Sneak Peek

at this year’s roster of amazing writers providing writing prompts for StoryADay May 2025.

“How do they do it?”

So many of us think exactly that, when reading stories by writers we admire.

Well, if you’d like a sneak peek in side the brain of a bunch of award-wininng and best-selling authors’ brains, you should sign up for StoryADay May 2025.

This year I’ll be sharing writing prompts from writers who have won Nebula and Hugo awards, been featured in the Best American Short Story collection, been shortlisted for Edgar and Bram Stoker awards, and more.

Be Our Guest

Here are some of the names you’ll see in your inbox this May, when you sign up.

headshots of the authors providing guest prompts for this year's challenge and the words: with writing prompts from P. Djèlí Clark, Mary Robinette Kowal, John Wiswell, Lori Ostlund, Kim Coleman Foote, Sasha Brown, R. S. A Garcia, Jennifer Hudak, Tim Waggoner, Rachel Bolton, Julia Elliot, Kai Lovelace, Anglea Sylvaine, Rich Larson, F. E. Choe,Emma Burnett , Patricia A. Jackson, Allegra Hyde,

P. Djèlí Clark, Mary Robinette Kowal, John Wiswell, Lori Ostlund, Kim Coleman Foote, Sasha Brown, R. S. A Garcia, Jennifer Hudak, Tim Waggoner, Rachel Bolton, Julia Elliot, Kai Lovelace,  Anglea Sylvaine, Rich Larson, F. E. Choe,Emma Burnett , Patricia A. Jackson, Allegra Hyde,  and more.

Past Performance

For a hint of the kinds of prompts guests have given us in the past, here are some that have been popular:

Roxane Gay Wants You To Be Happy

Mary Robinette Kowal  Opens A Portal

Tadzio Koelb Witnesses An Accident

Simon Rich Knows More Than Your Character

Caroline Kim Conjures A Ghost

Pick one and write a practice story this weekend. And don’t forget to sign up for the challenge: https://storyaday.org/signup.

Keep writing,

Julie (signed)

Sneak Peek at some of the Guest Prompters for StoryADay May 2025

Get Ready to Write Every Day in May with Inspiring Prompts from Literary Legends

[25 March 2025] – StoryADay is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 StoryADay May challenge, set to inspire writers of all levels to write a new short story every day throughout the month of May. This year’s challenge includes exclusive guest prompts from some of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction, including P. Djèlí Clark, Rich Larson, John Wiswell, Jennifer Hudak, Lori Ostlund and many more.

StoryADay May is a month-long writing event designed to challenge writers to commit to a daily writing practice and push their creative boundaries. This year, the challenge is made even more exciting with special guest prompts from award-winning authors who have contributed their own unique writing exercises. These prompts are crafted to spark new ideas, inspire creativity, and help writers explore fresh storytelling techniques.

Some of the literary luminaries who have joined this year’s lineup include:

  • P. Djèlí Clark, Hugo Award-nominated author known for his speculative fiction that blends history with bold new worlds.
  • Lori Ostlund, author of After the Parade and The Bigness of the World, whose beautifully crafted stories of human connection and transformation have earned her wide praise.
  • Rich Larson, whose gripping short stories and science fiction work have captivated readers worldwide.
  • John Wiswell, whose award-winning, inclusive fiction regularly appears in ‘best of’ anthologies.
  • Jennifer Hudak, an acclaimed writer celebrated for her short stories that explore identity, relationships, and the human experience.

These guest authors, along with others, are offering their personal insights and prompts to help participants unlock their imagination and make the most of the challenge.

Why Participate in StoryADay May?
 StoryADay May isn’t just about quantity—it’s about creating a consistent writing habit, connecting with other writers, and honing your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the challenge provides the structure and motivation to write every day. The guest prompts will help you approach your writing with new perspectives, while the StoryADay community provides a supportive environment to share your work and celebrate your progress.

How to Join:
 Writers of all levels are invited to sign up for the StoryADay May challenge at https://storyaday.org/signup. Participation is free, and registrants will receive access to the daily writing prompts and community support throughout the month.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a vibrant, creative community and make 2025 the year you build your writing habit—one story at a time.

About StoryADay
 StoryADay is an online community dedicated to helping writers develop their craft and maintain a sustainable writing practice. With a focus on short fiction, StoryADay provides writers with challenges, prompts, workshops, and community support to help them reach their writing goals. Founded in 2010 by writer Julie Duffy, the challenge and community have become fixtures of the writing community, earning a frequent place on Writer’s Digest magazine’s, 101 Best Websites for Writers list