31 Writing Prompts for May

Today I’m sharing 31 writing prompts for May to help guide your daily writing practice this month.

When I think of May, I always think of the word “commencement” and not just because of the graduation caps flying through the air. As flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, longer, and brighter, it feels like the start of something new. May invites reflection, renewal, and a fresh perspective. Whether you’re journaling, writing essays, or working on a big project like a book or new blog, the theme of commencement and new beginnings is the perfect spark for your creativity this season.

These prompts are perfect for personal growth, storytelling, or preparing for a new season in your life. They’re also ideal if you’re looking for spring writing prompts, summer-themed writing ideas, or journal prompts about fresh starts.

Why Write in May?

May marks a turning point in the year. It’s not just about the weather—it’s about mindset. You don’t need to wait until a new year to hit the “refresh” button on your writing life. You can decide this month to reassess and recommit to your writing and to all of your goals.

Writing during this time can help you:

Celebrate your progress
Clarify your vision
Set intentions for summer
Process change and transition
Capture seasonal beauty through words

31 May Writing Prompts About New Beginnings

Use one prompt each day or pick and choose what resonates. Let these ideas guide your journaling, essays, poetry, short stories, or even social media captions.

What does the word “commencement” mean to you?
What are you ready to commit to this May?
Write about a fresh start you gave yourself—and how it changed you.
Describe your perfect spring or summer morning.
What are you graduating from in your life right now, metaphorically speaking?
Make a list of things you want to grow this season (goals, habits, relationships, etc.).
Write a letter to your past self from the perspective of a new beginning.
How do you know when it’s time to start over?
Describe the last time you started over—and what you learned.
Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on grass or sand.
What’s blooming in your life right now?
Write a scene set at a graduation ceremony—but with a twist.
What part of yourself are you ready to leave behind?
What’s something new you’d like to try this summer?
Write about the first day of something—school, a job, a move.
What do you want the next chapter of your life to be called and why?
Describe a moment when you felt completely renewed.
What’s your personal definition of “success” this season?
Create a summer bucket list.
Write about a sunrise—literal or symbolic.
What does it feel like to say goodbye to an old version of yourself?
Write a poem about growth.
How do you want to feel this summer?
What’s something small that has made a big difference in your life?
Write about a garden—real or imagined.
What’s one thing you’re excited to begin?
How does your body respond to spring and summer energy?
Imagine you’re starting a new life in a new place. What’s day one like?
Write about a “last time” that led to a beautiful “first time.”
What advice would you give someone at the start of their journey?
Reflect on the month. What new beginnings took root in May?

How to Use These May Writing Prompts

Journaling: Start your morning with a 10-minute freewrite using one prompt.
Blogging or Creative Writing: Turn prompts into essays, stories, or poems.
Content Creation: Use prompts as inspiration for Instagram captions, Reels, or newsletters.

May is a beautiful reminder that we’re never too old or too late for a new beginning. Whether you’re turning a page in your personal life, career, or creative journey, let these May writing prompts guide your reflection and self-expression. And remember, every day is a chance to begin again.

Need some extra encouragement to write this month? Join our free Facebook community, the See Jane Write Network, so we can cheer you on!