The Amazing 8 Writing Prompts
Use these photo writing prompts to help you develop a micro prose practice while building a small (or full-length) body of work. Use them to generate creative nonfiction/memoir or fiction work.
- To print out a collage of the image in color, click here.
- To print out a collage of the image in black and white, click here.
- Set the timer for 10 minutes and tackle each image in order. Click on each image to view it full screen.
- There are eight (8) images in total, so you can write two per week (except for those extra-long months). But I have plenty of other prompts if you need them; see below!
- Go with the first thought/emotion from the image. Don’t worry if it seems “off-topic”—follow the thread.
- Remember that this is less about the image as a prompt and more about what comes up for you. Setting your intention is a big part of pre-paving what ends up on the page. (To learn more about this, check out my primer below or take one of my micro prose workshops).
- Don’t recognize an image? Have no idea what you’re looking at? Don’t like what you’re looking at? It’s okay. Trust your first response or question. Again—follow the thread.
- If it turns out that images are your thing, The New York Times has image/photo prompts, too.
NEW! Beginning in 2025, I’ll be offering free pop-up write-ins via live chat on the Writer-ish Substack channel. We’ll use these prompts and others to stay accountable and
This Might Help if You Are…
- New to writing micro? Check out my primer here.
- Looking for more prompts? Micro Mondays begin here.
- Looking for even more prompts? I’ve got 50+ thoughtful memoir prompts here.
- Ready to make your micro even more magnificent? Your micro revision course is here.
- Wondering what to do with all your micro? Learn about submission options here.
- Needing a second set of eyes or have some questions? I can help. Book a consult with me here.