20 Terrifying Scary Journal Prompts to Spook Your Writing Routine

Are you tired of writing the same boring entries in your journal every day? Do you want to add an exciting and spooky twist to your daily writing routine? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got some terrifying journal prompts that will send shivers down your spine!

These prompts aren’t your typical “What did you do today?” or “What are you grateful for?” questions. These are designed to dig deep into your psyche, challenge your fears, and uncover hidden truths about yourself. They range from haunted experiences to monstrous nightmares and everything in between, making them perfect for horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

But be warned, these prompts aren’t for the faint of heart. They will push you out of your comfort zone and force you to confront your deepest fears. So, if you’re ready to add some spooky excitement to your journaling routine and unlock new levels of creativity, then grab a pen and get ready to face your demons with these spine-chilling journal prompts.

Terrifying Childhood Memories Journal Prompts

Childhood is meant to be a time of joy and innocence, but for some of us, it can be filled with traumatic experiences that leave scars for years to come. Recalling these memories can be difficult, but it’s also essential if you want to heal and move on from your past. Here are 15 scary journal prompts to help you face your childhood fears and find closure:

  • What is your earliest memory, and why does it scare you?
  • Did you ever witness a violent or traumatic event as a child?
  • Have you ever been lost or abandoned by your parents or caregivers?
  • Did you ever experience physical or emotional abuse as a child?
  • Did you ever witness someone close to you being abused or mistreated?
  • Did you ever suffer from a serious illness or injury as a child?
  • Did you ever have a recurring nightmare as a child?
  • Did you ever witness a crime being committed?
  • Did you ever feel like you were in danger or at risk of harm?
  • Did you ever have a close call or near-death experience?
  • Did you ever witness or experience the aftermath of a natural disaster?
  • Did you ever witness or experience a tragic loss or death?
  • Did you ever feel like you didn’t belong or fit in with your peers?
  • Did you ever struggle with a mental health issue as a child?
  • Did you ever witness or experience prejudice or discrimination?

These prompts might be difficult to face, but they can also be cathartic, allowing you to release pent-up emotions and process your childhood experiences. Remember that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that it’s okay to take things slowly and seek support as needed.

If you find yourself struggling to cope with your childhood memories, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma and/or childhood issues. They can provide valuable guidance and support as you work through your past and begin to build a brighter future.

Spooky Supernatural Experiences Journal Prompts

One of the most popular themes for scary journal prompts is supernatural experiences. Writing about ghostly encounters, mysterious apparitions, and inexplicable phenomena can be both exciting and hauntingly scary. The supernatural experience journal prompts will help you explore your fascination with the unknown and the mysterious.

  • Write about the time when you felt like someone was watching you, but you couldn’t see anyone around.
  • What would you do if you saw a ghostly apparition in your room?
  • Have you ever seen something move on its own? Describe the experience.
  • Write about a time when you felt a presence in the room but couldn’t see anything.
  • Did you ever have a dream that came true or had a premonition about something? Describe it in detail.
  • What is your opinion about the existence of ghosts?
  • Have you ever felt a cold breeze pass by when there was no source for it?
  • Do you believe in paranormal activities?
  • What would be your first reaction if you encountered a supernatural being?
  • Did you ever have an out-of-body experience or astral projection? Describe it.
  • What would you do if you heard a voice that nobody else could hear?
  • Have you ever encountered a demon or a shadow figure?
  • Do you believe in reincarnation or life after death? Why or why not?
  • Write about the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you that you could not explain.
  • Have you ever seen a UFO or had an encounter with an alien? Explain.

Supernatural experiences can be thrilling but also terrifying. Writing about them can be a way to confront your fears and explore the mysteries of the universe. Try to be as detailed and descriptive as possible, and don’t be afraid to let your imagination wander. These prompts will help you unleash your creativity and delve into the world of the supernatural.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to supernatural experiences. It’s all about your personal beliefs and experiences.

Unexplained phobias journal prompts

If you’re someone who has ever experienced an unexplained or irrational fear, you might know how hard it is to explain it to others. The feeling of being afraid of something for no apparent reason can be stressful and confusing. One of the best ways to deal with these unexplained phobias is to write about them. Journaling can be a great way to explore your fears, understand them better, and maybe even overcome them in some cases. Below are 15 scary journal prompts to help you start:

  • Write about your fear of heights. What specific situations or thoughts scare you the most?
  • Do you have a fear of the dark? When did it start, and what is it about the darkness that scares you?
  • Have you ever experienced a panic attack? What triggered it, and how did you feel during and after?
  • Write about your fear of small spaces. Do you know what caused it, or is it unexplainable?
  • Write about your fear of enclosed spaces like elevators or airplanes. What thoughts go through your mind when you’re in them?
  • Do you have a fear of snakes, spiders, or other creepy crawlies? What is it about these creatures that scare you so much?
  • Write about your fear of water. Is it deep water, murky water, or ocean water? What specific events or experiences caused this fear?
  • Do you have a fear of needles or medical procedures? What about them scares you the most?
  • Do you have a fear of crowds or public speaking? What are some specific situations that make you feel most anxious?
  • Write about your fear of the unknown or uncertainty. What specific situations or events trigger this fear in you?
  • Do you have a fear of failure? What specific situations or outcomes scare you the most?
  • Write about your fear of death or dying. Is it the fear of pain, leaving loved ones behind, or the unknown afterlife that scares you the most?
  • Do you have a fear of germs or contamination? What are some specific things that trigger this fear for you?
  • Write about your fear of the supernatural or paranormal. Is it ghosts, aliens, or something else that scares you?
  • Do you have a fear of getting lost or separated from loved ones? What specific situations make you feel most anxious?

Remember to be gentle with yourself when exploring these scary topics. Be honest about your feelings but try not to judge yourself. Writing about these fears can be a healing process for some. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to talk to a professional or loved one for support.

Overall, journaling can be a powerful tool to understand and cope with unexplained phobias. These prompts will help you start the journey of self-discovery and healing. Happy writing!

Creepy Urban Legends Journal Prompts

Urban legends are often stories passed down from generation to generation, some true and others fabricated. They can range from spooky to downright terrifying. Writing about them can tap into your deepest fears and inspire creativity. Here are 15 creepy urban legends journal prompts to get your writing flowing:

  • Write about the hitchhiker who disappeared from your car when you turned to ask for directions.
  • Describe the strange woman who appears at the edge of your bed every night at 3 am.
  • Recount the horrifying story of the babysitter who found out the calls were coming from inside the house.
  • Describe the man with no hands who appears every year on the anniversary of his death.
  • Write about the ghostly figure that haunts the abandoned building down the street.
  • Relive the tale of the clown statue that turned out to be a killer.
  • Describe what it was like to see Bloody Mary appear in the mirror after saying her name three times.
  • Write about the creature that stalks the woods near your hometown.
  • Recount the tale of the woman who died in the elevator, but her ghost still haunts it.
  • Describe the mysterious figure that appears in the graveyard at night.
  • Write about the legend of the cursed tombstone that brings bad luck to anyone who touches it.
  • Recount the horrifying story of the vanishing hitchhiker who disappears from the back seat of your car.
  • Describe the strange noises that come from the room next door that no one has ever dared to enter.
  • Write about the ghostly apparition that appears in the reflection of the store window.
  • Recount the tale of the little girl who drowned in the pool, but her ghost still splashes around every summer.

These creepy urban legends journal prompts can help you get into the Halloween spirit and tap into your creative side. Whether you believe these stories or not, they can serve as inspiration for your writing. Happy spooky writing!

Remember, urban legends are often passed down and reshaped over time, so feel free to tweak these prompts to make them your own.

Dark and Haunted Places Journal Prompts

If you’re someone who loves to explore the supernatural, then dark and haunted places are sure to pique your interests. Whether it’s a cemetery, an abandoned building, or a forest with a paranormal past, these places can be a rich source of inspiration for your writing. Here are 15 journal prompts that will awaken your senses and send shivers down your spine.

  • Write about your experience visiting a haunted house or an abandoned building.
  • Describe the feeling of being alone in a graveyard at night.
  • Imagine yourself walking alone down a dark alley, what do you see and feel?
  • Write about a creepy urban legend you’ve heard about a specific location and how it makes you feel.
  • Describe the atmosphere of a haunted forest and how it affects you.
  • Write a story about a ghost that haunts a specific location and how it interacts with people who visit.
  • What ghost story do you know that always gives you chills? Write about it and the reason why it scares you.
  • Write about a paranormal experience you’ve had, like seeing a shadow figure or hearing unexplained noises.
  • Describe a nightmare or djinn you’ve had about a specific place and how it has affected you.
  • Write about a specific historical or tragic event that has taken place in a certain location and how that energy still lingers.
  • Write an ode to the spookiest place you’ve ever been to, expressing the fear and thrill you felt.
  • Write about a character who has an unexplainable connection to a haunted location and what that connection feels like.
  • Describe how it feels to be lost in a dark and creepy location and the thoughts that go through your mind.
  • Write a poem about a specific haunted house and what you imagine goes on inside.
  • Write about the spirits that may be roaming around, and how they came to be there in the first place.

With these prompts, you can explore your deepest fears and channel them into your writing. Remember, the spookiest stories are often the ones that come from within. Happy writing!

If you’d like to know more about writing prompts or journaling, read my other articles on these subjects.

Sinister dreams and nightmares journal prompts

Keeping track of your dreams and nightmares can be an eerie, but fascinating, way to explore your subconscious. Nightmares in particular can be scary and unsettling, but using them as journal prompts can help you uncover hidden fears and anxieties. Here are 15 journal prompts to help you explore your sinister dreams and nightmares:

  • What was the scariest dream or nightmare you ever had? Describe it in as much detail as possible.
  • Are there any recurring themes or images in your dreams or nightmares? What do you think they mean?
  • Have you ever had a dream or nightmare that felt like it lasted forever? What happened in it?
  • Do your dreams or nightmares ever involve people you know? How do they act or behave in your dream?
  • Have you ever had a dream or nightmare that felt like a prophetic warning? Did it come true?
  • What is the most unsettling thing about your dreams or nightmares?
  • Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming? Describe your experience.
  • What is the most vivid dream or nightmare you can remember? Write it down in detail.
  • Do you have any recurring nightmares that you can’t seem to shake? What do you think is causing them?
  • Have you ever had a dream or nightmare that left you feeling haunted the next day? Why do you think it affected you so deeply?
  • What is the most bizarre dream or nightmare you’ve ever had? How did it make you feel?
  • Do your dreams or nightmares ever contain imagery that seems otherworldly? How do you interpret it?
  • Have you ever had a dream or nightmare that felt like it was taking place in an alternate reality? Describe the environment and any people or creatures you encountered.
  • Are there any common factors between your nightmares and real-life anxieties or fears? How can you address them?
  • What do you think your dreams and nightmares say about your subconscious? How can you use this information to improve your mental health?

Exploring your dreams and nightmares can be a powerful way to uncover hidden fears and anxieties, as well as gain insight into your subconscious mind. If you’re struggling with recurring nightmares or disturbing dreams, writing them down can also help you process and overcome them. Use these journal prompts to dive deeper into your inner world, and see what hidden gems lie within.

So, let’s begin exploring your dreams and nightmares by using these prompts as a guide.

Horror movie-inspired journal prompts

Horror movies have the power to send shivers down your spine and make you question the safety and sanity of the world around you. Use these movie-inspired journal prompts to explore the darkest corners of your imagination and confront your fears.

  • What would you do if you woke up one day and found out that everyone in the world had disappeared except for you?
  • Imagine you are the last person alive in a post-apocalyptic world. Describe a typical day in your life.
  • Write about a nightmare you had recently and try to uncover the hidden meaning behind it.
  • Describe a moment when you felt like you were being watched, even though you were alone.
  • If you had the power to bring someone back from the dead, who would you choose and why?
  • Imagine a world where all your worst fears have come true. Describe what that world looks like.
  • What would you do if you found yourself trapped in a house full of ghosts?
  • Describe a time when you felt like you were being followed or chased.
  • What would you do if you found out that the people you love the most were actually monsters in disguise?
  • Write about a time when you felt like you were being controlled or possessed by an outside force.
  • Imagine you are traveling alone in a foreign country and you stumble upon a hidden cave. What do you find inside?
  • Describe a recurring nightmare that you have had since childhood.
  • What would you do if you were suddenly transported to a parallel universe where everything is upside down and backwards?
  • Write about an experience you had that could only be explained by supernatural or paranormal forces.
  • Imagine you are a detective investigating a string of bizarre and terrifying murders. What clues do you uncover?

These horror movie-inspired journal prompts are designed to take you on a journey into the unknown. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and explore the darkest corners of your mind. Who knows what kind of twisted tales you might uncover?

Remember, the purpose of journaling is to help you process your emotions and make sense of the world around you. So don’t be afraid to confront your fears and delve into the unknown; you might just discover something about yourself in the process.

FAQs about Scary Journal Prompts

1) What are scary journal prompts?

Scary journal prompts are writing prompts that are designed to push you out of your comfort zone and into the realm of the unknown. These prompts may ask you to reflect on your deepest fears or explore the darker parts of your psyche.

2) Why would I want to use scary journal prompts?

Using scary journal prompts can help you confront your fears and explore new sides of yourself. It can be a therapeutic exercise that helps you better understand your thoughts and emotions.

3) Are scary journal prompts only for horror writers?

No, scary journal prompts can be used by anyone who wants to explore their fears and delve deeper into their own psyche. You don’t have to be a horror writer to benefit from these prompts.

4) Can scary journal prompts be harmful?

While scary journal prompts can be intense, they are not intended to be harmful. However, if you find that a prompt is too triggering or causes you distress, it’s important to listen to your boundaries and stop writing.

5) How often should I use scary journal prompts?

The frequency of using scary journal prompts is up to you. Some people may find that using them once a week is helpful, while others may prefer to use them less frequently. It’s important to find a schedule that works for you.

6) Can scary journal prompts help me with anxiety?

Using scary journal prompts can help you confront your fears and anxieties in a controlled setting. It can also help you develop coping mechanisms for when those fears and anxieties arise in real life.

7) Where can I find scary journal prompts?

You can find scary journal prompts online, in writing prompt books, or create your own. There are many resources available that can help inspire your writing.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for reading this article on scary journal prompts! Using these prompts can be a powerful way to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings. If you decide to try them out, remember to listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable. Keep coming back for more inspiration and never stop exploring your own psyche.