One of the standard trope for car-related creepy stories is driving alone at night in the country. No one is around, no cellphone service, maybe the weather is bad. Then something happens: the main character runs out of gas or has an accident or a stranger shows up in a car behind them, trying to run them off the road. I just read a book called Run on Red by Noelle Ihli with this premise and it was well done despite the premise being done before.

However, part of the fun of writing is doing things a bit differently. That’s what I want you to try to imagine today. Keep the car, keep the creepy part, but change up the setting.

Story Prompt: November 2, 2026

Write a scary story about being stuck in a traffic jam in broad daylight.

I say “scary” here but that doesn’t mean it is a horror story. Think of some reasons you might be scared while being stuck in a traffic jam.

If you write a story for this prompt, send me a link to your story on your own site, either in the comments or at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com.

I’m on the road yet again this week. I hope you have a good one!