren’t they? Write using the slogan or line from an ad.

82. Book Inspired: Think of your favorite book. Now write a poem that sums up the entire story in 10 lines.

83. Magic : Imagine you have a touch of magic, and can make impossible things happen. What would you do?

84. Fanciest Pen: Get out your favorite pen, pencils, or even colored markers and write using them!

85. A Day in the Life: Write about your daily habits and routine.

86. Your Muse: Write about your muse – what do they look like? What does your muse do to inspire you?

87. Convenience Store : Write about an experience you’ve had at a gas station or convenience store.

88. Natural Wonders of the World: Choose one of the natural wonders of the world. Write about it.

89. Status Update: Write a poem using the words from your latest status update or a friend’s status update. If you don’t use sites like Facebook or Twitter, you can often search online for some funny ones to use as inspiration.

90. Green Thumb: Write about growing something.

91. Family Heirloom: Write about an object that’s been passed through the generations in your family.

92. Bug Catcher: Write about insects.

93. Potion: Write about a magic potion. What is it made of? What does it do? What is the antidote?

94. Swinging & Sliding: Write something inspired by a playground or treehouse.

95. Adjectives: Make a list of the first 5 adjectives that pop into your head. Use these 5 words in your story, poem, or journal entry.

96. Fairy Tales: Rewrite a fairy tale. Give it a new ending or make it modern or write as a poem.

97. Whispers: Write about someone who has to whisper a secret to someone else.

98. Smile: Write a poem about the things that make you smile.

99. Seasonal: Write about your favorite season.

100.  Normal: What does normal mean to you? Is it good or bad to be normal?

101. Recycle : Take something you’ve written in the past and rewrite it into a completely different piece.

102. Wardrobe: Write about a fashion model or what’s currently in your closet or drawers.

103. Secret Message : Write something with a secret message hidden in between the words. For example, you could make an acrostic poem using the last letters of the word or use secret code words in the poem.

104. Vacation: Write about a vacation you took.

105. Heat: Write about being overheated and sweltering.

106. Spellbinding: Write a magic spell.

107. Collection : Write about collecting something, such as salt shakers, sea shells, or stamps.

108. Taking Chances: Everyone takes a risk at some point in their life. Write about a time when you took a chance and what the result was.

109. Carnival: Write a poem or story or journal entry inspired by a carnival or street fair.

110. Country Mouse: Write about someone who grew up in the country visiting the city for the first time.

111: Questions: Write about questions you have for the universe. Optional: include an answer key.

112. Rushing: Write about moving quickly and doing things fast.

113. Staircase : Use a photo of a staircase or the stairs in your home or a building you love to inspire you.

114. Neighbors: Make up a story or poem about your next door neighbor.

115. Black and Blue: Write about a time you’ve been physically hurt.

116. All Saints: Choose a saint and create a poem about his or her life.

117. Beach Inspired: What’s not to write about the beach?

118. Shoes: What kind of shoes do you wear? Where do they lead your feet?

119. The Ex: Write a poem to someone who is estranged from you.

120. My Point of View: Write in the first person point of view.

121. Stray Animal: Think of the life of a stray cat or dog and write about that.

122. Stop and Stare : Create a poem or story about something you could watch forever.

123. Your Bed: Describe where you sleep each night.

124. Fireworks : Do they inspire you or do you not like the noise and commotion? Write about it.

125. Frozen: Write about a moment in your life you wish you could freeze and preserve.

126. Alone : Do you like to be alone or do you like having company?

127. Know-it-all: Write about something you are very knowledgeable about, for example a favorite hobby or passion of yours.

128. The Promise: Write about a promise you’ve made to someone. Did you keep that promise?

129. Commotion: Write about being overstimulated by a lot of chaos.

130. Read the News Today : Construct a poem or story using a news headline for your first line.

131. Macro: Write a description of an object close-up.

132. Transportation : Write about taking your favorite (or least-favorite) form of transportation.

133. Gadgets: If you could invent a gadget, what would it do? Are there any gadgets that make your life easier?

134: Bring on the Cheese: Write a tacky love poem that is so cheesy, it belongs on top of a pizza.

135. Ladders: Write a story or poem that uses ladders as a symbol.

136. Bizarre Holiday : There is a bizarre holiday for any date! Look up a holiday for today’s date and create a poem in greeting card fashion or write a short story about the holiday to celebrate.

137. Blog-o-sphere : Visit your favorite blog or your feedreader and craft a story, journal entry, or poem based on the latest blog post you read.

138. Mailbox: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry based on a recent item of mail you’ve received.

139. Sharing : Write about sharing something with someone else.

140. Cactus: Write from the viewpoint of a cactus. What’s it like to live in the desert or have a prickly personality?

141. It’s a Sign : Have you seen any interesting road signs lately?

142. Furniture: Write about a piece of furniture in your home.

143. Failure: Write about a time you failed at something. Did you try again or give up completely?

144. Mystical Creatures: Angels or other mystical creatures – use them as inspiration.

145. Flying: Write about having wings and what you would do.

146. Clear and Transparent: Write a poem about being able to see-through something.

147. Break the Silence : Record yourself speaking, then write down what you spoke and revise into a short story or poem.

148. Beat: Listen to music with a strong rhythm or listen to drum loops. Write something that goes along with the beat you feel and hear.

149. Color Palette: Search online for color palettes and be inspired to write by one you resonate with.

150. Magazine: Randomly flip to a page in a magazine and write using the first few words you see as an opening line.

151. The Grass is Greener : Write about switching the place with someone or going to where it seems the “grass is greener”.

152. Mind & Body: Write something that would motivate others to workout and exercise.

153. Shaping Up : Write something that makes a shape on the page…ie: a circle, a heart, a square, etc.

154. Twenty-One: Write about your 21st birthday.

155. Aromatherapy: Write about scents you just absolutely love.

156. Swish, Buzz, Pop : Create a poem that uses Onomatopoeia .

157. What Time is It? Write about the time of day it is right now. What are people doing? What do you usually do at this time each day?

158. Party Animal: Have you ever gone to a party you didn’t want to leave? Or do you hate parties? Write about it!

159: Miss Manners : Use the words “please” and “thank you” in your writing.

160. Cliche: Choose a common cliche, then write something that says the same thing but without using the catch phrase.

161. Eco-friendly : Write about going green or an environmental concern you have.

162. Missing You: Write about someone you miss.

163. Set it Free: Think of a time when you had to let someone or something go to be free…did they come back?

164: Left Out : Write about a time when you’ve felt left out or you’ve noticed someone else feeling as if they didn’t belong.

165. Suitcase: Write about packing for a trip or unpacking from when you arrive home.

title for creative writing

166. Fantasy : Write about fairies, gnomes, elves, or other mythical creatures.

167. Give and Receive : Write about giving and receiving.

168. Baker’s Dozen: Imagine the scents and sights of a bakery and write.

169. Treehouse: Write about your own secret treehouse hideaway.

170.  Risk: Write about taking a gamble on something.

171. Acrostic : Choose a word and write an acrostic poem where every line starts with a letter from the word.

172. Crossword Puzzle: Open up the newspaper or find a crossword puzzle online and choose one of the clues to use as inspiration for your writing.

173. Silver Lining : Write about the good that happens in a bad situation.

174. Gloves: Write about a pair of gloves – what kind of gloves are they? Who wears them and why?

175. All that Glitters: Write about a shiny object.

176. Jealousy: Write with a theme of envy and jealousy.

Want to Download these prompts?  I am super excited to announce due to popular demand we now have an ad-free printable version of this list of writing prompts available for just $5. The  printable version  includes a PDF as a list AND print-ready prompt cards. {And all the design source files you could ever need to customize any way you would like!}

177. How Does Your Garden Grow? Write about a flower that grows in an unusual place.

178. Jury Duty : Write a short story or poem that takes place in a courtroom.

179. Gifts: Write about a gift you have given or received.

180. Running: Write about running away from someone or something.

181. Discovery: Think of something you’ve recently discovered and use it as inspiration.

182. Complain:  Write about your complaints about something.

183. Gratitude: Write a poem or journal entry that is all about things you are thankful for.

184. Chemistry: Choose an element and write a poem or story that uses that word in one of the lines.

185. Applause: Write about giving someone a standing ovation.

186. Old Endings Into New Beginnings:  Take an old poem, story, or journal entry of yours and use the last line and make it the first line of your writing today.

187. Longing: Write  about something you very much want to do.

188. I Am: Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

189. Rainbow : What is at the end of a rainbow? Or, take a cue from Kermit the Frog, and ask yourself, why are there so many songs about rainbows?

end of the rainbow writing idea

190. Museum: Take some time to visit a nearby museum with your journal. Write about one of the pieces that speaks to you.

191. Cartoon: Think of your favorite cartoon or comic. Write a poem or story that takes place in that setting.

192. Copycat: Borrow a line from a famous public domain poem to craft your own.

193. From the Roof-tops:  Imagine you could stand on a rooftop and broadcast a message to everyone below – what would you say?

194. Time Travel: If there was a time period you could visit for a day, where would you go? Write about traveling back in time to that day.

195. Changing Places: Imagine living the day as someone else.

196. Neighborhood: Write about your favorite place in your neighborhood to visit and hang out at.

197. Pirates: Write about a pirate ship.

198. Interview : Write based on a recent interview you’ve read or seen on TV or heard on the radio.

199.  Hiding Spaces : Write about places you like to hide things at. What was a favorite hiding spot for you as a child playing hide-and-seek?

200. Extreme Makeover: Imagine how life might be different if you could change your hair color or clothing into something completely opposite from your current style.

201. Empathy: Write about your feelings of empathy or compassion for another person.

202. Opposites: Write a poem or story that ties in together two opposites.

203. Boredom: Write about being bored or make a list of different ways to entertain yourself.

204. Strength : Think of a time when you’ve been physically or emotionally strong and use that as inspiration.

205. Hunger: Write from the perspective of someone with no money to buy food.

206. Greed: Write about someone who always wants more – whether it be money, power, etc. etc.

207. Volcano: Write about an eruption of a volcano.

208. Video Inspiration : Go to Vimeo.com or YouTube.com and watch one of the videos featured on the homepage. Write something based on what you watch.

209. Sneeze: Write about things that make you sneeze.

210. Footsteps on the Moon:  Write about the possibility of life in outer-space.

211: Star-crossed: Write a short modern version of the story of Romeo and Juliet or think of real-life examples of lovers who are not allowed to be together to use as inspiration for your writing.

212. Font-tastic: Choose a unique font and type out a poem, story or journal entry using that font.

213. Schedule: Take a look at your calendar and use the schedule for inspiration in writing.

214. Grandparents: Write about a moment in your grandparent’s life.

215. Collage: Go through a magazine and cut out words that grab your attention. Use these words to construct a poem or as a story starter or inspiration for your journal.

216. Oh so Lonely: Write a poem about what you do when you are alone – do you feel lonely or do you enjoy your own company?

217. Waterfall: Think of a waterfall you’ve seen in person or spend some time browsing photos of waterfalls online. Write about the movement, flow, and energy.

218. First Kiss: Write about your first kiss.

219. So Ironic: Write about an ironic situation you’ve been in throughout your life.

220. Limerick: Write a limerick today.

221. Grocery Shopping: Write about an experience at the grocery store.

daily writing prompt ideas

222. Fashion : Go through a fashion magazine or browse fashion websites online and write about a style you love.

223. So Close: Write about coming close to reaching a goal.

224. Drinks on Me: Write a poem or short story that takes place at a bar.

225. Online Friends: Write an ode to someone online you’ve met and become friends with.

226. Admiration: Is there someone you admire? Write about those feelings.

227. Trash Day: Write from the perspective of a garbage collector.

228. Mailbox: Open your mailbox and write something inspired by one of the pieces of mail you received.

229. Fresh & Clean: Write about how you feel after you take a shower.

230. Energized: Write about how you feel when you’re either at a high or low energy level for the day.

231. Rhyme & No Reason: Make up a silly rhyming poem using made up words.

232. Tech Support: Use computers or a conversation with tech support you’ve had as inspiration.

233. Hotel: Write from the perspective of someone who works at a hotel or staying at a hotel.

234. Underwater: Write about sea creatures and under water life. What’s under the surface of the ocean? What adventures might be waiting?

underwater life picture

235. Breathing: Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing relaxation techniques. Once your mind is clear, just write the first few things that you think of.

236. Liar, Liar: Make up a poem or story of complete lies about yourself or someone else.

237. Obituaries: Look at the recent obituaries online or in the newspaper and imagine the life of someone and write about that person.

238. Pocket: Rummage through your pockets and write about what you keep or find in your pockets.

239. Cinquain: Write a cinquain poem, which consists of 5 lines that do not rhyme.

240. Alphabetical: Write a poem that has every letter of the alphabet in it.

241.  Comedy Club: Write something inspired by a comedian.

242. Cheater: Write about someone who is unfaithful.

243. Sestina: Give a try to writing a sestina poem.

244. Fight: Write about witnessing two people get in an argument with each other.

245. Social Network : Visit your favorite Social Networking website (ie: Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, etc.) and write a about a post you see there.

246. Peaceful: Write about something peaceful and serene.

247. In the Clouds: Go cloud watching for the day and write about what you imagine in the clouds.

248. At the Park: Take some time to sit on a park bench and write about the sights, scenes, and senses and emotions you experience.

249. Sonnet: Write a sonnet today.

250. Should, Would, And Could: Write a poem or story using the words should, would, and could.

251. How to: Write directions on how to do something.

252. Alliteration: Use alliteration in your poem or in a sentence in a story.

253. Poker Face: Write about playing a card game.

254. Timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about it making sense or being perfect.

255. Dance: Write about a dancer or a time you remember dancing.

256. Write for a Cause: Write a poem or essay that raises awareness for a cause you support.

257. Magic : Write about a magician or magic trick.

258. Out of the Box: Imagine finding a box. Write about opening it and what’s inside.

259. Under the Influence: What is something has impacted you positively in your life?

260. Forgotten Toy : Write from the perspective a forgotten or lost toy.

261. Rocks and Gems: Write about a rock or gemstone meaning.

262. Remote Control: Imagine you can fast forward and rewind your life with a remote control.

263. Symbolism: Think of objects, animals, etc. that have symbolic meaning to you. Write about it.

264. Light at the End of the Tunnel: Write about a time when you saw hope when it seemed like a hopeless situation.

265. Smoke and Fire : “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Use this saying as inspiration to write!

266. Railroad: Write about a train and its cargo or passengers.

title for creative writing

267. Clipboard: Write about words you imagine on an office clipboard.

268. Shipwrecked: Write about being stranded somewhere – an island, a bus stop, etc.

269. Quotable: Use a popular quote from a speaker and use it as inspiration for your writing.

270. Mind   Map it Out: Create a mind map of words, phrases, and ideas that pop into your head or spend some time browsing the many mind maps online. Write a poem, story, or journal entry inspired by the mind map.

271. Patterns : Write about repeating patterns that occur in life.

272. Scrapbook : Write about finding a scrapbook and the memories it contains.

273. Cure: Write about finding a cure for an illness.

274. Email Subject Lines: Read your email today and look for subject lines that may be good starters for writing inspiration.

275. Wishful Thinking: Write about a wish you have.

276. Doodle : Spend some time today doodling for about 5-10 minutes. Write about the thoughts you had while doodling or create something inspired by your finished doodle.

277. Chalkboard: Imagine you are in a classroom. What does it say on the chalkboard?

278. Sticky: Imagine a situation that’s very sticky, maybe even covered in maple syrup, tape or glue. Write about it!

279. Flashlight : Imagine going somewhere very dark with only a flashlight to guide you.

280. A Far Away Place : Envision yourself traveling to a fictional place, what do you experience in your imaginary journey?

281. On the Farm : Write about being in a country or rural setting.

282. Promise to Yourself: Write about a promise you want to make to yourself and keep.

283. Brick Wall : Write a poem that is about a brick wall – whether literal or figurative.

284. Making a Choice: Write about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

285.  Repeat: Write about a time when you’ve had to repeat yourself or a time when it felt like no one was listening.

286. Outcast : Write about someone who is not accepted by their peers. (for example, the Ugly Ducking)

287. Scary Monsters: Write about a scary (or not-so-scary) monster in your closet or under the bed.

288. Sacrifice: Write about something you’ve sacrificed doing to do something else or help another person.

289. Imperfection: Create a poem that highlights the beauty in being flawed.

290. Birthday Poem: Write a poem inspired by birthdays.

291. Title First : Make a list of potential poem or story titles and choose one to write from.

292. Job Interview : Write about going on a job interview.

293. Get Well : Write a poem that will help someone who is sick feel better quick!

294. Lost in the Crowd: Write about feeling lost in the crowd.

295. Apple a Day: Write about a health topic that interests you.

296. Cravings: Write about craving something.

297. Phobia: Research some common phobias, choose one, and write about it.

298. In the Moment: Write about living in the present moment.

299. Concrete : Write about walking down a sidewalk and what you see and experience.

300. Battle: Write about an epic battle, whether real, fictional or figurative.

301. This Old House : Write about an old house that is abandoned or being renovated.

302. Clutter: Is there a cluttered spot in your home? Go through some of that clutter today and write about what you find or the process of organizing.

303. Go Fly a Kite: Write about flying a kite.

304. On the TV: Flip to a random TV channel and write about the first thing that comes on – even if it is an infomercial!

305. Fruit: Write an ode to your favorite fruit.

306. Long Distance Love: Write about a couple that is separated by distance.

307. Glasses: Write about a pair of eyeglasses or someone wearing glasses.

308. Robotic : Write about a robot.

309. Cute as a Button: Write about something you think is just adorable.

310. Movie Conversation: Use a memorable conversation from a favorite movie to inspire your writing.

311. Easy-Peasy : Write  about doing something effortlessly.

312. Idiom: Choose from a list of idioms one that speaks to you and create a poem around that saying or phrase. (Ie: It is raining cats and dogs)

313. Playground: Whether it is the swings or the sandbox or the sliding boards, write about your memories of being on a playground.

314. Romance: Write about romantic things partners can do for each other.

315. Rock Star: Imagine you are a famous rock star. Write about the experience.

rock star life

316. Come to Life: Imagine ordinary objects have come to life. Write about what they do and say.

317. Airplane: Write about meeting someone on an airplane and a conversation you might have.

318. Health & Beauty: Take some time to peruse your medicine cabinet or the health and beauty aisles at a local store. Write a poem, short story, or journal entry inspired by a product label.

319. Determination: Write about not giving up.

320. Instrumental Inspiration: Listen to some instrumental music and write a poem that matches the mood, beat, and style of the music.

321. Wait Your Turn: Write about having to wait in line.

322. Personality Type : Do you know your personality type? (There are many free quizzes online) – write about what type of personality traits you have.

323. Decade: Choose a favorite decade and write about it. (IE: 1980’s or 1950’s for example)

324. I Believe: Write your personal credo of things you believe in.

325. Lost and Found: Write about a lost object.

326. Say it: Write a poem or story that uses dialogue between two people.

327. The Unsent Letter: Write about a letter that never made it to its recipient.

328. The Windows of the Soul: Write a poem about the story that is told through someone’s eyes.

329. Trial and Error: Write about something you learned the hard way.

330. Escape : Write about where you like to go to escape from it all.

331. What’s Cooking: Write something inspired a favorite food or recipe.

332. Records : Go through your file box and pull out old receipts or records…write something inspired by what you find!

333. Banking: Write about visiting the bank.

334. Sweet Talk: Write about trying to convince someone of something.

335. Serendipity: Write about something that happened by chance in a positive way.

336. Distractions: Write about how it feels when you can’t focus.

337. Corporation: Write about big business.

338. Word of the Day: Go to a dictionary website that has a word of the day and use it in a poem, story or journal entry you write.

339. Pick Me Up:  What do you do when you need a pick me up?

340. Unfinished: Write about a project you started but never completed.

341. Forgiveness: Write about a time when someone forgave you or you forgave someone.

342. Weakness: Write about your greatest weakness.

343. Starting: Write about starting a project.

344. Mechanical: Think of gears, moving parts, machines.

345. Random Act of Kindness : Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone or someone has done for you, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed.

346. Underground: Imagine living in a home underground and use that as inspiration for writing.

347. Classic Rock: Pick a classic rock love ballad and rewrite it into a story or poem with a similar theme.

348. Night Owl : Write about staying up late at night.

349. Magnetic : Write about attraction to something or someone.

350. Teamwork: Write about working with a team towards a common goal.

351. Roller-coaster : Write about the ups and downs in life.

352. Motivational Poster: Look at some motivational posters online and write a poem or journal entry inspired by your favorite one.

353. Games: Write about the games people play – figuratively or literally.

chess game story starter

354. Turning Point: Write about a point in life where things turned for the better or worse.

355. Spellbound: Write about a witch’s spell.

356. Anniversary: Write about the anniversary of a special date.

357. Gamble:  Be inspired by a casino or lottery ticket.

358. Picnic: Write about going on a picnic.

359. Garage: Write about some random item you might find in a garage.

360. Review: Review your week, month, or year in a journal entry or poem format.

361. Detective: Write about a detective searching for clues or solving a mystery.

362. Camera: Take your camera for a walk and write based on one of the photographs you take.

363. Visiting : Write about visiting a family member or friend.

364. Trust: Write about putting trust in someone.

365. Congratulations : Did you write a poem, short story, or journal entry every day for a whole year? Write about what you’ve learned and celebrate your achievement!

We hope you enjoy these creative writing prompts! And of course, if you write anything using these prompts, we’d love to know about it! Tell us how you’ll use these everyday creative writing prompts in the comments section below!

And of course, if you’d like the printable ad-free version of these prompts to reference again and again or to use in your classroom, you can find them at our Etsy shop !

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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Writers' Treasure

Effective writing advice for aspiring writers

Creative Writing 101

Creative writing is any form of writing which is written with the creativity of mind: fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction writing and more. The purpose is to express something, whether it be feelings, thoughts, or emotions.

Rather than only giving information or inciting the reader to make an action beneficial to the writer, creative writing is written to entertain or educate someone, to spread awareness about something or someone, or to express one’s thoughts.

There are two kinds of creative writing: good and bad, effective and ineffective. Bad, ineffective creative writing cannot make any impression on the reader. It won’t achieve its purpose.

So whether you’re a novelist, a poet, a short-story writer, an essayist, a biographer or an aspiring beginner, you want to improve your craft. The question is: how?

When you write great fiction, poetry, or nonfiction, amazing things can happen. Readers can’t put it down. The work you wrote becomes a bestseller. It becomes famous. But you have to reach to that level… first .

The best way to increase your proficiency in creative writing is to write, write compulsively, but it doesn’t mean write whatever you want. There are certain things you should know first… it helps to start with the right foot.

To do exactly that, here we have a beginners’ guide from Writers’ Treasure on the subject:

  • An Introduction to Creative Writing
  • How to Get Started in Creative Writing in Just Three Steps
  • Creative Writing vs. Technical Writing
  • Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Stories
  • Poetry Writing: Forms and Terms Galore
  • Creative Non-Fiction: What is it?
  • Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Creative Writing
  • Common Mistakes Made by Creative Writers

For novelists: do you want to write compelling opening chapters?

Are you an aspiring novelist? Will your novel see the light of day? For that, you will need to make the first chapter of your story as compelling as possible. Otherwise, readers won’t even pick up your novel. That chapter can be the make-or-break point that decides whether your novel is published or not. It’s because good editors know how you write from the first three pages… or sometimes even from the opening lines.

To solve this problem, I created a five-part tutorial on Writing Compelling Opening Chapters . It outlines why you need to write a compelling opening chapter, my personal favourite way of beginning it, what should be told and shown in it, general dos and don’ts, and what you need to do after having written it. Check it out for more.

Need more writing tips?

Sometimes you reach that stage when you outgrow the beginner stage of writing but feel that you’re not yet an expert. If I just described you, no worries– Writers’ Treasure’s writing tips are here. Whether you want to make your writing more readable, more irresistible, more professional, we’ve got you covered. So check out our writing tips , and be on your way to fast track your success.

I offer writing, editing and proofreading , as well as website creation services. I’ve been in this field for seven years, and I know the tools of the trade. I’ve seen the directions where the writing industry is going, the changes, the new platforms. Get your work done through me, and get fast and efficient service. Get a quote .

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From 101 Creative Writing Exercises: Titles and Headlines

by Melissa Donovan | Apr 21, 2020 | Creative Writing Exercises | 6 comments

writing titles writing headlines

From 101 Creative Writing Exercises : Writing titles and headlines.

101 Creative Writing Exercises takes writers on an adventure through the world of creative writing.

The book is packed with writing exercises that are fun and practical. Not only will these exercises inspire you, they’ll impart helpful writing techniques and offer valuable writing practice.

Try your hand at fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, including freewriting, journaling, memoir, and article writing.

Today, I’d like to share an exercise from  101 Creative Writing Exercises.  From “Chapter 10: Article and Blog Writing,” this creative writing exercise is called “Titles and Headlines.”

Titles and Headlines

A title or headline is the first point of contact that a reader will have with your writing. It’s your introduction, a chance to entice and intrigue readers so they want to buy your book or read your article. An effective title piques a reader’s curiosity and provides some idea of what the piece is about.

Some authors use titles as part of their brand. Sue Grafton worked her way through the alphabet with her Kinsey Millhone series, which includes the titles A is for Alibi , B is for Burglar , and so on (aff links). Many romance novelists use words like kiss, love, or dance in their titles. In the sci-fi realm, anything associated with space is fair game: galaxy, universe, Mars , and stars . And a well-placed mythological term, such as dragon or wizard clearly marks a fantasy novel.

In addition to book titles, many authors have a separate title for a series. This allows the author to use two different titles on a single piece of work. New readers will be drawn in by the book title while existing fans will gravitate toward the series title.

In poetry, titles can be more abstract. A poem’s title may seem irrelevant to the poem. Many poets take a word or phrase from the poem and use it as a title. Others will use a title that functions as part of the poem. The best poem titles evoke an image and give the reader an indication of what the poem will feel like.

Magazines use headlines prominently displayed on the front cover to entice customers. Newspapers use them to draw readers into a story, and bloggers, as many of you know, use headlines to generate buzz, links, and shares on social media.

The Exercise

Choose one of your writing projects or ideas and make a list of possible titles. Don’t run off a quick list. Take some time to contemplate each title and consider how it will resonate with readers and impact your project’s success. Make sure the titles and headlines you write represent the piece accurately. Avoid labels, words, and phrases that are misleading.

Tips: Look to some successful works by authors you admire to get ideas for titles. Peruse magazines, newspapers, and blogs for headline ideas.

Variations: If you don’t have any writing projects that need titles, then make a list of alternative titles for some of your favorite books, magazines, movies, TV shows, articles, and poems.

Applications: Every piece of writing has to be titled, and a title or headline is essential in selling the piece to its audience. Developing catchy, intriguing titles is an essential writing skill.

101 creative writing exercises

Titles are very important. It took me almost 18 months of playing with wording, while continuing to edit and rewrite, to come up with the title to my now (newly) published novel: (Marvin’s) World of Deadheads.

I finally chose those words and then it took me a while to realize: if there was to be a series of books with these same characters in this same world (book two was already rattling around in my head) Marvin needed to be in parentheses.

My short story (published in Patchwork Path: Treasure Box anthology) about a man dying of breast cancer took forever to figure out. The story kind of focused on how little they had as a family and what he’d inherited from his mother and what his daughter could now expect to inherit from him. I finally came up with the title: “Heirlooms of Misfortune.”

Don’t shortchange yourself when it comes to the title of your work(s). I’ve got a submission at The New Yorker that could get rejected because of a weak title – and I STILL haven’t been able to come up with anything better.

Melissa Donovan

Titles and names are the single most challenging aspect of writing for me, so I feel your pain. There are works and characters with titles and names that I think are absolutely perfect, and I wonder how authors came up with them. I would love to know more about how successful authors find great titles and names!

Molly Kluever

For most – if not all – of my stories, I pick a title before I even have the details worked out. Heck, I name it before I have named the characters. With all of the ideas running through my head, it helps for me to have something to call it, besides “That one where…”

Word play has always been a strong-suit of mine, so many of my titles for anything have double meanings. For example, the words Business, Affairs, and Matters, all have multiple meanings. (All three are used in the titles of a trilogy I’m writing.) In the story The Deadliest Game by Richard Connell, the reader discovers that “Game” has a double meaning.

But of course, the names aren’t permanent. Plots change, and certain titles become irrelevant. Some titles may never even be written, if they’re main ideas aren’t as catchy as their name. And I can’t be the only one who does this, right?

Well, Molly, you’re right. A title is one of the first things I come up with, if only for the purposes of naming the Word file. And I do have quite a few that are currently collecting dust in the virtual file cabinet. But, before anything gets sent out, I wrack my brain playing with words and phrases. I write them all down – longhand – until I’ve exhausted possibilities. I choose those which seem to resonate. Then, with the help of my wife and a couple of friends who are aware of the plot and characters, I choose the final name.

I do the same thing: make lists of titles (and names). For example, in my story notebook, I keep a page (usually at the front or back of the notebook) that is dedicated to names.

It sounds like you often use what is called a working title for your projects. I do that too, sometimes, but usually the working title gets changed so often that I eventually drop it and revert to “that one where…” I love titles and names with double meanings. Those are definitely the best!

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When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .  

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

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If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

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Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

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Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

  • NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
  • Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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Create relevant and appealing titles with the Title Generator. You may use keywords, phrases, or topics you have entered to create titles.

How would you like the results to appear?

What is Title Generator?

Title Generator helps you generate a host of titles based on the search terms, keywords, or topics you have entered.

A title is a key feature that will induce people to click on your site and read your blog or article. If your site doesn't have a catchy title, the chances are that the reader may not click through to read it. Having a unique title is as important as writing good content for your blog or article.

A specific title will inform your reader what questions you have a deal with, what information you are offering. The reader will make an informed decision as to whether to click and read the content or not and will do it only if they think that it is something they will need or something they will find interesting. All this from the title.

A good title should be interesting, grab the reader's attention, solve their needs or be informative, set expectations for the rest of the article, induce the reader to click through and read, and include keywords of the topic or niche are writing on.

When you select titles, you will know how hard to include all or most of them into your headline.

All this involves extensive research, but our Title Generator will make this easier for you. You need to focus on excellent content; we will ensure we develop great title options for it.

Features of Title Generator:

Generate Relevant Titles - The titles generated will be relevant to the industry, niche, topic, etc., that you want. It wouldn't be some random or irrelevant keyword.

Generate Customized Titles - Whether you want your title result to be a sentence case, title case, or all caps, etc., you can customize.

Generate Category Based Titles - You will get a host of suggestions based on the category. The tool will analyze whether it is a Generic Term, an Event, a Skill, an Industry, a Brand/Product, a Location, etc. And give results based on the category.

Generate Unlimited Titles - If you are not happy with the first several titles shown up, you can generate more. Overall, you will be shown up to 700 titles from which to make your pick.

Accurate & Quick Results - Once you enter the keyword, the sophisticated algorithm will analyze its database for topics related to it. The results are correct and highly accurate. You will be shown all the results in a matter of seconds. You don't have to wait around for a long time.

How to Use Title Generator?

Do a bit of analysis, identify keywords relevant to the content you will write on, and then enter the keyword in the Enter Your Keyword box.

Select whether your keyword is a Noun or Verb .

Now click on the Generate button.

Choose how you want the title results, whether an upper case or title case, etc., by choosing the Advance Options .

You will see results in a popup for the keyword that you have entered in a matter of seconds.

If none of these titles are what you are looking for, select other categories at the bottom of the window.

Keep checking more titles until you identify a title that you think will work for you.

Once you have a great title, the rest of the content will fall in place.

Final Words:

A great title will increase your conversion rate by a whopping 528%. So, it makes sense to use Title Generator. It will help you curate titles for your articles, blogs, stories, essays, magazines, site pages, email, and just about any content that requires catchy, unique, relevant, and meaningful titles.

If you want to jump out and grab the reader's attention, a great title has the power to do this. Add great content to it, and you will see your traffic and conversions skyrocket.

A title generated using Title Generator will grab attention, drive engagement, enhance your SEO readability , increase clicks and conversions, and excite and interest the readers to peruse the content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Title Generator is a tool designed by our developers to create different titles for the specific content you have asked for.

- To use this tool, you must go through the tool and use it by following the how-to section's steps.

- There is no such basic plan available with our tool. Our tool is 100% free of cost, and hence, you are not required to pay for the same.

- No, there is no extension available till now. You can go through the website and use the tool for now.

Creative Title Generator with Tips & Examples

Please try again with some different keywords.

A title is the first thing the reader of your essay sees. That’s why a catchy title is essential to making a good first impression and having your paper noticed. A perfect headline can require a lot of inspiration and research. For this reason, we have designed a creative title generator to make writing essay names easier.

  • ⚙️ How to Use the Tool?
  • 🤔 Why Use the Title Generator?
  • 💡 Creativity in Academic Writing
  • ✍️ How to Write a Creative Title
  • 📝 Creative Title Examples

🔗 References

⚙️ how to use the creative title generator.

To utilize our creative title generator, follow these simple steps:

  • Paste the keywords . Write out the keywords reflecting your essay topic and paste them into the appropriate field of the online tool.
  • Press "Generate a title" . The tool is quick, and you won't waste time registering in the system. Your result will be ready in a moment.
  • Grab your result . Get your list of title options and select the one that suits you best.

🤔 Why Use Our Creative Title Generator for an Essay?

The creative title generator for essays has many benefits.

You can use the tool whenever you need it without spending a cent.
Our online tool generates titles for your essays within several seconds.
You can access the creative title generator from any device with an internet connection.
You do not need special skills to create a headline because the program does everything for you.
Our tool's versatility is fantastic. You can pick the perfect title for your essay out of several options.

💡 Creativity in Academic Essay Titles: Is It Appropriate?

Students who prefer creative self-expression may find it challenging to adhere to the formality of academic writing as it may seem incompatible with creativity. However, creativity is essential to academic essays since it helps you convey your thoughts in original ways.

You are free to choose a creative title for your academic paper but ensure it reflects your essay's subject and central argument. To do so, entitle your work according to the following scheme:

  • Add the creative part to your main heading . The creative element can be a witty remark, a play on words , or a reference to a famous quotation.
  • Include a descriptive part in your subtitle . The descriptive element should clarify your essay's topic.

Here is an example of using this scheme:

Cracks in the Story: The Plausible Depiction of Post-Apocalyptic Nature in The Last of Us .

✍️ How to Write a Creative Title for an Essay

The title is the first thing that gets readers' attention when reading your essay. Follow these 4 steps to come up with a great headline.

Step 1: Write Out Key Terms

Keywords are words and phrases that reflect the essay's main idea. Scholars usually choose specific terms to make their articles easily identifiable in research databases. Although your essay might not appear in a scholarly database, you should use the same approach. After all, keywords in the title are like a brief summary: they help the reader understand what to expect from your paper.

Step 2: Search the Web for Creative Ideas

You can get ideas online if you need more inspiration to make a creative title. For example, you can look for the wordplay that can be used with your key terms. You may use a line from a song or a phrase from your favorite book as the basis of your catchy headline. Additionally, you can find a metaphor or use ambiguous words to make a witty essay title.

Step 3: Make up a List of Titles

It is hard to create a perfect title on the first try. That is why we recommend listing 4 to 10 possible headlines. Then you can experiment with them, change their structure or format. The more headlines you put in the list, the more likely you will find the perfect one. Also, you can combine several short titles if one can complement the other.

Step 4: Choose the Title That Suits You Best

Finally, look through your list of titles and pick the one that suits your essay best. Your headline must meet the following criteria:

  • Be catchy . Including a catchy statement in your paper's title will pique your readers' curiosity.
  • Reflect on the contents of your essay . Giving readers some information in your title can help them understand what you have prepared.
  • Be short . Be straightforward when selecting your phrasing. Use phrases that are easy to understand for ordinary people.
  • Avoid over-provocative wording . Controversial statements can sometimes be offensive. If you use provocative terms in your essay name, ensure you have a solid and apparent reason for doing so.
  • Suggest an inquiry or analysis . Avoid selecting a headline that does not allow in-depth research. In other words, do not choose general knowledge facts or unprovable claims as your title.

📝 Creative Essay Titles: Examples

We have prepared 3 practical examples of creative essay titles with detailed explanations to help you create your own.

: The Hidden Diversity of Dimorphic Fungal Pathogens" This example contains a reference to the movie , which makes it catchy and intriguing. At the same time, the article's topic is clear: we can understand that the scholars write about pathogenic fungal species.
Here, we can notice the reference to a quotation from the American TV series that originally sounds like "to boldly go where no man has gone before." Also, the authors used a wordplay: no — NO (nitric oxide).
"Is the EU an Economic Giant and a Political Dwarf?" This title uses a metaphor: the European Union is compared to a giant and a dwarf. But the meaning of the essay is clear: it elaborates on the role of the EU in economics and politics.

Here are some more examples of creative essay titles for your inspiration:

  • It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.
  • Evolution of the Disgraced Human Soul – From Swords to the Clubs of War.
  • Blonds Are Not Dumb: Demystifying the Stereotype.
  • Hip Hop and Rap: A Scapegoat for Aggression Among Listeners?
  • The Mind of Music: Psychology of Musicians.

❓ Creative Title Generator FAQ

❓ what is a creative title for an essay.

A creative title is a headline containing a wordplay, an unusual witty phrase, or a quote from a film or movie. At the same time, the title should reflect the essay topic. Here is an example of a creative essay title using wordplay: "Mercury – the God of Elements."

❓ How to Come up with a Creative Title for an Essay?

  • Read a few articles on the internet and analyze their titles.
  • Put yourself in the readers' position and determine what will compel them to read your essay.
  • Recollect or search for common idioms and expressions with your keywords.
  • Choose a metaphor that will convey your essay's central point.
  • Use a phrase from your writing if it captures the meaning of the whole article.

Or, you can use our creative title generator, which will generate a perfect headline for your essay in a few clicks!

❓ How to Make a Creative Title for an Essay?

You can make a creative academic essay title by including these 3 elements in your headline:

  • The hook is a catchy, concise phrase that reflects the paper's subject. It is a creative part that draws readers' attention.
  • Key terms are important words or phrases that represent the topic.
  • The source is the broader theme of your discussion. Depending on the discipline, it can be a literary work, a geographic location, or a debate.
  • Composing an Effective Title | Yale College Writing Center
  • Writing the Essay Title | Austin Community College
  • Crafting a Strong Title | University of Maine at Augusta
  • How to Title an Essay, With Tips and Examples | Grammarly

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An academic title is probably the first thing your readers will experience about your paper. This handout will show you two approaches to creating paper titles, one that is more informative, and another that is more creative. The first is most often used for formal academic papers. The second is more likely to be used for narratives or personal essays, but it can sometimes be used for academic papers as well.

General Considerations

Before deciding on a title, be sure to think carefully about your audience. Who will be reading this paper and what are their motivations? Do they want to be entertained? Are they concerned with acquiring information as clearly and concisely as possible? How do you want your reader to feel about the content of your paper? Asking questions such as these will help you determine the appropriate tone for your title.

A great academic title should tell your readers as much as possible about your paper’s central claim and its significance. Good titles often include:

  • A set of key terms

Approach #1: Titles for Academic Papers

Good academic titles reveal not only the topic of the paper but some idea of your specific approach, argument, and area of discussion. Here are some typical and useful academic titles:

  • Good Bye Lenin!: Free Market Nostalgia for Socialist Consumerism
  • The Artful Thunder as Dramatic Technique in Shakespeare’s The Tempest

The Effects of Light and Temperature on the Growth of Populations of the Bacterium, Escherichia coli

“The Machine-Language of the Muscles”: Reading, Sport and the Self in Infinite Jest

Though representing a range of disciplines, each of these titles is clear, independent and self-explanatory. Notice how each title is relatively long and contains multiple phrases. Academic writing is complex and demands equally complex and purposeful titles. If you look carefully at the sample titles, you will notice that each has three separate elements:

  • The hook – This is a creative element that draws in the reader. Typically this is a catchy, readable phrase that advertises the paper’s specific subject. The hook is sometimes a direct quotation from a text or a sudden introduction of a new and exciting element of your topic.
  • Key terms – These are crucial words or phrases that are indispensable to the topic at hand. In academic writing, scholars are often asked to identify a few select terms that will identify their paper in an index. Similarly, the use of key terms in a paper’s title will make the paper more searchable in a database. You want to load your title with important terminology as a way to orient the reader to the concepts under discussion in the paper to follow. The best titles are like very brief summaries of the paper itself.
  • The source – Sometimes called a “location,” this is the place in the title where the concepts under discussion are to be found. Depending on the discipline, your source might be a piece of writing, the name of a text, a geographical place, a person, an existing debate, an organism, and so on.

Good titles never state the obvious nor do they apply a generic label to a paper. Titles like “Paper #1” or “Lab Report” are clearly too general and unhelpful. Similarly, titles that rely too much on large abstractions are not welcome: “Society and its Many Problems.” In this title the reader has no idea which society is under discussion, what the particular problems may be, or why this is at all current and significant. Avoid clichés at all costs as well: “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”. This title is virtually meaningless. If it feels like a common title to you, it will likely seem as common to another reader. Remember, the assignment may be given by the instructor, but the title is your first chance to make the paper your own. Remember also to center your title at the top of your first page of your text. Use the same font and size as the rest of your paper.

Analyzing an Example of an Academic Paper Title

Consider this title from above:

This title’s parts are all clearly visible. The hook is a direct quotation from the novel under discussion, a well-chosen particular that advances an important theme in the novel. The next part: “Reading, Sport and the Self” contains the title’s key terms. The title is making a promise here to the reader that the paper will engage these three critical concepts. Finally we see the source of the title, prompted by the preposition “in”. Someone reading this title or searching for it in a database would easily identify it as a study of a particular book, in this case, a novel by David Foster Wallace, which is concerned with the ideas of reading, sport and the self. In the humanities, you will often see writers divide their titles into two distinct parts, as in this example, marked by a colon that allows the hook to introduce the rest of the title.

Here is another example, this time from the sciences:

Science writing rarely uses a hook in the same way as papers in the humanities. The hook in a science paper is often simply a highly relevant but exciting and direct introduction of a new approach or discovery. What you mostly find in science writing titles is a catalog of key terms that corresponds directly to the paper’s thesis, significance and methods. Here we see a number of key terms: light, temperature, growth, and the bacterium itself. This title would be highly searchable and is very informative. The final part is the source which simply and clearly identifies the bacterium under discussion.

Approach #2: Titles for Narrative and Personal Papers

Being simple and clear can be very useful in a formal academic essay, but what if you aren’t writing an analytical paper? How do you write a title for a personal essay or statement? How about a title for that English paper that asks you to write a narrative or share an observation? These types of papers might well demand titles that simply sound interesting and creative rather than strictly academic.

In these cases you may want to use an interesting phrase from your paper. Perhaps there is a humorous or dramatic anecdote you offer in your creative paper that sums it all up. Perhaps there is a quotation or phrase that could serve as the title. In these cases you simply want to interest the reader by making the paper seem unique. Here is your opportunity to really put your stamp on the paper and to intrigue the reader. Here are some interesting and intriguing titles for creative essays:

“Why I Screen My Calls” “The Week of Rental Car Disasters” “My Son, the Burglar, Revisited” “What’s So Wrong with the Brady Bunch?”

Each of these titles is provocative. The first two offer the agenda for the paper; presumably you will learn the hilarious and awful history behind each title by reading the paper. The final two titles depend on humorous and contrary bits of information: a father writing about his burglar son, which seems at odds with what we might expect a father to write about his son (and in this case “revisited” is a provocative word since perhaps the son has burgled again). The Brady Bunch title is also funny because it promises a defense of an unexpected position or at least an eminently arguable one, which makes it an intriguing paper title.

In Practice

Imagine you are a student writing a paper for a class on animal behavior. You have a particular species to study, you have done the field work, and you have some conclusions to offer. Here is your first attempt: “Monkey Behavior”.

This is very general and tells us nothing about the kind of monkey or a particular behavior. It does little to attract the reader.

Your second attempt is a little better: “The Effects of Sugar on Monkey Behavior”.

This title is a little clearer and even mildly amusing. Now, at least we have some idea of a cause and an understanding of some important concepts. But can you be more specific? Wouldn’t it make sense to add more key terms from the paper itself? Readers already can conjecture that sugar would have some effect on monkey behavior, so this title needs to be less mysterious and more precise. Here is a better academic title:

“Sugar Stimulates Intensity of Tail-Twitch Social Behavior in Panamanian Monkeys”

Now you have a title that is full of specific key terms, includes a clear location, and provides a bold and specific claim before the text of the paper begins. This is incredibly helpful to your readers.

Try your hand at creating an academic title for a paper with the following topic:

“Write a 5-7 page paper analyzing any work of the author and illustrator Dr. Seuss. You may make reference to one or more of his books, but you must analyze the text(s) based on at least one of the following: Seuss’s use of metaphor, imagery, symbolism, or rhyme. You must also make a connection between this device and his drawing technique or subject matter. Use quotes to support your argument.”

HINT: This is a tough (though potentially interesting) assignment prompt, but remember the three parts of the academic title: hook, key terms, and source. Your hook could be a quote, perhaps a direct quote that shows either metaphor, imagery, symbolism or rhyme. This would be a smart move because you would reveal in the title which of the four options you chose for the paper topic. In other words, by quoting, you would already have an example before you introduce your argument. Your key terms would likely be lifted from the assignment prompt itself (metaphor, imagery, etc. . .). The source would be just that: the name of the book you chose to explore.

Now challenge yourself to make a creative title for this paper. The possibilities are endless here. Think in terms of being clever and witty and actually making use of the terms and techniques the assignment asks you to consider.

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Griffin Teaching

11+ creative writing guide with 50 example topics and prompts

by Hayley | Nov 17, 2022 | Exams , Writing | 0 comments

The 11+ exam is a school entrance exam taken in the academic year that a child in the UK turns eleven.

These exams are highly competitive, with multiple students battling for each school place awarded.

The 11 plus exam isn’t ‘one thing’, it varies in its structure and composition across the country. A creative writing task is included in nearly all of the 11 plus exams, and parents are often confused about what’s being tested.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the plot of your child’s writing task is important. It is not.

The real aim of the 11+ creative writing task is to showcase your child’s writing skills and techniques.

And that’s why preparation is so important.

This guide begins by answering all the FAQs that parents have about the 11+ creative writing task.

At the end of the article I give my best tips & strategies for preparing your child for the 11+ creative writing task , along with 50 fiction and non-fiction creative writing prompts from past papers you can use to help your child prepare. You’ll also want to check out my 11+ reading list , because great readers turn into great writers.

Do all 11+ exams include a writing task?

Not every 11+ exam includes a short story component, but many do. Usually 3 to 5 different prompts are given for the child to choose between and they are not always ‘creative’ (fiction) pieces. One or more non-fiction options might be given for children who prefer writing non-fiction to fiction.

Timings and marking vary from test to test. For example, the Kent 11+ Test gives students 10 minutes for planning followed by 30 minutes for writing. The Medway 11+ Test gives 60 minutes for writing with ‘space allowed’ on the answer booklet for planning.

Tasks vary too. In the Kent Test a handful of stimuli are given, whereas 11+ students in Essex are asked to produce two individually set paragraphs. The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CCSE) includes 2 creative writing paragraphs inside a 60-minute English exam.

Throughout the UK each 11+ exam has a different set of timings and papers based around the same themes. Before launching into any exam preparation it is essential to know the content and timing of your child’s particular writing task.

However varied and different these writing tasks might seem, there is one key element that binds them.

The mark scheme.

Although we can lean on previous examples to assess how likely a short story or a non-fiction tasks will be set, it would be naïve to rely completely on the content of past papers. Contemporary 11+ exams are designed to be ‘tutor-proof’ – meaning that the exam boards like to be unpredictable.

In my online writing club for kids , we teach a different task each week (following a spiral learning structure based on 10 set tasks). One task per week is perfected as the student moves through the programme of content, and one-to-one expert feedback ensures progression. This equips our writing club members to ‘write effectively for a range of purposes’ as stated in the English schools’ teacher assessment framework.

This approach ensures that students approaching a highly competitive entrance exam will be confident of the mark scheme (and able to meet its demands) for any task set.

Will my child have a choice of prompts to write from or do they have to respond to a single prompt, without a choice?

This varies. In the Kent Test there are usually 5 options given. The purpose is to gather a writing sample from each child in case of a headteacher appeal. A range of options should allow every child to showcase what they can do.

In Essex, two prescriptive paragraphs are set as part of an hour-long English paper that includes comprehension and vocabulary work. In Essex, there is no option to choose the subject matter.

The Medway Test just offers a single prompt for a whole hour of writing. Sometimes it is a creative piece. Recently it was a marketing leaflet.

The framework for teaching writing in English schools demands that in order to ‘exceed expectations’ or better, achieve ‘greater depth’, students need to be confident writing for a multitude of different purposes.

In what circumstances is a child’s creative writing task assessed?

In Essex (east of the UK) the two prescriptive writing tasks are found inside the English exam paper. They are integral to the exam and are assessed as part of this.

In Medway (east Kent in the South East) the writing task is marked and given a raw score. This is then adjusted for age and double counted. Thus, the paper is crucial to a pass.

In the west of the county of Kent there is a different system. The Kent Test has a writing task that is only marked in appeal cases. If a child dips below the passmark their school is allowed to put together a ‘headteacher’s appeal’. At this point – before the score is communicated to the parent (and probably under cover of darkness) the writing sample is pulled out of a drawer and assessed.

I’ve been running 11+ tutor clubs for years. Usually about 1% of my students passed at headteacher’s appeal.

Since starting the writing club, however, the number of students passing at appeal has gone up considerably. In recent years it’s been more like 5% of students passing on the strength of their writing sample.

What are the examiners looking for when they’re marking a student’s creative writing?

In England, the government has set out a framework for marking creative writing. There are specific ‘pupil can’ statements to assess whether a student is ‘working towards the expected standard,’ ‘working at the expected standard’ or ‘working at greater depth’.

Members of the headteacher panel assessing the writing task are given a considerable number of samples to assess at one time. These expert teachers have a clear understanding of the framework for marking, but will not be considering or discussing every detail of the writing sample as you might expect.

Schools are provided with a report after the samples have been assessed. This is very brief indeed. Often it will simply say ‘lack of precise vocabulary’ or ‘confused paragraphing.’

So there is no mark scheme as such. They won’t be totting up your child’s score to see if they have reached a given target. They are on the panel because of their experience, and they have a short time to make an instant judgement.

Does handwriting matter?

Handwriting is assessed in primary schools. Thus it is an element of the assessment framework the panel uses as a basis for their decision.

If the exam is very soon, then don’t worry if your child is not producing immaculate, cursive handwriting. The focus should simply be on making it well-formed and legible. Every element of the assessment framework does not need to be met and legible writing will allow the panel to read the content with ease.

Improve presentation quickly by offering a smooth rollerball pen instead of a pencil. Focus on fixing individual letters and praising your child for any hint of effort. The two samples below are from the same boy a few months apart. Small changes have transformed the look and feel:

11+ handwriting sample from a student before handwriting tutoring

Sample 1: First piece of work when joining the writing club

Cursive handwriting sample of a boy preparing for the 11+ exam after handwriting tutoring.

Sample 2: This is the same boy’s improved presentation and content

How long should the short story be.

First, it is not a short story as such—it is a writing sample. Your child needs to showcase their skills but there are no extra marks for finishing (or marks deducted for a half-finished piece).

For a half hour task, you should prepare your child to produce up to 4 paragraphs of beautifully crafted work. Correct spelling and proper English grammar is just the beginning. Each paragraph should have a different purpose to showcase the breadth and depth of their ability. A longer – 60 minute – task might have 5 paragraphs but rushing is to be discouraged. Considered and interesting paragraphs are so valuable, a shorter piece would be scored more highly than a rushed and dull longer piece.

I speak from experience. A while ago now I was a marker for Key Stage 2 English SATs Papers (taken in Year 6 at 11 years old). Hundreds of scripts were deposited on my doorstep each morning by DHL. There was so much work for me to get through that I came to dread long, rambling creative pieces. Some children can write pages and pages of repetitive nothingness. Ever since then, I have looked for crafted quality and am wary of children judging their own success by the number of lines competed.

Take a look at the piece of writing below. It’s an excellent example of a well-crafted piece.

Each paragraph is short, but the writer is skilful.

He used rich and precisely chosen vocabulary, he’s broken the text into natural paragraphs, and in the second paragraph he is beginning to vary his sentence openings. There is a sense of control to the sentences – the sentence structure varies with shorter and longer examples to manage tension. It is exciting to read, with a clear awareness of his audience. Punctuation is accurate and appropriate.

Example of a high-scoring writing sample for the UK 11+ exam—notice the varied sentence structures, excellent use of figurative language, and clear paragraphing technique.

11+ creative writing example story

How important is it to revise for a creative writing task.

It is important.

Every student should go into their 11+ writing task with a clear paragraph plan secured. As each paragraph has a separate purpose – to showcase a specific skill – the plan should reflect this. Built into the plan is a means of flexing it, to alter the order of the paragraphs if the task demands it. There’s no point having a Beginning – Middle – End approach, as there’s nothing useful there to guide the student to the mark scheme.

Beyond this, my own students have created 3 – 5 stories that fit the same tight plan. However, the setting, mood and action are all completely different. This way a bank of rich vocabulary has already been explored and a technique or two of their own that fits the piece beautifully. These can be drawn upon on the day to boost confidence and give a greater sense of depth and consideration to their timed sample.

Preparation, rather than revision in its classic form, is the best approach. Over time, even weeks or months before the exam itself, contrasting stories are written, improved upon, typed up and then tweaked further as better ideas come to mind. Each of these meets the demands of the mark scheme (paragraphing, varied sentence openings, rich vocabulary choices, considered imagery, punctuation to enhance meaning, development of mood etc).

To ensure your child can write confidently at and above the level expected of them, drop them into my weekly weekly online writing club for the 11+ age group . The club marking will transform their writing, and quickly.

What is the relationship between the English paper and the creative writing task?

Writing is usually marked separately from any comprehension or grammar exercises in your child’s particular 11+ exam. Each exam board (by area/school) adapts the arrangement to suit their needs. Some have a separate writing test, others build it in as an element of their English paper (usually alongside a comprehension, punctuation and spelling exercise).

Although there is no creative writing task in the ISEB Common Pre-test, those who are not offered an immediate place at their chosen English public school are often invited back to complete a writing task at a later date. Our ISEB Common Pre-test students join the writing club in the months before the exam, first to tidy up the detail and second to extend the content.

What if my child has a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, ASD)?

Most exam boards pride themselves on their inclusivity. They will expect you to have a formal report from a qualified professional at the point of registration for the test. This needs to be in place and the recommendations will be considered by a panel. If your child needs extra arrangements on the day they may be offered (it isn’t always the case). More importantly, if they drop below a pass on one or more papers you will have a strong case for appeal.

Children with a specific learning difficulty often struggle with low confidence in their work and low self-esteem. The preparations set out above, and a kids writing club membership will allow them to go into the exam feeling positive and empowered. If they don’t achieve a pass at first, the writing sample will add weight to their appeal.

Tips and strategies for writing a high-scoring creative writing paper

  • Read widely for pleasure. Read aloud to your child if they are reluctant.
  • Create a strong paragraph plan where each paragraph has a distinct purpose.
  • Using the list of example questions below, discuss how each could be written in the form of your paragraph plan.
  • Write 3-5 stories with contrasting settings and action – each one must follow your paragraph plan. Try to include examples of literary devices and figurative language (metaphor, simile) but avoid clichés.
  • Tidy up your presentation. Write with a good rollerball pen on A4 lined paper with a printed margin. Cross out with a single horizontal line and banish doodling or scribbles.
  • Join the writing club for a 20-minute Zoom task per week with no finishing off or homework. An expert English teacher will mark the work personally on video every Friday and your child’s writing will be quickly transformed.

Pressed for time? Here’s a paragraph plan to follow.

At Griffin Teaching we have an online writing club for students preparing for the 11 plus creative writing task . We’ve seen first-hand what a difference just one or two months of weekly practice can make.

That said, we know that a lot of people reading this page are up against a hard deadline with an 11+ exam date fast approaching.

If that’s you (or your child), what you need is a paragraph plan.

Here’s one tried-and-true paragraph plan that we teach in our clubs. Use this as you work your way through some of the example prompts below.

11+ creative writing paragraph plan

Paragraph 1—description.

Imagine standing in the location and describe what is above the main character, what is below their feet, what is to their left and right, and what is in the distance. Try to integrate frontend adverbials into this paragraph (frontend adverbials are words or phrases used at the beginning of a sentence to describe what follows—e.g. When the fog lifted, he saw… )

Paragraph 2—Conversation

Create two characters who have different roles (e.g. site manager and student, dog walker and lost man) and write a short dialogue between them. Use what we call the “sandwich layout,” where the first person says something and you describe what they are doing while they are saying it. Add in further descriptions (perhaps of the person’s clothing or expression) before starting a new line where the second character gives a simple answer and you provide details about what the second character is doing as they speak.

Paragraph 3—Change the mood

Write three to four sentences that change the mood of the writing sample from light to gloomy or foreboding. You could write about a change in the weather or a change in the lighting of the scene. Another approach is to mention how a character reacts to the change in mood, for example by pulling their coat collar up to their ears.

Paragraph 4—Shock your reader

A classic approach is to have your character die unexpectedly in the final sentence. Or maybe the ceiling falls?

11+ creative writing questions from real papers—fictional prompts

  • The day the storm came
  • The day the weather changed
  • The snowstorm
  • The rainy day
  • A sunny day out
  • A foggy (or misty) day
  • A day trip to remember
  • The first day
  • The day everything changed
  • The mountain
  • The hillside
  • The old house
  • The balloon
  • The old man
  • The accident
  • The unfamiliar sound
  • A weekend away
  • Moving house
  • A family celebration
  • An event you remember from when you were young
  • An animal attack
  • The school playground at night
  • The lift pinged and the door opened. I could not believe what was inside…
  • “Run!” he shouted as he thundered across the sand…
  • It was getting late as I dug in my pocket for the key to the door. “Hurry up!” she shouted from inside.
  • I know our back garden very well, but I was surprised how different it looked at midnight…
  • The red button on the wall has a sign on it saying, ‘DO NOT TOUCH.’ My little sister leant forward and hit it hard with her hand. What happened next?
  • Digging down into the soft earth, the spade hit something metal…
  • Write a story which features the stopping of time.
  • Write a story which features an unusual method of transport.
  • The cry in the woods
  • Write a story which features an escape

11+ creative writing questions from real papers—non-fiction prompts

  • Write a thank you letter for a present you didn’t want.
  • You are about to interview someone for a job. Write a list of questions you would like to ask the applicant.
  • Write a letter to complain about the uniform at your school.
  • Write a leaflet to advertise your home town.
  • Write a thank you letter for a holiday you didn’t enjoy.
  • Write a letter of complaint to the vet after an unfortunate incident in the waiting room.
  • Write a set of instructions explaining how to make toast.
  • Describe the room you are in.
  • Describe a person who is important to you.
  • Describe your pet or an animal you know well.

title for creative writing

title for creative writing

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  • Online Marketing
  • Business Hacks

17 Techniques to Craft Irresistible Titles [Free Templates!]

title for creative writing

How to create titles?

No matter what title you want to create, it's a good idea to stick to these 6 basic rules:

  • Fulfill with a promise
  • Test different variants
  • Use the language of benefits
  • Write concisely and specifically
  • Remember about SEO
  • Appeal to the emotions of your audience

1. Keep your promise

2.test, test, and test again - test.

Create several versions of one title. The first thought in creating a headline may not always be the best one. A good headline needs to be analyzed. Having several variants to choose from will make it easier for you to choose the perfect one. You can also try A / B test and change the titles from time to time even after the text is published. Thanks to the statistics from analytical tools, you will find out which title brings better results. Use different techniques of persuasion and choose different keywords. See what works for your audience and what search engines like. Remember that there is no single recipe for a successful headline for every article. Choose a formula that reflects the nature of your text.

3. Use the language of benefits

Use your title to tell the users what they will gain from reading the article. Use the information gap and include interesting facts or specialist knowledge in the article. It is worth sharing your own experience - this will make your article unique. Revealing secrets in the form of a case study or a guide based on your own experience will undoubtedly be perceived by your users as valuable.

4. Write concisely and specifically

The catchy headline should be short. It's best if you can fit in 70 characters with spaces. It is also essential in terms of positioning. Search engines will not display the full title if you exceed the maximum of 600 pixels. The more extended title will be cut off and thus will lose the original message and power of persuasion.

5. Remember about SEO 

The title is the perfect place to put your keywords. Choose the most important keywords that define your industry or are closely related to the article's topic. Use free keyword planning tools for this. However, remember not to overdo it with the number of keywords in the header. Otherwise, you'll get an effect keyword stuffing that looks unnatural.

BOWWE Growth Hack

Use long-tail phrases. Extended terms are more unique - with their help, you can describe the problem in detail. It can be difficult for you to break through the competition in search engine rankings with really popular single keywords.

6. Appeal to your audience's emotions.

Use language that will touch your readers' emotions. Instead of referring to the facts themselves, express your enthusiasm in words (Learn SEO basics easily - it's possible). Personalize your title and address the recipient directly, preferably you. Formal phrases can be dissuasive, while too general, impersonal phrases will lose their force in the message.

17+ proven patterns for building catchy titles

Are you struggling to create headlines that grab your readers' attention and leave them wanting more? Do you find yourself staring at a blank page, searching for inspiration and ideas?

Don’t worry because copywriting formulas are here to save the day! These powerful writing techniques have been used by copywriters and marketing gurus for years, and for a good reason. They are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit almost any type of content. Simply input your topic into one of these formulas, and voila - a captivating headline is born.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive into the world of copywriting formulas and discover the secret to crafting titles that will drive traffic to your website and keep your readers engaged.

How to create catchy headlines?

  • Apply the information gap
  • Create lists and tips
  • Use numbers
  • Start with How
  • Show a faster way to achieve your goal
  • Use storytelling
  • Reveal a hitherto unknown secret
  • Create guides and tutorials
  • Keep others from making a mistake
  • Show ready solutions
  • Help save others time and money
  • Start with Why
  • Show what your content contains
  • Stay updated
  • Show the recipient what they should do
  • Refer to others
  • Use Power Words

1. Apply the information gap

Have you ever heard of the curiosity gap? It's the gap between what we know and what we can know. Whenever our mind encounters incomplete information, we experience this gap. Our natural instinct is to satisfy our curiosity and quickly fill in the missing pieces.

As a content creator, you can leverage this information gap to ignite the reader's thirst for knowledge. And the best way to do this is through a captivating title! By withholding essential details in the headline, you can create an untold story that entices readers to click and explore further. This approach works particularly well when the topic addresses the reader's personal situation and provides valuable insights.

So, how can you create an information gap with a title? Here are some examples to inspire you:

  • Revealed: The Shocking Cost of Hiring a New Employee
  • Is Your Profession Among the Top Gainers in Today's Job Market?
  • Brace Yourself: The Unstoppable Rise in Price of Your Favorite Smartphone
  • By using these tried-and-tested techniques, you can create titles that engage readers and drive traffic to your content.

Curiosity gap vs. clickbait

It's crucial to distinguish the curiosity gap from clickbait. Unlike clickbait, which manipulates readers' emotions and lures them into clicking a title by making false promises, the curiosity gap technique piques readers' interest without misleading them.

Clickbait often leaves readers disappointed as the article fails to deliver the promised value. Such poor quality content can trigger readers' fury, and this tactic is frequently employed by gossip websites to increase clicks.

2. Create lists, guides, and tips

One of the most effective ways to write an engaging article is to transform it into a list of practical tips, inspirations, or a checklist.

By dividing the content into easy-to-follow steps or sub-items, you can create a specific hierarchy that organizes the text and makes it easier to read. This approach not only makes the content clear and understandable for the reader but also makes it easier for you to write. 

Furthermore, listed texts tend to go viral and increase the chances that readers will choose this type of article. This is because they provide a guarantee that the reader will find specific information in the article rather than having to sift through a massive amount of text. 

Additionally, listed texts allow readers to quickly scan the article during a short break at work and find the most exciting information.

3. Use numbers

Person pushing a number into the title

Looking to attract more eyeballs to your content? Consider using numbers in your title - they're a proven tactic that can draw in readers with their numerical structure. By starting your title with a number, you can make it stand out from the crowd of letter-based titles out there.

For maximum impact, try using odd numbers - they're more attention-grabbing than even ones. Instead of the tired and true "5" or "10" ways to do something, go for something like "7 secrets to skyrocket your website traffic".

Need some inspiration? Here are a few examples of compelling number-based titles:

  • 6 must-visit destinations in Italy that will leave you breathless
  • 8 steps to building the perfect website, even if you're not a tech expert
  • 11 creative ideas for writing articles that readers can't resist

4. Start with the How 

When searching for information, people typically use the word "How" to formulate their queries. By incorporating this word into your title, you can pique the reader's interest and guarantee the popularity of your content.

If your article is a tutorial or you're sharing your experience, starting your title with "How" suggests that your text contains the answer to a specific question. The beauty of this technique lies in its directness, as the reader expects a clear and concise solution. However, it's important to deliver on your promise and provide the reader with the answer they're seeking.

Consider these examples:

  • How to Effectively Stay in Shape After Losing Weight
  • How to Create Engaging Blog Content When You're Not an Expert
  • How to Earn Your First Blogging Income

But don't limit yourself to just "How" questions. You can also turn your title into any other thought-provoking question, like:

  • At What Age is it Best to Launch Your Own Business?
  • Should You Combine Work and Passion for More Income?
  • What Are the Traits of the Best Project Managers?

5. A faster way to achieve a goal

As humans, we crave fast and impressive results with minimal effort, and this holds true for online content as well. To captivate your audience and encourage them to take action, it's crucial to provide them with intelligent solutions, tutorials, or beginner's guides that can expedite their progress. Crafting titles that offer shortcuts is an effective way to do this, and here are some proven examples:

  • Start Your Own Blog in Just a Month
  • Increase Your Earnings with Only 5 Hours of Work Daily
  • Master Coding by Practicing for Just an Hour a Day

6.  Storytelling

The word title that has the growth of a tree inside of it

There's nothing that resonates more with readers than authenticity. And what better way to achieve that than by telling a captivating story or sharing a personal experience?

Incorporating storytelling into your content can work wonders, whether you're writing an article or a case study. To create an effective title, try using this formula: "How did we get there" or "How I did it."

Check out these examples to get an idea of what we're talking about:

  • "Here's How We Developed an App Prototype in Just 3 Weeks"
  • "How I Transformed My Qualifications and Became a Programmer at 50"
  • "From a Garage Computer to the Most Valuable Company in the World: The Story of Apple"

If you want to boost your traffic to the next level, consider using these proven techniques to create captivating titles.

7. Reveal an unknown secret 

Unlock exclusive knowledge and make your readers feel special with these proven techniques. Everyone loves a good mystery, and by sharing insider secrets from successful companies, such as cracking the Google algorithm for more effective positioning, you'll keep your readers hooked.

  • "7 Sins No Manager Will Confess"
  • "Biggest Corruption Scandals in History"
  • "How to Write an Article to Alienate Everyone? The Biggest Mistakes of Copywriters"

These attention-grabbing titles will help you achieve the highest traffic and keep your readers coming back for more.

8. Create guides, tutorials

One effective way to create engaging titles is to provide clear and helpful instructions on how to do or use something. Guides can take many forms, including articles, videos, or infographics, and can establish you as an expert in your field. Updating them is also a breeze, as you can simply add new threads to keep them fresh and relevant.

  • Ahrefs' Mega Guide: Effective Competition Analysis
  • The Indispensable Guide to Uploading Your First YouTube Video
  • Whip Up Your First Course in Just 15 Minutes with This Simple Mixer Instruction Manual

Another effective approach is to use the "How..." formula to offer a ready solution to users' problems. For instance:

  • How to Create a Portfolio Even Without Much Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Start Coding from Scratch: A Comprehensive Tutorial

With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to crafting irresistible titles that will drive traffic to your site and establish your authority in your niche.

9. Protect others from making a mistake

Making mistakes can be costly, which is why we all want to learn from those who have more experience. Be the wise mentor for your audience by sharing your knowledge and advising them on what to avoid. By imparting your expertise, you can help them achieve their highest traffic goals.

Some title examples to inspire you:

  • Don't make these 9 common copywriting mistakes – learn from the pros
  • Wedding planning disasters: Top mistakes to avoid at all costs!
  • How to outsmart hackers: Tips and tricks to keep your website safe

10. Show solutions

It's important to remember that your title should offer value to your readers. By providing them with advice that can simplify their lives or save them time, you're more likely to capture their attention. Make sure to highlight the specific benefits that your solution can provide, such as a six-pack in six weeks or getting rid of greasy stains in just four steps.

Another key factor in crafting an irresistible title is to make it sound achievable. People love shortcuts, so if you can promise success with minimal effort, you'll instantly pique their interest. Just be careful not to over-promise or suggest something that's impossible to achieve in a short amount of time.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Achieving a Six-Pack in Just Six Weeks!
  • Say Goodbye to Greasy Stains: Four Proven Ways to Keep Your Clothes Looking Fresh

11. Save others time and money  

A clock that has instead of numbers, coins

In the world of product and solution options, there's always room for improvement. It's crucial to present your audience with the most advantageous alternatives to save their time and money. It's time to show them that they're not stuck with just one solution. Adding descriptive adjectives like "free," "fast," and "cheap" can help attract them even more.

Check out these captivating titles that will surely attract your audience and increase your traffic:

  • Unleash your creativity with a free Photoshop alternative!
  • Don't have the budget for a social media specialist? Discover practical content tweaking tools!
  • Are influencers' favorite powders too pricey? Try this cheap and effective alternative!

12. Start with Why

Give your recipient a question that accurately reflects their doubts and answer them satisfactorily way. This solution also gives a chance to appear in recommended fragments (features snippets) from Google. 

Recommended fragments (featured snippets) 

These are fragments of the website that correspond in the best way (according to Google) to the entered query in the search engine. They should not be confused with paid advertising. Google selects the fragments that best fit the query itself. They can be in the form of a list, answer to a question, instructions, etc. 

Three fragments

Search for a phrase "featured snippets"

To write a captivating title that attracts maximum traffic, it's important to pose a question that reflects the reader's doubts and provides a satisfactory answer. Here are some examples of attention-grabbing titles that utilize this technique:

  • Why is the grass green? Unveiling the Science Behind Nature's Color Palette
  • Why should you take out health insurance even if you have never been seriously ill? Exploring the Importance of Preemptive Health Measures
  • Why is it worth saving money? List of the most important benefits that you never thought of

Alternatively, you can use similar word combinations to pose intriguing questions in your title. Here are some more examples:

  • What are the top secrets of successful entrepreneurs? Lessons from the World's Top Business Leaders
  • How to create an SEO strategy that will skyrocket your website's ranking? A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering SEO
  • Where can you find the best travel deals in 2023? Insider Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel

13. Show what your content contains

When it comes to writing captivating titles, there are plenty of proven techniques that can help you stand out in the crowded online space. One such technique is to highlight unique elements of your content, such as an interview or a photo gallery, in the title itself. 

Another effective strategy is to promote additional resources or content, such as downloadable PDFs, right in the title. 

By doing so, you'll be able to entice readers with valuable information and resources, increasing your chances of driving more traffic to your site.

Check out these examples of captivating titles that utilize these proven techniques:

  • "How to Slash Your Daily Calorie Intake: Our Expert Tips and Tricks [+ Table]"
  • "Discover the Hottest Reads of the Year: Vote in Our TOP 10 Books Poll"
  • "Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look: Our Photo Report from the 2023 Oscars"

Incorporate an intriguing quote from an interview or conversation. By doing so, you'll grab your audience's attention and pique their curiosity.

Need some inspiration? Check out these examples:

  • "I've always felt this was the right way." - Katy Perry reveals her secrets to success
  • Expert opinion: "Social Media is bad for children's mental health" - What you need to know
  • James Oliver on the growing popularity of Asian cuisine: "It should have happened a long time ago" 

Remember to choose quotes wisely - they should be concise and add value to the title. With this technique, you'll be one step closer to achieving your highest traffic yet!

15. Stay informed

Add the current year to your title when creating tutorials, guides, or summaries. This not only adds a sense of urgency but also signals to your readers that the information is fresh and relevant.

Check out these examples of captivating titles that use this technique:

  • Ahrefs Competitor Analysis: The Ultimate Guide (2023 Edition)
  • What's On: The Top Events in Warsaw for June and July 2023
  • Fashion Forecast: The 10 Trends That Will Dominate in 2023

By incorporating this easy hack, you'll be on your way to creating titles that grab attention, pique curiosity, and drive traffic to your content.

title for creative writing

Here are some examples of captivating titles that follow these principles:

  • Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights: 17+ Proven Ways to Beat Insomnia
  • Boost Your Website Traffic Today: Start Your Mailing Campaign with These Simple Steps
  • Upgrade Your Style Game: Discover the 10 Upcoming Fashion Trends You Need to Know

17. Cite others

One strategy that works wonders is showcasing real-world success stories. By including the names of well-known figures in your niche, you can instantly boost your credibility and establish trust with your readers. Check out these examples:

  • Here's how Warren Buffet made a fortune. You also can!
  • Learn to sing like Beyonce! Just follow these simple rules!

But be careful not to choose famous names just for the sake of it - make sure they are truly relevant to your content and audience. 

18. Use Power Words

A tittle with the word Irresistible highlighted

Utilizing power words not only in your title but also throughout your content is a quick and effective way to encourage your audience to read on. However, it's essential to use these power words wisely, as not all of them will fit your niche. You can even include several power words in one title to make it even more compelling!

Here are some examples of winning titles that utilize power words:

  • Discover the Ultimate Secrets to Boost Your SEO Rankings Today!
  • Unleash the Untold Benefits of Social Media Marketing for Your Business
  • Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Spirit with These Simple Yet Effective Strategies
  • Unlock the Hidden Potential of Your E-commerce Business with These Proven Tips

Power Words

These words have the ability to stir up a range of emotions in your audience, encouraging them to take action. Categorized by feelings and moods such as greed, curiosity, laziness, lust, vanity, trust, anger, and fear, incorporating powerful words in your title can be the key to increasing engagement and conversion rates. 

How to apply knowledge in practice? Check out our heading ideas! 

A person

The forms of headlines vary depending on what content they present and where they are located. They will look different in a gossip newspaper than in articles for a company blog. Therefore, always remember to adapt them to the subject of your content and your audience. Below is an example of a list of headings. Find out which category suits you best.  

Shortlist of titles: 

1. Titles for the website

2. Article titles

3. Blog titles

4. Newsletter titles

5. Headlines for newspapers

6. Fun titles

7. Emotional titles

8. Creative titles

9. Unique titles

10. Clever titles

11. The best titles

Website title

Website headings are an essential part of its positioning in search engines. They help organize the content and navigate through the users' side. An attractive and good headline will attract the audience and encourage them to review what the website offers. To create the proper headline for a website, SEO principles cannot be ignored. You have to remember especially about:

  • Appropriate length - the title should not exceed 70 characters with spaces.
  • Keywords (including those from the long tail category)
  • Power Words - words that evoke emotions and encourage action

Website title example:

  • Are you here for the first time? Meet BOWWE and see how to create your website without coding.
  • See all configurations of our products! Choose the perfect one for you!

Article titles 

Contrary to appearances, the most crucial part of an article is not its content but its title. As already mentioned, people decide to read an article based on its headline alone. This means that you actually have a few seconds and a maximum of two lines of text to attract the recipient and encourage him to read at least the introduction to your article. 

Journal title ideas: 

→ 8 featured free photo manipulation apps

→ What do you know about the bird world? 7 Shocking Facts You Didn't Know About

Blog titles

These types of titles are usually made of ready-made and well-known copywriting formulas. Just browse through two or three blogs to understand what they're all about. They are built according to SEO principles, matching the keywords entered in the search engine. Some of the best-known formulas for such headlines include: How…, Top [Number]…, Why… etc. 

Examples of blog titles:

→ 13 ways to have a successful and romantic wedding

→ Greek salad recipe? Make her 10 minutes!

A newsletter titles 

The newsletter is another form of gaining new audiences and keeping your current audience. That is why it is worth taking the time to refine each email sent as part of it. In this case, the headline is a vital element, if not the most important one. When you receive an email, you first see its title and decide whether to open it or throw it into the trash. So the title must contain attention-grabbing words that will grab your recipient's attention and convince them that it is worth reading the rest of the message.

It's also worth trying out personalized titles and using the recipient's name or recent actions on the website. Thanks to this, e-mail recipients will feel honored. You will also establish a closer relationship with them and show that you care for them.

Examples of newsletter titles:

→ Rafal, a historical moment has come and we want you to experience it with us!

→ Ania, we have something special for you. Do you want to find out?

→ A beautiful candle set for your freshly purchased table. See more proposals.

Magazine headlines

Press titles can be controversial and very sensational. This is mainly seen in gossip newspapers. The headlines are flashy, and sometimes they do not fully reflect the content they present. However, as with online titles, they must compete for the attention of the recipient. To this end, they are full of words that evoke strong emotions and contain multifunctional signs such as exclamation and question marks. They may also include excerpts from statements, e.g. from interviews. 

An example of titles for magazines or newspapers: 

→ Scandal! The famous singer left her dog in a hot car (Photos)

→ Only with us: Backstage of the Oscars. Watch the interview with the winners!

Funny titles

This type of headline is usually found on entertainment sites. These can be the headings of, for example, columns or movie reviews. They are supposed to amuse the recipient and convey that the rest of the content they advertise will also be equally entertaining. Fun titles can also be used on company blogs as long as they fit the way the brand itself communicates.  

Examples of funny titles: 

→ Very strange (but hellishly effective) ways to avoid responsibilities

→ How to quit your job in 7 steps. Instructions for the desperate!

Emotional and cute titles 

You will see them most often in content that is intended for younger audiences or in content that is romantic. Children's titles need to be friendly, fun and arouse their curiosity. In the case of older recipients, they evoke strong emotions, such as emotion or delight. These are ideal for real-life stories about love or family. 

Emotional and cute titles ideas:

→ Sweetness itself! Watch the latest video of cute pandas from the Korean Zoo 

→ It was love at first sight. Learn the romantic history of this retired couple with 60 years of service

Creative titles

They can be found in entertainment and cultural content. In their case, they don’t always clearly indicate what, for example, a given article is about. They often contain play on words and all kinds of appeal. They are supposed to intrigue the audience and arouse their curiosity. 

Examples of creative titles:

→ Water your floral business! Check out these 5 floral arrangements and get inspired

→ I promise I am combining something wrong! So I review all 7 parts of Harry Potter

Unique title

Those are impressive titles that are remarkable. They can surprise and be somewhat controversial. Their unique character intrigues viewers and promises them unique content that will not bore them. They belong to cool titles that perfectly catch the attention of the recipient. 

Examples of unique titles:

→ 7 stupid things you need to do at least once in your lifetime

→ I quit social media ... and you must too!

Clever headlines 

That is, titles that are often a contradiction of typical copywriting headlines. They attract recipients with their unconventional nature. They show it through a play on words or various types of references. These headlines can be risky as they don't always clear what the rest of the content they describe is about. 

Examples of clever headlines:

→ Still, pouring boiling water over your tea? Stop! Now it's done like this ...

→ If you don't read this article today, you'll regret it! Don't lose this chance

What does a good headline look like? 

First of all, it must accurately reflect the problem of the audience. It is supposed to evoke emotions and encourage you to read the rest of the content presented by it. It should be consistent with SEO principles ( contain keywords , Power words , and appropriate length etc.). 

Here is a list of ready-made formulas for really good headlines that are effective and proven:

→ What to do when ...

→ Top [number] ...

→ Best ways to ...

→ ... Step by step tutorial

→ [product, brand etc.] vs. [product, brand, etc.]. Comparison…

title for creative writing

A good title can bring you closer to your goal, no matter what you do! You already know the appropriate copywriting formulas. Thanks to them, you will be able to create an exciting headline for any content and gain experience in the skillful use of advertising language without much effort.

What now? Choose the formula that best suits your content and start experimenting! Develop some title ideas. Then test them and watch the changes on your website. This way, you will find the perfect headline - which will give you colossal clickthrough rates!

Catchy titles - FAQ

What are catchy titles.

Catchy titles are titles that effectively capture the reader's attention and intrigue them enough to want to read further. They often use humor, wordplay, or emotive language to create a sense of curiosity or excitement.

How do you write a catchy title?

What are some catchy headlines.

Here are a few examples of catchy headlines:

  • "10 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Website Traffic"
  • "The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing for Beginners"
  • "How to Write a Killer Blog Post in Less Than 30 Minutes"
  • "5 Simple Hacks to Double Your Email Open Rates"
  • "Why Your Business Needs a Strong Online Presence Now More Than Ever"

How do you write a clever headline to attract more attention?

title for creative writing

10 Free Menu Templates Every Restaurant Needs Right Now

Cake on desk next to computer

  • Freelancers

Blogging in 2024: Is It Worth Your Time and Effort?

Phone with online restaurant menu on plate

  • Business Apps

Designing a Menu for a Restaurant - List of Proven Steps

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START CREATING

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Ocean Vuong joins the NYU Creative Writing Program Faculty

Mary Gabriel by Mike Habermann

Mary Gabriel, Author of “Ninth Street Women”, Receives the NYU/Axinn Foundation Prize

Claudia Rankine

Claudia Rankine joins the NYU Creative Writing Program Faculty

Classic podcasts from the lillian vernon reading series.

Anne Carson

Anne Carson

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Zadie Smith and Jeffrey Eugenides

title for creative writing

Terrance Hayes

Where to find us.

Map image of the location of Creative Writing Program

Faculty Spotlight

Terrance Hayes

Terrance Hayes’s most recent publications include American Sonnets for My Past And Future Assassin and To Float In The Space Between.

Katie Kitamura

Katie Kitamura’s most recent novel Intimacies was longlisted for the National Book Award and named a Best Book of 2021 by numerous publications.

Ocean Vuong by Adrian Pope for The Guardian

Ocean Vuong is the author of the bestselling novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous and the poetry collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds.

Darin Strauss by Linda Rosier

Darin Strauss is the author of several acclaimed novels, including the most recent The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story.

Jonathan Safran Foer

Foer was listed in Rolling Stone's "People of the Year," Esquire's "Best and Brightest," and The New Yorker's "20 Under 40" list.

Hari Kunzru

Hari Kunzru is the author of six novels, including the most recent Red Pill, and White Tears, a finalist for the PEN Jean Stein Award.

Claudia Rankine by Andrew Zuckerman/The Slowdown

Claudia Rankine is a recipient of the 2016 MacArthur Fellowship, and the author of six collections including Citizen and Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.

Sharon Olds

Sharon Olds is a previous director of the Creative Writing Program. Her 2012 collection Stags Leap was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize and a Pulitzer.

Jeffrey Eugenides

Jeffrey Eugenides is the author of acclaimed novels The Virgin Suicides, Middlesex, and The Marriage Plot. His latest collection is Fresh Complaint. 

IMAGES

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  2. Titles, titles, titles! Here are 13 title ideas! There are so many ways

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  3. Creative Writing: Story Titles by jamestickle86

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COMMENTS

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  2. 111 Story Title Ideas To Captivate Your Audience

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    Think of some of the song lyrics you have misheard throughout the years. Pick your favorite, and use these misheard lyrics as the title of a new creative writing piece. Write a story, scene, or poem based on this title. 4. I'm Glad You Called. The person whom you or your character has been trying to talk to for ages finally answers the phone.

  6. What Is a Writing Title and Why It Matters: In-Depth Analysis

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  7. 10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You'll Love)

    A lot falls under the term 'creative writing': poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is, it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at ...

  8. What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

    Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries. It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

  9. Titles that Talk: How to Create a Title for Your Article or Manuscript

    A title: 1) must call interest to your story; 2) must be fresh and original; 3) must be short; 4) should not be a quotation; 5) must be easily understood; 6) must excite curiosity; 7) should not violate good taste; and 8) should suggest the theme of the story. Remember: your manuscript may be one of a hundred waiting in a pile.

  10. How To Think Of The Perfect Title For Your Story

    7 Ways to create a title for your new book. 1. Plot-based title. This title type is based on the plot of your story. To take a common example, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a plot-based title as the plot of the book revolves around the person and object referred to in the title.

  11. How to Boost Creativity and Improve Your Creative Writing

    A creative writer strives to tell unique stories in a distinctive voice. Yet with all the fiction writing already out there in the world, it can be hard to feel that your work is legitimately creative compared to the competition. You could be a first-time writer completing in a high school creative writing course, a hobbyist working on your ...

  12. 13 Creative Writing Portfolio Examples & How to Create Yours

    This creative writing portfolio took 30 minutes in Copyfolio. Create yours now. 13 creative writing portfolio examples & why they're excellent. 1. Macy Fidel. Create a portfolio. Macy used Copyfolio's Premier template and "Cardboard Clip" color palette to create her portfolio. This portfolio is great because...

  13. 365 Creative Writing Prompts

    14. The Found Poem: Read a book and circle some words on a page. Use those words to craft a poem. Alternatively, you can cut out words and phrases from magazines. 15. Eavesdropper: Create a poem, short story, or journal entry about a conversation you've overheard. Printable Ad-Free 365 Writing Prompt Cards. 16.

  14. Creative Writing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Creative Writing

    Creative Writing 101. Creative writing is any form of writing which is written with the creativity of mind: fiction writing, poetry writing, creative nonfiction writing and more. The purpose is to express something, whether it be feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Rather than only giving information or inciting the reader to make an action ...

  15. From 101 Creative Writing Exercises: Titles and Headlines

    101 Creative Writing Exercises takes writers on an adventure through the world of creative writing. The book is packed with writing exercises that are fun and practical. Not only will these exercises inspire you, they'll impart helpful writing techniques and offer valuable writing practice. Try your hand at fiction, poetry, and creative ...

  16. 1800+ Creative Writing Prompts To Inspire You Right Now

    Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted ...

  17. Creative Writing 101: Everything You Need to Get Started

    Creative writing is writing meant to evoke emotion in a reader by communicating a theme. In storytelling (including literature, movies, graphic novels, creative nonfiction, and many video games), the theme is the central meaning the work communicates. Take the movie (and the novel upon which it's based) Jaws, for instance.

  18. Title Generator

    Do a bit of analysis, identify keywords relevant to the content you will write on, and then enter the keyword in the Enter Your Keyword box. Select whether your keyword is a Noun or Verb. Now click on the Generate button. Choose how you want the title results, whether an upper case or title case, etc., by choosing the Advance Options.

  19. Creative Title Generator with Tips & Examples

    Creative Title Generator with Tips & Examples. Just $12.00 $10.20/page, and you will get your custom-written original paper by our team of experts See more. Generate a title. A title is the first thing the reader of your essay sees. That's why a catchy title is essential to making a good first impression and having your paper noticed.

  20. Title Generator: Make Creative & Catchy Headlines for Free

    Writing a title with HIX Writer's title generator is a great way to inspire compelling titles and headlines, and there are many other benefits as well: Increased Productivity. ... Creative titles are important for all types of content including videos, podcasts, and whitepapers. Our title generator enables content creators to develop titles ...

  21. How Do I Write a Great Title?

    Remember also to center your title at the top of your first page of your text. Use the same font and size as the rest of your paper. Analyzing an Example of an Academic Paper Title. Consider this title from above: "The Machine-Language of the Muscles": Reading, Sport and the Self in Infinite Jest.

  22. 11+ creative writing guide with 50 example topics and prompts

    The real aim of the 11+ creative writing task is to showcase your child's writing skills and techniques. And that's why preparation is so important. This guide begins by answering all the FAQs that parents have about the 11+ creative writing task. At the end of the article I give my best tips & strategies for preparing your child for the 11 ...

  23. 17 Techniques to Craft Irresistible Titles [Free Templates!]

    13. Show what your content contains. When it comes to writing captivating titles, there are plenty of proven techniques that can help you stand out in the crowded online space. One such technique is to highlight unique elements of your content, such as an interview or a photo gallery, in the title itself.

  24. Creative Writing Program

    The graduate Creative Writing Program at NYU consists of a community of writers working together in a setting that is both challenging and supportive. Learn More. Low Residency MFA Workshop in Paris. The low-residency MFA Writers Workshop offers students the opportunity to develop their craft in one of the world's most inspiring literary capitals.