Free tools
Outline fast → blurb fast → draft Chapter 1
Use these free templates, then generate a clean opening chapter.
Last updated: February 2026
Thriller Writing Prompts (15 Ideas You Can Use Today)
Steal these thriller writing prompts to kickstart your next story. Use them as-is, or paste them into WriteAIBook to generate clean Chapter 1 drafts fast.
15 Thriller prompts
- 1. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'unreliable narrator' — and the first scene includes 'thriller books'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 2. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'missing person' — and the first scene includes 'psychological thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 3. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'psychological manipulation' — and the first scene includes 'domestic thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 4. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'race against time' — and the first scene includes 'suspense thriller kindle'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 5. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'hidden identity' — and the first scene includes 'mystery thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 6. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'revenge plot' — and the first scene includes 'crime thriller books'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 7. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'conspiracy' — and the first scene includes 'serial killer thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 8. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'serial killer' — and the first scene includes 'page turner thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 9. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'domestic thriller' — and the first scene includes 'thriller books'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 10. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'locked room mystery' — and the first scene includes 'psychological thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 11. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'amateur sleuth' — and the first scene includes 'domestic thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 12. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'government cover-up' — and the first scene includes 'suspense thriller kindle'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 13. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'unreliable narrator' — and the first scene includes 'mystery thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 14. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'missing person' — and the first scene includes 'crime thriller books'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
- 15. Write a thriller opening where the main character is forced into 'psychological manipulation' — and the first scene includes 'serial killer thriller'. End with a decision that can’t be undone.
How to turn a prompt into a publishable draft
- Pick 1 prompt and write 3 bullet points: character, goal, obstacle.
- Generate a short outline (5 beats), then draft Chapter 1.
- Do a “human pass”: add 1 sensory detail + 1 specific micro-conflict per page.