Notes from the Inkpot
Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.
70 Cursed Bargains Writing Prompts: Deals, Desire & Consequence
Cursed bargains sit at the heart of fairytale and folklore storytelling, capturing the moment when desire outweighs caution and a single decision begins to reshape everything that follows. Whether the offer comes from a stranger, a witch, a fae creature, or something less easily named, these stories explore the tension between what is promised and what is truly given. At their most compelling, they are not simply about magic or consequence, but about choice — the quiet, often desperate moment when a character decides the risk is worth it. This collection of 70 Cursed Bargains Writing Prompts invites writers to explore that moment from every angle, from tempting offers and hidden terms to the slow, unsettling realisation of the cost. Designed for both classroom use and independent writing, these prompts support imaginative, craft-focused storytelling rooted in folklore, symbolism, and consequence.