November is the month to tap into themes like introspection, gratitude, and personal growth as a writer. Whether you’re an established author, a new-to-the-scene writer, or have a book in progress, these November writing prompts for adults can help you get the words flowing. Writing prompts can also help beat a bout of writer’s block! Explore our collection of 30 prompts and use November as a springboard for your creative growth and discovery.
30 Writing Prompts for November
If you’d like to focus on a specific theme this month, our November writing prompts are organized into themes to make it easy to find a prompt that suits your writing mood. You’ll find a prompt for every day of the month if you’re focused on consistency.
Gratitude and Reflection
- Write about something you’re grateful for that you often overlook.
- Reflect on a challenge you overcame this year and what it taught you.
- Describe a family tradition you cherish, and why it’s meaningful to you.
- Write a letter of thanks to a friend who’s been there for you.
- What does gratitude mean to you, and how do you express it in daily life?
Change and Growth
- How have you changed since last November? What aspect of your personal growth are you most proud of?
- Write down a pivotal moment from this year and how it’s shaped who you are now.
- Describe a place that now feels like home but once felt unfamiliar to you.
- Picture yourself a year from now. Write down your hopes and dreams for that person.
- Write down three things you’d like to learn next year and why.
Nature and Seasons
- Describe a scene where fall meets winter. Try to capture all five senses.
- Write about your perfect last day of autumn.
- Describe your favorite type of fall weather. What would you do for the day to enjoy it?
- Write from the perspective of a tree that is shedding its last leaf before winter arrives.
- Reflect on a childhood memory of playing in a pile of fallen leaves.
Family and Holidays
- Describe your favorite holiday food and the memories that go along with it.
- Write about a funny Thanksgiving memory that still makes you laugh.
- Write down your favorite holiday recipe, where you got it from, and why it’s your favorite.
- Imagine hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with your favorite historical figures. Who would be there? What would you serve? Describe how the dinner would go.
- Write about a holiday tradition you’d love to start and why.
- Write a letter to a family member in which you share your hopes for them this holiday season.
Future and Aspirations
- Write a letter to your younger self where you give advice you wish you’d received.
- Imagine your dream career five years from now. Describe a day in your life.
- Set one meaningful goal for the coming year and outline your steps to achieve it.
- Picture yourself retired. What passions and hobbies fill your time? If you are retired, what new passions or hobbies could you add for further fulfillment?
- What would you say if you could talk to future self? What questions would you ask?
Creativity and Imagination
- An angel visits your home in the middle of a November night. What message do they bring? How do you respond?
- Describe what emotions or revelations come up when you encounter a beautiful autumn landscape and feel God’s presence through nature.
- Write a short story about finding a journal written by a pilgrim who documented their journey to America, and it includes stories of their faith and thankfulness.
- Imagine sitting around a bonfire with biblical figures who are sharing their stories of gratitude and faith. Describe what the conversation sounds like.
How to Use These Prompts to Improve Your Writing
Writing prompts aren’t just meant to help you put words on paper—they’re tools you can use to hone different elements of your storytelling. Try using our November writing prompts for adults to:
- Develop characters—Writing letters from different perspectives or exploring how people would handle family traditions helps you see things from various viewpoints and that helps you develop fictional characters.
- Build settings—When you write about changing landscapes and the cozy feeling of holiday gatherings, you’re crafting descriptive settings.
- Experiment with voice—By trying prompts in different tones, from introspective to whimsical, you’re learning how to shift your writing voice depending on the needs of the story.
- Foster consistency—When you make writing part of your daily routine, even if it’s just a paragraph each day, you teach yourself how to consistently show up for your art.
Explore more of our writing prompts to inspire your daily journaling practices.
Final Thoughts
Make some time for yourself this month by sticking to your writing practice with these November writing prompts. Choose a few prompts to start with and challenge yourself to complete at least one prompt per week. Share your writing with us in the comments!
Additional Resources
5 Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
