As part of the agenda in my writers’ group, we do a ten-minute free write. This helps to get the writing-brain engaged. Sometimes, we pick from a jar containing random prompts comprised of words, phrases, and ideas submitted by members. Then we write our hearts out for ten minutes, after which we share our masterpiece with the group. There’s no magic in the ten-minute time slot, and the result is rough and unpolished. However, it does have a Goldilocks effect: not too long, not too short, but just the right amount of time to start the creative juices flowing.
But what do you do when word prompts fail to spark creativity?
Let a Picture Do the Talking.
Something wonderful develops when using visual aids during the writing process. For me, they ignite something in the mind to inspire the imagination. I often utilize pictures when I’m introduced to new characters in a story or novel in progress. I might have a vague concept of their descriptions, so I look for pictures with physical characteristics I know they possess. I also search for scenic pictures of where my characters frequent or live. If you don’t know where to start, I’ll share a few ideas.
Photo Calendar
A great tool to employ is a photo calendar. One that has landscape pictures for each month works well. In my writers’ group, members choose an image, without revealing which one, and create a narrative around that illustration. At the end of the allotted writing period, each person shares the story, and the rest of the group must guess which picture the story represents.
Single Photograph
An alternative is simply utilizing a single photograph. Members write a story based on the same picture. The tales that emerge are as varied as the writing styles and genres of each writer. Creations that materialize can range from lighthearted and hilarious, to thought-provoking and emotional, to tender and romantic, to dark and gruesome. Some of the most amazing tales have come from this exercise. They are invaluable snippets that often give birth to short stories or even novels.
Postcards or Magazine Pictures
As with a single photo, postcards or pictures from a magazine are great resources. A fun idea in a writers’ group is to choose a picture and do a Round Robin Write. One member starts the story based on the picture. The tale evolves as it’s passed from one writer to the next and ends with the last person. It can also be cycled through the group another time or two to add a little depth. It makes for a more interesting account. There’s no predicting which direction the story will take, but it often concludes in side-splitting hilarity.
Not Part of a Writers’ Group? No Problem.
Though I highly recommend being part of a writers’ group, these ideas can be utilized even if you’re writing solo. Sort through those old photos, post cards, and magazine articles. Keep a collection of them in a file so they’re ever at the ready for a writing session. Set your clock or timer for ten-minutes and write. And remember to do this on a consistent basis. Save those passages for your next literary project.
Need an Example?
Here’s a blurb that manifested from a short write based on this photo taken during a visit to the Louvre Museum.
I have been revered and awed by millions throughout the centuries. I am Beauty. I am Majesty. I am Power. I am Grace. I am Ascendance. I am Noblesse. I am the Goddess Nike. I am La Victoire, The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The most skilled artisans on the Isle of Rhodes molded me from the finest white Parian marble. I stand erect and pose as having just alighted atop the prow of a mighty ship. Wings outstretched, gauzy garment hugging the curves of my body, I brace against the force of the wind. The bitter taste of salt-sea air stings my mouth and nostrils.
For generations, I stood in the Sanctuary of the Gods overlooking the sea in observance of a great naval victory. Hundreds of mighty warships—extraordinary vessels fashioned from oak, fir, and pine—propelled through the briny depths. Sped forward by sails and strong-backed oarsmen who rowed tirelessly to meet the opposition in battle, the fleet advanced. Then, with sails furled, the grandiose sea-faring crafts split through crashing waves to ram and hole enemy ships. The battle was long and casualties many as the blood of champion and enemy alike spilled into the Aegean, mingling with its deep blue to turn the sea to violet.
After centuries of abandon, I was retrieved from my island and sent to a new point of visage in the Louvre Museum. For a time, I was secreted away for many years, taken to refuge in order to escape the ravages of a great and terrible war.
At last reunited with my new home and placed at the head of the grand Daru Staircase, I once again stand upon the prow of my ship. I still recall the battle cries and shouts of triumphant men upon their victory. And I wait, proud and patient, to welcome back their return to my embrace.
Now it’s your turn. Here’s a picture to get you started. Have fun.
