42 writing prompts for October publication

I'm often asked where I find my ideas, whether writing fiction or non-fiction. The real answer is that ideas are all around us. But if you're truly struggling, research something topical. Markets love a topical peg to hang material from.

Six months ahead

I try to work roughly 4 - 6 months ahead because the majority of my writing markets are quick to take work from me and publish it. Many markets, however, already have their content planned for up to a year.

Quicker writers than me will also be able to churn out an entire book — or more than one — in time to hit the market when the anniversary strikes. You will already know what kind of writer you are.

Do check these dates yourself before doing too much work. If I’ve already noticed any contradictions, I’ll mention them. But sources do go slightly awry on occasion.

What I was working on in May

In May, I was ‘thinking’ November, ‘writing’ October, and ‘submitting’ September (although I’ve also been working on a couple of Christmas stories just lately).

As I’ve already selected several potential story themes for October, the following prompts are my ‘throwaways’ for that month.

These prompts can be applied to fiction or non-fiction, or even poetry.

Topical anniversaries in October 2022

October in general

We’re still harvesting in the UK in October, but it is coming to an end, although there are still one or two food or beer festivals knocking about. With the darker nights well and truly upon us, many towns are turning on their winter illuminations. Autumn is all around. October is Black History Month in the UK, and also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And, of course, it’s Halloween.

Multi-day UK events, October 2022

30 Sep – 2 Oct: Nottingham Goose Fair

30 Sep – 2 Oct: Broadstairs Food Festival

1 Oct – 2 Oct: East Midlands Food Festival

1 Oct – 10 Oct: Birmingham Comedy Festival

5 Oct – 16 Oct: BFI London Film Festival

7 Oct – 16 Oct: Cheltenham Literature Festival

7 Oct – 23 Oct: Ilkley Literature Festival

5 Oct – 9 Oct: Dursley Walking Festival

8 Oct – 9 Oct: Great Peak District Fair & Buxton Beer Festival

12 Oct – 15 Oct: Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival

17 Oct – 23 Oct: UK Coffee Week

1 October

Evergreen: Pheasant shooting begins

Evergreen: National Bookshop Day

Evergreen: World Smile Day

2 October

Evergreen: Grandparents’ Day

This year, on 2 October, it’s The Forest Showcase Food Festival

5 October

50 years ago, on 5 October 1972, the Congregational Church in England & Wales and the Presbyterian Church of England combined to form the United Reformed Church

6 October

Evergreen: National Poetry Day

7 October

100 years ago, on 7 October 1922, English music hall entertainer Marie Lloyd died after collapsing

8 October

Evergreen: World Octopus Day

9 October

This year, on 9 October, it’s the Leicester Festival of Light

10 October

Evergreen: Old Michaelmas Day

Evergreen: World Handbag Day

Evergreen: National Yorkshire Pudding Day

Evergreen: National Fossil Day

19 October

150 years ago, on 19 October 1872, The Holtermann 630lb gold-bearing nugget was found in New South Wales, Australia

21 October

Evergreen: Trafalgar Day

23 October

Evergreen: National Mole Day

24 October

100 years ago, on 24 October 1922, George Cadbury died, aged 83

25 October

Evergreen: National Pumpkin Day

27 October

Evergreen: National Black Cat Day

28 October

Evergreen: Wild Foods Day

29 October

Evergreen: National Cat Day

31 October

100 years ago, on 31 October 1922, Benito Mussolini became PM and dictator of Italy

40 years ago, on 31 October 1982, The Thames barrier was raised for the first time

Over to you

I hope you find something of use. Please let me know if you do, and come back and let me know what you did with it/them and how you fared.

Good luck!

Versions of this story also appear on my website, on Medium and on my Ko-fi page.