AI for Writers: 50 Prompts That Actually Work

I want to write about [topic], but I'm not sure what angle to take. Here's what I'm thinking: [dump your messy thoughts here].

Read this brain dump and suggest 5 different angles I could take. For each angle, tell me:
1) Who would care about this
2) What makes it different from existing content
3) One surprising insight I could explore

I'm writing for [describe your audience]. Pretend you ARE that person. I'm going to interview you about [topic].

First, introduce yourself—who you are, what you do, what keeps you up at night. Then I'll ask you questions to understand what you actually care about.

I'm writing about [topic]. What are the controversial, polarizing, or contrarian takes in this space?

List 5 debates people actually argue about. For each one, explain:
1) What the mainstream opinion is
2) What the contrarian take is
3) Why this tension exists

Don't make up fake controversy—only surface real disagreements.

What questions do people ACTUALLY ask about [topic]?

Give me 20 questions, organized by:
- Beginner questions (what/why/how does this work)
- Practical questions (how do I actually do this)
- Advanced questions (how do I optimize/troubleshoot)
- Emotional questions (why do I feel X when doing this)

Make these sound like real human questions, not SEO keywords.

I want to write about [topic] but make it personal. Ask me 10 probing questions about my own experience with this topic—the kind that might uncover a story I haven't thought about.

After I answer, suggest which story thread would make the most compelling essay.

Help me explain [complex concept] through analogies and metaphors.

Generate 5 different analogies that would help someone understand this concept. Make them:
- Concrete and visual
- Based on everyday experiences
- Accurate (don't oversimplify to the point of being wrong)

Then tell me which analogy is strongest and why.

I want to write about [topic]. Based on your training data, what are the most common takes and approaches?

Then tell me: what's MISSING? What angle, audience, or perspective seems underserved?

I'm writing about [brief description]. Generate 15 potential titles:

- 3 curiosity-driven (create open loop)
- 3 benefit-driven (promise clear value)
- 3 contrarian (challenge assumptions)
- 3 specific/numeric (listicle-style)
- 3 emotional (create feeling)

Make each title specific to my content, not generic templates.

Here's one idea I have: [your idea].

Give me 10 variations that:
- Change the audience
- Change the format (listicle, narrative, how-to)
- Change the emotion (hopeful to cautionary, analytical to personal)
- Flip the perspective (beginner vs expert, optimist vs skeptic)

Make each genuinely different, not just reworded.

I'm stuck on [specific section/scene/paragraph]. Here's what I'm trying to say: [explain what you want this section to accomplish].

Here's what I've tried: [paste your attempts or describe them].

Why isn't this working? What's the real problem? And what's one completely different approach I could take?

I want to write about [topic]. Help me structure this as a story with a clear narrative arc.

Suggest:
1) The "before" state (setup/problem)
2) The inciting incident or tension
3) The journey/exploration/attempt
4) The turning point or insight
5) The "after" state (resolution)

Show me how informational content can follow emotional story structure.

Here's a piece of writing I love: [paste article or describe it].

Analyze its structure. What's the skeleton underneath? Give me:
1) The structural pattern it follows
2) How it opens and why that works
3) How it transitions between sections
4) How it concludes
5) A template I could adapt for my piece on [your topic]

My piece is about [topic for audience]. I need an opening that hooks immediately.

Generate 5 different opening approaches:
1) Start with a surprising fact
2) Start with a relatable scenario
3) Start with a provocative question
4) Start with a common misconception
5) Start with a vivid scene

Make each opening specific to my topic.

I have these sections for my piece: [list your sections].

Which order makes the most sense? Consider:
- Logical flow (what needs to come first for understanding)
- Emotional arc (building engagement and payoff)
- Reader psychology (when they'll be most resistant/receptive)

Give me 3 different sequence options and explain the reasoning.

I'm having trouble moving from [section A] to [section B].

Section A is about: [brief summary]
Section B is about: [brief summary]

Suggest 3 ways to bridge these sections:
1) A transitional sentence/paragraph
2) A question that pivots the reader's thinking
3) A connecting insight that links both

My piece covers [main points]. I want an ending that doesn't just summarize but resonates.

Suggest 3 different closing approaches:
1) Call to action (what should reader do now)
2) Shift in perspective (how should reader think differently)
3) Emotional landing (what feeling should linger)

For each approach, write an example paragraph.

I'm writing [long piece] about [main topic].

My main thread is: [describe primary argument/story]

What subplots or supporting threads could I weave in that:
- Support the main thread
- Add texture and depth
- Keep readers engaged during slower sections
- Create satisfying moments of connection

Suggest 3 potential subplots and where they could appear.

Here's my outline: [paste outline or describe structure]

Audit this structure:
1) Where does this drag or lose momentum?
2) Where does this feel rushed or underdeveloped?
3) What's missing that readers will expect?
4) What's included that doesn't serve the piece?
5) One structural change that would make this significantly better

Be honest, not polite.

I'm going to write a messy first draft of [section]. Here's what needs to happen: [explain the goal].

I'll write for 15 minutes without stopping. Your job:
1) When I finish, tell me what's working
2) Spot where I got stuck or vague
3) Suggest what to tackle next

Ready? I'll paste my draft when done.

I'm writing dialogue between [character A] and [character B] about [topic/conflict].

Character A: [description, motivation, personality]
Character B: [description, motivation, personality]
Context: [what's happening]

Write the first 3 exchanges. Then I'll continue, and you respond as the other character. We'll volley until the scene finds its natural end.

I need to explain [concept] to [audience who doesn't understand this].

Here's my one-sentence explanation: [your attempt]

Now expand this into:
1) A 3-sentence explanation (simple, clear, no jargon)
2) A paragraph explanation (with an analogy or example)
3) A detailed explanation (for someone who wants depth)

Show me how to layer complexity for different reader needs.

I need to describe [setting/location] in a way that creates [mood/atmosphere].

Don't just list physical details. Help me choose sensory details that:
- Establish the mood I want
- Reveal character or theme
- Feel specific, not generic
- Don't over-describe

Give me a paragraph, then explain which details you chose and why.

I'm trying to illustrate [concept/point]. I need concrete examples readers can relate to.

Generate 5 different examples:
- 1 from everyday life
- 1 from work/professional context
- 1 from popular culture
- 1 historical example
- 1 surprising or counterintuitive example

Make each genuinely illuminate the concept.

Here's a section I wrote: [paste your writing]

This is technically correct but feels flat. Help me rewrite it with more personality by:
- Making word choices more specific and vivid
- Varying sentence structure for rhythm
- Adding moments of humor, surprise, or emotion where natural
- Keeping my core message intact

Show me before/after so I can see the difference.

I have this research/information: [paste quotes, stats, facts]

I need to integrate this into my piece about [topic] without it feeling like a data dump.

For each piece of research, suggest:
1) Where in my piece it would fit naturally
2) How to introduce it (not just "Studies show...")
3) How to connect it back to my main point
4) Whether I even need it

Here's a section where I'm trying to explain [concept]: [paste your writing]

Is this actually clear to someone who doesn't already know this topic?

Point out:
- Jargon I'm using without defining
- Assumptions about reader knowledge
- Logical leaps where I skip steps
- Places where I'm clear vs muddled

Then suggest how to make the unclear parts clearer.

Here's a paragraph I wrote: [paste paragraph]

Analyze its rhythm and flow:
1) Sentence length variation (are they too similar?)
2) Where it feels smooth vs clunky
3) Whether the rhythm matches the content
4) One specific edit to improve flow

Then rewrite the paragraph with better rhythm.

I'm 80% done with my first draft but ran out of steam. Here's what I have: [paste or summarize]

I still need to cover: [what's missing]

Help me:
1) Spot where my energy/quality dropped off
2) Suggest the simplest path to finish (what can I cut? what needs just a paragraph?)
3) Outline the final 20% so I can finish this thing

Read this draft as a developmental editor: [paste your draft]

I don't need line edits yet. I need big-picture feedback:

1) What's the strongest part? (what should I build on)
2) What's the weakest? (what needs major revision)
3) Where does this lose focus or meander?
4) What's missing that readers will want?
5) What's included that doesn't serve the piece?
6) One structural change that would make this significantly better

Be honest. I can handle it.

Here's my draft: [paste writing]

I need to cut 30% without losing meaning. Help me identify:

- Redundant phrases (saying the same thing twice)
- Filler words (very, really, just, actually)
- Entire sentences that don't add value
- Wordy constructions that could be simplified
- Tangents that distract from main point

Show me the trimmed version and explain what you cut and why.

Read this section: [paste writing]

Pretend you're a confused reader. Where do you get lost?

Point out every place where:
- You had to reread something
- You couldn't follow the logic
- You didn't understand a reference
- You lost track of what point I'm making

Then suggest how to fix each clarity issue.

Read this piece: [paste draft]

Map the emotional journey. What does the reader feel at each stage?

Tell me:
1) Where does emotional energy build?
2) Where does it sag?
3) Does the emotion match the content?
4) Where could I amplify or dampen emotion?
5) Does the ending land emotionally?

Suggest specific moments to adjust emotional temperature.

Here's a section written in passive voice: [paste your writing]

Rewrite this in active voice. For each change, show me:
- Before (passive)
- After (active)
- Why active is stronger here

If passive voice is actually better somewhere, tell me why and keep it.

Read this draft: [paste writing]

Flag every cliché, overused phrase, or generic expression. Include:
- Obvious clichés ("think outside the box")
- Industry jargon used as filler
- Phrases that sound meaningful but say nothing
- Adjectives that don't add information (very unique, extremely important)

For each one, suggest a more specific, fresh way to express the same idea.

Read this argument/piece: [paste writing]

Play devil's advocate. Where will readers:
- Disagree with my premise?
- Question my evidence?
- Spot holes in my logic?
- Feel I'm oversimplifying?
- Resist my conclusion?

For each point of resistance, suggest how to address it.

Here's my current opening: [paste intro]
Here's my current closing: [paste conclusion]

Evaluate each:

Opening: Does this hook immediately? Does it make a promise? Does it establish tone?
Closing: Does this resolve the promise? Does it resonate beyond summarizing? Does it give the reader something to take away?

Suggest specific improvements (not complete rewrites).

Read each paragraph in this section: [paste writing]

For each paragraph:
1) What job is this paragraph doing?
2) Does it do that job effectively?
3) How does it connect to paragraphs before and after?
4) Should it be split, combined, moved, or cut?

Then suggest a revised paragraph order if needed.

This draft is structurally solid. Now I need polish. Read this section: [paste final-ish draft]

Suggest:
1) Stronger word choices (more specific verbs, more vivid nouns)
2) Rhythm improvements (sentence variety, flow)
3) Small cuts that tighten without losing meaning
4) Moments where I could be more precise or interesting
5) Any last clarity issues

Give me a polished version and explain the key changes.

I'm writing a character: [name, basic description]

Interview this character to reveal deeper layers. Ask them:
- What do they want more than anything?
- What are they afraid of?
- What lie do they believe about themselves?
- What's a secret they've never told anyone?
- How do they justify their worst behavior?

After I answer as the character, tell me what you learned about their internal conflict.

I'm writing a scene where [describe what happens]. Right now it's functional but not tense.

Suggest ways to add tension through:
- Conflicting character motivations
- Time pressure or stakes
- Subtext (characters want different things than they say)
- Environmental obstacles
- Internal conflict

Show me how to rewrite the scene with higher stakes.

My characters are talking about [surface topic], but the real tension is about [underlying issue].

Write sample dialogue where:
- The words say one thing
- The subtext reveals another
- Neither character directly states the real issue
- The tension builds through what's NOT said

Then explain how the subtext works.

Here's my plot summary: [describe your story arc]

Find the holes:
- Where does character motivation not track?
- Where does the timeline not work?
- Where would a reasonable character make a different choice?
- What conveniences am I relying on?
- What questions will readers ask that I haven't answered?

Be ruthlessly logical.

I'm writing a listicle: [topic and target number of items]

I have these items: [list them]

Evaluate:
1) Is each item truly distinct or am I repeating myself?
2) Are they in the best order for engagement and logic?
3) Are any items weak and should be cut or combined?
4) Am I missing obvious items readers will expect?
5) Do I have a good mix of expected and surprising items?

I wrote a how-to guide: [paste your steps/instructions]

Test this:
- Can someone who's never done this follow along?
- Are the steps in the right order?
- Did I skip steps that seem obvious to me but won't be to beginners?
- Did I explain WHY to do each step, not just HOW?
- Are there points where someone might get stuck?

Suggest where to add clarity, detail, or explanation.

I want to write a personal essay about [experience/topic]. Here's the raw story: [tell the story in bullet points]

Help me structure this:
1) What's the universal theme within my personal story?
2) Where should I start? (not always the beginning)
3) What's the insight or transformation?
4) How do I make this about the reader, not just about me?
5) What's the essay's REAL point?

Suggest a narrative arc that turns my story into an essay that resonates.

I'm selling [product/service]. Here are the features: [list features]

Translate each feature into a benefit that matters to [target audience]:
- Don't just describe what it does
- Explain what that means for the customer
- Connect to an emotional outcome (save time, reduce stress, feel confident)

Show me feature → benefit translation for each one.

I'm writing copy for [product/service] aimed at [target audience].

What objections will they have? List:
- Price objections
- Trust objections ("Is this legit?")
- Fit objections ("Is this right for me?")
- Urgency objections ("Why now?")
- Comparison objections ("Why not [competitor]?")

For each objection, write a short paragraph that addresses it without being defensive.

My current call-to-action is: [paste your CTA]

Make this stronger by:
1) Being more specific about what happens when they click
2) Reducing friction/fear
3) Adding urgency (without fake scarcity)
4) Making the benefit crystal clear
5) Using active, confident language

Give me 3 improved versions and explain why each is better.

I'm writing a landing page for [product/service] targeting [audience with specific problem].

Help me structure this page as a story:
1) Hook (grab attention with problem/promise)
2) Agitate (make them feel the pain of the problem)
3) Solve (introduce your solution)
4) Prove (evidence it works)
5) Call to action (what to do next)

Outline each section with specific guidance for my product/audience.

I'm writing a marketing email about [topic/offer]. The goal is [open the email, click through, buy].

Generate 10 subject lines:
- 3 curiosity-based (create open loop)
- 3 benefit-based (clear value)
- 2 urgency-based (time/scarcity)
- 2 personal/casual (feels like a friend)

Make each specific to my email content, not generic templates.

Here are 3 paragraphs I wrote: [paste your writing]

Notice my voice—sentence rhythm, word choice, tone. Now help me write about [new topic] in this same style. Don't copy my examples, but match the voice.