60 Prompts for Writing Plots Full of Page-Turning Tension

Ever feel like your story is missing something, but you can’t quite figure out what?

Maybe your plot feels a little flat. Like it’s wandering, but there’s no real oomph driving it forward. You know it needs more excitement, more stakes, more tension—but where do you even start?

Here’s the secret: journaling. Yep, a notebook and a few thoughtful prompts can help you uncover exactly what your plot needs to keep readers glued to the page. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas or troubleshooting a sagging middle, journaling can help you find the missing pieces and build a story packed with edge-of-your-seat moments.

Why Tension is the Secret Sauce of Page-Turning Stories

Tension is the lifeblood of any compelling story. It’s what keeps readers glued to the page, desperate to know what happens next. Without tension, a plot can feel meandering, predictable, or—worst of all—boring. But when done well, tension creates that irresistible pull that keeps readers up way past their bedtime.

At its core, tension is about uncertainty. It’s the unknown outcome of a situation that makes readers lean in. Will the protagonist escape? Will the secret be revealed? Will the relationship survive? These unanswered questions build anticipation, and anticipation keeps readers hooked.

Author Lisa Cron puts it best in Wired for Story:

“Story is about change, which by definition must be fueled by conflict. Without conflict, nothing happens. Without conflict, we have no reason to care.”

Tension doesn’t just belong in high-stakes thrillers. Even quiet, character-driven novels rely on tension—whether it’s internal (a character wrestling with a difficult choice) or external (a looming deadline, an unspoken secret, a growing rivalry). As Kurt Vonnegut famously advised:

“Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them—in order that the reader may see what they are made of.”

Tension forces characters to make tough choices. It reveals who they truly are. It’s what transforms a series of events into a gripping narrative. So, if your plot feels sluggish or your characters aren’t pushing forward, it might be time to crank up the tension and see what happens.

Below, you’ll find 60 journaling prompts designed to help you craft a plot full of tension, twists, and drama. Ready to challenge yourself? Grab your notebook (or snag a sparkly new one here), set a timer for 15 minutes, and let the words flow!

Why Journaling is Powerhouse Tool for Writing Plots

Journaling isn’t just for personal reflection—it’s a powerhouse tool for writers. Here’s why:

It Sparks Ideas: Journaling gives you a safe space to brainstorm without judgment, helping you uncover fresh ideas.
It Solves Plot Holes: When you’re stuck, writing through the problem can reveal solutions you didn’t see before.
It Deepens Your Story: Journaling helps you explore your characters’ motivations, conflicts, and choices, adding layers to your plot.

And when it comes to tension? Journaling lets you ask the tough questions—like, What’s the worst thing that could happen here? That’s where the magic happens.

How to Use These Prompts

Before we dive into the prompts, here’s how to get the most out of them:

Set Aside Time: Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to journaling. You don’t need hours to make progress.
Be Honest: Write freely without worrying if it’s “good.” This is for your eyes only.
Mix and Match: Use these prompts at any stage of your story—whether you’re brainstorming, stuck in the middle, or refining your ending.

Revisit Your Entries: Go back and review your journal to find hidden gems or refine ideas further.

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60 Journaling Prompts for Writing Plots Full of Page-Turning Tension

Part 1. Brainstorming Conflict (10 Prompts)

What does your protagonist want more than anything, and what’s stopping them from getting it?
Who is your protagonist’s biggest enemy, and why are they so dangerous?
Write about a moment when your protagonist is forced to make a tough decision. What’s at stake?
What external forces (e.g., society, nature, fate) are working against your protagonist?
Who’s secretly working against your protagonist, and what’s their motive?
What is your protagonist’s biggest internal struggle, and how does it impact their decisions?
Write about a moment when everything seems to go wrong for your protagonist.
How does your antagonist’s goal directly oppose your protagonist’s?
What would happen if your protagonist failed their mission entirely?
What’s one thing your protagonist swore they’d never do… but might have to?

Part 2. Building Suspense (10 Prompts)

What secret is your protagonist hiding, and what will happen if it’s revealed?
Write about a moment when everything seems calm… but danger is lurking beneath the surface.
What’s one clue your protagonist finds that leads them closer to danger?
How can you keep readers wondering, “What happens next?”
What’s something your protagonist knows that no one else does?
Write about a moment when the reader knows something the protagonist doesn’t.
What’s the worst possible timing for something to go wrong in your story?
How can you make your antagonist’s presence felt without them physically being there?
What’s one piece of information your protagonist almost discovers but doesn’t?
How can you create a false sense of security before things fall apart?

Part 3. Raising the Stakes (10 Prompts)

What will happen if your protagonist fails their main goal?
How can you make the consequences of failure even worse?
What’s at risk for your protagonist’s loved ones if they don’t succeed?
How does your protagonist’s goal evolve as the stakes grow higher?
What’s a moment when your protagonist has to risk everything?
Write about a moment when your protagonist realizes the stakes are higher than they thought.
What’s the most difficult choice your protagonist has to make in the story?
What’s a moment when your antagonist raises the stakes for your protagonist?
How can you make failure feel inevitable at a key moment?
What would make your protagonist’s success bittersweet?

Part 4. Adding Twists and Surprises (10 Prompts)

What’s a shocking truth your protagonist doesn’t know yet?
How can you mislead the reader into thinking one thing will happen… and then flip it on them?
Write about a character who betrays the protagonist. Why?
What’s a moment when the antagonist outsmarts the protagonist?
How can you reveal new information that changes everything?
Write about a situation that looks like a victory but turns into a disaster.
What’s a moment when the protagonist realizes they’ve been wrong about something major?
How can you introduce a new obstacle at the worst possible time?
What’s a twist that no one sees coming but makes perfect sense in hindsight?
Write about a moment when an ally unexpectedly turns into an enemy.

Part 5. Developing Villains and Antagonists (10 Prompts)

What’s your antagonist’s ultimate goal, and how does it clash with your protagonist’s?
Write about a moment when your antagonist gains the upper hand.
What’s one thing your antagonist is willing to do that your protagonist isn’t?
How does your antagonist’s backstory shape their current actions?
Write about a time when your antagonist surprises even themselves.
What’s one weakness your antagonist tries to hide?
How can you make your antagonist feel unstoppable?
What’s one thing your antagonist truly cares about?
Write about a moment when your antagonist and protagonist face off for the first time.
How can you show that your antagonist believes they’re the hero of their own story?

Part 6. Crafting Page-Turning Endings (10 Prompts)

How can you leave your readers desperate to know what happens next?
What’s a cliffhanger moment that fits into your plot?
Write about a time when the protagonist has to make a choice with no good options.
How can you tie up loose ends in a way that surprises the reader?
What’s one final twist that flips the story on its head?
How can your protagonist’s greatest strength also be their downfall?
Write about a moment when your protagonist realizes the true cost of their success.
How can you make your ending feel inevitable but still surprising?
What’s one emotional payoff you want readers to feel at the end?
How can you end on a note that leaves readers thinking about your story long after they’ve finished?

Turn Tension Into Page-Turning Plots

Journaling isn’t just a writing exercise; it’s a creative playground. Use these prompts to dig deeper into your story, explore new ideas, and build a plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

*Coming Soon - Want to make this challenge even easier? Grab the printable version of these prompts to keep in your writing space or take on the go. Happy journaling!

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