Are you feeling stuck for story ideas? Or do you have a basic idea you want to expand into something richer and more original? One of my favorite techniques for writers at any stage is the “What If?” Brainstorm Game. It’s a fun, no-pressure way to unlock your imagination and explore new angles on your story.
In this post, I’ll explain what the game is, how to play it, and why it’s such a powerful tool for writers. I’ll also give you plenty of “What If?” prompts to get you started!
What Is the “What If?” Brainstorm Game?
At its heart, this game is simple. You ask What if…? and finish the question with anything you want.
✅ It can be wild or realistic.
✅ It can solve a problem in your plot.
✅ It can deepen your world-building or characters.
The magic of “What If?” is that it forces you to think in possibilities instead of limits. It breaks creative block because there are no wrong answers.
How to Play the Game
Here’s the basic method:
1️⃣ Write your starting idea.
It can be a sentence, concept, or even a vague theme.
Example: A boy discovers he can talk to ghosts.
2️⃣ Ask “What if?” about it.
What if the ghosts lie to him?
3️⃣ Ask again about your new answer.
What if he has to choose which ghost to trust?
What if he learns he’s the one who killed them?
4️⃣ Keep going as long as you want.
You’ll generate tons of possibilities.
5️⃣ Choose the ideas you love.
Not every “What If” will make it in—but you’ll end up with richer, more surprising material.
Why Use This Game?
✨ Break writer’s block. When you don’t know what happens next, just ask “What if?”
✨ Deepen your plot. Complications and twists come naturally when you keep questioning your premise.
✨ Build complex characters. “What if” reveals motivations, secrets, and conflicts.
✨ Find unique angles. Instead of clichés, you discover unexpected ideas that feel fresh.
25 “What If?” Prompts to Get You Started
If you want a jumpstart, try these open-ended prompts:
- What if the villain is the only one who knows how to save the world?
- What if your hero’s greatest fear comes true?
- What if magic has a terrible cost?
- What if two enemies are forced to marry?
- What if the chosen one refuses the call?
- What if time travel breaks the timeline irreparably?
- What if the kingdom’s savior is actually its destroyer?
- What if the ghosts want revenge?
- What if a prophecy is a lie?
- What if the hero can’t remember their past?
- What if love is forbidden by law?
- What if the monster is misunderstood?
- What if technology becomes sentient?
- What if the world is ending, but no one believes it?
- What if the cure is worse than the disease?
- What if your character has to sacrifice their happiness to save someone else?
- What if the treasure is cursed?
- What if everyone forgets the protagonist exists?
- What if lies keep the peace?
- What if the gods are dying?
- What if someone swaps bodies with their enemy?
- What if the ruler is just a puppet?
- What if a letter arrives from the future?
- What if the dead can speak, but only once?
- What if you could live forever, but no one else could?
Your Turn!
Grab your notebook, journal, or favorite app, and try the “What If?” Brainstorm Game today.
✨ Start with your premise.
✨ Ask “What if?” over and over.
✨ Don’t censor yourself—write even the wild or silly ideas.
✨ Choose what sparks your curiosity.
You’ll be amazed at the places your story can go.
Let’s Chat
Do you use “What If?” brainstorming in your own writing? Want to share your favorite “What If?” question? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy writing ^_^ ✍️✨
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 