Writing a compelling story isn’t just about crafting beautiful sentences—it’s about developing strong characters and dynamic plots that keep readers engaged. Whether you’re a pantser who thrives on spontaneity or a plotter who loves detailed outlines, these 15 writing challenges will help you push the boundaries of your creativity.
Character Development Challenges
1. The Silent Scene Challenge
Write a scene where your character must express intense emotions—without using dialogue. Show everything through body language, actions, and setting details.
2. The Backstory in One Paragraph Challenge
Describe a crucial part of your character’s backstory in just one paragraph. Make every word count while ensuring it adds depth to the character.
3. Opposite Day Challenge
Take your protagonist and make them act completely out of character for a day. How do they react? What causes this shift? Does it change them permanently?
4. The Unreliable Narrator Challenge
Write a scene from your character’s point of view—but include subtle hints that they’re not telling the whole truth (or are outright lying).
5. The Enemy’s Perspective Challenge
Rewrite a crucial scene from the antagonist’s perspective. Does it change the way you view the conflict?
6. Character Without a Name Challenge
Write a short story or scene where you never reveal your character’s name or physical description. Can you still make them distinct?
7. The Sensory Overload Challenge
Write a scene where your character experiences an intense sensory reaction—like extreme cold, unbearable noise, or overwhelming nostalgia. Use rich details to make it immersive.
8. The Object of Obsession Challenge
Give your character a seemingly insignificant object they are obsessed with. What does it mean to them? How does it shape their actions and choices?
Plot and Story Challenges
9. The “What If?” Challenge
Pick a well-known fairytale, myth, or historical event and change one key detail. Rewrite the story based on this shift.
10. The Countdown Challenge
Write a short story where a major event must happen in exactly 24 hours. Create tension by showing how time is running out.
11. The No-Conflict Challenge
Write a scene that’s compelling and full of tension—but without any direct conflict between characters. Can you make it engaging through internal struggles or setting?
12. The Unexpected Consequence Challenge
Start with a simple action, like a character dropping their keys or taking the wrong bus. Let this small mistake spiral into a life-changing event.
13. The Flashback/Flashforward Challenge
Write a scene with a dramatic jump in time—either a sudden flashback or a leap into the future. How does it change the reader’s perspective?
14. The Multiple Endings Challenge
Write a story with two or three different possible endings. How does each one change the reader’s perception of what came before?
15. The Final Line First Challenge
Write the last line of your story first, then craft the entire plot to build up to it.
Final Thoughts
These challenges aren’t just for practice—they can become the foundation for your next novel or short story. Try combining multiple challenges to create even more unique writing experiences. Which one are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 