29 journalling prompts for self-care

Over on social media, I run a feature I call The Writing Mirror, where I post reflective prompts for writers. Here I’ve compiled 29 journalling prompts for self-care with writers in mind, because we all need to make some time for reflection.

The purpose of these journalling prompts is to think about what you want from writing, how you’re approaching writing, and what you do when you’re struggling. Writers are very likely to suffer from imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and more. Even if we narrow it down to writer’s block, it’s a lot to contend with.

If you don’t journal already, learn how to start a self-care journal for your writing life.

You might also find these self-care journal prompts helpful.

List of journalling prompts for self-care

Whether you want to dedicate a day to journalling or need some inspiration for what to journal about today, pick a prompt or two to think about your life as a writer.

1. What is stopping you from writing the book you’ve always dreamed of writing?
2. How many stories are in your head right now? Are there any you could write down?
3. What can you do in under 5 minutes to get closer to your dream of being a published author?
4. Are there any writing achievements you haven’t been able to celebrate? Why haven’t you celebrated yet?
5. What can’t you write without? What do you think would happen if you suddenly lost it or couldn’t access it?
6. How do you celebrate reaching writing goals? Or do you prefer to reflect on your progress?
7. What are you thankful for as a writer? Who do you want to send gratitude to today?
8. Who are your go-to people for writing advice or writing tips? Tag two amazing creators or friends!
9. What’s the most challenging part of writing for you right now?
10. What do you do to relax or look after yourself when you’re struggling to write?
11. What is your favourite thing about your current or latest writing project?
12. What’s one thing you learned from writing your last story?
13. What have you accomplished as a writer that your past self would be proud of?
14. What have you learned about yourself as a writer that has helped you find more joy in writing?
15. What major writing challenge would be solved if you had infinite wealth, other than more time?
16. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
17. If you could give 2 pieces of advice to inspire a new writer, what would you share?
18. What would you rather do: finish and publish a story you abandoned, or write a bestseller?
19. What’s the most challenging problem you’ve dealt with as a writer, and what did it teach you?
20. What’s the most challenging decision you’ve made as a writer? How did you make the decision?
21. When do you find yourself most in the flow of writing?
22. Which authors have had the biggest influence on your writing?
23. What do you really want your readers to know about you through your writing?
24. What is your greatest strength as a writer?
25. What would you stop doing or remove from your life if you knew it meant you could write more?
26. What have you written in the past that you’d never want to write again?
27. If you could write anything in the world, what would it be? What’s stopping you?
28. How have your goals as a writer changed as you’ve grown as a writer?
29. What writing goals do you think are impossible for you to achieve?