Sirens have been interpreted in different ways: as vicious feminine monsters who kill men at sea, as the embodiment of temptation, and as warnings to the forces of nature. Originating in Greek mythology, sirens are usually depicted as half-person, half-bird or merpeople.
I’ve created over 22 writing prompts about sirens, using a combination of these interpretations. I focus here on sea witchery, mermaids, and dangers at sea.
None of the writing prompts are gendered; sirens were not always depicted as only women. While the popular depiction of them as women prevails, your writing might benefit from considering different angles like: what if sirens were inspired by seagulls?
22 writing prompts about sirens
You can take just one prompt or combine any of the following for one story! Every prompt is entirely up to your interpretation.
You’ll find prompts for characters, words, settings, tropes, plotlines, and something sensory below.
Characters: A fashion designer. A photographer. A strong swimmer.
Words: Bubble. Conch. Glitter. Melody. Pout. Scale.
Settings: A beach. A party on a cliff. Out at sea.
Tropes: Ear Fins. Our Sirens Are Different. Siren Song.
Plotlines:
- A person invokes the power of a siren to save them from a monstrous fish.
- Trading shells with sirens brings a surprising revelation to the people who live on the shore.
- A missing ship turns up years later with strange signs of a struggle.
- Instead of warning for sharks, this place has road warnings for sirens.
- The call of a siren warns them of an approaching threat.
- It’s said that a siren’s feather is the perfect cure to insomnia.
Sensory: Ruffle.
Looking for more writing prompts? Check out my masterlist of writing prompts.