September Writing Prompts

Harvest Your Creativity This Fall

While the squirrels are busy burying their nuts and the people are picking their apples and pumpkins, we writers should also be using this season to gather our ideas. During the summer, we had time to relax and ponder new topics or get inspiration from a trip or excursion. Now it’s time to turn those fruitful moments into bountiful writing. These September-themed writing prompts can help! 

Reflect on your school memories. 

The smell of fresh paper and the sound of clicking pens is in the air. Though we may not all be going back into a classroom this fall, the memories and energy around this time of year can be exciting, regardless. What are some of your favorite school memories? Favorite teachers? Classes?

Pick a typical symbol of fall and describe it.

Using the poem “September” by John Updike for inspiration, think about some key fall archetypes (e.g.: “ripe fruit, old footballs, burning brush, new books, erasers”). Pick one or more of these symbols to write about.  Challenge yourself to be as vivid and rich with descriptive imagery as possible. What colors do you see? Aromas do you smell? How does the air land on your skin?

Consider your ancestral roots. 

Trees are often the stars of autumn showing off their colorful leafy hues. But what would the trees be without their strong roots anchoring them to the earth? Consider your ancestral roots. Think about what a day in the life of your forebearers was like. What did they eat? Where did they live? Where did they work? Who did they interact with?   

Explore the magic of the autumn equinox.

On September 23, the sun is right above the Earth’s equator, making the day and night exactly equal length. Imagine you stumble upon a hidden portal on the day of the autumnal equinox that leads to a magical world. Describe your journey and the encounters you have.

Write a sappy love note to your loved one on Love Note Day.

September 26 is Love Note Day. Celebrate it by crafting a love letter between two beings from different planets or galaxies, exploring the universal nature of love. Or write a love note from the perspective of an inanimate object or a pet, expressing its love and appreciation for its owner. Or just write a simple note to your sweetie! Don’t forget to give it to them!