Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts

30 Prompts to Inspire Your Love Story (or Any Story) This February

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, affection, and connection. As a writer, it’s an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of love through your craft. Whether you’re aiming to pen a heartfelt poem, a short story, or a personal essay, the following Valentine’s Day writing prompts are designed to ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of love in its many forms!

1. Write a Love Letter to Your Future Self

Imagine writing a heartfelt letter to yourself five years from now. What wisdom would you share? What would you want to remind yourself about self-love, growth, and hope? This exercise is a way to explore the future while practicing the art of reflection and nurturing positivity.

2. Describe Your Ideal Valentine’s Day Date

What does your perfect Valentine’s Day look like? Whether it’s a grand romantic gesture or an intimate, quiet evening, explore what would make your ideal day special. Focus on the emotions and significance behind the actions, not just the setting.

3. Write a Poem About Unrequited Love

Dive into the painful and poignant feelings of loving someone who doesn’t return your affections. Capture the longing, the heartache, and the complexity of feeling invisible in love. This is a raw prompt that can help unlock vulnerability in your writing.

4. Create a Dialogue Between Two Characters on Their First Date

Write a scene where two characters are on their first date. Explore the awkwardness, the sparks, the nervous laughter. Use this opportunity to develop their personalities and to make their voices distinct, while also building tension or chemistry.

5. Pen a Story About a Couple Celebrating Their 50th Anniversary

Explore a love story that has spanned decades. Write about the memories, the obstacles overcome, and the deep connection that has grown over time. What does love look like after fifty years, and how has it evolved?

6. Write a Letter to Someone You Admire

Who in your life do you admire deeply? Craft a letter that shares your appreciation and gratitude. This exercise allows you to explore admiration and connection, whether romantic or platonic, while honing your emotional expression.

7. Describe a Valentine’s Day Tradition in Your Family

Think about how Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in your family or culture. Is there a unique tradition that holds sentimental value? Share the warmth, humor, and love that this tradition brings to your life and how it shapes the way you see love.

8. Write a Story About a Secret Admirer

Imagine someone is secretly in love with your main character. How do they express their feelings—through notes, gifts, or subtle actions? Write about the mystery and intrigue of secret admiration, and consider how the revelation will change the dynamics of the story.

9. Create a Scene Where Two Characters Confess Their Love

Write the moment when two characters admit their feelings for each other. Focus on the vulnerability, the relief, and the joy of being open with one another. What are they afraid of? How do they express their love—through words, gestures, or actions?

10. Write a Poem About the Beauty of Friendship

Celebrate the platonic love that exists between friends. What does a deep, supportive friendship feel like? Capture the comfort, laughter, and shared history that makes friendships invaluable. This prompt is perfect for honoring relationships that aren’t romantic but are still deeply meaningful.

11. Describe a Valentine’s Day Disaster

Not every Valentine’s Day goes according to plan! Write about a Valentine’s Day gone hilariously or heartbreakingly wrong. This is your chance to inject some humor or drama into the day while showing how characters deal with unexpected setbacks.

12. Write a Story About a Couple Who Met Through a Misunderstanding

Imagine two people whose love story begins with a misunderstanding—perhaps a mistaken identity or a mix-up in communication. Explore how this confusion leads to a deeper connection and what lessons they learn along the way.

13. Create a Scene Where a Character Receives an Unexpected Valentine’s Gift

What would happen if your character received a Valentine’s Day gift that completely surprised them? Write about the surprise, the emotions it brings up, and the unspoken feelings behind the gift. This moment could shift the direction of your character’s relationships or provide insight into their desires.

14. Write a Poem About the Feeling of Holding Hands

Hold hands with your imagination and write a poem about the sensations that come with this simple, intimate gesture. What emotions does it convey? Is it a comforting act, a first spark of love, or a quiet expression of connection?

15. Describe a Valentine’s Day in a Different Culture

Valentine’s Day isn’t celebrated the same way everywhere. Research how this day of love is observed in a country other than your own, and write a scene or story based on that cultural tradition. What unique customs or rituals stand out to you?

16. Write a Story About a Character Who Hates Valentine’s Day

Not everyone is in the mood for romance on February 14th. Write about a character who despises the holiday, and explore the reasons behind their disdain. Is it heartbreak, cynicism, or something else? Could they be persuaded to see it differently?

17. Create a Scene Where Two Characters Share Their First Kiss

The first kiss can be full of tension, excitement, and emotion. Write this pivotal moment between two characters—whether it’s tender or passionate, awkward or electric. What is the setting? What does the kiss signify for the future of their relationship?

18. Write a Letter to Your Younger Self About Love

Reflect on your own journey with love, and write a letter to your younger self. What advice would you offer about relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth? This prompt allows for introspection and growth as a writer, as well as a way to explore self-compassion.

19. Describe a Valentine’s Day Gift That Holds Special Meaning

What’s a Valentine’s Day gift that stands out in your life? It could be a meaningful keepsake or a gesture that left an emotional impact. Write about the memories tied to this gift and how it shaped your understanding of love and appreciation.

20. Write a Poem About the Color Red

Red symbolizes love, passion, and intensity, but it can also signify danger or warning. Write a poem that explores all the meanings attached to this powerful color. How does red show up in your character’s life or relationships?

21. Create a Scene Where a Character Declines a Valentine’s Day Proposal

Sometimes, love isn’t reciprocated, or the timing isn’t right. Write a scene where a character is asked to be in a deeper relationship or even proposes marriage, but they have to turn the other person down. What reasons do they give? How does the other character react?

22. Write a Story About a Character Who Finds Love in an Unexpected Place

Love can surprise us when we least expect it. Write about a character who falls for someone in an unconventional or unlikely situation. What brought them together? How does this unexpected love challenge or change them?

23. Describe a Valentine’s Day in a Dystopian World

Imagine a world where love and romance are forbidden, or where the concept of Valentine’s Day is altered by societal rules. How do people in this dystopian world express their feelings? This prompt opens up possibilities for exploring unconventional forms of love and resistance.

24. Write a Poem About the Sound of a Heartbeat

The sound of a heartbeat can signify life, love, or anxiety. Write a poem that captures this rhythm, and use it as a metaphor for the emotions your character is experiencing. Is their heartbeat slow and steady, or quick and erratic?

25. Create a Scene Where a Character Reconnects with an Old Flame

What happens when a character meets an ex-lover after years apart? Is the spark still there, or have things changed too much? Write about the complexities of rekindling a past relationship and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies it.

26. Write a Story About a Character Who Is Afraid of Falling in Love

Love can be terrifying for some. Write about a character who is deeply afraid of opening their heart to someone else. What past experiences or fears are holding them back? How might they overcome these obstacles?

27. Write a Story About Two People Who Heal Each Other Through Art

Two characters come from different walks of life but find common ground through a shared passion for creating art. Write about how their bond grows as they use their art to process their pasts and heal their emotional wounds.

28. Create a Scene Where a Character Fears They’ve Lost Their Chance at Love

A character has a moment of doubt and fears they’ve missed their chance at love—either with someone they care about or in general. Write about this crisis of confidence and the emotional vulnerability that comes with it. How do they move past this fear?

29. Write a Poem About the Fragility of Love

Love can be delicate and fleeting. Write a poem that explores the fragility of love, how it can be easily lost, misunderstood, or broken. Focus on the vulnerability that accompanies deep feelings and how the smallest actions can make or break a relationship.

30. Describe a Love Story That Defies Expectations

Write about a love story that goes against the norms or expectations of society. Whether it’s a relationship that forms between two unlikely people or one that surprises even the participants, explore the challenges and joys they face in choosing love over convention.

Incorporating These Valentine’s Day Prompts into Your Writing

Integrating these Valentine’s Day prompts into your writing practice can be both enjoyable and beneficial. They offer a structured yet flexible approach to exploring various facets of love and relationships. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your creative writing skills or seeking inspiration for a specific project, these prompts can serve as valuable tools!

Reflections on Love and Creativity

Valentine’s Day provides a unique opportunity to delve into the many dimensions of love through writing. By engaging with these writing prompts, you can explore personal experiences, cultural perspectives, and imaginative scenarios that celebrate the essence of love. Remember, the goal is not only to create compelling narratives but also to connect with your readers on a deeper emotional level.

Publishing Your Love Story

If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, consider partnering with a publishing company that understands the nuances of storytelling and the importance of a personal touch. Atmosphere Press offers a collaborative approach to publishing, ensuring your voice is heard and your story is told authentically! Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to bringing your manuscript to life, providing guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or a first-time writer, Atmosphere Press can help you navigate the complexities of the publishing world, allowing you to focus on what you do best—writing.

Embrace the spirit of romance and let your creativity flow. These Valentine’s Day writing prompts are just the beginning of a journey that can lead to meaningful and impactful writing!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.