top of page

Welcome the Year of the Snake (with Writing Prompts!)

Writer's picture: Kaecey McCormickKaecey McCormick
zodiac year of the snake

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!


Growing up, I always looked forward to the Lunar New Year. It wasn’t just the festivities or the delicious food (though those were a bonus)—it was the sense of renewal that came with it.


Each year offered a chance to reflect, grow, and embrace the qualities of the zodiac animal symbolizing the year ahead.


This year, the Year of the Snake, feels particularly exciting for writers. The Snake represents transformation, wisdom, intuition, and mystery—all incredible qualities to explore through writing.


Inspired by these themes, I’ve created a list of snake-inspired writing prompts to help you connect with the energy of the Snake and spark your creativity.


But prompts are just the beginning. I’m also sharing some ideas for how to use them—whether you’re freewriting, diving into a new project, or finding inspiration for an ongoing work-in-progress.


The goal is to help you take these seeds of inspiration and turn them into something uniquely yours.


Ready? Let's write!

 

Snake-inspired writing prompts

Let the symbolism of the Snake guide your imagination!

Use these prompts as starting points for your next story, poem, or even freewriting session.


zodiac year of the snake

1. Shed your skin.

Snakes shed their skin to grow and renew themselves. Write about a character who must leave behind an old identity to embrace a new one. What challenges do they face in letting go? What awaits them on the other side of transformation?


2. Trust your instincts.

Snakes rely on their instincts to survive and thrive. Craft a story where a character’s intuition leads them down an unexpected path. What signs do they notice? How do they reconcile their instincts with logic or fear?


3. The hidden truth.

Snakes are experts at hiding. Explore a mystery where the truth is buried beneath layers of secrets. This could be a thriller, a family drama, or even a poetic meditation on something left unsaid.


4. The art of patience.

Snakes strike only when the time is right. Write a scene where your protagonist must wait, biding their time for the perfect moment. How does this patience—or lack of it—shape the outcome?


5. Slither through the shadows.

Snakes can move silently and unseen. Write about a character navigating a situation where they must remain hidden. What drives them to stay out of sight, and what happens when they’re discovered?


6. A transformative journey.

Snakes are symbols of transformation. Imagine a character embarking on a journey that changes them in profound ways. This could be a physical transformation, a shift in beliefs, or a newfound understanding of themselves.


7. Serpentine wisdom.

Snakes have long been symbols of wisdom in mythology and literature. Incorporate a snake as a symbol or guide in your story or poem. It could be a literal snake or a metaphorical one, representing wisdom, temptation, or renewal.

 

How to use these prompts

Here are some ideas on how to get started with these snake-inspired writing prompts:

zodiac year of the snake
  1. Freewrite. 

Pick a prompt and write continuously for 10–15 minutes. Don’t worry about perfection—just let your ideas flow onto the page.


If you find yourself stuck, focus on a single word or image from the prompt and expand on it. Often, this type of unrestricted writing can uncover ideas or themes you hadn’t considered before.

  1. Experiment with genres. 

Take a prompt and try writing it in a new-to-you genre, maybe as a poem, a piece of flash fiction, or even a scene for a novel.


Switching genres can offer a fresh perspective and push your creativity in new directions. For example, a prompt about hidden truths could become a noir-style mystery or a reflective lyrical poem.

  1. Revisit unfinished work. 

If you have a project that feels stuck, see if one of these prompts can help you move forward. Look for places in your manuscript where a prompt could add depth or inspire a new scene. Sometimes, stepping back and approaching the work with a fresh lens can spark new energy and ideas.

 

Start your year with creativity... and keep it creative!

The Year of the Snake invites us to embrace transformation and trust our instincts—both essential qualities for writers.


As you explore these prompts, I hope they spark new ideas and bring fresh energy to your writing practice.


Looking for more inspiration?


Visit the Resources page on my site, where you’ll find links to free downloadables and a list of helpful blog posts by topic/exercise full of ideas and tips for your creative journey all year long.


What are you hoping to create this year? Share your thoughts—or your response to one of the prompts—in the comments. I’d love to hear what the Year of the Snake inspires for you!


Happy writing!

Kaecey signature


Comments


I Sometimes Send Newsletters

© 2025 by Kaecey McCormick, LLC

bottom of page