Photo Inspiration for Poetry and Prose

A photo is worth a thousand words, and for stuck writers, it can be worth even more. A good idea can jumpstart your brain and give you the satisfaction that you wrote even when you didn’t necessarily feel like it. When you’re stuck staring at a blank page, a photo can take away the pressure to create something perfect and original. Instead of wrestling with anxiety, use the image to focus on directions that you might not normally explore in your daily writing practice. Take ten minutes writing on whatever the photo brings to mind. Don’t edit, don’t judge, and don’t worry about whether anyone will ever read it. If you would prefer a searchable museum prompt, it can be found on my art museum prompt page.

If you like it, share it or expand on it. If it’s not your cup of tea, move on to the next day’s work. Sometimes you might look back at what you’ve written and not care for it, and be glad no one has seen it. Other times, you might be surprised by how good it is.