Crime Writing Prompts

Dive into gripping crime scenarios and craft your short story.

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Newly added crime writing prompts

STORY STARTER

Your character looks into the two-way mirror and says, “I know you’re watching me.”

What happens next?

STORY STARTER

“James Burnham was shot and killed yesterday,” the reporter on the TV says as James pours himself coffee, smirking...

STORY STARTER

The only answer is arson.

Show how a character slowly comes to this conclusion throughout the course of the story.

WRITING OBSTACLE

Write a dialogue scene which starts with a confession of love and ends with a confession of a crime.

WRITING OBSTACLE

Write a confession from a police officer who planted evidence to convict someone they believed was guilty.

Would they feel bad, or stick to their original convictions?

STORY STARTER

Inspired by Aster

The Perfect Murder

Write a story that could have this as its title.

STORY STARTER

He narrowed his eyes at her, laughing nervously. “What do you mean you’ve killed someone?“

“I’m dead serious, babe. We need to get moving. Pack your bags. “

STORY STARTER

Her hands trembled as she read the note on her windshield: 'I know your secret.' Nervously, she scanned the parking lot filled with regular people. Who could possibly know?

STORY STARTER

A firefighter saves a life but later learns that the person they saved is a depraved criminal.

Write from this character's perspective as they struggle with mixed emotions.

STORY STARTER

Submitted by Margarita Blimm

"So, who’s going to die today?"

Write a story that begins with this question.

STORY STARTER

Submitted by Shadow Queen

Your protagonist walks into a room with crimson walls and red lights. Rose petals are strewn on the perfectly fitted bed. A woman lays on the fluffed pillows, facedown, blood trickling down her flesh...

STORY STARTER

Your protagonist is a thief sneaking out of a high-security facility.

Detail a tense scene where they almost get caught.

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