It's a new month and time for a fresh set of May writing prompts to keep you practicing all month long. 

An integral part of the writing process and building your writing skills in general is consistent practice. You can use prompts in a variety of ways to make your daily writing habits stick. 

Some writers love to use journal prompts to empty out the cobwebs of the mind each morning (such as Julia Cameron's morning pages routine). Others like to use prompts to see different facets of their characters. Some use them to hone specific writing skills. But you can always do them just for fun too! 

However you choose to use them, here are enough creative writing ideas that you'll have a daily prompt to use if you want. Give them a try! 

Journal Writing Prompts

1. Write out five daily affirmations or positive affirmations that will help you accomplish your goals this month. 

2. Share a small joy from this week.

3. Journal about the arrival of spring. You can describe how spring looks in your region or take it a more metaphorical direction and write about fresh starts. 

4. May can sometimes be a busy month full of end-of-school parties, events, and graduations. Write about how busy life is (or isn't!) this month. 

5. What are your favorite outdoor activities during May? Any special celebrations? 

6. Write about the first time you remember visiting the public library or a bookstore. 

7. What activities do you like to do daily (or on a regular basis) to support your mental health?

8. For practice with descriptive writing, describe in detail one of the following: the winning goal of a soccer match, a friend surprised by a bouquet of flowers, or the moment a big test is handed back.

9. Create a book list that you would like to explore or read from for the rest of the spring (and maybe summer!).

10. If you could change one thing in your daily life, what would it be any why? 

11. As you look at your blank writing paper, draw a stick figure. Then create a setting. Who is your figure and where did you place them. What does the figure want? 

12. Write about a recent disappointment.

13. Where is your favorite place in May and why? Describe the last time you were there. 

14. Describe a perfect walk. 

15. How are you different today than you were a year ago? Five years ago? What made the difference? 

Story Starter Prompt Ideas

16. They were supposed to be building a road, until the bulldozer unearthed…

17. The graduation ceremony was interrupted with…

18. The deep sea fishing trip was disrupted when…

19. Someone would have to descend into the valley to face the monster there, and…

20. They'd gone to the event to meet someone new, not to…

21. One morning, the dog began to talk…

22. They'd planned the perfect trip, but they hadn't realized…

23. The annual celebration of spring parade was in full swing, everyone in town lining the streets until…

24. The person at the door accused their dog of digging up the street's flower beds, but they don't have a dog. Or so they thought…

25. The mars expedition had tested their friendship, but nothing could have prepared them for…

26. The journal cover looked harmless enough, until they opened it up and found…

27. They hadn't seen each other in twenty years, but it all came flooding back…

28. Every time the librarian checked out that book, something unusual began…

29. It was a fire that tore the town in two. They were hired to do the impossible…

30. The frequent visits to the graveside were usually uneventful, until one evening… 

31. The final item on their bucket list should have been the easiest, but…

Now you try!

Whatever you have on your schedule this month, I hope you'll find some time to pursue your writing. Looking for even more prompts? Check out our Top 150 Short Story Ideas or more Spring Writing Prompts. 

What are your writing goals for May? Share with us in the comments.