creative writing with image

70 Picture Prompts for Creative Writing (with Free Slides)

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Visual writing prompts help young writers generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block. We’ve put together 70 picture prompts for creative writing that you can use in your writing centers or lesson plans to get your students’ creative juices flowing.

Picture Writing Prompts for All Ages

Writers of all ages and experience levels can get stuck thinking about what to write. Writer’s block is not just a challenge for reluctant writers. Even professional writers have days when they feel less than inspired.

Visual prompts can result in a vast array of story ideas. A single image viewed by ten writers will result in ten completely different stories. Even if you use verbal cues to get students thinking about the picture, each student will still write a unique response to the image.

Visual creative writing prompts are fantastic for elementary school because younger students often relate more to a pictorial prompt than a written one, but don’t shy away from using these with high school and middle school students as well. Pictures make a fun alternative to your typical writing prompts and story starters and can help shake up your regular routine.

How to Use Picture Prompts for Creative Writing

There’s no limit to the ways you can use writing prompts. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate image prompts into your weekly lesson plans .

• Writing Center. Print cards or writing pages with these images on them and put them in a writing center for your students to discover at their own pace.
• Specific Skills. Use story picture prompts to help kids work on specific writing skills. For example, you could work on descriptive writing by having them describe the setting of the picture in detail. Or you could work on character development by having them make up a history for a person in a picture.
• Warm-up Activity: You could pop the pictures into Google slides and project an image on a screen or whiteboard for the first fifteen minutes of class and have students work on a short story as soon as they enter the class.

No matter how you decide to use them—whether at home or in the classroom—photographic writing prompts are a great way to cultivate a daily writing habit and encourage kids to explore new topics.

70 Pictures for Writing Prompts

We’ve selected 70 of the most interesting pictures we could find for this exercise. When choosing photos for writing prompts, we look for high-quality photos with intriguing subject matter, but we try to go beyond that. We want to share images that suggest a story, that make the viewer ask questions and wonder why things are the way they are.

We want to feel propelled to explore questions like, What happened before the photo that led to this moment? What are we witnessing in this photo? What’s about to happen?

A photo doesn’t make much of a story starter if it doesn’t suggest that there might be a bigger picture lurking beneath the surface.

We hope you and your students love these picture prompts for creative writing as much as we do. If you love them, go ahead and scroll to the bottom to grab your own copy.

We’ve included a couple of questions with each picture that you could use to spark pre-writing conversations in your classroom, which can be helpful when working with younger students who might need a little more direction.

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Whose cat is this? What is he looking at? Where is he?

What is the owl thinking about? Is he alone? What does he hope to eat for dinner?

Who are these frogs? What is their relationship with each other? Why are they taking photos?

How did the dog get a phone? Why is he taking selfies? What is he doing with the pictures he takes?

This cat doesn’t look too happy. What’s bugging him? Did he get too many phone calls or is he waiting on an important call that’s taking too long to come?

What do these chicks think of the dog? What does the dog think of the chicks? Do you think they can communicate with each other? If so, what would they say?

Where do these lemurs live? What are they looking at? What is something unusual that might happen to them?

What is this fox doing? Is he yawning and stretching or is he trying to scare someone away? What kind of mischief does he like to get up to?

Is this wolf alone? If not, who is with him? What is he planning to do? Does he have a family to feed or protect?

What is this child doing on the laptop? Can he actually read and type or is he just playing? If he can read and type, how did he learn that at such a young age? What other cool things can he do?

Where is this woman? Is she lost? How did she get to this street? What interesting things might she discover as she explores this new city?

Why is the dog wearing glasses? Can he see through them? What are he and the girl doing? How does he feel about it?

Who are these two little boys? What is their relationship with each other? What is the teddy bear’s story?

Who are these children? Why are they running? Is it a race or are they playing a game? Who’s going to win?

Whose horse is this? Does the little boy own it or does he just visit it? Can the horse talk? How does the boy feel when he’s with the horse?

What is this boy reading? Does the book have magical powers? Does the boy? Do the stories in the book become real or does something else special happen?

Where is this man? How did he get there? What is he looking for?

Who is walking over the bridge? What’s on the other side? Is it worth the risk?

What are these people doing on the elephant? Where are they? Are they tourists or is the elephant their pet? What would life with an elephant be like?

Who made this map? It looks old. Has it been hidden away for a long time? Who discovered it and how? What does it lead to?

Whose typewriter is this? What important or secretive thing might they be working on? What could happen if the wrong person finds their work?

Who are these three stuffed animals? Are they living? What is their story?

Whose ukulele is this? Why did they leave it here? Who might find it?

Where is the owner of the bike? Where does this path lead? What if the bike’s not there when the owner returns?

Whose shoes are these? Why did they leave them here? Why are they so dirty?

Who was reading the newspaper? What was the most interesting thing they read? Where have they disappeared to?

Who put this sign on the old truck? What do you think of it? How did the truck end up in its current condition and location?

Who set the table? Who are they expecting? What special occasion are they celebrating? What could go wrong?

Whose birthday cake is this? Are they having a party? Who is there? Who did they want to have there that didn’t show up?

Who lives here? How do they access their home? What is their life like?

Who built the igloo? Where is it? How does it feel to spend the night inside it?

What is the history of this castle? Who lives in it now? Does it have any special or magical features?

Is this barn abandoned or do people live on the property? What kind of animals might live here? How do they keep themselves entertained?

What is it like living on a houseboat? What kind of community do you think forms among the neighbors? Imagine you live on one of these boats and think about how your daily life might change. What interesting things could you do if you lived here? What would you miss the most?

Where is this hut? Who lives here? What mystery might unfold if a stranger came knocking at their door?

What is this lighthouse called? Who runs it? How often do they leave? What is the most memorable experience they’ve had as a lighthouse operator?

How did this house get here? Does anyone live in it? What would life be like here?

Where is this festive street? Are the people there celebrating something? Where is everybody?

Who lives here? How did they build this house? Are they hiding from something? What does it look like inside?

Whose notebook is this? Why did they leave it here? What’s written in it and how might it change the life of the person who finds it?

What are these women doing? What are they supposed to be doing? Will they be in trouble if they get caught?

Who might be represented in this statue? Why is she being pulled by lions? What amazing things might she have done to deserve a statue in this prominent place?

Where is this? Who is riding in the hot air balloons? Where are they going and why?

How old is this tree? Where is it? What are some of the most fascinating stories it could tell?

Where is this carousel? Who is riding it? Can you think of a special or strange story about how it came to exist in this particular place?

What are these people thinking about? What’s at stake for them? What happens if one of them sneezes?

Where are these penguins? What are they talking about? Which one of them is the leader?

What is this place? Was it designed to be open like this or was it once part of someone’s home or a public building? How have people’s opinions of this place changed over time?

Who are these kids? Is this what they’re supposed to be doing? What happens when their teacher sees them?

Who is supposed to ride in this boat? Where are they going? Will they make it there?

Is this plane special to someone? What did they have to do to get it/build it? Where will they fly to in it?

Who decorated this train car? Which passengers will fill it up? What will they talk about?

Whose skis are these? Why are they sticking out of the snow? How did their owner get down the mountain without them?

Where does this gondola go? Who rides it? How does it feel to ride it?

Who’s driving the monster truck? Why is it at the beach? What is it going to crush? Who is watching?

Where is the boat going? Who is on it? What is their mission?

What city is the helicopter flying over? Why? Is the driver looking for something specific or do they have a special delivery?

What’s the little boy doing in the boat? Is he alone or is someone with him? Where is he trying to go?

Who is in the sub? What’s it like inside? What are they doing?

Whose book is this? What’s it about? What’s happening to it?

How did that piece of land with the house on it break off from the rest of the world? Why? Where is it going? Is anyone in the house?

Who is this girl? Where is she? Who is she shooting at?

Where does this scene take place? Is the lizard/dragon good or bad? What is its relationship with the girl?

What do these books represent? What kind of world is this? What (or who) is inside the books?

What are these dinosaurs discussing? Where are they? What do they do for fun?

Whose cottage is this? Do they still live there? If not, where have they gone? If so, what do they do there?

What is the moth thinking about? Is it alone? What’s the biggest challenge it faces in this moment?

Who is the owl looking at? Has it read these books? What is its greatest talent?

Where are these trees? Why are they pink? Do they have any special powers or features?

What do you think? Which kind of pictures do you like best for creative writing prompts ? Let us know in the comments.

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

I LOVE these! My daughter has always struggled with written story prompts and an internet search this week convinced me of the value of picture prompts for reluctant readers/writers (https://youcanjournal.com/journal-picture-prompts/ if you're interested!). I'll definitely be using these to help improve her writing skills. Thanks so much!

Tuesday 26th of December 2023

I think the idea of using picture prompts is a great idea. It initiates oral language thus building vocabulary. It allows lends itself to students working in small groups to stimulate new ideas. The prompts engage the students and gives the teacher the opportunity to focus on specific writing skills.

luke elford

Wednesday 13th of December 2023

cloey mckay

Tuesday 17th of October 2023

I tried this with myself and my 6th-grade students, and they love it. it gives room for so much creativity.

Nayyar Abbas

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

This is very good idea and it really works, viewing these one try to think one's own way that what these pictures are telling or asking? I also recommend that this idea should also be given to the students for building their creative instinct.

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150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity (Free Google Slides)

Use a picture to write a thousand words!

Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can’t come up with anything to write about. That’s why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump right into crafting a story to match. We rounded up a whole collection of intriguing images for use with kids in grades K-12 along. Plus we designed a set of free Google Slides featuring all of the prompts so you can easily share them with students.

Tip: Start by showing students the picture (or let them choose from among several) without making any comment about what they’re seeing. For kids who still struggle to get started, suggest a potential title or opening sentence, like the examples included here.

Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab your full set of ready-to-go Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all of the prompts below.

Elementary Picture Writing Prompts

Middle school picture writing prompts, high school picture writing prompts, art picture writing prompts.

When kids first see these picture writing prompts, they may or may not immediately feel inspired. If they need some help, ask them questions like “What led up to this moment?” or “What’s going to happen next?”

When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.

When the new sign appeared on Main Street, everyone in town wondered exactly what it meant.

Snowy Footprints

After that crazy day, all that was left to show for it was footprints in the snow.

Dinosaur Bones

“Come with me if you want to live!” Ash said, reaching out a hand.

Undersea Treasure

For years, no one saw the locked treasure chest but the local fish, who wondered what it could contain.

A Game of Fetch

To Scout, it was a game, but to Mr. Freezy, it was much more.

Ladybug Gossip

The ladybug’s picnic was an excellent chance to meet up with old friends and hear all the latest gossip.

We met them when they peeked into our window, watching us as we ate lunch and watched cartoons.

King of the Jungle

It wasn’t the crown that made Amari the king of all he surveyed.

The Final Pitch

It all came down to this—the final pitch in a game that was tied 2-2.

Doggie Massage

Every dog in the neighborhood knew that Rocky gave the best massages and was always willing to lend an ear too.

Skateboard Life

When Charli got her first skateboard, she made herself a promise.

Garden of the Past

The woman walked in the garden every day, never saying a word.

Sunset Friends

They met on the jungle gym every day at sunset, sharing everything about their days.

Pink Umbrellas

When the pink umbrellas first appeared, Toni thought they might be magic.

Firefly Forest

Olivia was surprised to discover that the fireflies didn’t just glow, they also sang.

Robot Spider

When it first crawled ashore, the mechanical spider moved slowly.

Fallen House

Staring at their house, which was now on its side, the whole family was in shock.

Red Riding Hood

If only she’d been riding her faithful steed the day she’d met the Big Bad Wolf, things might have been very different.

Kangaroo Fall

“Well, this is embarrassing,” thought Bouncer, as laughter filled the air around him.

Daci’s big brother said her signs wouldn’t help them find their runaway cat, but he was wrong.

Penguin Bookshop

A visit to Mr. Pickerel’s Penguin Bookshop is always an adventure.

Of all the eggs in the carton, Ella was the one who could always crack you up.

That was the year Min was finally tall enough to ride the Sky Swings, but now she wasn’t so sure.

Rubber Duck Parade

It was truly an honor to be asked to lead the Spring Duck Parade.

Teddy Story Time

Every afternoon, the three friends gathered for story time in their favorite spot in the woods.

Underwater School

Nia thought going to school underwater would be exciting, but some days she really missed going outside for recess.

The day Amos started his journey down the river, the sun was shining brightly.

Turtle Trouble

“None shall pass,” growled the old sea turtle, blocking the way.

Dinosaur Race

Pia was supposed to keep Balthazar on a leash, but once they reached the forest, she set him free and they both began to run.

Finally Seeing Eye to Eye

“So, we meet at last, face to face,” Lord Squeakerton said to his enemy, the Count of Catnip.

It takes a lot to surprise a monkey, but you don’t see something like this every day.

Not Coming Out

The day started out normally enough, but by the end, Chris knew he was in over his head.

Life on Other Planets

“Hurry up,” Grnklor told his robopup. “We have to get back inside before nightfall.”

Reindeer Games

The wind had died down, but the setting sun seemed to take all the warmth of the day with it.

Something to Celebrate

Their classmates could hear their shouts of joy from all the way down the hall.

Home Sweet Mushroom

When the fairies that lived in the garden invited her to stay with them for awhile, Maria wasn’t sure what to expect.

Loch Ness Mystery

“There it is! I told you Nessie is real!” Angus whispered to Lee.

Lonely Bear

It was hard to say who was lonelier that night, Amil or his lost stuffed bear, Jasper.

Sometimes You Lose

When his team lost the championship, Miguel was crushed, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.   

Middle school writing prompts can be a little more complex, with pictures that have a lot of potential interpretations. Encourage students to delve deeper into the story by describing how the characters feel and why they behave the way they do.

Morgan was incredibly proud of those shoes, paid for entirely with money from after-school jobs.

Never Lose Hope

With his last bit of energy, Kai scrawled his message in the wet paint.

The keyboard button could only be used once, and no one knew exactly what happened when you pressed it.

Piano Lessons

Before she could even speak, Arya was drawn to the black and white keys.

There was no doubt about it, this was was indeed a very special kind of garden.

No matter how you looked at it, it had been a very rough day to be the Easter Bunny.

Empty Chairs

By sunset, all four chairs were empty, and the only signs of life were the gulls swooping down from above.

Floating Treasure

To the birds, it was simply a convenient place to land, but Ali and I knew it was much more than that.

Shadow Question

That was the day they discovered that just because you were invisible didn’t mean your shadow was.

Letter and Key

The day she turned 12, Vivi’s aunt handed her an envelope containing the family secret.

Space Target

Onyx paused, knowing that once their arrow hit the target, there was no knowing what would happen.

Mermaid Mystery

It was a mermaid—or was it?

World on a String

Her dad had promised to give her the world, but she wasn’t expecting three more planets as well.

Bee Standoff

“This flower ain’t big enough for the both of us!” said Bianca.

Solitary Seat

For as long as anyone could remember, Angus McGee spent his evenings in the same chair next to the woodstove.

Best Friends

When you decide to run away from home forever, you can’t possibly leave your best friend behind.

Dinosaur Demise

In retrospect, setting the time machine to randomly choose a day and time in the past might not have been such a good idea.

Magic Lamps

“Choose wisely,” said the old shopkeeper, “for only one of these lamps is truly magic.”

Message in a Bottle

The message floated at sea for more than 50 years before the day we found it on the beach.

Barrel Boat

Of all the ways to impress someone, Jonah thought to himself, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.

Dragon Guardian

When your parents give you your own dragon guardian, your childhood is bound to be enchanted.

Octopus’s Garden

Wouldn’t you like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade?

Around the Corner

After finally pressing “send,” she couldn’t resist peeking around the corner to watch him read the text.

Beam Me Up!

Milo’s earliest memory was of watching his beloved tricycle float into the sky above him, caught in a beam of light.

Poison Apple

To join the club, all Aaron had to do was creep up and snatch the apple from the skeleton’s hand without being seen.

Giraffe Council

“It is now 3 p.m., and I call this meeting of the Mighty Council of Giraffes to order,” announced Imari.

Mystery Creature

At first glance, it was hard to tell whether the little creature was friend or foe.

As the sky turned orange, Keisha ran faster than ever and used the last of her energy to push off and soar over the water below.

The End of Days

Despite their best efforts, they arrived too late—the battle had already begun.

Out of the Book

“Happily ever after” was about to take on a whole new meaning.

Stopped Clock

I was sure that the time on the broken clock was the clue to solving the mystery.

Dueling Webs

It’s never a good idea to build your web too close to another spider’s, but this time I had no choice.

Do Shoes Grow on Trees?

The day I threw my own shoes into the tree was the day I really started to grow up.

Abstract Art

“So,” asked their art teacher, “what do you think this painting means?”

Wandering Robots

Everything about NB-317 was made of cardboard except his heart—that was made of flesh and blood and very capable of being broken.

Dream Come True

It all started when Quinn watched her favorite movie the night before they assigned partners for the eighth grade science fair project.

Mysterious Cave

The cave was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and what was more, it almost seemed like the rock was alive.

Storm at Sea

As the rain lashed his face and lightning tore apart the sky, Kiran had to admit he’d always thought it would be a lot more fun being a pirate.

Grasshopper Close-Up

That’s when Javed realized it wasn’t that the grasshopper was too big—it was that he was suddenly very, very small.

UFO Parking

“Well, that’s convenient,” Javdok remarked to Qabow when they saw the sign.   

High school writers are ready to dig deep, exploring character development and detailed plots. These pictures offer a jumping-off point to set their imaginations free.

Cyborg Girl

When she was 14, Tasha’s parents finally told her the truth about what she really was.

BBQ Cookout

“So, I’m guessing no one told you I’m a vegetarian?” asked Sadie with a smile.

The latest app was like a time machine, allowing people to look back in time, but it also had a dark side.

She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.

Hippo Troubles

Like all parents, hippos sometimes really need a break from their kids.

iPad Farmer

Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.

Marching Band Blues

Kaleel sat sadly on the bench, watching the rest of the band march away in jaunty time to the music.

Never-Ending Tunnel

The tunnel seemed to stretch to infinity, but Jayma knew what was at the end, and it terrified her.

Carving Out Love

For years, we wondered who “WP” was, and who it was who loved them so much they carved it into a tree for all to see.

Glowing Globe

Just then, the globe began to glow, and Jaxson knew he was about to leap through space and time once again—destination unknown.

See No Evil

It seemed like a funny joke to pose the skeletons in front of old Mrs. Petoski’s house, but then she turned up dead, and the police said it was murder.

Upside Down

It’s an odd feeling to wake up one morning and find yourself able to walk on the ceiling.

Face at the Fence

So much depended on which side of the fence you were on.

Bicycle Race

Finley had trained too hard for this race to come in third—it just wasn’t good enough.

Family Travels

In the picture, my grandmother’s expression is hard to interpret, but she’s told me the story many times.

Laundromat Antics

Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.

Molly’s mom probably didn’t mean for her to be the one to find the note, but that’s how things turned out.

Through the Storm

Javier knew it would have been smarter to stay put, but he had to make sure his mom was safe before the worst of the storm arrived.

Lifetime Friends

They’d been friends for as long as they could remember—even longer, in fact.

Stray Kitten

“I am NOT taking you home with me,” Kai told the tiny mewling kitten firmly.

Abandoned Greenhouse

Willow was free to leave at any time, but she couldn’t make herself go.

Amani’s earliest memory was razor wire—miles and miles of it.

Church Graveyard

Everyone feels differently in a graveyard, but for me, they’re very peaceful places.

Orb of Death

“Do you really want to know?” Death asked. “Because once you know, you won’t be able to forget.”

Missed Shot

Steve was sure his shot would make it, but it bounced off the rim just as the buzzer rang to end the game.

First Contact

This was it—the moment that would change what it meant to be human forever.

One Life To Live

His face said his life had been a hard one, but his eyes told a different tale.

Winter Walk

Snow fell, creating a blank canvas to record the story of that fateful walk.

Train to Nowhere

It certainly wasn’t the most luxurious way to travel, but then again, no one really wanted to make this trip in the first place.

Modern Mary Poppins

She dropped into our lives on a gray day in midwinter, a hint of the spring that was to come.

All That Remains

Dust motes filled the air of the abandoned hallway, replacing the voices once heard there.

From the day he found the little creature, Luis refused to go anywhere without him.

The Question

Their happily ever after began quietly, with a bouquet of wildflowers.

Night Lights

Misty rain both blurred and emphasized the lights that lit Suri’s way home that evening.

Forest of Fear

At first, Mateo thought it was a joke, but the screams that followed told him there was nothing remotely funny about it.

At the elite level, being a spy meant serious commitments.

The Yellow Door

On their 14th birthday, every resident of Fresnia was required to stand before the Wall of Doors and make a choice.

Graffiti Palace

To strangers, it seemed random, but every mark on those walls had deep meaning for us.

Fossil Fish

Millions of years ago, the fish gave one final flop before lying still in the deep mud.

On the Rails

Aliyah stood on the tracks, uncertain of where to go next.

These picture prompts are all works of art, some more well known than others. Try providing them to students without sharing the titles first, then offer up the titles if they need some help getting started.

The Dance Class (Edgar Degas)

Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)

Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)

Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons

First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)

Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)

After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)

Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)

Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)

Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner (Lewis Wickes Hine)

Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers (Jean Baptiste Oudry)

Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine

The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)

The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)

Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)

Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)

Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)

Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)

Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)

The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)

The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)

After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)

Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)

The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)

The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)

24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)

Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)

Get Your Free Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides

Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all the prompts included above.

How do you use picture writing prompts in your classroom? Come share ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

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• Image Prompts

85+ Picture Writing Prompts For Kids (+ Free Printable)

A picture is worth a thousand words. So how many words can you write for these 85 picture writing prompts for kids and grow-ups alike! Pictures, whether something as simple as an apple or as complex as an action scene can spark the imagination in more ways than one.

Of course, when looking at pictures you can take the literal route, and describe whatever you see in front of you. Or you can explore your imagination, and think about the ‘What Ifs..’ of a picture. What if that person is actually upset? What if this picture is of a broken family? What if the world looked like this years ago? A picture can have so many hidden meanings and can hide so many secrets. The slightest detail could mean everything. Just imagine you’re a detective solving a crime from one picture alone. Examine every detail, write it down and think why? Only then can you fully understand a picture.

For more inspiration take part in our daily picture writing prompt challenge . Each day you will be given a new picture prompt to write about.

Picture Prompt Generator

In this post, we have included a mix of simple pictures, story picture prompts, photographs, fantasy images and even some action-packed images.

You can find the complete list of our picture writing prompts below. We’ve also created a smaller PDF version that includes 30 random picture prompts. Download the printable PDF here .

You might also be interested in the following posts:

• 30 Christmas Pictures To Get You Writing ‘Tis Jolly Season
• 25+ Halloween Image Prompts For Mastering Horror Stories
• How to Use Image prompts To Inspire You

150 Picture Prompts To Inspire

Over 85 picture prompts for creative writing, story-telling and descriptive writing assignments:

How to Use these Prompts

Picture prompts are the perfect writing stimulus especially when you hit writer’s block . Here are a number of ways you can use these picture writing prompts to spark your imagination:

• Descriptive Writing: Directly describe everything you see in extreme detail. You could even go beyond the physical appearance of things, and explore your other senses, such as smell, hear, feel and taste.
• Story-Telling: Pick just one image, and tell a whole story based on this one image.
• Story Starter: Similarly you can pick one image, and use it as the starting place of your story.
• Collaborative Story-Telling: In a group of 5 – 7 students, each student can have a random picture. The first student uses their picture as the story starter, and then the next student continues the story based on their own image. Keep going until the final student ends the story.
• Idea Generation: Pick one image and try to think of at least 3 story ideas related to that one image. 
• Daily Writing Challenge: Give your students 7 images, and tell them to write a description for each image every day. 

These are just some ways to use images as writing prompts. You can also check our post on 8 fun story-telling games using image prompts for more ideas.  Did you find our picture writing prompts useful? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Inspire your young writers!

Do your pupils struggle to put pencil to paper?

• Are you fed up with hearing "I don't know what to write"?
• When they finally get going, is it a real challenge to keep them writing beyond the initial effort?
• If only you could find an exciting starting point that will keep their writing flowing... 

What if your class actually cared about writing?

Instead of groans at the beginning of a writing lesson, your class were excited to pick up their pencils and you were the teacher that sparked their imaginations!

Even your most reluctant writers are generating adventurous vocabulary, perfecting punctuation and filling the page with no signs of stopping! 

Engage and motivate your writers every day

Never run out of writing inspiration with Pobble! Our captivating writing prompts leave no chance for boredom. Your pupils will never be short of ideas again!

A calendar of 365 inspiring images

• Incredible images at your fingertips. every day of the year. 
• Spark their imagination and creativity with a new, free image every day!
• Find fun writing prompts that engage even your most reluctant writers.

With ready-made writing activities!

• Each image comes with free short-burst writing activities that motivate children to write more.
• Easily build a daily writing routine with hundreds to choose from.
• Endless writing opportunities to help improve writing stamina.

Ready to inspire your young writers?

Think writing, think Pobble!

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16 Visual Writing Prompts

A picture says a thousand words, or so the saying goes more or less.

And there is something to that for sure – we all know it.

We have all experienced it – looking at a striking image which immediately conjures up a story in our mind.

So let’s take advantage of our extremely visual brains, and use a range of very different images to inspire the creative process, and get interesting unique stories started in no time at all!

Why use these?

However you find inspiration to write a story can be useful.

Visual prompts are fantastic to help spark a creative direction for a new story you or your students are writing.

As with any learned skill, the more time we put into the art of writing, the better we’ll become.

So, encourage writing every day, through the whole range of methods we’ve got here for you to use for free!

How to use these prompts:

• Try going through the whole selection and seeing what strikes a chord with the aspiring writers in the room.
• Print a small number of them, and distribute as challenges for your students.
• Use 7 prompts for a weeks daily writing challenge.
• Provide them all, and let your writers select the prompt that grabs them.

The point is – there is no hard and fast rule to inspiration.

And that’s just it after all, it’s all about getting inspired so that the story just flows directly out of the writers mind.

So let’s get into it.

UPDATE: You’ll also want to check out our latest collection of picture prompts – I just know you’ll love them.

Here are a selection I hope you’ll enjoy…

16 Visual Writing Prompts:

• Where did this cat come from?
• What does it want?
• Who wears a cat hat anyway?

Tree House Island

• Trapped on an island?
• How long have they been there?
• How have they survived?

Kayak Trip Into The Unknown

• Silently cutting through the water.
• Totally isolated.
• Where are they going?

Lake Swing Jump

• What are the sounds you can hear?
• How hot is the day?
• What is going through their mind?

Dog In Disguise

• Who is he hiding from?
• How long has he worn a disguise?
• When did it all start?

Hot Air Balloon Convoy

• Who is in them?
• When will they land?

Waterfall Adventurer

• Hero stands
• What is behind the waterfall?
• How long has it taken to find?

Monkey Guard

• What is he guarding?
• Where are the other monkeys?
• How can you make friends?

Dog River Crossing

• Who is he looking back at?
• Why did he have to swim across the river?
• When will he find what he is looking for?

Boy’s Jungle Hut

• How far away are other people?
• What has brought them out here by themselves?
• When will they leave?

Awkward Swamp Bird

• How did it end up like this?
• What was it trying to do?
• Which other animals are nearby?

Ancient Ruins

• What is he hoping to find inside?
• Who might he meet?
• When is this happening?

Underwater Adventure

• What have they found?
• How did they get here?
• Where are all the fish going?

Strange Little House

• How did the little house end up here?
• Where is their front door?
• Who lives here?

Cow Close Up

• Why is the cow so curious?
• What happens next?
• Who else is here?

Rock Climbing Escape

• Where are they?
• Why do they need to climb out of here?
• How long have they been climbing?

Happy writing to you all

I hope you found our visual writing prompts inspiring for your creative writing.

UPDATE: Check out our latest collection of picture prompts to inspire creative writing .

Please do check back regularly as we are releasing great new content several times a week.

Don’t forget to bookmark and Pin, and it would mean the world to us if you’d share this with your friends!

Thanks, Matt & Hayley

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Picture Prompts

Over 140 Picture Prompts to Inspire Student Writing

By Natalie Proulx

• May 23, 2019

Sign up for our free Learning Network newsletter. Receive new writing prompts in your inbox every week.

Updated: May 31, 2019

Think The New York Times is only for readers at a high-school reading level? Think again.

Besides written articles, The Times also offers a rich collection of visuals — photos, illustrations, graphics, GIFs and short videos — that are accessible to learners of all levels. Since 2016, we’ve been featuring these images in our daily Picture Prompts : short, image-driven posts that invite a variety of kinds of student writing.

Teachers tell us they use these prompts in all kinds of ways. Some use them to encourage students to develop a daily writing habit . Others as an exercise to practice inferences , spark discussion or support reading . This year, one elementary school music teacher told us how her class used the visuals as inspiration for writing short stories accompanied by music .

For more ideas, we have a lesson plan on how to teach with Picture Prompts and other Times images, as well as a free, on-demand webinar that explores how to use our thousands of writing prompts for everyday low-stakes writing practice across the curriculum.

Below, we’ve categorized the 140+ prompts we published during the 2018-19 school year based on the type of writing they primarily ask students to do — whether it’s penning short stories and poems, sharing experiences from their own lives, telling us their opinions, or interpreting an image’s message. All are still open for comment.

You can find even more images in our Picture Prompt roundups for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years.

If you use this feature with your students, or if you have other ideas for how to use photos, illustrations and graphics to encourage writing, let us know in the comments section.

What story could this image tell? Use your imagination.

Three Dots Balloon Face Oars and S’mores Conversation Spaceship at the White House Around the Campfire Special Key Computer Screen 17-Foot Python Batman on a Couch Hanging With Friends Hole in the Ceiling In a Crowd Opossum Among Shoes Your Food Obsession Tech Gadgets Carrying a Letter Reaching Through the Wall Sledding in the Mountains Trees, River, Cottage and Sheep The Ride Headphones Leap In the Stands Shade Under the Table Security Line At Their Computers Tiny Stories Tarot Cards Haunted House? Driver and Bicyclist Red Ball Kneeling and Reaching A Letter in the Mail Campfire

Share experiences from your own life.

One Last Adventure Amusement Park Dog in a Backpack Generation Z Breakfast A New App Met Gala Tidying Up Take Your Child to Work Day New Homes Photos From Space Social Media Star Signs of Spring Literary Protagonists The Story of Your Name Dream Home Momo Gym Class Nostalgic Places Price Tags Night Owl or Early Bird Lunar New Year Rescue Pets Polar Vortex Facing Rejection Dreams Superstitions Holiday Season Astrology Favorite Books Journaling Caffeine Giving and Getting Candy Around the World Journeys Saying Thank You Nutrition ‘The Simpsons’ Man, Seal, Octopus Weddings The Night Sky Remembering 9/11 World’s Largest Prairie Dog

What do you think this image, chart or cartoon is saying?

Falling Bottles Focus Here Emojis Eagle and Gender Symbols Hand and Fist Jungle Gym Stacks of Money Magnifying Glass ‘Freedom From Want’ ‘The Writer’s Block’ Watching Walking Down the Street Gun Parts Globe and Books Head Full of Stuff Tight Rope Adventure New Faces Leaping Over Binoculars Brexit Floating Coins Giant Machine Blue Water Other People’s Burdens In a Maze Chalk Outline Hands on Their Shoulders Past and Future Pieces of a Flag From a Hole to a Balloon

What’s your opinion on this issue?

Spy Cams Jack-of-all-trades Gender Expectations Game Show Winner Royal Baby Movie Theaters Tiger Woods Wins ‘The Image of the Revolution’ Final Four Referees $430 Million Deal Student Climate Strikes Women’s History Month Legos and Battlebots Cash Reward Brushing Beagle Book Covers Super Bowl Commercials Math Fast-Food Buffet The ‘Bird Box’ Challenge Hands-On Parenting 2018 in Pictures The Outspoken N.B.A. Online Video Games Standout Steer California Wildfire Election Day Public Libraries Champions A Computer in Everything Snail Mail Fashion Trends Sleep Deprivation Household Chores Gymnastics on Horseback Song of Summer Giant Ice Disk

Want more writing prompts?

You can find our full collection of writing prompts, added as they publish, here . We also have a list of over 1,000 writing prompts for narrative and persuasive writing gathered from our daily Student Opinion questions . Plus, we have a collection of “ 40 Intriguing Images to Make Students Think ,” taken from four years of our weekly “ What’s Going On in This Picture? ” feature.

5 Image-based Descriptive Writing Prompts

Need a better way to practise writing? Below, you’ll find 5 image-based descriptive writing prompts which are a great way to go! 

If you’re studying creative writing, you’ve probably heard of them and might have even used them by now! If you’re a non-fiction writer or just an everyday writer, especially if you’re just getting started, this might be a new thing for you – but it is definitely a thing! 

Every writer gets inspiration from different sources. It could be a neighbour, a friend, a local event, a tragedy, a painting, or even music and a particular song. It’s the same with images and photos – it can spark your creativity in no time! 

Before we get into how image-based descriptive writing works and give you a couple of assignments, make sure you check our online English school where you can find courses like these: 

Basic Descriptive Writing

Advanced Descriptive Writing 

AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 

How to use image prompts for writing: 

• Take a good look at the image. 

An interesting photo, or the one that is deceptively simple – is an inspiration. This could literally be any photo that catches your eye – whether you found it online or in your personal belongings. 

• Take a few moments to absorb the details in the photo. 

What is the main focal point? Is it the background or foreground? What about colour, light, and all other small details? 

• Allow your senses to experience the photo and at the same time allow words to form in your head.

A story might start, whether it is just a couple of sentences or a few words. Try imagining you’re explaining that same photo to a friend, but the friend is unable to see it – what would you say to them? 

• Start writing, whether words form in your mind or not. 

In journalism, there is a “Five W’s + H” rule, meaning that you should answer these questions: who, what, when, where, why and how, and it can be really helpful if you don’t know where to start as this gives you a direction to follow. 

• What comes to mind for you will be completely different from others as it’s based on your own experience and beliefs. 

So, keep on writing and then edit later – it all depends on your purpose. If you think you’re onto something, keep going, see how the story develops. But even if you set it aside for another time, it’s a never wasted effort. 

Task: What can you see? What do you think has happened/is happening/will happen? Where did the house come from? How do you think it got here?  Why is it surrounded by all of the bricks? Who is the woman inside the house? Why is she looking out of the window? What might she be thinking?

There are so many ways to practise and improve your writing, so check our post on Descriptive Writing Prompts to get more ideas!

Task: Using the image above as an inspiration, write a creative piece in which you describe a day in nature.

Task: Who is this girl? How old is she? What is she doing, alone, in a cafe? Who do you think she’s texting? Does she look sad, or happy, or worried to you? 

Task: You’re sitting across this building. Imagine and create a life for a couple of people living there.

For the last task, pick a random photo from your phone or a computer; some that you’re fond of and describe what it is about. 

Do you want some tips on how to write more vividly? Check out this post that has all the answers you’re looking for!

Thanks for reading! If you found this useful, check our online English Language and Literature school where you can find a variety of courses that will help you enhance your English skills and grades!

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Miss Britton

11 Intriguing Images for Creative Writing

~ 27th April 2020 ~

“A picture paints a thousand words.”

And a picture can, without a doubt, inspire a student to write 1000 words. In this journal entry, I want to share with you some fascinating photographs that can be used as writing prompts. These intriguing images can spark endless trains of thought and countless questions, leading to some top-notch creative writing.

I suggest using the images to ignite your pupils’ imaginations and provide an opportunity for an extended piece of writing. Ask them to generate their own questions about the images or provide them with question prompts to help them to mind-map their thoughts and ideas. Using visual stimuli can certainly help children to build their vocabulary and improve their use of descriptive language .

Use the button below to share these intriguing images with others.

Image credits to:  Joan Verstuyft , Tom Cash , Thomas Kelley , Fred Kearney , Kevin Noble , Matt Artz ,  Rene Asmussen ,  John-Mark Smith , Snapwire , Gratisography

Continue Reading

8 literacy activities based on the bfg.

18th August 2016

With the release of the new Steven Spielberg big screen adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'The BFG', I thought it apt to share with you some of my favourite BFG resources for teaching English.

Activities for Children at Home (Part 4): English

21st March 2020

Today's entry to the series focuses on English activities and ideas. I hope to provide you with a wide range of educational suggestions to keep your children occupied while they are at home.

About the Author

Julianne Britton is an experienced teacher and author. Having taught across KS1 and KS2 and after just 3 years, she was promoted into leadership and given the responsibility of 'Science and Computing Coordinator'.

Specialising in 11+ entrance exams and SATs preparation, she has also worked as a private tutor, successfully supporting the education of 50+ students and, in addition to writing for CGP Books and Teach Primary magazine, Julianne also publishes educational resources for teachers on TES.

Julianne is also a member of MENSA.

Get in touch via [email protected] , Twitter or LinkedIn .

As Featured In

Creative Writing Prompts Pictures: Visualize Your Tale

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on September 27, 2023

Categories Writing

You’re staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking mockingly. Writer’s block has you in its grip again. But what if there’s a tool that can spark your imagination?

Enter creative writing prompts pictures! They’re not just images; they’re catalysts, turning your ‘I can’t’ into an exhilarating ‘watch me’.

So buckle up, we’re diving into the world of picture prompts, where every image holds a story waiting to be penned by you.

Key Takeaways

• Picture prompts spark creativity in unexpected ways
• Visual cues enhance the quality of literary works
• Openness to diverse interpretations is crucial
• Choose images that align with the story’s mood and theme

Understanding the Concept of Picture Prompts

You’ll find that picture prompts can really spark your creativity in unexpected ways. They’re not just about drawing what you see, but about interpreting the images and evolving a story around them.

However, misunderstandings can occur. Imagine you’re looking at a picture of an old man holding an umbrella. You may see it as a tale of loneliness; someone else might interpret it as resilience against life’s storms.

Then there’s Prompt Picture Plagiarism – lifting others’ ideas instead of creating your own. Remember, every image tells different stories to different people. Your job is to listen closely and give life to that unheard narrative hiding beneath the surface. It’s all about originality and personal perspective!

The Importance of Visual Stimuli in Creative Writing

Visual cues play a pivotal role in sparking imagination and enhancing the quality of literary works. Your mind’s eye, influenced by visual perception, creates vibrant landscapes from the barest hints within a photograph.

You’re an explorer, charting unknown territories with nothing but ink and paper.

Consider how photographic inspiration impacts your writing process. A single image can bloom into an intricate narrative, each detail weaving itself into your story’s fabric. A crumbling castle becomes a haunted relic of past glory; a moonlit forest transforms into an enchanted realm for mythical creatures.

As you delve deeper into this visual journey, characters spring to life. They carry their histories etched on faces shaped by joy, sorrow, or rage. Through these figures, you explore the human condition; through these images, your stories gain depth and breadth.

Types of Creative Writing Prompts Pictures

Let’s delve into the different types of images that can trigger your imagination and enhance your storytelling ability.

Unconventional picture prompts can be a goldmine for imaginative thinking. Sometimes, a picture prompts misinterpretation, which, ironically, can lead to more creative narratives.

Abstract Art: These unconventional pictures free you from literal interpretations and encourage unique storytelling.

• Historical Images: They transport you back in time, allowing characters to live in bygone eras.
• Nature Shots: The beauty of nature inspires vivid imagery and profound themes.
• Candid Photographs: Ordinary moments captured candidly provide opportunities for relatable character development.

How to Use Picture Prompts Effectively

To use image cues effectively, it’s crucial that you’re open to diverse interpretations and let your imagination take the lead.

Picture Interpretation Techniques aren’t a one-size-fits-all approach; they require prompt personalization based on your unique perspective.

Imagine, for instance, an old woman hunched over her knitting in a cozy room. You might see a story of loneliness or resilience, a colorful tapestry of past memories or future hopes threaded through her stitches.

Every wrinkle tells tales of laughter and sorrow; every loop in her knitting is part of life’s complex pattern.

You’re not just viewing an image; you’re creating worlds from strands of thought, weaving narratives from threads of creativity. So dive deep into the photo prompts – there’s no right or wrong answer. Your interpretation is what makes your writing genuinely yours.

Tips for Choosing the Right Picture Prompts

Choosing the right image cues can significantly influence your storytelling, so it’s essential you pick ones that truly resonate with you. Remember, an image is worth a thousand words and it’s your job to find those words.

Now, here are some tips to navigate through prompt limitations and avoid any image selection controversies:

• Align with Your Theme: Choose images that match your story’s mood.
• Details Matter: Pay attention to the small elements in the picture; they can inspire subplots.
• Think Outside the Box: Don’t let conventional interpretations limit you. Surprise yourself.
• Resonance Is Key: The prompts should stir something within you.

Remember each image is a potential plot twist, character revelation, or emotive climax waiting for your unique interpretation!

The Role of Picture Prompts in Enhancing Creativity

You’ll find that image cues can play a significant role in enhancing your inventiveness and originality. The right picture prompt can ignite a flame of creativity, sparking ideas you never knew you had. Imagine yourself as an explorer, uncovering hidden stories within the strokes of color and shadow.

But it’s not just about looking; it’s about seeing.

Prompt interpretation strategies are your tools here- compasses guiding you through the creative wilderness.

Yet, remember: even the most captivating images have limitations.

Picture prompt limitations challenge you to think beyond what’s seen, to delve deeper into the unseen spaces, the gaps between reality and imagination.

Case Study: Successful Use of Picture Prompts

Stepping away from the theoretical aspects of picture prompts, let’s dive into a tangible example.

Prompt Selection Process: You choose images that ignite your imagination.

Prompt Inspiration Sources: The sun sinking into the ocean, an abandoned house consumed by ivy, or even a stranger’s smile.

The Story Unfolds: Your pen starts moving across the paper.

Success! A short story is born.

In this process, you’ve not only found inspiration but also honed your craft and built confidence as a writer—all thanks to the power of picture prompts.

Incorporating Picture Prompts in Writing Exercises

As we delve into the benefits of these captivating catalysts, explore vibrant examples of creative writing exercises, and share insightful tips on selecting just the right prompt, you’ll uncover an exciting new dimension to your storytelling journey.

Creative Writing Exercise Examples

Let’s dive into a few examples of exercises that’ll spice up your storytelling abilities.

Imagine you’re working with a picture prompt; an old, weather-beaten house standing alone in a field. Your task? Use symbolic interpretation to unravel its hidden narratives.

Look beyond the obvious, notice the cracked windows portraying life’s adversities, or the resilient structure symbolizing endurance. Now, focus on character development. Who might have lived here? A robust farmer weathering hardships with stoicism or perhaps an eccentric artist seeking solitude?

Next, employ storyboarding techniques to outline your narrative visually. Sketch significant scenes and decide their sequence. This approach helps you visualize how your plot unfolds and where tension builds.

These exercises stimulate creativity and train you to decode visual stimuli into compelling stories. Remember, every picture tells a tale – it’s yours to decipher!

Picture Prompts Selection Tips

Choosing the right visual stimuli can truly enhance your storytelling skills. It’s about more than just picking any image; it’s an Image Selection Process that requires thought and creativity.

Consider these steps:

• Identify a Theme : What’s your story about? Find images that align with this theme.
• Look for Symbolic Representation : Images loaded with symbolism can add depth to your narrative.
• Emotional Impact : Choose pictures that evoke strong emotions to attract and hold readers’ attention.
• Authenticity : Pick real, relatable images to draw readers into your world.

Addressing Challenges of Using Picture Prompts

You’re likely to face some obstacles when you start incorporating picture prompts into your writing routine.

The first hurdle might be overcoming prompt misinterpretation.

An image, vivid and complex, can ignite a thousand different narratives in your mind. You’ll find yourself sifting through an avalanche of ideas before you pinpoint the story that feels just right.

The next challenge is picture prompt accessibility.

Not every image will resonate with you or stir up creative juices. But don’t let it deter you! Remember, there’s a whole world within each photo waiting for exploration. Like an archaeologist unearthing ancient civilizations, dig deep into the details – the worn-out edges of a book or the melancholy echo behind someone’s eyes – and craft a story that only you could tell.

Exploring Different Genres With Picture Prompts

Try out these steps:

• Pick an image: It’s just the first step, but it sets the stage for everything else.
• Identify genre: What does the picture suggest? Mystery, romance or maybe fantasy?
• Create characters: Who are they? What’s their journey?
• Write your story: Now that you’ve set the scene, let your creativity shine!

Just imagine – one day it’s a dystopian sci-fi saga; another, a tender romance all from interpreting different images! That’s thrilling versatility right there!

Promoting Visual Thinking Through Picture Prompts

Each image, each symbol holds a story waiting to unfold through your creative lens.

You are not merely looking at pictures; you’re exploring worlds within them, finding hidden narratives and nuances that speak volumes. This is more than just observation – it’s about understanding and articulating what you see.

Picture Prompts for Beginner Writers

Choosing Suitable Images

You’ll find that selecting the right images can significantly enhance your creative writing process. It’s like picking characters for a play, each one brimming with potential stories and emotions. A picture is not just an image; it’s a world full of ‘Image Connotations’ and ‘Visual Metaphors’.

• Seek Emotional Resonance : Choose images that stir something in you, evoking emotions and thoughts.
• Look for Visual Metaphors : Find pictures that symbolize deeper meanings or abstract ideas.
• Consider Image Connotations : Understand what different elements in an image signify culturally or personally.
• Ensure Relevance : Make sure your selected image aligns with the theme or atmosphere of your story.

Interpreting Picture Prompts

Interpreting image cues isn’t just about understanding what’s visible, but also delving into the hidden meanings and stories they may represent. Picture prompts are your personal gateways to creative nirvana, where you’re the architect of symbolic interpretations.

You see a weathered boat on a beach; it’s not merely an abandoned vessel, but a symbol of resilience against life’s storms from your perspective.

Every picture whispers tales yet untold, urging you to lend them your voice. It’s like being in an old attic full of forgotten treasures waiting for someone with unconventional perspectives to discover their worth.

Inspiring Creativity With Pictures

Images aren’t just static visuals; they’re powerful tools that can ignite your imagination and inspire original ideas. When you dive into the world of visual literacy, every picture analysis becomes a journey into the unknown, sparking creativity and innovation.

Here are four steps to harness this power:

• Observe: Look at the image carefully, absorbing all its details.
• Interpret: Ponder what message or story it might be conveying.
• Connect: Relate elements in the image to your own experiences or emotions.
• Create: Based on these connections, craft your unique narrative.

You’re not just an observer; you’re an active participant shaping new narratives out of visual cues. So next time you see a picture prompt, remember – it’s not just an image, but a catalyst for your creative genius!

Picture Prompts for Advanced Writers

For advanced writers, picture prompts can be an excellent tool to trigger imagination and craft more complex narratives. By peering into a dynamic world ripe for exploration, you’re not just seeing a static image.

As you gaze at the prompt, don’t only observe what’s immediately visible. Instead, dive deeper. Envisage characters with compelling backstories, intricate emotions, and evolving motivations.

Let the setting shape your plot, allowing its mood to affect your characters’ actions and decisions. Allow the image to breathe life into every scene, infusing originality and vivid imagery that captivates readers’ minds.

The Impact of Picture Prompts on Writer’s Block

Picture prompts can serve as a springboard to unlock the creative juices and get the words flowing again.

Consider this:

• Observation: Look at the image carefully. What does it evoke in your mind? Feelings? Memories?
• Description: Flesh out your first impression into a vivid scene or character.
• Imagination: Let your mind wander beyond what’s visible in the picture.
• Creation: Start writing! Turn those thoughts and associations into compelling prose.

Images to Inspire

Morning surprise.

ENOKI TALES

JUST VISITING

ABOVE THE SKY

YOU CAN (NOT) REPLAY

MAGIC RABBIT

WHO’S THERE?

GIRL AND DRAGON

• AI Generator

creative writing concept

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Craft the perfect creative writing prompt from Microsoft Designer's AI images

march 22, 2024

by Monica Jayasinghe

Hello, fellow educators! I recently discovered an exciting way to create engaging writing prompts for my students using AI and Microsoft Designer . The results were amazing, and I can't wait to share this fun and innovative approach with you!

Describing the Vision:

To get started, head over to Microsoft Designer . We'll use the power of AI to generate an image that will serve as the foundation for our writing prompt.

We'll use Image Creator , where you can describe the image you want to create. The goal is to generate an image that will capture your students' imagination and inspire them to write.

For this example, I entered the prompt, A spacecraft landing near a house, futuristic, mysterious.

Choose the image you want to work with

Once you select Generate , Microsoft Designer will provide you with a variety of AI-generated images. Since we're creating a writing prompt, look for an image that has space for adding instructions and is easy to read.

You'll be amazed by the number of options available! When you find an image you like, click on it and select Edit image .

Customize the image

After selecting your preferred image, it's time to customize it.

• Click on Resize in the top panel and adjust the dimensions to match a PowerPoint slide. This will ensure that the image fits perfectly when you're ready to present it to your students. You can also align the image anywhere on the page to create the perfect composition.
• In the box labeled AI tools , you'll see additional customization options. Consider playing with the filters to update the mood and color scheme of your image.

Add instructions and text

To make the writing prompt clear and easy to read, click on the existing text and customize it. To add a heading, click on Text in the left panel. The right panel will populate with even more ideas you can use.

In this example, I changed the color to white and added a story starter.

Engage your students

The possibilities for using AI-generated images as writing prompts are endless! Here are a few options:

Get inspired by the artwork

The most obvious way to use these images is as direct inspiration for student writing. Generate a bold, fantastical, emotional, or silly image and have students write a story about what's happening in the image.

Try this prompt: A whimsical classroom under the sea. The teacher is a wise old octopus. The classroom is decorated with shell desks and seaweed streamers .

Bring stories to life

Another great idea is to take an excerpt from a story you're reading in class and use the AI to generate an image that matches that specific part of the story. This will spark engaging discussions among your students and bring the story to life in a whole new way.

Bring units to life

Why stop at a story? You can also generate images that fit the theme of a unit you're working on, whether you're exploring weather patterns or reliving life on the Oregon Trail.

Consider setting aside some time each day or week for students to free write or journal. Kick off the writing session with an AI-generated image, then throw on some light classical music and let them write. Mix up the kind of images you show them, from lush landscapes to abstract pop art, and see what it inspires.

Try this prompt: An abstract painting in vivid colors

You can even include animated options. After you generate your image in Microsoft Designer, select the image and Create Design . In the right-hand panel that appears, you'll see several design options. Usually, one or more of these options will be animated. Select the animated option and add it to your PowerPoint!

Accessing your AI-generated images

One of the best features of Microsoft Designer is that all the images you create using AI are saved in the My Media section. This means you'll never lose your creations and can easily access them whenever you need them.

This feature enables educators to curate a collection of visuals for various writing themes, be it aliens, dragons, or any other imaginative scenario.

Wrapping up

Microsoft Designer is a game-changer for educators looking to inspire their students' creativity. The AI-generated images, customization options, and easy access to your creations make this a powerful tool for any classroom.

Head over to designer.microsoft.com today and start creating unforgettable writing prompts!

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Kinda Frugal

17 Creative Outlets for Coping With Mental Health Struggles

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

When we struggle with our mental health, there are many steps we can take. Experts often recommend indulging in our existing talents or taking the opportunity to try something new.

Creative work can be soothing and help lift our mood. It also provides a good distraction from whatever is troubling us. If you already possess a talent, you’ll know which path to take, but if not, here are some ideas.

1. Painting

Painting is where many creative people start. When we think of creative subjects, painting is often the first option that comes to mind. Taking classes to improve your skills is easy, but you don’t have to return to school.

Buy a canvas, some paints, and brushes, and dive right in. Natural talent helps, but less skilled might even consider a paint-by-number set. It’s an excellent activity for mental health, and no one should feel excluded.

Creative writing can take many different forms. Try some poetry, or if you have storytelling ambitions, try your hand at fiction. Others like reporting on current events. Writing can offer a welcome boost if you take a break due to mental health concerns.

Another good idea is to start a journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings to record your progress through this journey.

3. Model Building

The term “model building” covers a range of options, and you can do anything your imagination desires. A popular choice involves “real-world” scenarios, so perhaps you’d like to build a model railway village.

My passion project is to build a model soccer stadium. You can buy pitches, teams, and stands online and design them any way you want. Some would argue it’s not creative if the items are pre-constructed, but I don’t see it this way. Your imagination takes over as you make the stadium according to your vision.

Singing might be another creative for you. The premiere of TV shows depicting ordinary people joining choirs has led to a rise in singing as a hobby. Start by belting out some tunes in the shower, and see if you’d like to do this in front of others. Millions of popular songs are online, so pick a few karaoke tracks and see what works for you.

If you’re ready for the next step, a greater interest in singing may spur you to join a local choir or spend the occasional night at a karaoke bar.

5. Playing an Instrument

Many of us don’t have the voice of an angel and would never dare to sing. If you’d run a mile from a choir but are interested in music, why not learn to play an instrument? Local college courses are available, or you could hire a tutor to come to your home. Many music stores also offer lessons from professionals.

Consider starting a band or joining a local orchestra if you’re already a skilled musician.

6. Knitting

Knitting is a dying art, but it’s time to revive it. Like other hobbies on this list, it has the qualities needed to offer a boost when you’re mentally drained. Knitting is therapeutic, and seeing the finished product can provide a welcome sense of satisfaction.

Hobby stores should stock everything you need to start knitting, or you can order materials online. If you’re new to the hobby, it’s easy to pick up, and all the instructions you need are available on websites or online videos.

Some may think this suggestion should have appeared in the painting section, but there are differences between the two disciplines. Drawing requires fewer materials to get started. Grab a pencil and sketch pad, and you’re ready to go.

Drawing also involves less mess and is a preferred option for many creative people.

8. Woodworking

If you’re already a skilled woodworker and have the tools at home, this is a great time to indulge in your favorite hobby. If you’re a novice, there are classes you can take to help develop those talents.

Many of us took woodworking classes in school. There was satisfaction in working with natural materials and producing a chess board or spice rack. You can feel that sense of achievement in adulthood, too.

Cooking is an essential activity in the home, but if you want to test your skills in the kitchen, you can take it a step further by making it creative and turning it into an art form. Move on from basic dishes and aim for a complex meal that you’ve always wanted to try.

Baking and dessert making can also produce impressive results that delight your family and friends.

10. Photography

If you’re the type of photographer who points and clicks, it may be time to elevate those basic skills. Many of us have an eye for a good picture but can’t figure out the various camera settings to get the best results.

Online courses are there to help, or you could take an extended break to practice trial and error. Photography is a rewarding hobby and a satisfying way to indulge your creativity .

11. Gardening

Many don’t see gardening as a creative outlet, but they’re wrong. The best gardeners are artists who turn a blank yard into something beautiful. If you’re already skilled in this craft, it’s perfect for its mental health benefits , but anyone can get involved.

Learning the basics of gardening will help you grow plants, flowers, and shrubs, and you can even stock up your fruit and vegetable cupboard. It’s therapeutic, and I recommend gardening as a mood lifter.

12. Coloring

Adult coloring books took off in a way that surprised many of us. We were sure we left that all behind in kindergarten, but sales figures were impressive for the most imaginative designs.

We shouldn’t be shocked. Coloring is a calming activity that can help us achieve a meditative state. While some skills are involved, they’re not as complex as some of the hobbies on this list, so coloring books are a good option for all creative talents.

13. Sculpture

Sculpture is an overlooked area in art, mainly because few people take up sculpting at school or college. Materials are relatively expensive, and mastering this craft is difficult.

If you’ve yet to try it, maybe you have a hidden talent. If not, it doesn’t matter. Working with clay is fun and another activity that can boost your mood.

14. Dancing

Dancing is another pastime where some will argue against the level of creativity, but don’t let that stop you. Dancing is fun. It releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and boost cognitive functions.

Local dance classes have taken off recently, so you’ll almost certainly find one in your neighborhood. You could even try interpretive dance if you want to test your creativity.

15. Make Jewelry

Jewelry-making kits are readily available in hobby stores and contain everything you need to start. The creative aspect helps relax the mind, but the end products can be helpful in different ways.

If you’re happy with the results, you can give jewelry to friends and family for birthdays and other occasions. A homemade bead necklace can also be used as a fidget tool to help restore calm in stressful situations.

16. Upcycling

Upcycling is restoring new life to products that seem destined for the garbage. Furniture is a popular medium, but upcyclers also work with pallets, tin cans, and anything that inspires creativity.

A host of TV programs, online videos, and blogs offer inspiration so anyone can get started with this fascinating and rewarding hobby.

17. Quilt Making

Quilting has a long history in the United States, dating back hundreds of years. It’s less popular today, but many families like to keep the tradition alive. Finding time is an issue, so why not use any break you take while looking after your mental health?

Using up scraps of material is a worthwhile process in itself. In this wasteful age, we’re all looking to recycle, and quilt-making is a great way to be creative and help the environment while you’re at it.

18 Gen X Trends Whose Time Has Past

Every generation has distinctive trends and behaviors – some timeless, others not so much. The Gen X cohort, those born between 1965 and 1980, definitely left their mark on the culture of the time. However, like all trends, some of this era have become outdated and should be reconsidered. Here are 18 Gen X trends that might have outlived their relevance.

18 Life Lessons Many Wish They’d Learned Earlier in Life

As Gen X journey through the ever-changing landscapes of work, relationships, and personal growth, they’ve gained insights they wish to impart to their younger selves. These life lessons are not only reflective of their generation but also universally relevant. Let’s delve into 18 profound lessons that Gen Xers hope to share with the next generation.

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