October Writing Prompts

You’ll find our collection of October writing prompts below! The month of October brings much inspiration to writers of all ages and backgrounds. Use these creative writing category prompts, designed specifically for the month of October, to generate original responses about spooky adventures, Halloween, and other celebratory days and events. Responses to these prompts can vary in genre. Writers are encouraged to use rich detail and language, as well as all steps of the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing), as best suited for their goals as a writer. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s age and needs.

October Writing Prompts

Category 1: Halloween

Spooky season is here! We have much to enjoy when it comes to this holiday, including friendly monsters and Halloween traditions that fill our memories. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to celebrate, draw, reflect, and engage with rich vocabulary related to the season.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a Halloween adventure.
2. Draw a picture of your favorite Halloween costume and write a sentence describing why you like it. If you don’t have a favorite, but really liked one you saw, you can also write about that.
3. Write about the traditions of Halloween. What do people usually do on Halloween night?

Grades 3+:

1. Create an infographic about safe Halloween practices. Give readers tips about personal safety, being out at nighttime, and the candy they collect.
2. Write an article for parents about healthy alternatives they can offer trick-or-treaters.
3. Write an article about a world renowned costume designer who designs elaborate costumes for people. Be sure to include descriptions of the costumes that the designer has created in the past.

Category 2: Spooky Stories

Halloween gives writers an opportunity to explore our skills as writers of interesting genres! We can get creatively spooky! This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write stories, draw pictures, develop informational pieces, and anchor our skills in all things spooky!

Grades K-2:

1. Write a short and silly spooky story, including friendly ghosts, talking animals, and funny Halloween mishaps.
2. Draw a picture of a not-so-scary monster and write a sentence describing its personality.
3. Write a story about different Halloween creatures: vampires, witches, and werewolves.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a horror story that features a monster that has the ability to become invisible.
2. Develop a comic strip about a group of teen ghost hunters who finally decide to explore an old, abandoned house in their neighborhood.
3. Write an informative, “how to” style infographic about the elements of horror stories, such as the use of fear, suspense, and symbolism.

Category 3: Autumn Harvest

The fall season brings a bountiful harvest to nature; orchards fill and pumpkin patches offer a seasonal delight. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write stories, draw pictures, create invitations, and develop essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a family’s trip to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard.
2. Draw a picture of your favorite autumn fruit or vegetable. Describe its color and taste.
3. Create an invitation for an apple picking party. Tell people what to wear and how they can use the apples they pick.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a descriptive essay about a bountiful harvest scene. Include a cornucopia filled with fruits, corn, squash, and tiny pumpkins.
2. Write a story about a character’s experience turning autumn fruits into jam.
3. Write a story about a cozy October night indoors with hot chocolate and a movie.

Category 4: Fall Memories

The autumn season brings opportunity to enjoy seasonal memories associated with crunchy leaves, crisp air, and more. We have much to enjoy when it comes to this season. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to celebrate, draw, reflect, write poetry, and create lists of fall favorites.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a memorable fall day.
2. Draw a picture of your favorite fall memory and write a sentence describing why it is special to you.
3. Write an acrostic poem using the words “FALL” or “AUTUMN.” Be sure that the poem explores fall themes.

Grades 3+:

1. Design or curate a fall wardrobe for somebody you know or yourself. Explain your design choices in a short essay.
2. Write a short story, from the perspective of a leaf, who is very excited about turning from the color green to the color orange
3. Create a list of movie or book recommendations for autumn. Explain why you’ve chosen each.

Category 5: Pumpkins

They’re big and orange and come in all shapes and sizes! Instead of ghouls, focus on gourds! Pumpkins are a classic staple of fall and we begin to see and find them everywhere during the season. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, poems, articles, and essays.

Grades K-2

1. Write a story about a super silly pumpkin that comes to life.
2. It’s Halloween night, and you notice many teal colored pumpkins on people’s doorsteps. What could this teal color mean? (Hint: Do a little research!)
3. Create a pumpkin-themed acrostic poem using the letters of the word “PUMPKIN.” Write a word or phrase that starts with each letter and relates to pumpkins, such as “P is for plump and orange,” “U is for unique shapes,” and so on.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a descriptive essay about a visit to a pumpkin patch in the fall. Use sensory language to convey the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the pumpkin patch, and describe the experience of picking out the perfect pumpkin.
2. Imagine you are a pumpkin farmer entering a pumpkin-growing competition. Write a journal entry detailing your efforts to grow the biggest pumpkin and a nemesis who always wins.
3. Research and write a persuasive speech advocating for the benefits of using pumpkins in cooking and baking. Discuss the nutritional value of pumpkins.

Category 6: Vegetarian Day

People all over have different dietary and food needs and preferences. Vegetables can be prepared in a variety of forms to supplement meat options. Whether you’re an occasional vegetarian or an everyday vegetarian, enjoy these creative October writing prompts dedicated to this food lifestyle. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, posters, letters, essays, and reports.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a young child who decides to become a vegetarian for a week and explains their reasons to their friends and family.
2. Draw a picture and write a few sentences about your favorite vegetarian meal. Describe the ingredients, flavors, and textures, and explain why you enjoy it so much.
3. Create a colorful poster that promotes the benefits of a vegetarian diet. Include pictures of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods, and write about how vegetarianism can benefit one’s health.

Grades 3+:

1. Write an argumentative essay on the topic of vegetarianism, discussing the ethical, environmental, and/or health reasons for choosing vegetarianism. Present evidence to support your viewpoint.
2. Imagine you are a spokesperson for a vegetarian advocacy group. Write a letter to a local restaurant owner (or two!), encouraging them to add at least one more vegetarian option to their menu.
3. Research and write a report on a famous celebrity who advocates for vegetarianism or follows a vegetarian lifestyle. Describe how they use their platform or following to promote this lifestyle.