Whether you’re struggling to get back into writing or you’re new to writing as a creative outlet, this collection of March creative writing prompts can help!
These writing prompts for the month of March — one for every day! — will offer plenty of ideas that can be used by beginners as well as more experienced writers alike.
You can use these prompts for adults to come up with new story ideas, practice your skills, or simply have some fun. So grab your pen and paper and get ready to write!
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What Is A Creative Writing Prompt And What Are The Benefits?
Creative writing prompts are just that – they prompt your creative abilities. Most of the time, they’re questions or hypothetical scenarios which you answer by writing a piece of fiction or non-fiction to suit the question or scenario. For example: ‘You’ve inherited an old family home and find an unusual piece of art in one of the rooms.’
The goal is two-fold. First, to step out of your comfort zone by exploring different ideas and genres. Second, to practice getting words on paper without second-guessing yourself.
Many people use writing prompts as a way to exercise their creative muscles during short bursts of writing and in turn prepare themselves for larger writing projects.
Creative writing prompts don’t necessarily have to be used for standard fiction writing at all! You can turn them into letters, blogs posts, scripts, or even songs!
Writing offers a multitude of benefits, and it doesn’t really matter what kind of writing you’re doing. Here are four fantastic benefits of getting your writing to flow:
1. Working on a creative writing prompt can provide catharsis and improve your mental well-being. It helps you set aside any worries that might be weighing on you while you work. Alternatively, you can use your creative writing to express difficult emotions or work through personal issues that you’re not ready to share with the rest of the world.
2. Using prompts can help inspire your creativity and unleash talent which you weren’t even aware existed within yourself.
3. If you’re an overthinker, then starting a writing practice and using creative prompts can be life-changing. You don’t have to feel constrained by all the rules and tasks and decisions of ‘real life.’ Instead, you’re free to make up any kinds of scenarios you want without judging yourself.
4. Writing prompts taken to the extent of writing a complete story help to strengthen your writing skills by making you think about all the different elements which make up a piece of work (such as plot, character development, and themes).
Let’s get to those creative writing prompts for March…
March Creative Writing Prompts for Adults
1. Spring is in the Air
— Write about what the arrival of spring means to your character. What are their favorite things about spring? How do they celebrate the season? What challenges does spring bring? This could either be something like flash fiction or part of an ongoing story.
2. Under the Umbrella
— Write about what happens when two strangers are caught in a sudden spring rainstorm with only one umbrella to share.
3. Day of Books
— Your character visits a used bookstore and finds something interesting. What is it? How does it make them feel? What do they do with it? Do they buy it, or leave it behind?
4. Unplugged
— Your character is in a situation where they can’t use their phone, computer, or any other electronic device. Is it voluntary or enforced? Where are they? How do they cope? What are the unexpected consequences?
5. The Other Side of the Story
— Write about a character who is usually in the background. This time, they get to tell their own side of the story. What has been happening that we haven’t seen? What is their goal? What lengths will they go to in order to get what they want?
6. March Winds
— Write about a character who is struggling against the wind. What are they trying to do? How strong is the wind? Why is it so difficult for them to move forward? What happens if they give up?
7. The March Hare
— Write a madcap story in the style of Lewis Carroll, featuring your character as the March Hare. What does he do on this day? Who is invited to his tea party? What sort of peculiar conversations take place? How does your character get out of this situation?
8. The Strength of a Woman
— Your protagonist is a woman who is strong in spite of, or because of, the challenges she has faced. Write about her strength and determination. What motivates her? How does she help others? What is her goal?
9. ‘I Ain’t No Barbie Doll’
— A story in which your protagonist rejects societal norms and expectations. What does this look like for them? How do they feel about being different? What challenges do they face? Do they find acceptance, or are they alone in their journey?
10. Tough Luck
— Write a short story about what happens when your character just can’t catch a break! What difficult things happen to them in succession? How do they weather it all?
11. A Box of Chocolates
— Write about what happens when someone gets an anonymous care package in the mail complete with a few odd, cryptic notes that end with “@ your service.” What does this mean? Who is sending them these things? What happens next?
12. Center of Attention
— Write a story about someone who has always been the center of their friend group. But one day, they aren’t anymore and must learn how to adjust accordingly.
13. March Madness
— In an alternate reality, winning the annual national college basketball championship game is the only way to save your school from being shut down. Your team is in the tournament. Write about their journey.
14. It’s All About Pi
— Your character is taking a test, and they can’t seem to focus. What’s going on outside the classroom that is distracting them? How does their Pi obsession help or hurt them?
15. The Story of ____
— Write a short story about the most boring thing in the world, but make it interesting!
16. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
— Your protagonist looks in a mirror and sees someone (or something) completely unexpected. Who is it? What do they want? Why is your character the only one who can see them?
17. The Luckiest Day of My Life
— Tell the story of your character’s best day ever. Did it start out that way, or did something bad happen first? What happened throughout the day? Who was there? What made it so special?
18. Awkward Moments
— A man and woman randomly run into each other several times in different areas of the city. Their awkward encounters turn into something deeper. Do they date? Become friends? What if one of them is not the person they seem?
19. Brand New World
— Your character meets someone who introduces them to a completely new universe — literally! How does it happen? How do they adjust? Do they find friends? Love?
20. Spring Solstice
— Your character has been waiting for this year’s spring solstice for their entire life. Why? What happens when the solstice arrives?
21. There once was a ____ from Nantucket
— Write a limerick and the story behind it about the funniest thing that has ever happened to your character.
22. A Glass Half Full
— Your character is always seeing the good side of situations — but there’s one problem: this often gets them into trouble. Write about that situation and what ultimately happens.
23. The March of Time
— Write about the passage of time, and how it affects your character. How do they measure time? What happens as it moves forward? How do they make the most of it? What are the consequences of wasting time?
24 One Person’s Trash is Another Person’s Treasure
— Your character finds something unexpected while out for a walk that turns out to be valuable. What is it? What do they do with it? What happens when others find out about it?
25. The Day the Music Died
— It’s the year 2135, and music is suddenly outlawed around the world. Who rises up to be the leader of the underground resistance? Tell their story.
26. In the Money
— Your characters just found out that they’ve won $1 billion dollars! How did it happen? How would they spend it? How do their lives change?
27. You Can Call Me ____
— How has your protagonist’s life changed after they’ve reached the age of eighteen?
28. Sand Through an Hourglass
— Your character is racing against the clock, but why? What happens if time runs out?
29. The Sins of the Father
— Write about a character who discovers their family’s dark secret. How does this change their view of themselves and their family? What do they do with this information? How does it affect their relationships?
30. A Beautiful Lie
— Your protagonist’s life has been pretty hard so far, but someone comes along who promises them the world if only they do one little thing… What is the lie, and what happens next?
31. In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion
— Write about your character’s month of March. What are their highs and lows? How does the month end for them? Do they feel like a different person at the end?
Like these prompts? Click here to have the printable set of March creative writing prompts sent right to your inbox.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Writing Practice With Prompts
You might be wondering how to get the most out of your writing practice, especially if you don’t really know what you’re doing yet. (By the way, the solution to that is to just start writing! I promise you’ll find your way and it’s impossible to ‘do it wrong.’)
And how can using writing prompts help?
Most importantly, set aside time to write every day. Choose a time when you can write without distraction for at least 15-20 minutes.
By writing every day, you’ll get in the habit of writing regularly and you’ll be able to improve your skills faster. Writing every day can also help you become more disciplined, and it may even help boost your creativity in other areas of your life.
I prefer morning creative writing just before my brain is fully alert, but if you’re someone who loves scribbling deep into the late-night hours, go for it!
Creative writing prompts are a great way to get started with writing when your biggest roadblock is staring at a blank page.
They help get your mind moving. They can also be a lot of fun — especially when you relax your mind and really get into a scene or write in a genre that is different from your usual work.
Here are a few tips for using creative writing prompts:
1. Choose a prompt that interests you. If you’re not interested in the topic, it’s going to be difficult to write about it.
2. Give yourself time to brainstorm. Roll the prompt around in your head for a moment and see what ideas come to you.
3. Relax and have fun. Don’t worry about whether your writing is good or bad. The point is to get your creative juices flowing and to enjoy the process.
4. Try something different. There are so many ways to use writing prompts, and experimenting with flash fiction, short stories, and maybe even creative journaling can all help you expand your creativity.
Using writing prompts is a great way to get started with writing and to improve your skills. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your writing practice.
More Creative Prompts and Inspiration
5 Daily Creative Writing Exercises You (Probably) Haven’t Seen Before
Why You MUST Discover & Develop A Creative Outlet
9 Best Creative Writing Journals: Take Your Thoughts to the Next Level
Feeling Stuck? Try These 14 Creative Things to Write In a Journal
Favorite Writing Supplies
JoyNote A5 Classic Notebook with lined pages
PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Colors
OxAndPine Refillable Personalized Premium Leather Journal with Elastic Closure
Prompt Me Again!: Creative Writing Workbook & Journal
Remember When Using Creative Writing Prompts…
There are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to use these creative writing prompts for March.
- Set aside regular writing time so you don’t get frustrated with a lack of progress. Give yourself the gift of being able to work on the stories that may grow from these creative prompts.
- Do your best to stay relaxed and open-minded when working on these prompts. Developing various aspects of creative thinking is an important part of the writing process.
- Don’t feel like you have to follow any given prompt if it doesn’t inspire you. Skip them, change them, combine them, or whatever it takes to make them work for you.
- Above all, have fun as you jumpstart your creativity!
Happy writing… You’ve got this!
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