It is inspiring how creative the ideas I’ve seen come through Banksia Journal can be. So, I have looked back through our archives and created a list of speculative fiction writing prompts based on stories published in Banksia Journal so hopefully they can inspire you too. Who knows, maybe you’ll write another creative story to submit to us. Or maybe it will just be a quick writing exercise. Either way, I hope this sparks some interesting ideas!
There are nine writing prompts, three each for fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Click “inspired by” beneath each prompt to find out which of Banksia Journal’s stories it is, well, inspired by.
Fantasy
A large, otherworldly or supernatural creature has appeared in your hometown. Write a news article or social media feed discussing how local residents and businesses react.
Inspired by
Cuthulhu Meets the Castle by Aldwyn Wise
A character has come into possession of a second-hand spell book. They test a spell, and it works. Which spell did they test, and what do they do next with their newfound power?
Inspired by
Not my Fault by David Hann
A constellation has descended from the night sky in search of a loved one. What obstacles have been keeping the constellation and their love apart, and what must the constellation do to find them?
Inspired by
Aligned by H. J. Bogue
Science Fiction
Look for an object around you. Imagine aliens unfamiliar with our civilisation have gotten a hold of this object put it on display in a museum. Write a plaque for your object and/or describe the museum display.
Inspired by
Exhibit by Joseph Wilson
Aliens want to take a character aboard their spaceship to aid in their study of humanity. What do the aliens say or do to convince the character to come aboard? Does the character go willingly?
Inspired by
Indentured by Bruce Anderson
A mad scientist has created a machine that can change the species of living creatures. Write about the experience of a test subject suddenly becoming a completely different species.
Inspired by
Human Alchemy by Evan C. Lewis
Horror
A character is walking home alone when a ghostly figure appears and asks for directions. Write out the character’s conversation with the ghost.
Inspired by
Hazard by Adeline Teoh
There is something wrong with a house. It seems normal enough during the day, but no-one can bear to stay in it for more than one night. A character stays there overnight anyway. Write about what happens that night.
Inspired by
Distressed Sale by Penny Durham
A character has some trauma in their past. An inanimate object starts talking to them, digging away at the character’s trauma. Describe the object, and the character’s reaction.
Inspired by
Rotten Peppermint, or Conversation with a Rubber Duck by Tatiana Samokhina
I would love to know what you come up with! Please share bits of your writing in the comments below.
Brittany Lee is the co-founder, and editor of Banksia Journal. She is a writer from Perth, Western Australia, with a BA in Linguistics, and Postgrad Diploma in Journalism. Her work has appeared in AntipodeanSF, Dusty Attic Publishing, and Perth’s Raine Square Story Dispenser. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, knitting, and taking photos of flowers (such as banksias).
You can find her online at brittanyerinlee.com.