Some folks just need a smidgen of a push to get their creative writing juices flowing. A word, concept or idea get’s them moving. For others, a visual cue is what they need to get the writing moving. I fall into the latter group. If I’m given a picture and a little idea, then I can usually build some kind of a story from it.
Here are 10 picture prompts for you:
Ok, so did he lose a bet?
Is he a devout Canadian?
Does he work for UPS?
Why in the world is he bringing in a plane wearing FedEx undies?
Write a 1000 word story on what you think is happening here.
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Your brother showed up in your driveway with this ride.
Last you knew, he had a paper route and an unemployment check as his only income.
He’s also sporting a Rolex.
Where did he get the money?
Is this some kind of reality show prank?
———————————————————————————————————
You run across this old picture of a friend
He worked for the fire department
What happened to him on the Department?
Was there tragedy or heroism?
Where is he now?
——————————————————————————————————–
Walking through a small European village, you open an unassuming
door to a shop and this is what you find.
What happened here?
Did you just step through a time portal?
What kind of books are there here?
——————————————————————————————————–
This is the suite on the beach you rented for the weekend
You just woke up and your lover is still in bed
You bring over coffee and discover…
They’re dead.
You are still a little tipsy and don’t remember everything that happened last night.
——————————————————————————————————-
Your lover is on this boat.
She is arriving home after being gone for six months.
Describe your feelings and what you have planned for this evening.
Now, imagine instead that your lover is leaving on this boat and will be gone for six months.
Describe your feelings and what you have planned for this evening.
——————————————————————————————————-
Dodger is mad
Dodger is being kept out of the house for chewing up some shoes.
Dodger is plotting his revenge.
Tell us his plan.
How does he get back in the house?
——————————————————————————————————
Poppa has waited years for a grandchild
He holds her as a precious jewel.
He leans down and whispers in the newborn’s ear.
What does he say to her?
She looks back at him and smiles…
——————————————————————————————————
Do I even need to ask?
What is going on here?
Why is there a reindeer in the back of this truck?
Is his nose glowing red?
Where are his buddies?
—————————————————————————————————–
This is your girlfriends cat.
She’s away for the weekend.
Your buddies came over last night.
Things kinda got out of hand.
What cheeseball excuse are you going to give her and how does she take it?
Ok folks, enjoy. I’d be interested in any stories you want to send based on these prompts.
These are great, George! The reindeer one is hilarious
I taught grade 8 Language Arts for 3 years, and I wish I would’ve used picture prompts.
What I like about these picture prompts is that you can go in either a fiction or nonfiction direction. This is a wonderful way for nonfiction writers (like me) to practice fiction writing, and vice versa. Exercising one’s “weaker” muscles can strengthen the already strong one.
Thanks for making me smile first thing in the mornin’!
Laurie
The Adventurous Writer´s last blog ..14 Tips for Successful Magazine Writers
Okay — the cat one is pretty funny, too!
The Adventurous Writer´s last blog ..14 Tips for Successful Magazine Writers
Hi Laurie,
Thanks! I had a lot of fun just writing the prompts – a writing exercise in and of itself, I do believe!
I plan on participating in this one myself.
Cheers
George
I can see putting those pics on a grab bag, pulling one out each day and writing what first comes to mind to fit ones niche.
Interesting concept.
Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..How to Create a Facebook Fan Page
Hi Ms. Freeman,
Thanks for dropping by. I hope these prompts do just that – prompt a story or two…
Cheers
George
These are great. If I looked at the pictures by themselves I’m not sure they would prompt a story…but you’re leading questions are certainly enough to get the creative mind working.
Matt
Matt | Small Biz Bee´s last blog ..9 Powerful SEO Tips for your Small Business Website
Hi Matt.
Thanks, kind sir. It was actually a lot of fun to figure out story starters for each.
Hope all is well at SBB!
George
Hey George,
What a great idea for a post. As I was looking at the pictures, I thought, “how did George come up with those opening lines?” I then realized that’s the writer in you.
By the looks of it, you have fodder for ten great stories. Me, on the other hand, I’m not that imaginative.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Is Blogging Fullfilling Your Objective
Hey Barbara,
Thanks! It did take a bit of cogitating on my part, for sure.
I’m hoping folks will see these as story fodder. I’m going to fiddle with one or two.
Mmm, really? It seems that judging from your blog posts, you’ve got a healthy imagination.
Nice to have you here.
George
Love the reindeer! I’d probably take that in the direction of, when the sleigh is in the sleigh-shop, REAL reindeers take the bull by the horns (or the cars by the keys).
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog ..Magnificently Brilliant Headline – What do you think?