14 Ideas For Narrative Writing
Personal narrative writing ideas are the basis of some of the most compelling stories ever told. Authors write about their own life and learn from the experiences.
The person who writes these stories is the only one that can decide what kind of personal narrative they will tell. Your story is unique because your life is different from anyone else.
Are you still looking for ideas to tell your story, but haven’t yet found the spark? Finding the right stories can take time. Writing prompts are a great way for writers to get creative ideas. These are some to inspire your creativity.
Narrative Writing Prompts
Many times, narrative writing ideas are triggered by your feelings about the world and how it is. These are some prompts to help you write a narrative.
1. The Blaze
Let’s suppose your house is set on fire. Fortunately, nobody is hurt. You only have one minute to find the item you need. What would be worth the risk? Is it worth taking the chance? Would you rush back to take photos of your loved ones, an original piece of art, or a precious keepsake? Or would you prefer to save the most precious items, or something more sentimental? The most important thing is why?
This is one topic for narrative essays that will help you to discover what matters most. It may be that you find it easy to identify the item that you care most about in a crisis. This can help you create an amazing story.
2. What is bothering you?
Everybody has a frustrating or annoying thing. It can be as simple a pet peeve as it is as severe as an unacceptable attitude.
Begin by venting. Then, identify what caused it. You will be able to generate many story ideas by identifying the root cause. This prompt is great for writing narratives. Once you dig deeper into the “why”, it’s easy to get started.
3. The Characteristics of Deception
Are you a liar? You have! Did you take away a lesson? Did you find out about the dishonesty of someone else? Did you face serious consequences? This personal narrative idea can help you reflect on the lessons from your past and make sense of them.
Lies can sometimes be necessary. Consider telling a story about how you felt and why you chose to lie. This narrative writing idea could help you to think about morality.
4. How art affects you
If you are looking for story ideas to write, one way is to consider how art inspires and motivates you. What music was influential in your life at a particular moment? What was the reason it was so special? Is there a book or author that speaks to you in a way others don’t know? What draws them to you?
It is possible that you are a fan of an underrated TV series. It’s possible to tell a story about why you love it. Consider writing about the influence art had on you.
5. The Time Machine
The time machine is located in your living area. Now you have the option to choose ONE place or time. Which time and place do you prefer? Who are you likely to meet once you arrive? What are your past memories? How do you live them out today? What are you expecting to see in the future? What are your next adventures?
Although personal narrative essays are interesting, it is sometimes helpful to take a step back from familiar situations. There are many ways to tell a story that goes beyond the ordinary.
Ideas for a Narrative essay
Although narrative essays are personal and can help you to understand yourself better, they can also be a great way to learn more about your own reactions in different situations. These narrative writing ideas might be of help to you.
6. The Time When You Had to Go Through Hardship
The main character in any story is the one who overcomes or triumphs over a challenge or obstacles. The same applies to your stories. You can write about an event that you won, or about a situation in which you failed. You can use the lesson learned to create a fascinating and informative story.
7. It was a time when you fell in love
While this prompt may seem familiar, every love story is unique. It is rich in writing and prompts. (Just look at the New York Times “Modern Love”, column).
It doesn’t matter.
You don’t need to tell about your romantic relationship with someone. It could also be about falling in love a song or a place. The most memorable moments in your lives can inspire many creative ideas.
The best personal story ideas are those that focus on love. The story may be difficult, but it will be well worth the effort.
8. The Interaction between Friends
Friendship is complex, and this topic lends itself to narrative ideas. Do you remember a friend that was dear to you but moved on, changing your relationship? Have you ever had a friend betray you?
Writing the best stories is about something that you care about. For most people, it’s friendship.
9. A weakness
You can find many narrative ideas to help you think about yourself. It’s easy for stories to be told where you are the hero. How about looking at your insecurities and weaknesses?
Consider a time in your life when you were unsuccessful or when a particular weakness was a significant factor in the outcome. Consider a time you recognized a weakness in a certain quality. Although it can be hard to reflect and write about your feelings, it may prove helpful.
Tale Concepts
You’re determined to write a story. But you feel stuck. These are some ways to tell your story differently or inspire you in writing a unique version.
10. Change up your chronology
Time is a powerful narrative tool that can be used to create great stories. Let’s take, for example, the story of your grandmother who died. Think about writing a narrative essay that describes your grandmother’s life.
Your story can be made more powerful by adding time. A story that begins at a funeral can bring back memories or conversations with your grandmother. It can drive your story and add to its interest. You don’t have time to make characters appear in a story.
11. The Natural Conversation
Many stories are so lifelike that they seem almost real. They draw the reader in with every action. The main character’s thoughts captivate the reader, and they make the reader wonder about the story’s direction. The story quickly unravels when the main character meets other characters. It appears that the main character is unable to talk or express their opinions.
What did this mean? There are stories where everything goes well until the characters start having conversations. A great way to tell a story is to use characters you know (even if they’re not yours) and make their dialogue sound natural. Start by describing a conversation you had with someone close to you.
Photo Narrative Inspirations
Sometimes words don’t tell the story. These photo narrative ideas will help you show, and not tell.
12. A Day in The Life
It’s simple. Take a picture of someone and create a narrative. Visually tell their story by taking them to different locations and looking at different parts.
While this story idea may be more labor intensive than others, it provides a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of someone, which can then be used to inspire other stories.
13. Take a look at the street
Even though this may not be something you would want to do, it is worth taking photographs of street people. You might be able to capture street performers or tourists on sunny days. Just make sure you ask permission before taking photos for your story.
People are everywhere we see, yet we often don’t stop and think about their lives, what motivates them to go somewhere, or how they got there. It can be difficult to leave your comfort zone and have meaningful conversations with people.
14. Get to know your neighborhood
If you feel up to it, offer to take photos of the residents of a specific neighborhood. Despite the possibility of being rejected, some people may be happy to have their picture taken.
Research the history of your neighborhood first so that you can decide who to photograph in order to create compelling stories.
Ask them about their knowledge of the area. They may have interesting stories to tell. Don’t be afraid of taking photos outside their homes. Ask them where is their favorite place to be, or where do they spend most of the time. It’s amazing what it can inspire.
Narrative Writing
You may find some personal narrative ideas work better than others. Keep trying different ones for writing exercises. You can also switch up the narrative essay ideas. Sometimes, writing prompts for narratives that allow you to explore a single aspect of your past or life can inspire new ideas.
Tell your story now!
