15 Inspiring Picture Prompts To Help Your Creative Writing

Creative Writing Picture Prompts

Writer’s block – is there anything worse? You know that you can write a masterpiece but sometimes your mind is empty of ideas. 

If you’re a student starting the world of creative writing or just someone looking to shake up your literacy skills, hitting the well-known creative wall is a rite of passage. It happens to all writers – even J.K. Rowling!  Head here to learn about 25 famous writers who experience writer’s block.

But here’s a little secret: it’s not always about drumming up ideas from thin air, sometimes you just need a little nudge to get into your writing flow, and that’s where the magic of an image prompt comes in. Combine these with some creative writing techniques and you’ll have a killer story in your hands.

This guide will introduce you to 15 must-have picture prompts designed to inspire your creative writing. Each prompt has been carefully selected to cover a wide selection of creative writing examples, ensuring that you find the perfect match when story ideas are difficult to find. 

What Are Picture Prompts?

Think of it as a creativity spark —a simple image that acts as a writing prompt. They kickstart your writing and generate so many ideas for characters, plots and even new worlds that you’ve never thought of.  No matter whether you’re piecing together a short story, starting the first chapter of a novel, or just in the mood for a fun writing exercise, weaving inspiring pictures into your routine can unlock storytelling abilities you never thought you had. 

How Do I Use Picture Prompts?

Below I’ve carefully selected 15 pictures that all depict different stories and will get your imagination clogs turning and spark creative ideas. 

But the best element of picture writing is that I’ve written questions above each photo that are designed to push you deeper into the narrative of each image, encouraging you to explore various angles and perspectives. By asking yourself these questions, you’re not just observing; you’re actively engaging with the scene, considering the emotions, backstories, and hidden details that might not be immediately apparent.  So jot down observations, ideas, emotions, or anything that comes to mind from the picture prompts. 

Ready to get started? Let’s turn those blank pages into a writing masterpiece!

1. Ancient Stories

Who drew these drawings? Why did they draw them? What story do they tell?

Beautiful cave drawings

2. Takeoff Countdown

Where is man travelling and why? What is he thinking as he looks out onto the aeroplane? What does his outfit say about his character? 

Man waiting for flight in airport

3. Nature’s Nightlights

How does the light from the mushrooms and fireflies create a sense of magic? Who visits this spot when humans aren’t looking? 

Glowing mushrooms with fireflies in a forest

4. Small But Mighty

Can you think of other people that appear insignificant to others but are strong in other ways? 

An ant holding a massive rock.

5. Wild Playgrounds

What smells, textures and sounds do you hear in the forest? Why are the children laughing? Is this in the present or a memory? 

Four children laughing in the woods .

6. Gateway to the Unknown

Where does the gateway lead to? Who put in this field and why? Does something happen to you as you enter the portal?

A stone arch with a blue portal inside.

7. The Wolf’s Counsel

Is the wolf helping the woman or viewing her as prey? What is their relationship? What do the crows and moonlight signify? 

Picture prompt showing a very large wolf talking to a woman with a full moon in the sky.

8. Corridors in the Cosmos

Where is this corridor? How do the metallic walls and clinical lights effect the image’s mood? What is behind the locked door? 

A metallic corridor that leads to a large, locked door.

9. The Mountain Pass 

Where does this path lead? Home or an adventure? How does the stormy weather and snow-topped mountains set the mood for this scene? 

A wooden path that goes through fields and mountains.

10. Cloud Wanderer

Is the traveller looking for something or simply taking in the view? What does the contrast of the tiny viewer and the vast scenery symbolise? 

A hot air balloon flying high over mountains.

11. Charting the Uncharted 

What land is this map showing? What does it show? What do the illustrations and style of the map say about the people who created it? 

An old handwritten map showing ships, islands and a compass.

12. A Handful of Mystery 

What emotions does this image evoke? How does the shadow of the hand add mystery to the image?

Hand pressed against a piece of material.

13. The Case of the Broken Door

Why did someone break into the door? Are they friend or foe? Where is the door located? 

Picture prompt showing a door with smashed glass.

14. The White Cover-Up

Who is the man painting the wall? Is he painting a new design or covering something he wants to stay hidden?

A man painting a blue wall over with white paint.

15. Sunshine Ride 

What do the colours, objects and scenery of this image evoke? Why has the driver chosen to travel here? 

A yellow car on the beach with a surfboard, luggage and books strapped on the roof.

End Writer’s Block For Good With Picture Prompts 

So, if you’re ever stuck or just looking for a fresh spark, remember the power of picture prompts. They’re an incredibly easy and effective way to turn a daunting blank page into the first chapter of your novel. Whenever I hit a creative roadblock, picture writing prompts have been my go-to solution for reigniting my imagination.  Let us know in the comments how you get on! 

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