The days are shorter, and the weather is colder, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your writing inspiration alive this winter! Winter can be a great time to write. The atmosphere is cozy, and there’s plenty of opportunity for reflection. This blog post will share 20 winter writing prompts to help you get started. Whether you are looking for ideas for a new project or just want to stay inspired, these prompts will help!
20 Winter Writing Prompts
1. Write about a snowy winter evening spent curled up by the fire with loved ones.
2. Imagine a world covered in ice and snow, and describe what life would be like there.
3. Reflect on all of the things you love most about winter: the cozy sweaters, the steaming cups of hot chocolate, and more.
4. Write a poem or short story that captures the feeling of anticipation that comes with the start of a new year.
5. Take an old childhood favorite like “The Snowman” or “The Little Match Girl” and reimagine it in your voice.
6. Describe a trip to your local ski resort or ice skating rink, highlighting all the fun and excitement you experience along the way.
7. Write from the perspective of someone who lives in a cold climate but has never actually experienced snow firsthand – what are their thoughts on this mysterious phenomenon?
8. Describe your perfect winter day: what are you doing, who are you with, and how does it make you feel?
9. Think back to a special family tradition that you enjoyed as a child during wintertime – maybe it was caroling at Christmas or building gingerbread houses together – and write about what that memory means to you now as an adult.
10. Explore themes of solitude and isolation by writing from the perspective of someone spending winter alone, whether by choice or necessity (for example, being housebound due to illness).
11. Write about returning home after spending time away – how has your hometown changed since last seeing it?
12. Write about a winter encounter with a stranger that reminds you of the kindness of human nature.
13. Write about the importance of taking care of yourself (and your health) over the winter months.
14. Is winter your favorite season, or do you prefer warmer weather? Why?
15. Write about your favorite part of the holiday season: planning for Christmas, buying gifts, the shopping mall, etc.
16. Write about winter break and the feelings accompanying the semester’s end.
17. Write about visiting a wintertime tourist attraction in your area: a ski resort, an ice skating rink, an ice fishing hut, etc.
18. Write about a winter storm and all the phenomena that come with it: the sounds, the smells, the sights, etc.
19. Write about a winter ritual from your childhood – maybe it was building a snowman or going skiing with friends; whatever it was, describe the emotion and excitement you felt.
20. Write about visiting a historical site in your area during wintertime: a Civil War battlefield, a Revolutionary-era village, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Describe Winter in Writing?
One of the best ways to describe winter is to focus on the senses. What does winter smell like? What does it look like? What does it sound like? Use these sensory details to create a vivid picture for your readers.
Another approach is to focus on the emotions that winter evokes. Sadness, loneliness, joy, hope, etc. Everyone experiences winter differently, so think about what winter means and use that emotion in your writing.
Finally, don’t forget about the positive aspects of winter! The holidays, time spent with family, cozy fires, etc. There’s a lot of beauty in winter if you take the time to look for it.
What Are Words for Winter?
First, let’s start with some basics. Winter is the coldest season of the year, and it typically lasts from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are shorter, and the nights are longer during this time of year. And while some people love winter for its snow and its cozy firesides, others find it a difficult season.
There are a few key words that help us describe winter. Some of these words capture the season’s beauty, while others focus on winter’s challenges. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Beauty: The word “snow” is often used to describe the beauty of winter. Snow is one of the things that makes winter unique. It’s also one of the things that can make winter challenging, as we’ll discuss later. But there’s no denying that snow has a certain magic about it. It’s light and airy, transforming the world into a blanket of white.
Another word that captures the beauty of winter is “ice.” Ice is often seen as dangerous but can also be stunningly beautiful. When sunlight hits ice just right, it can create a rainbow of colors. Ice sculptures are another example of how ice can be used to create beautiful art.
Challenges: One of the biggest challenges winter brings is “cold.” Cold weather can be hard to deal with, both physically and emotionally. It’s tough to get out of bed on a cold morning, and it’s even tougher to go outside and face the elements. Winter can also be difficult for people who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The lack of sunlight during this time of year can trigger depression and anxiety in some people.
Another challenge winter brings is “snow.” While snow can be beautiful, it can also be disruptive. It’s not uncommon for snowstorms to cause power outages and travel delays. And let’s not forget about shoveling! All that snow can make it difficult to get around this time of year.
How Do You Start a Winter Story?
1. Use descriptive language to set the scene.
When writing about winter, it’s important to use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in your reader’s mind. Describe the scent of the air, how the snow looks in the moonlight, or the sound of sleigh bells ringing in the distance. This will help transport your readers into your story world and make them feel like they’re alongside your characters.
2. Begin with an intriguing hook.
As with any story, it’s important to begin with, an intriguing hook that will make your reader want to keep reading. Start with action, introduce an unexpected event, or pose a question that will leave your reader wanting more. Whatever you do, ensure your opening grabs attention and sets up enough interest to carry your reader through to the end.
3. Develop compelling characters.
No matter what genre you’re writing in or what style you prefer, all stories need compelling characters that readers can invest in. Take some time to develop fully fleshed-out and interesting characters, and make sure they have clear motivations for their actions throughout the story. This will help ensure that your readers are invested in them and cheering for them every step.
4. Add some holiday cheer (or not).
Winter stories don’t always have to be full of holiday cheer—sometimes they’re even better when they’re not! If you’re going for a more dramatic or suspenseful tale, feel free to play with darker themes such as loneliness, loss, or betrayal. Just remember to stay true to your vision and don’t force anything just for the sake of it; after all, the best stories always come from the heart.
How Do You Describe Cold Wind in Writing?
Cold wind can be one of the most difficult things to describe in writing. It’s not enough to say it’s “cold” or “windy.” You need to be more specific to create a vivid picture for your readers. Here are 8 ways that you can describe cold wind in your writing.
1. Crisp: A crisp wind is sharp and refreshing, like what you might feel on a winter morning.
2. Cutting: A cutting wind feels like it’s slicing through you, making breathing hard.
3. Howling: A howling wind makes a lot of noise as it moves through the trees or across an open field.
4. Moaning: A moaning wind sounds sad or lonely.
5. Blowing: Wind blowing is strong enough to move things around, like leaves or branches.
6. Chill: A chill wind makes you feel cold even if you’re not in the cold weather.
7. Whipping: A whipping wind is one that is so strong that it feels like it’s hitting you with something, like a whip.
8. Gusty: A gusty wind comes in gusts or bursts rather than blowing steadily.
How Do You Describe Winter Mornings?
One of the best things about winter mornings is that they can differ from day to day. Sometimes, the air is so cold it feels like it’s cutting through you. Other times, there’s a fresh layer of snow on the ground, and the world looks like a frigid wonderland. No matter what kind of winter morning you’re dealing with, there’s always a way to describe it in writing that will do justice to the scene.
1. First, take a look around and make note of all the different elements that are present. What does the sky look like? Is the sun shining, or are there clouds obscuring it? What color is the snow? Are there trees or other structures nearby? Make a list of as many details as you can think of.
2. Once you have a good understanding of your surroundings, it’s time to start thinking about how those elements make you feel. Are you feeling chilly or downright cold? Is there a sense of peace, or is everything eerily silent? Brainstorm a few words or phrases that capture your emotions.
3. Now, it’s time to start putting everything together into sentences and paragraphs. Start with a general scene description before narrowing in on specific details. Use sensory language to paint a picture for your reader, and don’t be afraid to let your emotions show through. After all, winter mornings can be magical—and sometimes treacherous—so it’s only fitting that your writing should reflect that!