24 November Writing Prompts

It’s officially sweater weather!

November is here, the days are getting shorter, and there’s a chill in the air. It’s the perfect time to get cozy, curl up with a warm drink, and start writing.

The quiet energy of the season just makes you want to slow down and put your thoughts on paper.

Whether you write all the time or are just starting out, November is a great month to get creative.

To help you get those ideas flowing, we have put together some cool writing prompts inspired by the month.

So grab a notebook, find a comfy spot, and let’s get those creative juices going!

November Writing Prompts

1. Autumn Leaves and Life Lessons: Spend a moment outside and observe the falling autumn leaves. Contemplate how this natural phenomenon mirrors the cycle of life, with old making way for the new. Write a personal essay on the lessons you’ve drawn from the falling leaves, and how these insights apply to your own life.
   
   
2. Gratitude Journal: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, begin a gratitude journal. Each day, write down something for which you are deeply grateful. It could be a person, a moment, a physical object, or even an abstract idea. Reflect on how this gratitude shapes your perspective on life. Elaborate on why each entry is significant to you and how it contributes to your overall well-being.
   
   
3. The Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner: Imagine you are hosting the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Who would you invite, what would you cook, and what would the ambiance be like? Delve deep into the details, from the textures of the tablecloth to the aroma of the food. The core of this prompt is to describe this event so vividly that the readers can virtually taste the turkey and feel the warmth of the room.
   
   
4. Family Heirloom: Think about an heirloom or a prized possession in your family that has been passed down through generations. Write a fictional short story about this object, describing its history and the significance it holds for your family. Include the journey of the object from its origin to the present day, highlighting the role it played in your ancestors’ lives.
   
   
5. No-Shave November: Using the concept of No-Shave November, create a character who decides to partake in the cause. Describe their journey throughout the month, the challenges they face, and their motivations. Center your story around the personal growth and awareness they experience as they go through this period.
   
   
6. Veteran’s Voice: With Veteran’s Day in mind, write a letter to a veteran expressing your appreciation for their service. This isn’t a typical letter, though. This is an empathetic piece where you put yourself in their shoes and try to understand the reality of their experiences. The heart of this prompt is the attempt to genuinely understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans.
   
   
7. November in Different Cultures: Research and write about how November is observed in a culture different from your own. It could be a festival, a tradition, or a significant historical event. Your focus should be to explore and appreciate the diversity of human experiences and cultural practices.
   
   
8. Harvest Time: November is harvest time in many cultures. Write a poem capturing the essence of harvest – the hard work, the abundance, the communal aspect, and the joy. Use rich, sensory language to paint a vivid picture of the harvest season. The objective is to evoke the essence and atmosphere of the harvest season in your poem.
   
   
9. Seasonal Transformation: November brings a significant shift in the seasons, especially in temperate regions where it signals the transition from autumn to winter. Write an essay, story, or poem that captures this transformation. Highlight the changes in the landscape, weather, and people’s activities and moods. The essence of this prompt is to describe the seasonal transition in a way that engages all the senses and reflects on its impact on human lives.
   
   
10. Historical Fiction on Election Day: November is often associated with Election Day in the U.S. Write a short historical fiction piece set on an Election Day in a specific year of your choice. Immerse your readers in that era and present the political climate of the time. The key aspect of this prompt is to intertwine real historical events with a compelling fictional narrative.
    
    
11. From the Perspective of a Migrant Bird: In November, many bird species start migrating to warmer climates. Write a story from the perspective of one of these birds embarking on its journey. Detail the challenges, joys, and remarkable sights the bird experiences. Your goal here is to explore the natural world through the eyes of a creature experiencing it firsthand.
    
    
12. Native American Heritage: November is Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. Research and write a piece about an aspect of Native American history, culture, or contemporary issues. You might focus on a specific tribe, historical event, or notable individual. Provide a comprehensive and respectful account of your chosen subject.
    
    
13. The Power of Kindness: November 13 is recognized as World Kindness Day. Think about an act of kindness that has significantly impacted your life or someone else’s life around you. Write a narrative that conveys the power of that kindness. Your aim is to illustrate the profound effects that a simple act of kindness can have on individuals and communities.
    
    
14. An Unexpected Guest at Thanksgiving: Imagine an unexpected guest shows up at your Thanksgiving dinner. Who are they and how do they impact the dinner? It could be a long-lost relative, a stranger, or even a fictional character. The central aspect of this prompt is to create a unique and compelling narrative that explores the dynamics of surprise and human interaction.
    
    
15. The November Night Sky: On a clear November night, step outside and observe the night sky. Write a descriptive piece detailing what you see, feel, and think as you look up at the cosmos. The main objective of this prompt is to capture the sense of wonder and contemplation that a starlit sky can evoke.
    
    
16. Creating a November Tradition: Imagine you have the chance to start a new tradition specific to November. What would it be and why? This could be a personal tradition, a community event, or a global celebration. Your aim is to design an impactful and meaningful tradition that reflects the essence of November.
    
    
17. Comfort Food: As the weather grows colder, November calls for warm, comforting food. Write a narrative or an essay describing your favorite comfort food for this season. Dive into the sensory details – the smell, the taste, the texture – and reflect on why this particular food holds such a comforting space in your life.
    
    
18. A Solitary November Walk: Picture yourself taking a solitary walk on a crisp November day. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and more importantly, describe your thoughts. The heart of this prompt lies in exploring introspection and observation sparked by your surroundings.
    
    
19. The First Frost: The first frost often occurs in November in many places. Write a piece detailing the moment you first notice the frost – perhaps on the grass, or on the windowpane, or on the leaves. Capture the ephemeral beauty and the silent announcement of winter’s arrival.
    
    
20. From Harvest to Feast: November is a time of harvest and Thanksgiving. Write a piece that connects the labor of harvesting to the bounty on the Thanksgiving table. Describe the journey from field to feast, illustrating the cycle of nature and human effort.
    
    
21. November Mourning: November 2nd is All Souls’ Day, a day to remember the deceased. Write a poignant tribute to a loved one who has passed away. The core of this prompt is to express your grief, memories, and the enduring influence of this person in your life.
    
    
22. Celebrating Diwali: November is the time for Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. Write a short story based on your experiences or imagination about celebrating Diwali away from home. How do the protagonists maintain their traditions in a foreign land? The goal here is to explore themes of diaspora, cultural identity, and the meaning of home.
    
    
23. Reimagining November: Imagine if November was a person. What kind of personality would they have? What would be their likes, dislikes, and quirks? Write a creative piece personifying November. The challenge here is to make a month come alive as a human character with distinct traits and a story to tell.
    
    
24. Black Friday Experience: Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Write a humorous account of a Black Friday shopping spree gone wrong. The aim here is to create a lively, entertaining narrative that also subtly critiques consumer culture.