Image-Based Writing Prompts: A Fascinating Assortment for Uninspired Writers
As a writer, writing prompts allow us to overcome the fear of a blank page, stimulate our creativity, and improve our skills. Writing prompts can also inspire new ideas, stories, and memories that might otherwise remain hidden.
Simple but open-ended prompts
If you have ever searched for writing prompts online, one thing you will quickly notice is that they are very one dimensional. Here are examples of something you will usually find.
Write a story where someone shares a cup of hot chocolate with a friend.[1]
Write a story in which a character cooks up something to impress someone.[1]
Write about a festive party gone wrong that’s saved by some holiday magic.[1]
These are great as they allow you to mold the narrative according to your thoughts and perspective. However, they only work if you can connect enough to have a spark. Then, you are able to create something intricate from something very simple.
What if you cannot connect with the prompt? If it is just not relatable or boring at the time you read it.
Well, you can definitely spent a few more minutes to think about. However, if you find yourself not able to write with this type of prompts, there are other types of writing prompts. Unfortunately, they are not used as often or known to many.
Today, we will focus on one of those other types of writing prompts: image-based writing prompts. Take your time to look at the image and let yourself wander. This exercise is most effective when it is not rushed and performed in small batches on a consistent basis.
How to use this guide effectively
Questions listed below each image are optional to use. They are there to help you expand your initial ideas and thoughts.
Work on many as you feel comfortable with. If it is your first time here, we suggest picking 3 that stood out to you and delve into them. You can always come back to this writing prompts list and select others to work on.
Casual Approach
If you are more concerned with writer's block and want a more casual approach, bookmark this post and use it as required. If you are signed up to our weekly newsletter, a writing prompt will be included in it.
Routine Approach
If you want to practise having consistency and versatility in your writing, having a routine approach will suit you best. Decide on the frequency and number of prompts to use. One prompt per day is a good start. Feel free to adjust the pace as you go.
Image-Based Writing Prompts
Harnessing the power of visual prompts can be a game-changer for writers grappling with a lack of inspiration. Here’s why:
Visual Engagement
Images captivate the senses. They present a visual narrative, allowing writers to observe the hues, actions, and backdrop without the need for mental visualization. As such, this stimulating the brain in ways that words alone may not. The result is a seamless journey into creative writing.
Detail-Oriented Writing
Even if you are unable to imagine a narrative for a particular image-based writing prompt, remember that an image, rich in detail, already provides a ready-made canvas for writers, enabling them to delve deeper into sensory descriptions. This can result in writing that is more vibrant and immersive.
Emotional Resonance
Images are akin to art. Some of these images give us quick glimpses of moments in life. When we are able to connect an image with one of our own emotions, we can harness this emotional energy into writing. Image writing prompts present a scene as it is, leaving the interpretation entirely up to the viewer.
In essence, image-based writing prompts can be a powerful tool in the writer’s arsenal, helping to transform the uninspired into the inspired.
Sharing your work
Before you consult the extensive list of image writing prompts, you are most welcomed to keep track and to share your responses with #CreativeCatalyst on Instagram. Shareable images of each prompt can be found here. Don't forget to tag us at @akaelia.app
Example of how sharing would look:
1 to 10
- After the rain
- Yin Yang Architectural Marvel (aerial view)
- The Neohumans
- Smile For Me
- Who Is She?
- Unreachable Mystery
- The Incarnadine One
- Golden Path
- What He Sees
- Lurking Shadows
1. After the rain
Prompt Questions
- Why is the person turning their head and looking to their right?
- Why is there so many puddles?
- What is this person doing at such a time here? Did they get caught in the rain?
- Why does it seems like the fog is coming towards this person?
- Is this person searching for someone or something?
2. Yin Yang Architectural Marvel (aerial view)
Prompt Questions
- What kind of effects do the structures in the darker colors experience? How about the lighter colors' structures?
- What is in the middle?
- If this is an aerial view, how would it look in-person?
- What species could have built such thing?
- Is this structure keeping something contained or is it keeping something outside of its' perimeter?
3. The Neohumans
Prompt Questions
- What type of company is this?
- What is the reason for the character to come here?
- When does this story take place?
- What happens if you touch the art structure?
- Where is everyone else?
4. Smile For Me
Prompt Questions
- What or who is the camera capturing?
- Why are they here?
- Will the snowstorm get worse? If so, what will they do?
- Did they arrive here alone?
- How long have they known him?
5. Who Is She?
Prompt Questions
- Who is this person with him that he never mentioned?
- Will you ask him about her? If so, how?
- Without asking him, how can you find more about her?
- What are those books underneath the vase?
- What is your relationship towards him?
6. Unreachable Mystery
Prompt Questions
- Is there something special about this small island?
- Assuming there is no boat in sight, how does one get to this island?
- Is there something behind the trees on this island?
- Is the water safe?
- Is the sun rising or setting? How does this affect the characters?
7. The Incarnadine One
Prompt Questions
- Which of the three portraits is this person looking at?
- Could this person be lost in their thoughts? If so, why?
- Who is this person waiting for?
- What is that on the floor and under the seating?
- What is this person feeling at this moment?
8. Golden Path
Prompt Questions
- Where does this path lead to?
- How can one arrive here?
- Is the character here after something bad happened or are they here before something bad will happen?
- Who created this path and who is monitoring?
- What do you see if you stare continuously towards the end of the path?
9. What He Sees
Prompt Questions
- Where is this person painting?
- What is the significance of the hooded figure tattoo on his arm?
- What does all his paintings reveal about his personality?
- Is anyone with him as he paints? If so, why are they there?
- What do you see in the beer bottle's reflective surface?
10. Lurking Shadows
Prompt Questions
- Where is the person sitting?
- Is the person alone in this place?
- What is this person painting and what is the significance of it for the story?
- Is it safe to be in such place at all? Consider the shadows of the forest in the background.
- What items did this person bring with them?
11 to 20
- Sanctuary in Stone
- Fading Time
- Creeping Eclipse
- Divided Factions
- Embrace of Frost
- Fearless Connections
- Bridging Halos
- Echoes of Emptiness
- Indigo Flow
- Unspoken Words
11. Sanctuary in Stone
Prompt Questions (optional)
- How high up the mountains is this situated?
- Is this the only building in the vicinity? If so, why is that the case?
- What is the cost to take shelter in here?
- How many paths are there? Include the ones that you may not see.
- Where does each path lead to?
12. Fading Time
Prompt Questions (optional)
- What is this person so preoccupied about?
- In what domain does this person work in?
- What is this person researching about?
- Is there a deadline that is approaching?
- Based on the things on their table, what can be inferred about this person?
13. Creeping Eclipse
Prompt Questions (optional)
- Can you describe what this person sees?
- How long will it take for the shadows to catch up to her?
- What happens once she is under the shadows?
- Does anyone know that she is here? Is there anyone with her?
- Why do you think this person arrived at this place?
14. Divided Factions
Prompt Questions (optional)
- What is the significance of the face paint on this person?
- Did they requested it or did they received it?
- What kind of emotions is this person experiencing?
- Will she keep this face paint?
- Who else could have this face painting? Are they all the same painting?
15. Embrace of Frost
Prompt Questions (optional)
- Is there something special about this forest?
- Why are the trunks of the trees of such darker color?
- Consider yourself standing there, describe the sensations you would feel.
- What type of creatures could live here?
- How does one get out of this forest?
16. Fearless Connections
Prompt Questions (optional)
- Which one of these people's perspective do you want to write from?
- Describe how his singing would have been.
- What encouraged this person to approach the singer?
- Why is there a silky scarf attached to the mic stand?
- How would the conversation with the singer end?
17. Bridging Halos
Prompt Questions (optional)
- Is the bridge stable enough for crossing?
- What is the significance of the ring on the water?
- Is there anything particular about the two lands that are connected by this brigde?
- What happens if one were to cross under the bridge? What conditions would need to be met for something to occur?
- Who could have been the unseen purpose of this bridge?
18. Echoes of Emptiness
Prompt Questions (optional)
- What series of events led this person to be on the floor?
- If this person could express their feelings in this moment, what would they say?
- What significance does the corner of the wall, against which this person is pushing their leg, hold for them?
- Can this moment serve as a turning point in their life? If not, who may be able to help them?
- Where or at who is their eyes looking at?
19. Indigo Flow
Prompt Questions (optional)
- How does your character feel about the inevitability of stepping on the purple flowers?
- What is the story behind this path? Why is it so isolated and covered in flowers?
- If the path could speak, what would it say about the countless footsteps it has witnessed and the time it took for it to regrow?
- What is the significance of the purple flowers covering the path? Do they symbolize something?
- How deep do these purple flowers go into the ground?
20. Unspoken Words
Prompt Questions (optional)
- Describe the atmosphere this image gives off.
- What led to the fight between the couple, and how did it escalate to this point?
- Why does one of them stay near the edge of the bed instead of leaving or getting into bed?
- How would this resolve? Would both of them end up sleeping in the bed or would one decide not sleep there?
- Who was first among them to take out their smartphone and focus on it? Why did the other person then mimicked the same behavior?
References
