120 Monthly Writing Prompts

Feeling a little stuck in a creative rut?

Been staring at a blank page for longer than you care to admit?

No worries, we’ve all been there. But fear not, fellow wordsmiths, because this here is your one-stop shop for getting those creative juices flowing again!

This post is bursting with some amazing writing prompts, ten for each month of the year. So, whether you’re a seasoned novelist or just starting to dabble in the world of writing, there’s something here to spark your imagination and get you putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!).

Let’s dive in and conquer that writer’s block, one month at a time!

January

Story Ideas

In a world where New Year’s Day is mysteriously erased from everyone’s memory each year, one person wakes up remembering everything. What secrets do they uncover about January 1st?
Every January, a small town receives an unexplained, magical gift that changes someone’s life. This year, it’s a mysterious, ancient book with untranslatable writings. Who finds it, and what wonders or dangers does it unlock?
A group of friends make a New Year’s resolution to live each day of January as if it were their last. What extraordinary experiences and challenges do they encounter?
On the first snowfall of January, a hidden garden made entirely of ice and snow appears in a city park, visible only to children. What adventures unfold there?
In a fantasy realm, January is controlled by a Timekeeper who has gone missing. A young hero ventures into different moments of past Januaries to find and restore the Timekeeper.

Journaling Prompts

Write about a significant beginning in your life. How did it shape your journey, and what can you learn from it as you start the new year?
List ten things from the previous year for which you are grateful. Reflect on how each has contributed positively to your life.
Create a visual or written “vision board” in your journal for what you hope to achieve in January. Include specific goals, feelings you want to embrace, and experiences you seek.
Write a letter to your future self, to be read next January. What hopes, dreams, and advice do you want to give your future self?
Set a small, achievable goal for each day of January. Document your progress, challenges, and what you learn about yourself through this journey.

Read Further: January Writing Prompts

February

Story Ideas

In a small town, anonymous love letters appear every February, mysteriously solving people’s problems. Who is the secret author, and what happens when they finally reveal themselves?
In a world where February has a magical 29th day every year, not just in leap years, what happens on this extra day? A story of unexpected events and magical happenings that occur only on this day.
A mythical creature, known to awaken only in February, is sighted in a forest. A curious local decides to investigate, leading to a tale of enchantment and ancient secrets.
A young cupid-in-training is given the task to bring together two unlikely people during February. What challenges do they face, and how do they accomplish their mission?
In a fantasy world, a unique festival occurs every February, where the dreams of the people manifest in reality. Follow the story of one dreamer whose dream changes the course of the festival.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on the acts of love and kindness you’ve experienced or witnessed in the past year. How can you spread more love and kindness this February?
February is the shortest month. Write about a time in your life when a short experience had a long-lasting impact on you.
February is a good time to review the progress of your New Year’s resolutions. Which goals are going well, which need revising, and what new goals might you set?
Write about the different forms of love in your life (romantic, familial, friendship, self-love) and what each means to you. How do you express and nurture these different types of love?
Choose a small daily activity or challenge for each day of February – it could be related to self-care, creativity, kindness, or personal growth. Journal about your experiences and what you learn from this challenge.

Read further: February Writing Prompts

March

Story Ideas

A legend in a seaside town speaks of a mysterious wind in March that can carry messages to lost loved ones. A protagonist decides to send a message, leading to an unexpected journey.
In a modern twist on the ancient warning of the “Ides of March,” a detective finds clues leading up to March 15th, suggesting a significant event will occur. What unfolds is a thrilling race against time.
In a world where seasons are controlled by mythical creatures, the one responsible for bringing spring in March has gone missing. A young hero’s quest to find them unveils a larger conspiracy.
Every year in March, a ghostly parade occurs in a small town, where spirits of forgotten historical figures march. One night, a local joins them, uncovering hidden truths of the past.
A town wakes up to find that March 4th never arrives; it jumps from the 3rd to the 5th. The story follows the quest to find the lost day and the peculiar events surrounding this anomaly.

Journaling Prompts

Write about your favorite spring memories and how the transition from winter to spring makes you feel. What do you look forward to the most in this season?
Reflect on a time in your life when you had to ‘march’ ahead despite challenges. How did you overcome these obstacles, and what did you learn from the experience?
March is known for its strong winds. Journal about the changes you want to embrace in your life this month. What steps can you take to initiate these changes?
Identify and write about areas in your life where you’ve seen personal growth since the beginning of the year. How can you continue to foster this growth in March?
Choose something new to learn or do every week in March. It could be a new skill, hobby, or a habit. Document your progress and reflect on how these experiences impact your month.

Read Further: March Writing Prompts

April

Story Ideas

In a small village, an April Fool’s joke uncovers a real, centuries-old mystery. The story follows the unraveling of this ancient secret, hidden in plain sight.
Every April, a mysterious rain falls over an ancient city, revealing hidden paths and secrets. A group of friends discovers an ancient artifact during this rain, setting them on an unexpected adventure.
A legend says that wishes made under the cherry blossoms in April come true. A character makes a wish, leading to a magical, transformative journey.
A character finds themselves reliving the same day in April over and over. How they break the loop and what they learn in the process creates a compelling narrative.
An eclipse in April reveals a hidden parallel world. The story follows a character who accidentally gets transported to this world and their quest to return home.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on the proverb “April showers bring May flowers.” How have the challenges you’ve faced in life led to growth and positive outcomes?
Write about what ‘spring cleaning’ you could do in your life – this could be physical, emotional, or mental. What would you like to clear out to make space for new growth?
April often represents new beginnings. Journal about what new beginnings you would like to initiate this month, whether in personal, professional, or creative areas of your life.
Spend some time outdoors and write about how the transition into spring affects your mood, thoughts, and perspective. What can you learn from nature’s cycles?
Each day in April, write about a small joy you experienced. By the end of the month, reflect on how acknowledging these moments has impacted your outlook.

Read Further: April Writing Prompts

May

Story Ideas

A small town celebrates May Day with a unique tradition, but this year, the festival is interrupted by a mysterious puzzle that the whole town must solve.
In a hidden garden that only blooms in May, a character finds a flower that can transport them through time. Each journey teaches a lesson about life and love.
A forgotten melody heard only in May holds the key to unlocking an ancient mystery. A young musician embarks on a quest to uncover its origins and meaning.
In a world where the sun doesn’t set during May, a character discovers an alternate realm that only appears in this endless daylight, leading to a fantastical adventure.
A story set in a village where the chosen May Queen gains a unique power for the month. This year’s queen discovers a secret that could change the village forever.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on a personal goal you set earlier in the year. How has it progressed? What steps can you take in May to further this growth?
Write about the changes in nature you observe in May. How do these changes make you feel, and how can you draw inspiration from them?
As spring matures in May, think about a recent new beginning or change in your life. What have you learned from this experience?
Reflect on the relationships in your life. Who are you particularly grateful for this month, and why? Consider expressing this gratitude directly to them.
Think back to past Mays. Write about a memorable May in your life, describing why it stands out and what it taught you.

Read Further: May Writing Prompts

June

Story Ideas

On the summer solstice in June, a hidden world becomes accessible for one day. A character stumbles upon it, leading to a fantastical adventure that must conclude before the day ends.
Every June, a mysterious festival appears in a different location around the world, bringing with it unusual occurrences. A group of friends sets out to find it this year, uncovering more than they expected.
A small town believes that every mid-June, they experience a strange jinx that causes humorous, yet puzzling events. The story follows a newcomer as they experience this quirky tradition for the first time.
During a stormy night in June, a character discovers a message in a bottle with a date marked for later in the month. This message leads them on an unexpected journey of discovery and connection.
A character born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer in June possesses a unique ability to see both past and future. They must use this ability to solve a mystery affecting their community.

Journaling Prompts

As June marks the middle of the year, reflect on the past six months. What have you achieved, and what do you hope to accomplish in the remaining months?
Each day, write about one thing that brings you joy or contentment. By the end of the month, review your entries to appreciate the abundance of positive moments.
Spend time outdoors and observe the transition to summer. Write about the changes you see and how they parallel changes in your own life.
With half the year ahead, write about a dream or goal you have yet to pursue. Outline practical steps you can take this month to make progress toward it.
June brings longer days and often more sunshine. How can you use this extra daylight for self-care and personal growth? Plan and journal about your activities.

Read Further: June Writing Prompts

July

Story Ideas

In a magical world, a painter discovers they can bring their paintings to life during July’s fireworks. One creation, however, has unexpected consequences.
A character finds a time capsule buried on July 4th, 1776, containing a message that alters their understanding of history and sends them on a quest for truth.
On a mid-July night, a character dreams of a parallel world. Each night, they continue the dream, unraveling a story that starts to blend with their reality.
In a region where a life-giving monsoon arrives each July, the rains fail to come one year, and a young local must embark on a journey to find the missing monsoon.
A small town’s July 4th celebration is disrupted by the discovery of a historical artifact. The story follows the unraveling mystery of this object and its significance.

Journaling Prompts

In the spirit of Independence Day, reflect on what freedom means to you in different aspects of your life. How do you exercise and honor your freedom?
Write about the aspects of summer that you are most grateful for. How do these elements contribute to your happiness and well-being?
July marks the middle of the year. Reflect on your goals and resolutions. Which have you achieved, and what adjustments do you need to make for the rest of the year?
Think about a summer from your past that had a significant impact on you. What did you learn, and how can those lessons be applied to your current life?
Each day, jot down a small moment or detail that captures the essence of July for you. At the end of the month, review these notes to appreciate the month’s unique beauty and character.

Read Further: July Writing Prompts

August

Story Ideas

A character wakes up to discover that August 15th has been erased worldwide, and they’re the only one who remembers it. The story follows their quest to find out why.
During the Perseid meteor shower in August, a character sees a pattern that seems to predict future events. They embark on an adventure to understand and perhaps alter these foretold events.
A group of friends facing different life changes plan one final, epic adventure in late August, leading to unexpected revelations and transformations for each of them.
An archaeologist uncovers a mysterious artifact that is only active during the hottest days of August, revealing secrets about an ancient civilization and their connection to the sun.
In a small town, strange echoes can be heard only in August, leading to hidden truths about the town’s history. A local journalist investigates these echoes and uncovers a story of love, loss, and a timeless mystery.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on your favorite summer memories from this year and past years. How have these experiences shaped your appreciation for the season?
August often brings the hottest days of the year. Write about a time in your life when you experienced the ‘heat’ of change and how you adapted or grew from that experience.
Describe the essence of summer in your own words. What sights, sounds, and smells encapsulate August for you, and why do they resonate with you?
As summer starts to wind down, think about what you would like to achieve before the season ends. Set some small, attainable goals for the remainder of August.
Spend time outdoors in the natural world. Write about the lessons or metaphors you can draw from observing nature in late summer, and how these insights apply to your life.

Read Further: August Writing Prompts

September

Story Ideas

On the day of the autumn equinox, a character discovers they can see into other realms for 24 hours. What do they learn and how does it change their life?
A mysterious fog descends every September 1st in a small town, and one year, someone vanishes in it. The story follows the search and the secrets uncovered.
Under the Harvest Moon, a character finds a strange object in their backyard. It grants them a unique ability, but only during the month of September.
A group of friends opens a time capsule they buried on their first day of high school, on their last September before college. The contents send them on an unexpected journey.
In a world where flowers grant powers, the last bloom of summer appears in September, sought after for its potent abilities. A story of rivalry and adventure as characters race to find it.

Journaling Prompts

September often signifies change. Reflect on a significant change you’ve experienced this year and how you’ve adapted or grown from it.
Recall your school days and write about a memorable September when you were a student. What were your feelings and experiences during this back-to-school season?
With the year entering its final quarter, outline some goals you want to achieve by the end. How will you work towards these in September?
Reflect on the best moments of the past summer. What are you most thankful for, and how can you carry this gratitude into the autumn?
Spend a day in nature observing the transition from summer to autumn. Journal about the metaphors for life and personal growth you find in this seasonal change.

Read Further: September Writing Prompts

October

Story Ideas

A character discovers a hidden library that only appears at midnight during October, with books that hold secrets of the past and future.
In a town where Halloween is mysteriously celebrated every night of October, a new resident uncovers the reason behind this strange tradition and its ghostly consequences.
A mysterious carnival comes to town every October, bringing with it magical and eerie occurrences. The story follows a group of friends who explore its secrets.
In a world where the final harvest of October predicts the fortune of the coming year, a young farmer stumbles upon a crop that foretells an extraordinary event.
A character wakes up to find that October 10th has been completely erased from the calendar and from everyone’s memory but theirs. The story explores their quest to uncover the truth.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on the changes autumn brings, both in nature and in your personal life. How does this season of transition mirror changes you are experiencing?
Write about your favorite Halloween or autumn festival memory from any time in your life. Why does it stand out to you?
Each day, jot down something about October that you are grateful for, whether it’s the cooler weather, the changing leaves, or seasonal activities.
Set and describe a few achievable goals for October. They could be related to personal growth, professional projects, or seasonal activities.
Spend a quiet moment outdoors, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of October. Write about how these sensory experiences make you feel and what they signify about the passage of time and life’s cycles.

Read Further: October Writing Prompts

November

Story Ideas

A mysterious fog covers a small town every November 1st, revealing hidden truths and secrets of the townspeople. A newcomer experiences this phenomenon for the first time.
On Thanksgiving Day, a family heirloom reveals a secret message leading to an unexpected family history and a treasure hunt that spans generations.
Legend says that on the first full moon of November, wishes whispered to the night sky come true. A character tests this legend with life-changing results.
A magical tree in the center of town loses leaves throughout fall, but its last leaf always falls on November 30th. This year, the leaf grants a wish to the person who catches it.
A character discovers a diary from November 1918, leading them on a journey to uncover a century-old mystery intertwined with their own family history.

Journaling Prompts

Each day, write about something you are thankful for. At the end of the month, reflect on how this practice has affected your perspective on life and gratitude.
Reflect on your past Novembers. How has your life changed over the years during this month, and what important events or feelings does it bring to mind?
As the days grow shorter, write about how you can embrace and find joy in the longer evenings. What activities or reflections can you enjoy in this quieter time?
Journal about how you are preparing for the upcoming winter – this can be physically, mentally, or emotionally. What steps are you taking to ready yourself for the change of season?
With only two months left in the year, outline some short-term goals you’d like to achieve before year-end. What steps can you take in November to progress towards these goals?

Read Further: November Writing Prompts

December

Story Ideas

Every December solstice in a small town, an ancient relic glows mysteriously. A local historian discovers it’s a key to a hidden world, leading to an adventurous quest.
On Christmas Eve, a character finds a magical object that allows them to visit past Christmas celebrations. They uncover family secrets and truths about themselves.
In a world where the last snowfall in December grants magical properties, a character discovers a snowflake with the power to grant one wish – but with unexpected consequences.
A family encounters a friendly ghost every December in their ancestral home. This year, the ghost reveals a crucial piece of family history that changes their future.
As a town prepares for its grand New Year’s Eve celebration, a secret society works to prevent a centuries-old prophecy from coming true as the clock strikes midnight.

Journaling Prompts

Reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. What lessons have you learned, and how have these experiences shaped you?
Write about the aspects of December that bring you joy, whether it’s holiday traditions, family gatherings, or the winter ambiance.
Think about your goals for the upcoming year. What steps can you start taking in December to set yourself up for success?
Describe your ideal holiday season. What traditions, activities, or feelings encapsulate the essence of December for you?
As the year concludes, assess your personal growth. How have you changed since last January, and what areas do you wish to develop further in the new year?

Read Further: December Writing Prompts