Urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres because I love the idea that the world we see around us might not be the only world that exists. That there might be hidden layers of magic, myth, and danger—if only we develop the eyes to see them.
And maybe that’s what you’re searching for too: a way to bring more wonder, grit, and imagination into your stories.
To help spark your imagination, here are 10 urban fantasy writing prompts to get you started.
✨ Bonus: If you’d like 30 more prompts plus a printable writing worksheet, you can download my free guide:
➡️ 30 Days of Urban Fantasy Writing Prompts
What Makes Urban Fantasy Unique?
Urban fantasy blends magic with the modern world—hidden portals in subway tunnels, ancient curses in city streets, and supernatural forces lurking behind ordinary lives.
These prompts explore the moment when the everyday collides with the magical.
Urban Fantasy Writing Prompts
1. As the clock struck midnight, the abandoned building came alive with whispers of long-forgotten magic. The abandoned building was actually a time machine …
2. In the heart of the city, a hidden portal awaited those who knew where to look. The protagonist discovers that the portal actually leads to an alternate reality where they are living their ideal life …
3. The alleyways were filled with creatures of the night, their glowing eyes watching from the shadows. The creatures of the night turn out to be humans who have been transformed into monsters …
4. A mysterious shop appeared on the corner overnight, offering rare and powerful artifacts to those brave enough to seek them out. The shopkeeper is actually a demon …
5. The old subway tunnels held secrets older than time itself, waiting to be uncovered by a curious soul. The subway trains start running on an inexplicable schedule, leading passengers to destinations beyond their wildest imaginations …
✨ Want More Urban Fantasy Writing Prompts?
If these prompts sparked an idea, you can download my free 30 Days of Urban Fantasy Writing Prompts guide.
Inside you’ll find:
• 30 prompts across multiple UF subgenres
• a printable writing worksheet
• a 30-day writing calendar
6. A curse swept through the city, turning ordinary citizens into something dark and dangerous. The protagonist discovers that they are immune to the curse …
7. The streetlights flickered ominously as a powerful storm brewed on the horizon, heralding the arrival of a vengeful spirit. As it draws closer, the protagonist recognizes the spirit as someone they failed to save in their past …
8. A group of misfit teenagers discovered they were descendants of ancient sorcerers, destined to save the world from the impending darkness that threatened to consume everything familiar and loved …
9. A ring of fire dancers performed in the park, unknowingly summoning a powerful elemental spirit that threatened to consume everything in its path …
10. An enchanted painting in a gallery held the key to unlocking a gateway to another realm, tempting all who gazed upon it. The protagonist, an art restorer with a keen eye for the unusual …
Ready for More Urban Fantasy Ideas?
If you enjoyed these prompts, you can download 30 more urban fantasy writing prompts plus a printable writing worksheet to help develop your stories.
It’s completely free and designed to help you generate a full month of story ideas.
What’s inside:
- 30 prompts grouped by sub-genre (from witchy to noir)
- A printable worksheet to expand your ideas
- A magical calendar to track your writing
- A bonus section of humorous prompts (corgis, dragons, and all)
✨ How to use it:
Skip around or go day by day. Use the worksheet to dig deeper. Scribble in pen or with a fistful of crayons. There’s no wrong way—only your way.
Which prompt sparked the strongest idea for you?
Tell me in the comments — I love hearing what writers create from these prompts.
And if you enjoy urban fantasy worlds filled with folklore and magic, you might also enjoy my Rowanswood series, beginning with The Chic Crone.
Discover more from Kirsten Marion
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.