There are hundreds of things we see every day that can spark a story. Watching people on the street, in cafes, in the park, can set us wondering what their life is like and what has brought them to where they are now.
Below are ten photographs of people in different situations. Pick the one that immediately grabs your attention and sets your imaginative juices flowing, and see if you can write a story about it.
Write about this old man’s past.
Where does he live? What has he done in his life?
Photo credit:
When her fingers touched the keys the years fell away . . . .
A stranger led you into this bazaar and then abandoned you there. What were you doing with them in the first place and why did they lead you there?
Can you describe your surroundings and how it feels to be standing there not knowing where you are or how to get out?
You can hear a bell tolling nearby, where is it coming from and what does it mean?
You are standing behind the girl with the backpack.
Where are you and where are you going?
Describe your surroundings – are they familiar or strange? Are you lost?
What is she looking at and why are you behind her? Are you with her?
What can you see and smell?
Describe the scene pictured without using the word sea.
Can you use words that will describe the spray from the wind-whipped waves?
Bring the sparkle of sunlight on water to life and paint a picture of how it feels to be standing here looking at this scene.
Imagine you are standing among the trees. What does the air around you feel like? Is there a breeze? What can you smell? What can you hear?
How would you describe the beams of light and the shadows without using the words light or sun?
Stretch your imagination and try to find unusual, highly descriptive words.
