Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to start writing those mushy love stories everyone is craving. Today, I’m going to share a variety of Valentine’s Day writing prompts to help you jump-start your next romantic story.
Valentine’s Day Story Starter Prompts
These Valentine’s Day writing prompts are just like they sound. They’re meant to spark a bit of inspiration in order for you to start a new story. It doesn’t matter if you create all new characters for your story, write a fanfiction story or write a story within a universe you’ve already created. All that matters is that you sit down and write something.
Here are a few Valentine’s Day themed story starters:
- A hopeless romantic has to spend Valentine’s Day alone.
- Your characters find an unsent love letter.
- A group of people go to a haunted house on Valentine’s Day.
- A meet cute at an arcade.
- Your character experiences platonic love.
💡 Tip: Don’t feel too restricted by these prompts. If your story starts taking a turn away from the prompt just go with it. The important thing is they get you writing.
Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts: A Day in the Life
These prompts are meant to get you thinking outside the box. They’re designed to make you think specifically about what a certain person might feel about Valentine’s Day. How does the day affect them? Do they celebrate it or ignore it? Write a short story following that person through Valentine’s Day.
Here are a few different types of people you could write about:
- Psychic
- Divorce Lawyer
- Matchmaker
- Divorced parent
- A bartender
If these don’t seem too inspiring, try out the Random Person Generator for more ideas.
💡 Tip: Try writing about an existing original character. Seeing how your character reacts to Valentine’s Day can uncover a ton of information about them.
But make it romantic story prompts
These Valentine’s Day writing prompts are again designed to get you to push your creativity and think outside the box. Take something that isn’t typically romantic and then make it romantic. I love these prompts because they’re so varied they can be about anything from popular culture references to basic everyday scenarios, objects or places. And some of them are harder than others and make you dig real deep to come up with something good.
Here are a few examples
An attic but make it romantic.
An intervention but make it romantic.
A bank robber but make them romantic.
Moving day but make it romantic.
A pie but make it romantic.
If none of these are sparking any inspiration. Try the Random Scenario Generator. Just type in the names of a couple, generate a scenario and then add “but make it romantic”.
Other helpful generators:
Object Generator
Place Generator
Person Generator
💡 Tip: Some of these prompts are hard. Be patient with yourself when working with them.
How to Use These Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts
Being given Valentine’s Day writing prompts is one thing. Writing a captivating romantic story fit for Valentine’s Day is another. It requires more than just a spark of inspiration—it needs careful attention to character development, conflict and resolution.
Develop Believable Characters
Creating realistic characters is crucial for engaging romantic stories. Spend time exploring their backgrounds, motivations and personalities. Consider their strengths and weaknesses and how they complement each other. Think about what drives them, what they fear and what they desire.
By understanding your characters on a deeper level, you’ll be better equipped to portray their romantic story in a way that resonates with readers.
Create Compelling Conflict
While romance is obviously at the heart (wink, wink) of your story, adding conflict and tension keeps readers engaged and invested. Conflict can arise from internal struggles, external obstacles, or misunderstandings between characters. It’s what drives the plot forward and challenges your characters to grow.
Craft Satisfying Endings
Having a satisfying ending to your story is essential. Whether it’s a happily ever after, a hopeful new beginning or a poignant conclusion—it should feel earned and emotionally resonant.
To do this, you should show character growth by illustrating how your characters evolve throughout the story. Also make sure to resolve all central conflicts and obstacles that have been driving the plot. And lastly, aim for an ending that evokes an emotional response from your readers. Whether it’s joy, sadness or a bittersweet mix—you should leave them satisfied and invested in the characters’ futures.
Now Get Writing!
Whether you’re writing a romantic comedy, romance novel or a fluffy fanfic, I hope these Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts have inspired you to write something.