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Picture Prompts

125 Picture Prompts for Creative and Narrative Writing

What story can these images tell?

Paper sits in a typewriter. The words “It was a dark story night” have already been typed.

By The Learning Network

For eight years, we at The Learning Network have been publishing short, accessible, image-driven prompts that invite students to do a variety of kinds of writing via our Picture Prompts column.

Each week, at least one of those prompts asks students: Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this image — or, tell us about a memory from your own life that it makes you think of.

Now we’re rounding up years of these storytelling prompts all in one place. Below you’ll find 125 photos, illustrations and GIFs from across The New York Times that you can use for both creative and personal writing. We have organized them by genre, but many overlap and intersect, so know that you can use them in any way you like.

Choose an image, write a story, and then follow the link in the caption to the original prompt to post your response or read what other students had to say. Many are still open for comment for teenagers 13 and up. And each links to a free Times article too.

We can’t wait to read the tales you spin! Don’t forget that you can respond to all of our Picture Prompts, as they publish, here .

Images by Category

Everyday life, mystery & suspense, relationships, science fiction, travel & adventure, unusual & unexpected, cat in a chair, happy puppy, resourceful raccoon, cows and cellos, people and penguins, opossum among shoes, on the subway, sunset by the water, endless conversation, falling into a hole, lounging around, sneaker collection, the concert, meadow in starlight.

picture stories for creative writing

Related Picture Prompt | Related Article

Public Selfies

Night circus, tarot cards, castle on a hill, security line, batman on a couch, reaching through the wall, beware of zombies, haunted house, familial frights, witches on the water, blindfolded, phone booth in the wilderness, shadow in the sky, a letter in the mail, hidden doorway.

picture stories for creative writing

Point of No Return

Darkened library, under the table, playing dominoes, looking back, a wave goodbye, out at dusk, conversation, walking away, alone and together, a new friend, heated conversation, up in a tree, hole in the ceiling, under the desk, at their computers, marching band, band practice, in the hallway, in the lunchroom, the red planet, tech gadgets, trapped inside, astronaut and spider, computer screen, special key, tethered in space, on the court, in the waves, city skateboarding.

picture stories for creative writing

Fishing in a Stream

Over the falls.

picture stories for creative writing

Under the Sea

Sledding in the mountains, cracked mirror, wilderness wayfaring, car and cactus, walking through town, tropical confinement, travel travails, roller coasters, atop the hill, climbing a ladder, under the ice, other selves.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Story Writing Academy

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.

70 PICTURE PROMPTS FOR CREATIVE WRITING TEXT OVERLAY WITH TWO VISUAL WRITING PROMPTS

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.

picture stories for creative writing

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

a cat sits alone against a blue wall

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

an owl sits outside

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

two toy frogs stand in a field. One takes pictures of the other.

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

a dog lays on a field and takes selfies

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?

a black and white cat sits beside a phone

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?

a dog lies beside two chicks

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

a lemur lies on a branch while another hides in the background

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?

a fox stretches and opens its mouth

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?

a lone wolf stands in a misty clearing

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?

a toddler wearing a toque and glasses types on a laptop

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?

a woman stands in an empty street holding a map

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

a woman holds a dog. Both wear glasses.

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

two boys sit in a bath holding a teddy bear

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

a group of children run across a field

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?

a boy sits on a fence and feeds a 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?

a boy reads a book that has some magical elements in it

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

a man dressed like a pirate looks through a telescope

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

a top-down view of a person crossing a bridge

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?

two people ride an elephant through a field

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?

an old map

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

an old typewriter

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

the backs of three stuffed animals

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

a green ukulele sticks out of the sand

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

a bike leans against a wooden railing

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

a pair of dirty shoes in the mud

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

a stack of newspapers, a white cup, and a pair of glasses

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?

a deserted old truck

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

a fancy table setting

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?

a birthday cake

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

a home surrounded by water

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

an igloo

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

a castle

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

a big red barn

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?

a row of houseboats

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

a round hut

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?

a lighthouse

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

a house on a rock surrounded by water

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

a colorful European town

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

a hobbit house with a yellow door

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?

a notebook lying on a beach

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

two women playing on a piece of wood

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?

a statue of a woman being pulled in a carriage by two lions

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

hot air balloons fly over a town

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

an old oak tree

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?

a woman rides a carousel

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

tightrope walkers walk on tightropes

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

4 penguins stand in a huddle

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?

a room with statues in it

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

kids play around in a dance studio

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

a small boat with a fancy seat

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

a yellow plane

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

an upscale train car with fancy seats

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

two skis and two poles stick out of a snowbank

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

a gondola

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

a monster truck does tricks on a beach

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

a ship sails away from shore

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

a helicopter flies over a city

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

a little boy holds an oar in a boat

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

a submarine

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

a book that has water flowing out of 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?

a fantasy graphic with a piece of land separating from the earth and floating away

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

a woman in the woods shoots a bow and arrow

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

a girl standing on the tip of a cliff pats the nose of a giant lizard

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

a row of books designed to look like houses

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

two dinosaurs

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

a fairy tale cottage in the woods

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

a moth on a flower

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

an owl wearing beside a stack of books

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

trees in a wood covered with something pink

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!

Picture writing prompts including a cartoon cat and mouse and a portrait of a Black family from the 1930s

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?”

Dog holding a rose in its mouth, with a heart-shaped cloud in the sky

When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.

Lighted sign reading ASK hanging from a building

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

Snowy Footprints

A series of random footprints in the snow

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

Dinosaur Bones

Child hiding inside a large toothy skull, reaching out a hand

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

Undersea Treasure

Goldfish swimming around a closed treasure chest sitting in the sand under the water

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

A Game of Fetch

A claymation dog bringing a stick to a snowman in a snowy scene

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

Ladybug Gossip

Of pair of spotted red ladybugs perched on a leaf

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

Two children peering in through a barred window

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

King of the Jungle

Majestic lion perched on a log wearing a crown

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

The Final Pitch

Small child waiting at home base for a baseball pitch that's about to arrive

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

Doggie Massage

Two dogs sitting in a way that looks like one is giving the other a back massage

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

Skateboard Life

Girl in a striped shirt and red headband posing with a skateboard in front of some graffiti

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

Garden of the Past

Painting of a woman in old-fashioned clothing walking in a cottage garden

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

Sunset Friends

Two children on a jungle gym silhouetted against a setting sun

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

Pink Umbrellas

A sunny alleyway with pink umbrellas strung across it

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

Firefly Forest

Illustration of a forest at night filled with fireflies

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

Robot Spider

A large mechanical spider standing on a stormy beach

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

Fallen House

House tipped on its side following a hurricane

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

Red Riding Hood

A young girl wearing a red hooded cape riding a brown horse in the forest

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

A kangaroo sprawled on its back in the grass

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

A child's hand-drawn sign for a lost cat attached to a tree

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

Penguin Bookshop

An illustration of a penguin wearing a top hat, standing in a booksshop

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

A carton of colorful eggs with faces drawn on them

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

Children writing a fairground swing ride

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

Rubber Duck Parade

A row of rubber ducks in various costumes floating down a water-filled gutter

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

Teddy Story Time

Three teddy bears posed to look as if they're reading a book

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

Underwater School

A child sitting at a desk, looking out the window at fish swimming by

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

A red ball with a smiley face floating on the water

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

Turtle Trouble

A grumpy looking sea turtle floating in clear water

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

Dinosaur Race

An illustration of a young girl racing alongside a dinosaur

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

Cartoon illustration of a large bear with a tiny mouse standing on its nose, looking into its eyes (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Monkey face with mouth and eyes open in surprise

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

Not Coming Out

Child hiding behind a heap of pillows on a beige couch (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Life on Other Planets

A space scene showing a robot and robot dog standing on the surface of an alien planet, with a domed habitat behind them

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

Reindeer Games

Boy leading a reindeer along a snowy path into the setting sun (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Something to Celebrate

A young boy raises his arms in triumph as a young girl points at a computer screen, smiling (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Home Sweet Mushroom

Illustration of a mushroom turned into a house, with a fence and lighted windows, under a full moon

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

Model of the Loch Ness Monster rising from a lake

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

Lonely Bear

Worn teddy bear sitting on a stone bridge

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

Sometimes You Lose

Boy sitting on the ground with his face in his hands

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.

A pair of light blue Converse sneakers

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

Never Lose Hope

Splotch of green paint with the words

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

Computer keyboard with a red button reading Get Me Out of Here

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

Piano Lessons

A young child's hands on a piano keyboard

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

Rolled fern front photoshopped to look as if a baby is sleeping inside

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

A person wearing a dingy bunny costume standing on the end of a dock

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

Empty Chairs

Four empty beach chairs on the shore, with seagulls flying overhead.

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

Floating Treasure

Two black birds sitting on a chest floating in the water

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

Shadow Question

A pair of sneakers and a person's shadow in a puddle

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

Letter and Key

An old key lying on an old handwritten letter

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

Space Target

An illustration of a woman aiming an arrow at a target against an outer space landscape

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

Mermaid Mystery

A mysterious figure that could be a mermaid, seen from below

It was a mermaid—or was it?

World on a String

A girl standing on a path, holding a suitcase and a bunch of balloons that look like planets

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

Bee Standoff

Two bees face ot face on a purple flower

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

Solitary Seat

A leather chair next to an old woodstove with a valise and old books

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

Best Friends

A little girl holding a very large teddy bear, dragging it down a dirt road

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

Dinosaur Demise

Illustration of dinosaurs panicking as a meteor is about to hit the earth

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

A collection of green

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

Message in a Bottle

Glass bottle on a seashore with a rolled up paper inside

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

Barrel Boat

Man wearing a life jacket and paddling half a barrel in a lake

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

Dragon Guardian

A child sitting in the grass, with a dragon curled up around her

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

Octopus’s Garden

Diver encountering a large octopus with fish in the background (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Around the Corner

Girl peering around a corner at a boy walking a dog

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

Beam Me Up!

Small child sitting in a field watching a flying saucer beam up its tricycle (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Poison Apple

A red apple held in a skeleton's hand

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

Three giraffes shown from the neck up against a cloudy blue sku

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

Mystery Creature

Computer illustrated creature with blue scales, pink spikes, and large eyes

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

Woman leaping across a chasm silhouetted by an orange sky

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

A boy stands with his bicycle watching as bombs rain down on a city skyline (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Out of the Book

Woman dressed in a blue ball gown peering out of a book lit from inside, with a mouse nearby

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

Stopped Clock

Old broken alarm clock stopped at 11:17

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

Dueling Webs

Two dew-covered spiderwebs in the early morning sun

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?

A bare tree covered with hanging pairs of shoes against a clear blue sky

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

Abstract Art

Closeup of splotches of colorful paint

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

Wandering Robots

Small cardboard robot in a field of daisies (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Blue house floating in the sky above mountains, held up by blue balloons

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

Mysterious Cave

Rocky cave with strange geometric patterns in the rock

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

A pirate ship on stormy seas, with a purple sky and dramatic streaks of lightning

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

A closeup view of a grasshopper looking directly at the camera

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

Sign saying UFO Parking with picture of a flying saucer

“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

An altered image showing a young girl in a black dress with a white collar, with a neck made of mechanical gears

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

BBQ Cookout

Barbeque grill with many different kinds of meat

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

Hands holding up a phone with a picture of a baby's face in front an old man's face

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

Woman sitting on a sidewalk with her head on her knees as others walk by

She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.

Hippo Troubles

A hippo mother and baby with its mouth open

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

iPad Farmer

Old man in overalls using an iPad while snapping green beans

Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.

Marching Band Blues

Black man in a red shirt sitting on a bench, wearing a sousaphone

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

Never-Ending Tunnel

A white-tiled tunnel stretching far into the distance

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

Carving Out Love

A birch tree with

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

Man holding a glowing globe in a misty library

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

Three skeletons posed in the classic

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

Woman hanging upside down from the ceiling in a kitchen

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

Face at the Fence

Child with their face pressed up against a wire fence

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

Bicycle Race

Three people competing in a bicycle race

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

Family Travels

Vintage photo of a Black family strapping luggage to a car, with a young girl posing in front

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

Laundromat Antics

A pair of legs waving out of a dryer in a laundromat

Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.

Black and white photo of a wedding ring lying on a sheet of notepaper saying "I'm sorry!"

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

Pickup truck driving through flooded streets in a 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

Two babies holding hands while being held by adults

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

Stray Kitten

A small kitten facing a person's legs, in black and white

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

Abandoned Greenhouse

Woman inside an abandoned ramshackle greenhouse in the woods

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

A fence topped by rolls of razor wire against a blue sky

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

Church Graveyard

An old graveyard outside a stone church

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

Orb of Death

A hooded figure folding out a crystal ball with a spooky image in it

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

Missed Shot

Men in wheelchairs playing basketball, as one laments a 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

Alien figure with a human in a spacesuit visible in the window behind them (High School Picture Writing Prompts)

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

One Life To Live

An old man wearing a cowboy hat sits in front of a house (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Winter Walk

Snow-covered field with a winding trail of footprints

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

Train to Nowhere

Sepia-toned image of an old sleeper train car in disrepair

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

Woman standing in the middle of a wheat field on a gray day, holding an umbrella and bag

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

All That Remains

A chair sits in the hallway of an abandoned building under a shaft of light from above (High School Picture Writing Prompts)

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

A very small bunny being carried in a shirt pocket

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

The Question

Figure holding flowers behind its back, with a woman turning to look in the background

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

Night Lights

A person holding an umbrella walks down an alley toward a street filled with neon lights

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

Forest of Fear

Black and white photo of tree trunks with arms and hands reach out from behind them (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Closeup of a human eye, with the pupil represented as a camera lens

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

The Yellow Door

A row of white doors with one yellow door (Picture Writing Prompts)

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

Graffiti Palace

Abandoned warehouse with graffiti on the walls

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

Fossil Fish

Fish fossil in light-colored stone

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

On the Rails

Woman standing on railroad tracks holding a guitar and looking off into the distant sunset (Picture Writing Prompts)

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)

The Dance Class by Edgar Degas

Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)

Greek Funerary Plaque

Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze

Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons

Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons

First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)

First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh

Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)

Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)

After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer

Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)

Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro

Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)

Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder

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

Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine

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

Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry

Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine

Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine

The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)

The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne

The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)

The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier

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

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

Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)

Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin

Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)

Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi

Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)

Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion

Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)

Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)

The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)

The Power of Music by William Sidney Mount

The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)

The Large Tree (Paul Gaugin)

After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)

After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)

Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)

Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)

The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)

The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)

The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)

The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)

24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single

24c Curtiss Jenny invert single

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)

Wrecked Zeppelin photograph from The British Library

Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)

Skeletons Frontispiece from Tales of Terror

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 .

These picture writing prompts are a unique way to excite young creative writers. Find options for all grades on a variety of subjects.

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100 Picture Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

picture stories for creative writing

What is picture prompt writing?

100 pictures prompts for creative writing

Nature and Landscapes

Urban settings, fantasy and sci-fi, everyday life and emotions, mystery and intrigue.

Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking mockingly as your creativity takes an unexpected hiatus? I get it, we've all been there. But what if I told you there's a magical portal to a realm of inspiration, where a single image can set your imagination ablaze? Intrigued? I know I was when I stumbled upon the transformative power of picture writing prompts. 'Can a simple picture really unlock a floodgate of ideas?' you might wonder. The answer? A resounding yes! Join me on a journey through 100 captivating visuals that will not only jumpstart your writing but might just redefine your creative process altogether. Let's embark on a quest to turn images into stories, one prompt at a time.

WHAT IS PICTURE PROMPT WRITING?

If you're new to the concept of picture prompts, they serve as a unique form of writing stimuli employing images to initiate storytelling.

Students are tasked with crafting a narrative, utilizing the image either as the backdrop for their tale or as a creative springboard. The advantage of these visual prompts lies in their ability to provide a solid starting point for students. Not only does this method offer guidance, but it also fosters the use of vivid adjectives and the construction of more intricate sentences.

While students often require more direction than a generic "write about this," bombarding them with excessive details can be overwhelming. Picture prompts strike a balance, offering just enough information to serve as a stress-free launchpad. Subsequently, students can weave their own narratives.

Although not indispensable for every writing exercise, picture prompts inject an element of enjoyment and simplicity into the process, igniting creativity and prompting students to think (and write!) beyond conventional boundaries.

100 picture prompts for creative writing

  • A serene sunrise over a mountain range.
  • An ancient, mystical forest with towering trees.
  • A secluded beach at sunset, waves gently kissing the shore.
  • A vibrant, otherworldly waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.
  • A desert oasis with a lone camel resting in the shade.
  • A snowy wilderness with footprints leading into the unknown.
  • A vast field of wildflowers stretching to the horizon.
  • A moonlit night over a calm lake, reflecting the stars.
  • A city skyline viewed from a rooftop during a thunderstorm.
  • A meandering river through a peaceful countryside.
  • A group of hot air balloons floating over rolling hills.
  • A tropical rainforest with colorful birds and exotic flowers.
  • A thunderstruck landscape with a rainbow breaking through the clouds.
  • A serene pond surrounded by weeping willows.
  • A canyon bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun.
  • A mysterious cave entrance with a soft glow emanating from within.
  • A futuristic city on another planet, with alien architecture.
  • A serene Japanese garden with a stone bridge over a koi pond.
  • A dense fog rolling over a tranquil lake.
  • A field of sunflowers stretching towards the sun.
  • A bustling marketplace with diverse characters and colors.
  • An abandoned amusement park with rusted rides.
  • A futuristic cityscape with hovering vehicles.
  • A hidden alleyway filled with street art.
  • A crowded subway station during rush hour.
  • An old bookstore with dusty shelves and hidden corners.
  • A rooftop garden overlooking a city skyline.
  • An antique clock tower in the heart of the city.
  • A vibrant street festival with food stalls and performers.
  • A quirky, colorful neighborhood cafe.
  • A neon-lit cyberpunk street with holographic advertisements.
  • A dilapidated industrial district with overgrown vegetation.
  • A retro diner with checkered floors and red vinyl seats.
  • A contemporary art gallery with avant-garde installations.
  • A bustling harbor with ships coming and going.
  • A street musician performing in a busy city square.
  • A skyscraper under construction with cranes in action.
  • A trendy coworking space with people collaborating.
  • A vintage cinema with a marquee displaying classic films.
  • A serene canal in a European city with historic architecture.
  • An alien landscape with strange flora and fauna.
  • A magical door hidden in a tree, leading to another realm.
  • A steampunk-style airship soaring through the clouds.
  • A dragon's lair filled with treasures and mysteries.
  • A time-traveling device with intricate dials and buttons.
  • A futuristic space station with advanced technology.
  • A hidden portal in an ordinary-looking wardrobe.
  • A wizard's library filled with enchanted books.
  • A floating island in the sky with gravity-defying landscapes.
  • An underwater city inhabited by merfolk.
  • A mechanical golem standing guard in an ancient city.
  • A celestial observatory on a distant planet.
  • A futuristic cityscape with flying cars and neon lights.
  • A mystical potion laboratory with bubbling concoctions.
  • A parallel dimension where gravity works differently.
  • A cyberspace landscape with digital structures.
  • A mythical creature market with vendors selling magical items.
  • A space explorer's ship floating in the vastness of space.
  • A cosmic library containing knowledge from across the universe.
  • An enchanted forest with talking animals and sentient plants.
  • A child's messy room with toys scattered about.
  • A moment of joy captured in a family photo.
  • An old suitcase filled with travel memorabilia.
  • A rainy day seen through a window with raindrops.
  • A pair of hands holding a handwritten love letter.
  • A solitary figure in a quiet library reading a book.
  • A crowded cafe with people engrossed in their laptops.
  • A broken mirror reflecting fragmented images.
  • A person staring out of a window lost in thought.
  • A worn-out pair of shoes with stories to tell.
  • A kitchen filled with the aroma of baking cookies.
  • A cozy fireplace in a cabin with snow falling outside.
  • A child's drawing taped to a refrigerator door.
  • A musician composing a song in a cluttered studio.
  • A couple dancing under a starlit sky.
  • A gardener tending to a vibrant flower bed.
  • A student studying in a sunlit library.
  • A group of friends sharing laughter around a bonfire.
  • An artist's studio with canvases and paintbrushes.
  • A parent teaching a child to ride a bike in a quiet neighborhood.
  • A vintage key with an ornate design.
  • A torn map with cryptic markings.
  • A closed book with a mysterious symbol on the cover.
  • A locked door with light seeping through the keyhole.
  • A secret passage hidden behind a bookshelf.
  • A message in a bottle washed ashore.
  • A vintage magnifying glass on a detective's desk.
  • A dusty attic with forgotten artifacts.
  • A moonlit graveyard with ancient tombstones.
  • A dimly lit room with a single flickering candle.
  • A mysterious coded message written on an old parchment.
  • A hidden treasure chest buried in the sand.
  • A detective examining a crime scene with clues scattered.
  • A conspiracy board with interconnected strings and notes.
  • A mysterious silhouette in a foggy alley.
  • A locked briefcase with unknown contents.
  • A secret society meeting in an underground chamber.
  • A haunted mansion with creaking doors and shadows.
  • A mysterious figure in a dark cloak leaving a cryptic note.
  • A forgotten diary with entries hinting at a hidden secret.

Still wondering how a simple image can be the key to unlocking a hundred different stories? Curiosity sparked? That's the magic of our 100 Picture Writing Prompts journey. Delve into landscapes that stir your imagination, explore urban settings bustling with stories, and venture into the realms of fantasy and sci-fi. Witness the beauty of everyday life and the emotions it evokes, or unravel mysteries that await your keen detective eye. Picture prompts transcend words, sparking creativity beyond limits. So, are you ready to transform a single frame into a hundred tales? Join me on this visual odyssey, where every prompt is a portal to endless possibilities, inviting you to weave your own narrative magic.

biology ia topics

  • 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:

picture writing prompt 1

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!

picture writing prompts

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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Creative Writing Prompts With Pictures

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on September 3, 2023

Categories Writing

You’ve been staring at a blank page for hours, haven’t you? Why not try something different?

Imagine harnessing the power of pictures to jumpstart your creativity. This article will guide you through using images as unique and inspiring prompts for creative writing.

Let’s explore how visual cues can unlock new worlds and narratives!

Key Takeaways

  • Visual inspiration sparks creative writing ideas
  • Picture relevance stirs emotions and provokes thoughts
  • Interpreting imagery involves reading into hidden depths of symbolism
  • Imagery sparks imagination and brings forth new ideas and narratives

Understanding the Power of Visual Inspiration

Lit By A Soft Lamp, Scattered With Vintage Postcards And Polaroid Photos, Showing Landscapes, Cityscapes, And Candid Moments, With An Open, Blank Notebook And A Poised Fountain Pen

It’s fascinating to realize how powerful visual inspiration can be when it comes to sparking our creative writing ideas. Visual storytelling isn’t just about seeing, it’s about feeling, connecting, and understanding the underlying narratives that images convey.

As you gaze at a picture, you’re not just looking; you’re associating meanings and creating stories. This is image association at its finest.

Imagine this: A lonely lighthouse amidst a stormy sea. Isn’t your mind already spinning tales of isolation or bravery? That’s the power of images! They create an immersive world full of infinite possibilities for your imagination to explore.

Harnessing this power can significantly enhance your creative writing skills and lead to some truly captivating stories. So go ahead, dive into the realm of visual prompts and let them inspire your creativity!

How to Effectively Use Images as Writing Prompts

Ge Of Different Images: A Magnifying Glass Over A Photograph, A Pencil Sketching A Landscape, A Typewriter Next To A Framed Picture

Dive headfirst into the vibrant realm of visual inspiration, where the right image can unlock a floodgate of creativity.

You’ll explore how to choose captivating images that resonate with your unique perspective, master techniques for interpreting these visuals, and transform them into compelling narratives.

Get ready to ignite your imagination and awaken your inner storyteller through the power of pictures.

Choosing Suitable Images

You’ll want to ensure the images you select for your creative writing prompts are relevant and inspiring. The process of image selection is more than just picking random pictures; it requires careful thought. You’re aiming to stir emotions, provoke thoughts, and ignite a creative spark in the minds of writers.

Picture relevance plays a significant role in this journey. An image depicting an enchanting forest can transport one to a fantasy world, while a vintage photograph may evoke nostalgic feelings and memories from the past. Remember, an irrelevant or bland picture might leave writers uninspired.

Imagery Interpretation Techniques

In interpreting imagery, you’re not just looking at an image, but you’re also reading into it, extracting emotions and narratives that aren’t overtly presented. You delve into the hidden depths of symbolism in imagery, engaging with the subtle tones and hues of meaning that lie beneath the surface. The picture could be a cryptic puzzle waiting to be solved or an open book ready for exploration.

Cultural perspectives in imagery interpretation play a crucial role too. What seems mundane to one culture might be sacred or taboo to another, altering your narrative drastically. So you don’t only interpret; you also navigate cultural nuances, tiptoe around sensitivities as you tease out stories from silent pixels.

Prompting Creativity With Pictures

Using imagery can spark your imagination, bringing forth ideas and narratives you’d never thought of before. Imagine yourself diving into a world of visual storytelling, where pictures don’t just depict scenes but spin tales of their own. With picture association, you unlock a universe brimming with creative potential.

A photograph might be more than just an image; it’s a prompt for a story yet unwritten. A sun-dappled forest could birth tales of enchanted creatures, while an old forgotten house might whisper ghost stories. It’s all about how you perceive and interpret the images, how they stimulate your mind to weave narratives unique to you.

Use this potent tool in your writing ventures. Let the power of visuals fuel your creativity and usher in crafty dialogues and vivid descriptions that bring life to your prose!

Creative Writing Techniques: Drawing From Imagery

N Vintage Notebook With A Quill, Beside A Vibrant Collage Of Different Scenes: A Forest, A Cityscape, A Dreamy Galaxy, A Sunlit Meadow, And A Weathered Map, All Spilling Into The Notebook

Harnessing the power of visual imagery can elevate your creative writing skills to new heights. With techniques like Symbolism Exploration and Visual Metaphors, you’re not just telling a story—you’re painting a vivid picture that captures your reader’s imagination.

Here are some innovative ways to bring your words to life:

  • Use symbolism exploration: Dive deep into the layers of meaning behind each image.
  • Experiment with visual metaphors: Show, don’t tell, by replacing descriptive words with powerful images.
  • Bring in color psychology: Each hue evokes different emotions—use this to set the mood of your scene.
  • Inject sensory details: Make it immersive by engaging all of their senses.
  • Breathe life into characters through imagery: Describe them in such detail that they feel real.

Exploring Different Genres With Picture Prompts

 Fantasy Book With A Film Noir Detective'S Magnifying Glass On One Page, And A Sci-Fi Spaceship On The Other, Surrounded By A Vibrant Splash Of Watercolor Paints

Exploring different genres through imagery can really boost your storytelling prowess. It’s like shining a torch into the vast expanse of your imagination, illuminating hidden corners and stirring up picture evoked emotions you didn’t know existed. Visual prompts serve as uncharted maps for your genre exploration adventure.

Imagine gazing at a gothic castle shrouded in mist or a spaceship cruising through star-studded cosmos. Feel the chill of horror creeping up your spine, or the thrill of sci-fi possibilities sparking in your mind. That’s it! You’re no longer just an observer; you’ve become part of that world, living out narratives spun from images.

Case Studies: Successful Stories Inspired by Pictures

Age Of Diverse Hands Holding Up Successful Novels, With A Subtle Background Of Inspiring Photographs That Sparked The Stories, All Under A Soft, Motivational Light

You’ve seen it in action with compelling tales birthed from simple images, haven’t you? Visual storytelling is no new concept. It’s the art of photo narratives that transform a single image into an ocean of stories.

  • The haunting portrait inspiring a psychological thriller.
  • A serene landscape birthing an epic fantasy saga.
  • The candid street photo prompting a gritty urban drama.
  • An abstract artwork leading to deep introspective poetry.
  • A historical photograph driving a captivating period piece.

Isn’t it fascinating how one picture can spark so many variations, each unique and engaging? This isn’t just about creating stories; it’s about understanding perspectives, exploring creativity, and connecting on an emotional level.

Tips to Boost Your Creativity With Picture Prompts

Ate A Lightbulb Illuminating Vibrant Images Of A Quill, An Open Book, A Camera, And A Thought Bubble Filled With Assorted Doodles And Sketches

Let’s delve into some useful tips that could skyrocket your imagination using image-based cues. Visual brainstorming is your secret weapon; it can unlock untapped creative potential.

Imagine a picture collage filled with various themes, colours, and textures – you’re not just seeing an assortment of photos, but a treasure trove of stories waiting to unfold.

Focus on individual elements in each picture. What do they remind you of? How does the scene make you feel? Take those emotions and run with them in your writing.

Picture collages can be especially powerful prompts because they provide multiple sources of inspiration at once.

Remember: creativity isn’t confined by borders or rules. It’s raw, chaotic, magnificent – like a whirlwind of colours splashed across a canvas. Don’t just look at the pictures; see the stories within them and let your imagination soar.

Challenges and Solutions in Picture-Prompted Writing

N At A Desk, Forehead Creased In Thought, Facing A Blank Canvas With A Quill In Hand

While using visuals to ignite your imagination can be delightful, it’s not without its challenges. We’re going to tackle some of them head-on.

You might face ‘Visual Limitations’ where the image doesn’t spark any ideas, or ‘Picture Overwhelm’, feeling swamped by too many images.

To overcome these hurdles:

  • Take a moment to breathe and clear your mind before you start.
  • Instead of getting overwhelmed, focus on one element in the picture that catches your eye.
  • If an image doesn’t inspire you, don’t worry! Move onto the next one.
  • Try turning the picture upside down or viewing it from different angles for a fresh perspective.
  • Remember there are no right or wrong answers – just let your imagination flow.

With these tips, you’ll navigate through any visual challenge with ease.

You’ve seen the magic of picture prompts, right? They can unlock worlds within your mind and inspire compelling narratives.

Don’t let challenges deter you – embrace them! Remember, there’s no wrong way to interpret an image.

So, get creative, dive into different genres and let your imagination run wild. You just might surprise yourself with the stories you create!

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10 surprisingly creative picture writing prompt Ideas that will blow your mind

Writing Prompts for middle school or upper elementary are definitely a way to engage students in creative writing.

picture stories for creative writing

Creative writing prompts for middle school take it even further to make the process more engaging for students.

Then add emoji and picture writing prompts and you have ideal creative writing prompts to use in your classroom all year long with no “ugh…not this again” but “can we do more?!!”

If you love this list and are looking for more creative ways to engage students you must check out this Student Engagement Workshop that will change how you think about curriculum planning! (and give you TONs of ideas and templates to inspire your teaching!)

Where do you find creative writing prompts for middle school or elementary pdf?

picture stories for creative writing

You can find digital creative journal writing prompts or pdf writing prompts easy to display and give students paper as written copies.

I love these E moji Creative Writing Prompts with Pictures and let me show you all the ways you can use these creative writing prompts for your kids!

How to use Creative Writing Prompts with pictures

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of how to use writing prompts to engage students in upper elementary and middle school.

One way to use writing prompts is to print and laminate them for in person use.

Have students shuffle and randomly choose for a writing center.

Easily assign students a writing prompt and have them write a plot in dry erase markers to use over and over again!

picture stories for creative writing

Picture writing prompts as sequencing for creative writing

Pull 2, 3, or 4 picture writing prompts and use those events that must sequence in a creative writing piece.

This immediately gets brains working on to how to piece those pictures together to make a story.

picture stories for creative writing

Emoji add emotion to writing prompts for kids

Have students choose an emoji after each writing prompt that must correlate to their story.

It can be teacher or student directed or RANDOM.

Students may be thinking one way and have to add in how characters feelings may change.

Using digital emoji prompts you can remove other emojis OR circle the chosen emoji for your story!

picture stories for creative writing

Have Plot Twist Writing prompts to engage students!

Plot Twist Writing is the ultimate “Choose Your Own Adventure” writing.

Start with one prompt then choose a plot twist or 3 to add crazy turns to your story!

picture stories for creative writing

Plot Twist creative writing prompts for kids are perfect for distance learning! Send a link and you are good to go!

Easy to display for a writing center as well.

Put on the board and have the teacher say “plot twist” after a certain amount of writing time to inject fun into your writing block!

Creative Writing Prompt Lottery – fun for all!

Just like using this wheel to help decide work choices.

Design a wheel with numbers, characters, settings, or prompts and have students spin for a story!

Break out of a writing rut with creative writing prompts for kids

Writing can be boring. There I said it.

Forcing writing can be even more tough for students who might dislike writing already. Creative writing free up your mind.

Fun writing prompts take the seriousness out of writing and focus on imagination and “what if.” These are the best to read and get students writing.

picture stories for creative writing

We constituted a Fun Friday Writing in our class. Each Friday we’d break from our essays, writing projects, and just do fun writing. The Emoji Picture prompts are perfect.

Let a birthday student choose, choose a random one, make up a seasonal one…anything goes! One day to let loose and just write!

Creative Writing Prompts are perfect for morning work

Middle school or middle grades writing prompts are great for morning work or bellringer actitivties.

Short and quick but great to engage students quickly and focus on the work for the day.

Make Creative Writing journals or digital journals

Make the prompts in the front and each page a different student answers.

This could easily work digitally as well to create a whole journal of creative writing prompts.

Use Emoji writing prompts with partners to engage students

Have students start writing and pass a prompt for a plot twist.

Change after a specific number of time and create stories together!

Change up writing prompts to fit other learning standards

Use a creative writing prompt but make it persuasive or explanatory. This is a super way to tie in other writing standards with creative writing prompts.

picture stories for creative writing

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picture stories for creative writing

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A character overhears something at a black-tie event that puts the night in jeopardy., write a story in which someone can only hear one side of a conversation and must piece together the meaning of what they’ve heard., write a story about a child overhearing something they don’t understand., write a story in which someone is afraid of being overheard., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

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RBE | Short Stories | 2023-02

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .  

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

  • How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
  • Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
  • Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

  • NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
  • Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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Hundreds of dynamic picture prompts, each with discussion questions and a suggested writing prompt. Encourage creativity to flourish in every classroom.

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Engage your class in collaborative storytelling through scaffolded Choose Your Own Adventure group writing. Ignite creativity and teamwork today.

Skydiving Persuasive Writing Prompt: A hyper-detailed, photorealistic 8k image of a Yorkshire Terrier in mid-skydive. The brave little dog is captured in a selfie-style shot from a GoPro, parachute visible behind him against the expanse of the sky. His expressive face conveys pure joy and excitement, embodying the unique thrill of the free-falling adventure.

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Picture Prompts for Creative Writing PDF: Visualize Stories

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My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Picture Prompts for Creative Writing PDF: Visualize Stories

Are you tired‌ of​ staring at a blank page, waiting for ​inspiration⁣ to strike as you tackle yet another writing assignment? Well, fret‌ no more! ‍Introducing the ultimate tool​ for unleashing ⁣your creativity: Picture Prompts for‍ Creative ​Writing ‌PDF! This ‌innovative resource ​takes you on a thrilling visual journey, sparking your imagination and helping you craft captivating stories. Whether you ​are a seasoned writer or someone ​just embarking on their writing adventure, these visually stimulating prompts will ⁤transport you into ⁢a realm of limitless ‌storytelling possibilities. So, grab your⁤ pen and get ready to let⁣ your imagination run⁣ wild as you explore the enchanting world of Picture Prompts for Creative Writing PDF. Get ready to immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant images that will ⁣ignite your creativity like never ‍before!

Introduction: What are Picture Prompts ​for Creative Writing?

Why use picture⁣ prompts for creative writing, enhancing imagination and storytelling ​skills with picture prompts, how to use picture prompts effectively: ⁢step-by-step guide, tips for generating ideas⁢ and developing engaging stories, unlocking inspiration: exploring different themes and genres ⁤with picture prompts, making the most of picture prompts: strategies‍ for engaging descriptions and vivid characters, conclusion: ⁤empower your ⁣creative ‌writing with picture prompts, frequently asked ⁤questions, key takeaways.

Picture prompts for ⁤creative writing are a⁢ powerful tool that sparks imagination and helps writers overcome the dreaded writer’s block. These prompts‌ are ⁢essentially visual ‍stimuli in⁤ the form of‍ photographs, ⁤illustrations, ⁤or paintings that are used to creatively stimulate ideas and ⁢inspire storytelling. They act‍ as a springboard for writers to explore new perspectives, generate unique storylines, and delve into the depths of their creativity.

By using picture prompts,⁢ writers are invited to ⁤examine the visual elements, such as the colors, setting, characters, and ⁣objects, and let their imagination run wild. A single image‍ can evoke a multitude of emotions, memories, and thoughts, ⁢giving birth to intriguing plots and vivid characters. Whether it’s ⁤a picturesque landscape, an ⁢intriguing portrait, or a ⁢whimsical illustration, picture prompts provide‍ a starting point for writers‍ to immerse​ themselves in ​fantastical worlds and create ⁣compelling narratives.

With picture prompts, the possibilities are endless.⁤ The visual cues​ encourage writers to think ​outside the box, explore⁢ different genres, and ‍experiment with various perspectives. From dystopian futures to fantastical realms, from historical periods‍ to contemporary settings, picture prompts offer a gateway to limitless creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned ⁣writer ⁣looking for fresh inspiration or a novice wanting to explore ​the joys of storytelling, incorporating picture prompts into your ⁢creative writing process can be​ a transformative​ experience. So, grab ‌a pen, immerse yourself in the captivating visuals, and let your imagination soar as you embark on an exhilarating journey of writing.

Picture prompts are a fantastic tool ⁢for enhancing creativity in‌ writing. They provide a visual stimulus that sparks imagination ‍and guides the creative process.‌ Here‌ are a few reasons why incorporating picture prompts ⁤into creative ‌writing exercises can be highly beneficial:

  • Inspiration: Pictures have the power ​to inspire and transport us to different worlds. By ‌using picture prompts, writers ​can tap into their imagination and explore new ideas and ‌perspectives.
  • Enhanced descriptive skills: When confronted with a visual⁢ image, writers are​ prompted to describe ‍what they see in detail.​ This exercise​ helps bolster their descriptive skills, ‌enabling them to paint vivid‍ scenes and evoke emotions in their writing.
  • Stimulated imagination: Picture prompts ⁤encourage writers to think outside the box and come up with unique storylines. The visual⁢ stimulus allows the ⁣mind to wander, igniting original ideas and ⁣sparking the imagination.

Moreover, using picture prompts ⁣can lead to ⁢improved storytelling⁣ and character development. Here are a ‍few more benefits⁣ of ‍utilizing picture prompts for creative writing:

  • Story structure: Picture prompts ⁣help writers craft ‍narratives with​ a clear beginning, middle, and end. They ⁣provide a visual backbone that helps ⁣organize ideas and ensures a coherent​ story flow.
  • Engagement and​ variety: Writing ⁣can sometimes become repetitive,‍ and inspiration may dwindle. Picture prompts inject ‌a refreshing element of surprise and variety ⁤into the writing process, keeping the writer⁣ engaged and motivated.
  • Multi-sensory experience: Visual prompts immerse writers in ⁤the creative process and create a multi-sensory experience . By incorporating visual details, writers can​ bring their stories to life, making them more engaging for readers.

Enhancing Imagination‍ and Storytelling Skills with Picture Prompts

Engaging children’s imagination and storytelling abilities is vital for their cognitive development. One effective approach to⁢ achieve ‍this is through the use of ⁣picture prompts. By providing visual‍ stimuli, picture‍ prompts ‍encourage children to create ​unique ​narratives, fostering creativity, and enabling them to think critically ⁢and express themselves vividly.

Picture prompts serve as a catalyst for cultivating children’s imagination and enhancing their storytelling skills. Here’s how:

  • Igniting Creativity: When children are presented with a captivating image, their minds​ begin to wander as they imagine ⁢the story behind ‌it. ‌These prompts prompt them‍ to think beyond what is seen, giving rise to ‌limitless possibilities and imaginative scenarios.
  • Developing Observational Skills: ‍ By closely examining the picture prompts, children learn to pay ⁢attention to details and identify elements that help advance the story. They‌ can‌ describe the setting, characters, and emotions, honing their ability to ⁣observe and analyze ⁤images.
  • Expanding Vocabulary: Picture prompts​ inspire children to⁣ search‍ for⁢ the right‍ words to describe ​what⁢ they‍ see. They⁢ learn new words and phrases,⁣ improving their vocabulary and language skills in an interactive and engaging way.
  • Encouraging Critical Thinking: As children‍ decipher the meaning behind a ​picture, ‌they develop critical thinking abilities . They learn to interpret visual cues and⁣ infer information​ that may not be​ explicitly depicted, training their⁤ minds to ‌think analytically‍ and make logical connections.

Using picture prompts can be a powerful tool ⁢in enhancing creativity and sparking inspiration. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or educator,⁤ incorporating picture prompts into your practice can help you think⁣ outside the​ box⁢ and ⁢explore new ideas. Here’s a⁣ step-by-step guide on how to effectively use picture prompts to maximize their impact:

1. ⁢Choose a diverse range of pictures: When selecting picture prompts, aim⁣ for a variety of images​ that ⁤cover different subjects, moods,⁢ and styles.⁤ This will provide you with a broader scope of inspiration and prevent you from falling⁢ into⁢ a⁤ creative rut. ⁢From landscapes‍ to portraits, vibrant colors to black and white, the possibilities are endless.

2. Immerse yourself in the​ image: Once⁢ you’ve selected a picture prompt, take the time to fully immerse yourself in it. Observe ‍every detail, from the ⁢subject’s expressions to the background elements. Use your senses ⁣to envision the scene, imagining the sounds, smells, and textures that might be present. ‌This level of immersion will help ‍you connect with the image on a deeper level ​and allow your ⁢creative⁤ juices to flow.

3. Make connections​ and brainstorm ideas: ​As you explore the picture⁣ prompt, jot down any thoughts or‌ ideas that come ‍to⁣ mind. Look for ‌connections between the image and your own experiences, emotions, or memories. Is ‌there a story ​unfolding in ‍the picture? What emotions does it evoke? ⁤Use these connections as a⁤ starting point for your⁢ own ⁢creative endeavors.

4. Experiment ⁤and think beyond ​the obvious: Don’t limit yourself⁤ to the literal interpretation of the picture prompt. ‍Allow your imagination to roam freely, exploring unconventional ideas and​ perspectives. Think about⁢ the hidden stories behind the image⁢ or⁣ imagine⁢ how the‍ scene could evolve in the future. ‌By pushing the boundaries of your‍ imagination, you’ll be able to create unique ‌and compelling work.

Tips for Generating Ideas and Developing Engaging Stories

When it comes to generating⁢ ideas ⁣and developing engaging ⁤stories, there are several techniques that can​ help you⁢ unleash your creativity​ and captivate your audience. Here are some tips to inspire and guide you along the way:

  • Embrace observation: ⁢ Take time to observe the world around you. Pay ​attention to the small details,⁤ unique experiences,⁤ and people’s emotions. This can‌ spark new‍ ideas and⁤ provide valuable insights‍ for your stories.
  • Tap into your imagination: ‌Let your imagination run wild. Don’t⁤ shy away from thinking outside the box or exploring​ unconventional ideas. ⁢Creativity knows ‍no bounds, and by pushing your boundaries, you can​ create truly captivating stories.
  • Research, research,‍ research: While imagination is ‌crucial, research ​adds‍ depth and credibility to‌ your stories. ⁢Dive into books, articles, or​ interviews related to your​ chosen theme to⁣ gather valuable information and ‌enhance the authenticity of your narratives.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate the power of collaborative⁣ brainstorming. Two minds are often better⁣ than ⁣one. Engage with others, bounce ideas off each⁢ other, and ⁣build⁣ upon the collective creativity⁣ to develop unique and engaging⁣ storylines. Remember, the⁤ most unexpected⁤ collaboration can lead to incredible results.

Looking for a ⁤creative boost? Look ⁣no further! In this section, we will dive into‍ the ⁣world of picture⁣ prompts and how they can unlock your inspiration by exploring different themes and genres. Picture prompts provide ‍a visual stimulus that can spark your imagination, helping you to ‍develop unique storylines and ⁢characters. Whether you are a seasoned⁤ writer or⁤ just⁣ starting out, these prompts​ offer a fresh perspective and can ‍take your writing to new heights.

One of the great benefits of using picture prompts is their versatility. They ​can be used in various genres and‍ themes, ⁤allowing you to explore ⁣beyond your ​comfort zone and delve into ‍new ‍creative territories. A picture prompt can transport you to distant lands, ignite a⁢ sense​ of mystery or adventure, or even evoke emotions that can​ shape your narrative.‌ Let your imagination run wild ⁣as you immerse yourself in⁤ the captivating world of​ picture prompts!

Ready to get started? ⁣Here are a few ⁢tips ‌to make the most out of your‌ picture prompt⁤ experience:

  • Observe and analyze the image: Take ⁢your time to examine ⁢every detail in the⁤ picture. Notice the colors, objects, and the ⁤overall atmosphere portrayed.
  • Create a connection: ⁣Let the image resonate with ‍you. Look beyond the ⁣obvious and try to find a personal connection or a unique perspective that speaks to you.
  • Brainstorm‌ ideas: Jot down any ideas that come to ‌mind as ⁣you look at the⁤ picture. Don’t​ censor yourself and let your creativity flow freely.
  • Experiment with ​different genres: Challenge yourself by exploring genres you ​haven’t tried before. A⁣ picture prompt can be a great opportunity to break away from your usual ‌writing style.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to picture prompts. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a short story, novel, or even a poem, let these visual cues guide your creative journey and unlock⁢ the⁢ writer within you!

Engaging Descriptions:

When using picture prompts,⁤ it is essential to create engaging ​descriptions that bring ‍your readers into the scene. Here are‌ some ⁤strategies to help ‌you craft vivid and captivating descriptions:

  • Appeal⁢ to⁢ the senses: Describe not only what can be ‍seen ​in​ the picture, but also​ what can be heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. By engaging all ‍the senses, you can create ⁣a more immersive experience⁣ for your readers.
  • Use ⁢descriptive⁣ language: Utilize powerful adjectives, similes,‌ and‍ metaphors to‍ make ⁤your descriptions more vivid and memorable. Instead of simply stating that the ⁣sky ‌is blue, you ​could ⁤say ​it’s a brilliant⁢ azure canvas stretching endlessly above.
  • Focus on details: Pay attention to small​ details in the picture and describe them in a way⁢ that enhances the overall atmosphere. Whether it’s a weathered door knob or⁢ an intricately patterned rug, these details can add depth‍ and richness to your descriptions.

Vivid Characters:

Another way ‍to maximize the impact of picture prompts is by creating vibrant and relatable​ characters. Here are some strategies to breathe life into your⁣ literary personas:

  • Give characters depth: ⁢ Develop your characters’ personalities, opinions, and emotions, ⁤making them feel like real ‌individuals. Consider their motivations, backstories, and quirks to ⁣make them more interesting and ​relatable to ​your readers.
  • Show, don’t tell: Instead ⁤of simply telling your readers what your characters⁤ look ⁣like ⁤or ‌how they feel, demonstrate their traits and⁤ emotions through their actions, dialogue,⁢ and interactions with the environment. This allows readers to form their own connections with the characters.
  • Create conflicts: Engage your characters in conflicts or challenges that reveal ‍their strengths, weaknesses, and growth. This adds ⁣layers to their personalities and keeps readers invested in their ⁢journey throughout the story.

Using picture prompts is a powerful way to ⁢enhance your creativity and take your ‌writing to new heights. By incorporating visual elements into your writing ‌process, ‌you can tap into your imagination ​and unlock a multitude of ideas and ⁤perspectives‌ you may not have considered before.

First ⁤and foremost, picture ⁤prompts provide​ a ‍visual anchor for​ your writing. They offer a starting point​ or an inspiration that can stimulate your mind and engage‌ your senses. Whether it’s​ a ⁢serene landscape, an intriguing character, or a captivating scene, these⁣ images prompt your imagination to wander, allowing you to paint vivid descriptions and immerse ⁢readers into your storytelling. By ⁤utilizing picture prompts, you ⁣can bring life to your words in‍ ways that go beyond traditional writing methods.

Furthermore, picture prompts ⁣provide a unique opportunity to explore different genres and styles of writing. The ​variety of images available allows you to experiment with various themes, moods, and narratives. With‌ each new picture prompt, you can‍ challenge yourself to delve into​ different genres such as fantasy, mystery, romance,⁣ or even science‍ fiction. This diversity helps you ​expand⁣ your ⁢literary horizons, engage with different writing techniques, ⁤and discover your own unique voice.

In conclusion, embracing picture prompts as‍ a tool in your creative writing process opens up‍ a world⁣ of possibilities. It offers you ⁤a chance to unleash your imagination, elevate your descriptive skills, and explore uncharted territories within your writing. So, next time you find yourself facing a ⁤creativity block, let the power of visual⁢ prompts‍ guide you and watch as ‌your writing ‍soars to⁢ new heights.

Q: What are Picture Prompts for Creative Writing PDFs? A: Picture Prompts for Creative Writing PDFs are ⁢visual tools designed to ignite the imagination and inspire‌ creative writing. They consist of a collection ⁤of⁣ images that prompt​ writers to develop unique stories using visual cues as a‌ starting point.

Q: How ⁣can Picture Prompts benefit writers? A: Picture Prompts are incredibly beneficial for writers as they​ help overcome writer’s ⁢block, stimulate creativity, and enhance storytelling skills. By using these visual stimuli, writers can ⁢unleash their imagination and dive⁤ into ‍narratives they might have otherwise never explored.

Q: Where can⁢ I find Picture Prompts for Creative⁢ Writing PDFs? A: Picture ⁢Prompts for Creative Writing PDFs can be found online, on various websites⁤ that specialize in creative writing resources. Many websites like education platforms ‌and writing ⁣communities offer these PDFs as free downloads or for a nominal fee.

Q: ‌Can anyone ⁢use Picture Prompts, regardless⁢ of their writing experience? A: Absolutely! Picture Prompts are ⁤perfect for writers of all skill levels.⁢ Whether you ⁢are a seasoned writer‌ or a beginner, these prompts provide a springboard for⁣ ideas and encourage the development of ‍writing skills. ‌They can be used by anyone looking to enhance their ⁢creative writing abilities.

Q: ⁢How do Picture Prompts ⁣work? A: ⁣Picture Prompts‌ work by presenting an image and⁢ inviting ⁢writers to interpret it in their own way. Writers look at ‍the ⁤image and let their ⁤imagination run wild, ​crafting a unique story​ that stems from the⁤ visual cues in the picture. These prompts encourage writers to think critically, develop characters, ‌and ⁢construct engaging‍ narratives.

Q: Are there any ⁣specific techniques or strategies⁤ for using Picture Prompts effectively? A: ⁣While there are no strict rules for utilizing Picture Prompts, there are a ‌few strategies that can ‌enhance the writing process. One effective technique‌ is to closely observe the image ​and ‌consider the ⁣setting,‌ characters, and emotions⁣ portrayed. Additionally, writers can ​create a narrative⁤ outline or brainstorm ​ideas before diving into writing to ‍ensure a coherent ⁤and engaging story.

Q: Can Picture Prompts⁣ be used for other forms of ⁤creative expression? A: ⁣Absolutely! While Picture Prompts are primarily used for creative writing, they can also inspire other forms of artistic expression such as poetry,⁢ painting, drawing,​ or ‌even photography. The‍ images can spark creativity and serve as a catalyst for various art‌ forms.

Q: Are ​Picture​ Prompts suitable for both​ personal and educational ‍purposes? A: Yes, Picture Prompts are versatile and can be used for both personal‌ and educational purposes. They are a valuable resource‍ for individuals seeking to explore their own creativity or​ for educators looking to engage students in creative writing exercises within the classroom.

Q: Can Picture Prompts be used in group settings ⁣or writing workshops? A: Yes, Picture Prompts can⁣ be an excellent tool for group activities or ⁣writing workshops.⁣ They can​ be utilized to ⁣spark‍ discussions, generate ideas collectively,‍ or facilitate collaborative storytelling sessions. ‍Sharing interpretations of the images among participants can‍ also ​lead‍ to valuable insights and diverse perspectives.

Q: ⁢Are there any copyright considerations when using ⁣Picture Prompts? A: It is ‌important to⁢ respect‍ copyright when using Picture Prompts. If the images are sourced ‌from the internet, it is advisable‍ to check the terms of use or ensure they are in the public domain. Alternatively, ⁢seeking permission from the creator or using ‌copyright-free images is recommended​ to avoid any legal complications.

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30 Inspiring Picture Books About Writing a Story

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Teachers and parents,  use these  picture books  as  mentor texts  to show kids the process of writing a story. Read about getting ideas for stories, and the storytelling/story writing process, including story elements.

Some of these books show how writers get ideas.

Others show the challenges of plotting and drafting the words in a story.

All are about a part of the storytelling process and make for helpful mentor texts. Because kids need plenty of examples to encourage them as they develop their own storytelling abilities.

writing a story mentor text picture books

Look for mentor texts that meet your children where they are. In other words, what are your children or students struggling with currently? Is it finding ideas? Start there. Maybe it’s facing the challenges that come with writing a story draft.

I’ve divided this book list into three parts:

  • Finding an Idea
  • Plotting and Drafting
  • The Writer’s Life / Getting Published

Writing isn’t easy. Many of these books show that the struggle of writing is OK and part of the creative process. (And sometimes funny!)

PRINTABLE LIST

The Best Picture Books About Writing a Story

Mentor texts about finding an idea for a story.

picture stories for creative writing

Amy the Red Panda Is Writing The Best Story in The World by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Ruth Chan Amy’s frustrated with her story, especially when all her friends share their opinions about what the story should be. Then, Mervin the Sloth tossed the letter “O” at her. It’s a letter fight!! Now, she’s got a story to tell. Cartoon panels and cheerful illustrations give this mentor text lots of pizazz.

picture stories for creative writing

Ralph Tells a Story  by Abby Hanlon Stories are everywhere. In fact, Ralph’s teacher helps his classmates and him find story ideas in everyday things.

picture stories for creative writing

The Best Story  by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Anne Wildsorf A little girl wants to write the best story in order to win the library’s writing contest. Her family shares their specific opinions about exactly what makes up the best story. And they all are different. Fortunately, her mom encourages her to write from the heart — and that makes for the best story.

picture stories for creative writing

Any Questions  by Marie-Louise Gay Marie-Louise Gay shares with children about how to get ideas for a story and writing a story. It’s an interactive experience because you get to write part of a story, too. Beautifully illustrated with watercolor and ink.

picture stories for creative writing

Idea Jar by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Deb Pilutti Use  The Idea Jar  to help young children understand that they can invent their own stories with  any  ideas. The teacher’s idea jar is filled with words that can be story ideas. These ideas need a story! Watch as the narrator shows what happens when you start with Vikings, then add in a space robot and a dragon. Perhaps this mentor text will inspire a story idea jar of your own.

picture stories for creative writing

The One-Stop Story Shop by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal What a delightful, funny celebration of stories and imagination!  When the knight’s dragon is on vacation for some “me” time, the knight goes to the One-Stop Story Shop for help. The shopkeeper gives him some story idea options starting with a feisty ferret character and settings like space, jungle, and the wild west. This story is pure fun!

Picture Books (Mentor Texts) About Writing a Story

picture stories for creative writing

Little Red Writing  by Joan Holub, illustrated by Melissa Sweet This brave red pencil is so excited to write a story… an exciting story. Laugh-out-loud humor rich with wonderful words and exquisite illustrations show that the writing process is not as easy as it seems. But, it’s worth it in the end. Delightful parallels to  Little Red Riding Hood  abound — watch out for that Wolf 300 pencil sharpener!

picture stories for creative writing

The Plot Chickens  by Mary Jane Auch, illustrated by Herm Auch Henrietta is a writing chicken who uses the book  Writing Rules  to explain story elements and her story writing process with her chicken aunts and you, the reader.

picture stories for creative writing

Bearnard Writes a Book  by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Misa Saburi I love this darling mentor text story about how to write a story with characters, a problem, and excitement.  Bearnard wants to write a story about his friend Gertie, a goose. The first draft isn’t very exciting so Bernard takes a thinking walk. Then, he rewrites and the story gets more adventure and excitement with pirates, a shapeshifter Gertie and a monster. Gertie is inspired to write her own…poems.

picture stories for creative writing

Dragons Eat Noodles on Tuesdays  by Jon Stahl, illustrated by Tadgh Bentley The big blue monster begins writing a a story with “once upon a time” and adds, “the end.” Little by little, his yellow monster friend helps the blue monster improve his story, so there is a dragon, a knight, a super smart damsel, and a plot. And the story is much better. But wait! The dragon from his story arrives in real life. Yikes. Luckily for the monsters, they remember from the story that dragons only eat noodles on Tuesdays. Yay. But, it’s Wednesday! Ut-oh! This ending will totally crack you up.

picture stories for creative writing

This Book Has Alpacas and Bears  by Emma Perry and Rikin Parekh A darling story about Alfonso Alpaca who wants to be in a story and tries to write a story but CAN’T because it’s tricky without opposable thumbs.  So he sets out to convince his bear friend named Colin to help him, pitching him the marvelous idea of an alpaca story every day. Eventually, he realizes he must prove himself — dancing, standing on his head, gobbling grass, skateboarding, and it works! Together, they write down, share, rewrite, draw, and print out the story! It’s such a funny plot and Alfonso is totally endearing.

picture stories for creative writing

Let’s Tell a Story! Fairy Tale Adventure  by Lily Murray, illustrated by Wesley Robins Pick the story elements and write a story… Choose something on each page (using the pictures) and invent million of different stories. Do you want to be a prince, a troll, a princess, a black cat, these are just some of the main characters you could be. Then choose your outfits and accessories, where you want to go, who you’ll take with you, how you’ll get there, which path you’ll take, and so on until you get to the end of your dangerous adventure. Then start over and tell a new story! Also read   Let’s Tell a Story! Space Adventure  by Lily Murray.

picture stories for creative writing

Miss Brook’s Story Nook by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley In the story nook, Miss Brooks teaches the class and Missy about writing stories: plot, characters, action. Missy takes her real-life story of hat-stealing Billy, invents a satisfying ending, and solves her real-life problem in her written story. See how storytelling helps us after all?

picture stories for creative writing

Rocket Writes a Story  by Tad Hills Rocket loves reading stories so it’s only natural that he wants to write his own story. He collects words and looks for inspiration which he finds with Owl. Little by little he adds to a story about his new friend owl. This book is sure to inspire  storytelling  and writing.

picture stories for creative writing

A Perfectly Messed-Up Story  by Patrick McDonnell Very funny with fantastic art! Louie is happy to tell his happy story until — hey, did you just spill peanut butter on me? As the reader makes more of a mess, and Louie tries to restart the story without success, he gets upset and tells the reader to start treating books with some respect. But as he learns, even when things don’t go perfectly, it will be okay.

picture stories for creative writing

I Want to Be in a Scary Story  by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Jean Jullien Little Monster wants to be in a scary story. In a conversation between he and the author of the book, Little Monster helps the author write something a little scary and a little funny both. It’s a clever premise to have the interaction between author and main character determine the plot. It shows growing writers and readers a bit about the ever-changing process of storytelling.

picture stories for creative writing

Violet and Victor Write The Best-Ever Bookworm Book by Alice Kuipers, illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia Violet Small wants to write the best-ever book with help from her twin brother Victor Small who would rather count his pet worms. But, through brainstorming of the bickering kind and some cooperation, the two invent a suspenseful adventure about a book-eating bookworm. The illustrations are eye-catching, too – mixed media and pencil sketches. I love how the twins each have their own color ink and own color notebook paper for the story. This is a fantastic story about the creative process.

picture stories for creative writing

A Squiggly Story  by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Mike Lowery I love this book because it shows that all of us are writers — even when we can’t write letters or words quite yet! And this determined young writer proves it.

picture stories for creative writing

Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise  by David Ezra Stein The Little Red Chicken is sure that every story has an elephant of surprise. Papa explains that it’s an element of surprise, not an elephant. Thus begins a hilarious storytelling adventure (with elephants) that will crack you up. The Ugly Duckling, Rapunzel, and The Little Mermaid all have “ Surprise! I’m an elephant! ” moments as interrupted by, guess who, Chicken. Then Papa tells a silly story of his own with no elephants? Surprise! Elephants! (Teachers, wouldn’t this be fun for introducing plot in writing workshop?)

picture stories for creative writing

Look! I Wrote a Book! (And You Can Too) by Sally Loyd Jones, illustrated by Neal Layton A little girl with a big personality narrates the basics of writing a story from coming up with an idea to knowing your audience, thinking of titles, problems and solutions, endings, revising, and publishing including an author section, drawings, and cover art. Not only that, she even suggests how to sell your book. (This involves friendly persuasion or, if that doesn’t work, tying someone to a chair.)

picture stories for creative writing

The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog  by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Jez Tuya One evening at a campfire, a dad invents a goodnight story with his kids’ help. As Dad starts the story, the kids interrupt with anecdotes, questions, and suggestions. Hilarious adventures ensue and the littlest one saves everyone with a happy ending!

Picture Books Showing the Writer’s Life & Getting Published

picture stories for creative writing

My Worst Book Ever!  by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman We adore this delightful story all about the picture book author experience. Allan narrates his process of sitting in his shed, thinking up, and writing a story. But he’s thwarted by one thing after another — a coffee spill, a family vacation, paper-eating snails, an uncooperative illustrator, messy kids, and the printer’s niece called Lucy. It turns out to be his worst book ever! It’s so charming, you’ll want to be a picture book author yourself.

picture stories for creative writing

How This Book Was Made  by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex I love this humorous account shared by the author and illustrator about their amazing (and slightly unusual!?) process of writing a story and publishing a book. It goes something like this: getting an idea, writing lots of drafts, arguing with an editor, playing cards with a tiger, waiting forever for the illustrations, growing a long beard, printing the book in a huge pile which could be seen from space by ice-cream eating astronauts, sending books on a ship captured by pirates who don’t read, delivering books to places everywhere, and then the most important part — the waiting . . . the long waiting for someone to open a book. Because what’s a book without a reader?  Read more in  my interview with Mac and Adam . 

picture stories for creative writing

Author: A True Story  by Helen Lester The author of the beloved Tacky the Penguin series shares her writer’s journey starting with her challenges writing as a child all the way to becoming a published author. Kids will be encouraged to know that even if you struggle at first, it’s possible to succeed.

picture stories for creative writing

Big Machines The Story of Virginia Lee Burton (How Mike Mulligan’s Steam Shovel and Friends Came to Life)  by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by John Rocco Jinnee creates wonderful drawings and stories for her two young sons that become beloved picture books like  Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ,  Katy and the Big Snow ,  Maybelle, The Cable Car , and  The Little House . Reading this picture book gives us insight into an artist’s creative process as well as the process behind writing and illustrating a children’s story. Also on:  Big List of Picture Book Biographies .

picture stories for creative writing

The Whisper  by Pamela Zagarenski The little girl can’t wait to read her teacher’s magical book of stories. Only when she gets home, there are no stories, just pictures. The wind whispers, “ You can imagine the words. You can imagine the stories. . .  ” and so the little girl does, finding her inner storyteller. Not only is this story rich with the power of imagination, but the illustrations also evoke stories within stories. Use this mentor text picture book for writing a story — it’s marvelous!

picture stories for creative writing

Once Upon a Zzzz  by Maddie Frost Once upon a time, the author took a nap so the illustrator decided to write the story. It’s a story about a llama princess and her little Penguin sister who wished on a star that her older sister would be sent to the moon. As Princess Penguin tries to sleep, she realizes that she’s terrified without her big sister. Lucky for the illustrator, the author wakes up in time to help Princess Penguin rescue Princess Llama.

picture stories for creative writing

I Am a Story  by Dan Yaccarino This informative picture book describes the history of stories: oral tellings around campfires, paintings on cave walls, weavings into tapestries, printings, and more. For me, the writing is a bit too dry but I like that it exemplifies how stories connect us and endure throughout time.

picture stories for creative writing

Written And Drawn By Henrietta  a Toon Level 3 Book by Liniers This isn’t a picture book but it’s SUCH a wonderful early reader book for children who are developing as readers and writers! It’s about a young writer who gets new colored pencils that inspire her to write and illustrate a story. As it continues, we see her discussing the plotting with her cat — it’s such a great example of the story writing process!! LOVE! Also see:  The Big Wet Balloon  by Liniers.

writing a story mentor text picture books

KEEP READING

Books for Kids That Celebrate Words

Writing Prompts for Kids

Picture Books  About Libraries and Librarians

Little Red Riding Hood

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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I stumbled upon your site and am so glad that I did. What I have found has been so helpful and I can see myself making use of it in the future. I am thrilled with your read-aloud recommendations for Writers’ Workshop. I know I must make a trip to the library to check these out. Thank you so much!

I’m so happy the list is helpful!

The article was rather catching and interesting enough to get all possible nuances to remember. I do get pleasure from reading the content and the writing mode of the author, etc as I did when found http://www.onlinetutorforme.com/history-tutor/ . I suggest you write such sorts of articles every day to give the audience like me all the essential information. In my view, it is better to be prepared for all the unexpected situations in advance, so thanks, it was pretty cool.

How can a self-published author of a children’s book get someone like you to review their book?

send me an email and we can talk– I don’t normally review self-published picture books though.

I am a second grade teacher and I love books, literacy and teaching reading. I love your handy lists and ideas! I will be sharing these with my grade level team. Very inspiring!

I’m so happy to hear it! Let me know if you have any specific book list needs. 🙂

Thanks,, your blog is really amazing ! I’m French and I adore books children, even in English ! Thanks to you I discover some new ones !!! And they make me laugh ! TSo thank you very much !

glad you stopped by and found so many good books!

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picture stories for creative writing

'Chicken scratch' notes, Trump's book, and a 2006 picture: See evidence in hush money trial

picture stories for creative writing

By time Donald Trump 's hush money trial concluded its fourth week, witness testimony swung drastically from accounting processes to Stormy Daniels ' blockbuster story about sex with Trump.

Trump has been indicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors say he covered up reimbursements to Cohen, who paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her story under wraps ahead of the 2016 election. More than a dozen people have taken the stand, and they all come with tidbits of evidence to explain to the jury.

Prosecutors appear to be using that evidence to show jurors Trump's approach to business and how that led him to signing checks to Cohen himself, while also propping up Daniels' alleged sexual encounter with the former president in 2006. (Trump denies it happened).

Coupled with courtroom sketches , transcripts of the trial and on-the-ground reporting from USA TODAY, the following evidence gives insight into what the jurors are seeing and considering:

Trump trial live updates: Latest updates as Michael Cohen returns as hush money witness

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The paper trail: Michael Cohen's checks and 'chicken scratch' numbers

Who introduced the evidence: The prosecution. The checks and accounting documents form a central part of the case as prosecutors try to show Trump was reimbursing Cohen for the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels and falsifying records to cover it up. The defense has denied the payments were reimbursements.

Associated witness: The paperwork has come into play across a few testimonies, as prosecutors try to show the jury the accounting processes behind Trump's organization approving and issuing checks. The documents above were verified by Jeffrey McConney, the former controller at the Trump Organization and Deborah Tarasoff, an accounts payable supervisor at the Trump Organization.

Testimony: McConney calculated how the $130,000 allegedly netted out to $35,000 monthly payments for Cohen's for a "retainer." The $130,000 paid to Keith M Davidson Associates PLC, plus $50,000 paid for technology services, doubled to pad for taxes, plus a $60,000 bonus, equaled $420,000. At a monthly rate, McConney testified, that came to $35,000. Tarasoff testified the check from Trump's personal account was signed by Trump.

Trump Organization junior bookkeeper Rebecca Manochio and former presidential aide Madeleine Westerhout later testified about how checks were signed in 2017, once Trump was in the White House. They had to send them via FedEx back and forth.

Quote from the transcript: "Allen (Weisselberg) said we had to get some money to Michael, reimburse Michael. He tossed a pad towards me, and I started taking notes on what Allen said," McConney said of his "chicken scratch" notes during a January 2017 meeting.

He also testified the hand writing on the bottom left of the First Republic Bank account statement belonged to Weisselberg, the former Trump organization CFO convicted of tax fraud and falsifying business records.

'I sign all my own checks, so I know where my money's going'

Who introduced the evidence: The prosecution.

Associated witness: Sally Franklin , a senior vice president and executive managing editor in publishing at Penguin Random House.

Testimony: Franklin read loud several portions of Trump's books, in which Trump outlines his approach to business, which includes closely checking invoices and checks. The defense team raised the fact that he used a ghostwriter in cross examination.

Quote from the transcript: "As I said before, I always sign my checks, so I know where my money's going," Trump wrote in his book "Trump: Think Like a Billionaire." "In the same spirit, I also always try to read my bills to make sure I'm not being overcharged"

Photos of Trump and Stormy Daniels at Lake Tahoe golf tournament, 2006

Associated witness: Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who allegedly had sex with Trump in July 2006 at a Lake Tahoe golf tournament.

Testimony: Daniels testified she met Trump while she was working for adult film company Wicked Pictures, a sponsor for the tournament. Trump has denied a sexual encounter between them ever occurred. These photos demonstrated that the two were at least in the same place at the same time.

Transcript excerpt: "So, Wicked sponsors one of the holes on the golf course, which, yes, I know it's very funny. We are an adult film company sponsoring one of the holes," Daniels said on the stand, before describing being introduced to Trump, along with several other golfers. "The owner of the company was like...'this is my contract star and director Stormy Daniels.' And that's when he acted like, oh, you actually direct too? You must be the smart one. And there is a picture and they moved on."

'Oh my god': Stormy Daniels testifies on spanking Trump, his gold tweezers, and silky PJs

Stormy Daniels book and merchandise

Who introduced the evidence: The defense.

Associated witness: Stormy Daniels.

Testimony: Defense lawyer  Susan Necheles pressed Daniels on how she has profited from telling her story. Daniels confirmed a post on social media saying that she made $1 million from her 2018 book "Full Disclosure ," which covered her life story, including the interaction with Trump. Daniels also has other themed merchandise for sale like a candle and a comic book, she confirmed on the stand. Necheles suggested Daniels made up the story of having sex with Trump.

"If that story was untrue, I would have written it to be a lot better," Daniels shot back. "I didn't have to write this one."

Contributing: Aysha Bagchi, Bart Jansen

picture stories for creative writing

Google's Updated AI Image Generator Creates Photorealistic Pictures With Legible Text

Google announced Imagen 3 , the latest version of its image generation model, at its I/O developer event on Tuesday.

Imagen 3 yields more photorealistic images, including details like sunlight or whiskers on animals. It also remembers to include smaller details like wildflowers or birds in longer prompts.

Throughout 2024 so far, we've seen a flurry of image and video generation models from the likes of OpenAI , Adobe and Google itself as they seek to expand chatbots far beyond text and win over users. 

According to Douglas Eck, senior research director at Google, Imagen 3 is Google's best model yet for rendering text, which has been a challenge for image generation models.

"It understands prompts written the way people write," he said. "The more creative and detailed you are, the better."

The latest version also generates fewer distorted images.

It follows the release of Imagen 2 in December 2023.

Signups for access to Imagen 3 open today and it will be coming soon to developers and enterprise customers in Vertex AI.

This is a developing story.

Editors' note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create a handful of stories. Reviews of AI products like this, just like  CNET's other hands-on reviews , are written by our human team of in-house experts. For more, see  CNET's AI policy  and  how we test AI .

Google's Updated AI Image Generator Creates Photorealistic Pictures With Legible Text

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‘Baby Reindeer’ Star Jessica Gunning Talks Mastering Accents & Her Debut Writing Credit On ‘The Outlaws’

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Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning has been generating headlines aplenty for her creepy turn as Martha in Netflix’s stalking thriller series, but she’s imminently set to return to screens on both sides of the pond in the third season of the BBC /Amazon’s The Outlaws .

Gunning talked the Creative Cities Convention through her role as community services officer Diane in Stephen Merchant ‘s hit dramedy.

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“I love working with Stephen and he does let us add bits [of writing] here and there,” she said. “I was lucky enough to be in the writers room for Season 3 and I learned so much behind the scenes. I was honored to be a part of that.”

In Season 3, Gunning’s character returns with new sidekick Stan, played by Ten Percent’s Harry Trevaldwyn, who Diane is training up while doing a night class in criminology.

Gunning’s role as Martha in Netflix chart-topper Baby Reindeer about comedian Richard Gadd’s real-life experience of being stalked has dominated the cultural zeitgeist over the past few days. Gunning has garnered plaudits aplenty for her performance including her Scottish accent, and the Pride and Back star detailed today how she has mastered a strong Bristol accent in The Outlaws, which is set in the English city in the south west.

“I work with an accent coach and try and do as much work as I can,” she said. “And it’s amazing having so many crew from Bristol, so I would ask them, ‘How do you say this?’ or, ‘How do you say that?’.”

When she was first given scripts to The Outlaws several years ago, Gunning said she had thought it was a straight drama and had performed her audition in this vein.

“I said, ‘Oh, I wasn’t trying to be funny’ and the people auditioning me were in fits,” she added. “The way Stephen writes his comedic voice is so familiar to me and I knew what he wanted from [the character].”

Gunning was joined on stage by fellow Outlaws cast members along with EP Kenton Allen, who runs Big Talk Studios.

‘The Offenders’ in LA

The Outlaws

The show swiftly moved to Bristol, drawing on The Office co-creator Merchant’s experience, before picking up a big financial contribution from Amazon, which allowed for the casting of the likes of Christopher Walken .

Allen said the city of Bristol, which is playing host to the Creative Cities Convention this year, “had not really been filmed contemporarily in drama for a long time.”

“ Bridgerton is shot here but there are lots of amazing locations, stories and characters so that was part of the sell,” he added. “And the BBC likes to spread its tentacles far and wide to represent different parts of the country.”

Allen scotched the notion that the cast’s strong Bristolian accents bemuse U.S. viewers, pointing out that global audiences are “becoming more used to leaning into the specifics of a story” and that subtitles are more commonly used in the streaming era.

The Outlaws team were speaking at the Creative Cities Convention after a talk from Mr Bates vs the Post Office director James Strong.

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