I absolutely love sketching prompts. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (@ciccotello) then you may have seen my 10 minute sketches. Every now and then, I post a question asking readers to share their favorite something… maybe it’s animal, or an object, or maybe a mode of transportation. Whatever it is, I compile all of them into a nice big list and create quick sketches from the prompts. Some of those images become finished character illustrations in my portfolio. A few of those illustrations go even further and have become characters in book dummies.
With visual prompts in mind, I thought we could have some fun generating ideas. All you need to do is look at the pictures and let your imagination wander.
Pick a character…
Pick an object…
Pick a setting…
Now let’s put them together. Combine one item from each row. It kind of makes me think of the board game, Clue. What if we put the raccoon in the living room with the gift? Where is the raccoon? Where is the gift? I don’t want to sway your creativity, but these questions will help define the moment. Let’s leave it there and allow you to finish the scene.
Play around with it. Maybe there are two characters in one settings, or one character with multiple objects. Don’t stop there. If this idea is working for you then get out there and pick some more images of your own. Pull images from the web. Clip pictures from magazines or newspapers.
Look at each item and start to ask questions. Why is this character so special? What are they doing? What’s the dilemma? What is the conflict? How will this character grow throughout your story? Use your fantastic writing skills to develop something unique with your voice.
If you are looking for places to get prompts for writing or illustration, be sure to check these out:
Have fun with it and good luck!
Mike Ciccotello received a BFA with a concentration in painting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He has fourteen years’ experience in broadcast motion graphics, working at CNN and Fox Business Network. Currently, he is the Art and Design Director at Telos Corporation. His art has been featured on Liquitex.com, CNN, ClothPaperScisors.com, Artists & Makers Magazine, and Industry Magazine. He has exhibited at Johnson & Johnson Headquarters and the NY Design Center. He is an active member of SCBWI, CBIG, Drawn to Picture Books, and a contributing member of AllTheWonders.com. Visit him at ciccotello.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Ciccotello is giving away a custom illustrated avatar. It can be in your likeness or just something you admire. But I would suggest it not being Mike. He’s already taken.
Leave ONE COMMENT on this blog post to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
Now, go get visual.
559 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 3, 2018 at 8:09 am
Ashley Franklin
Ooh! This seems like a fun thing you could do with Post-It notes as well.
January 3, 2018 at 8:21 pm
ain0v1ews
got my mind racing…
January 3, 2018 at 8:09 am
Lindsay Metcalf
It’s amazing how different people’s processes can get the ideas churning. Thanks for the inspiration, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 8:09 am
Ann Martin
Brilliant way to get the creativity up and running! Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 8:13 am
willowwrites
Hi Mike! I love the dancing alligator…thanks for the prompt 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 8:13 am
Leila Nabih
Also another fabulous way to get an idea. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 8:16 am
Jodi Mckay
LOVE this, Mike! Picture prompts are one of my favorite ways of sparking a bit of creativity. I like that they give me the “what if?” and I really like your questions that will take me even deeper into the character/story/etc. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 8:18 am
Li'vee Rehfield
Thank you so much, this inspired me and I loved the prompts. Great exercise to add to my drawing work outs Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 8:18 am
Tina Cho
Great exercise. I’m already on it. I loved playing CLUE when I was little.
January 3, 2018 at 8:19 am
pathaap
This is great, Mike! Love this idea. Thanks so much!
January 3, 2018 at 8:19 am
Shelly HawleyYan
I love drawing and writing prompts too! Thanks for a reminder about how to combine those ideas to create something silly, special and new!
January 3, 2018 at 8:22 am
Serge Smagarinsky
Thanks for sharing this technique and the prompts… may have just given me the seed of an idea… will have to wait and see if it germinates into a full-fledged story
January 3, 2018 at 8:23 am
Bruna De Luca
Argh. Writing prompts make me freeze up…but I LOVE your avatar 😊
January 3, 2018 at 8:27 am
Heather Thurmeier
Your drawings are amazing! And I love the writing prompts. Wish I could draw my own, but I’ll have to stick to simply writing down words instead.
January 3, 2018 at 8:29 am
Stacey Corrigan
I love this so much I plan on using it with my students today. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 8:33 am
Sarah Tobias
I love this. My imagination took off and a silly little adventure began.
January 3, 2018 at 8:35 am
lahewson
Thanks for the inspiration, Mike. I love using picture prompts 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 8:35 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Thanks, Mike. This will be FUN!
January 3, 2018 at 8:36 am
Jennifer G Prevost
What great ideas you have! I follow you on Instagram and love seeing the ‘big pictures’ that result from your sketches. Thanks for sharing a piece of your process.
January 3, 2018 at 8:36 am
Matt Judkins
This is my first year doing this! I had my first children’s book (Camping with Bigfoot) published last year with a small independent publisher (Doodle & Peck), and I’m busy looking for ideas for my next one. Can’t wait to see what pops up!
January 3, 2018 at 8:36 am
LaTonya Richardson
Another great post for awesome ideas!!! I am so glad I’m participating!
January 3, 2018 at 8:38 am
Sydney Spann
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 8:39 am
candicewolff
Love the idea of using images! You could keep a little index card box for each category. You never know when you might find the right match! I could really see quite a collection growing over time. This reminds me of Rory Story Cubes but far more personalized which is why it will lead to stronger story ideas. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 1:43 pm
hmmmmm
With you on the story cubes — I love their concept but always find myself thinking it’d be fun if the images were more particular.
January 3, 2018 at 8:40 am
Donna L Martin
This post really speaks to me because I’ve returned to my sketching after a 25-year hiatus. l’ve been doing Google searches to get ideas but I like this way better.
Great post, Mike!
Donna L Martin
January 3, 2018 at 8:41 am
authoraileenstewart
Well now, who wouldn’t love a personalized avatar!
January 3, 2018 at 8:43 am
Alexis Larkin
Loved this exercise. That raccoon is a riot.
January 3, 2018 at 8:43 am
katrinamoorebooks
What a fun and inspiring post. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 8:44 am
Janice Milusich
Fun prompt! Thanks Mike
January 3, 2018 at 8:44 am
Lisa Robinson
Thanks for these ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 8:45 am
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Mike. I loved playing Clue as a kid – and still love it!
What a fun and easy way to come up with ideas. Thank you for the links as well.
January 3, 2018 at 8:49 am
rnewman504
Great post, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 8:52 am
Michele Prestininzi
Nice job, Mike. I love the game of clues idea!
January 3, 2018 at 8:52 am
lorigravley
Mike, I love the Clue inspired prompt. Very helpful.
January 3, 2018 at 8:52 am
MD Knabb
This was a great post, Mike. I like the “Clue” process and will collect character, object, and setting ideas/visuals. Thanks
January 3, 2018 at 8:53 am
Andrea Mack
I love your sketches! My brain fired up right away when I saw those animals with their personalities! Thanks for a fun way to generate ideas.
January 3, 2018 at 8:53 am
Rita D. Russell
Racoon in the Living Room with the gift. That was my choice too! LOVE this exercise. No telling where out-of-the-box creativity can lead.
January 3, 2018 at 8:55 am
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the visual story starters! I love the raccoon! Can’t wait to see where he takes me!
January 3, 2018 at 8:58 am
.CAROLE CALLADINE
Thanks Mike! This is a great way to stimulate ideas. Get Visual! Carole Calladine
January 3, 2018 at 8:58 am
CeCeLibrarian
Three great prizes have been offered already! I’m in heaven. I would L-O-V-E to win a custom designed avatar that looks like me. Thank you Mike for these visual writing prompts. I really enjoy doing these. Author/Illustrator Vashti Harrison does some too. I participate every time she posts one.
January 3, 2018 at 8:59 am
58chilihed13
I always have a pocket book and pen on my person to jot these type of ideas down, sometimes I end up with pages of doodles I can come back to for inspiration! Love your sketches, inspiration galore!
January 3, 2018 at 9:00 am
nancy armo
What a fun post! Thanks, Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 9:00 am
jheitman22
And BOOM! Mike, your illustrations gave me my story idea for today! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 9:01 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Hoping to see that croc in a downtown deli sometime soon, Mike.:-)
January 3, 2018 at 9:04 am
kathalsey
Mike, let’s visual, visual, I wanna get visual. Let me hear my ideas talk. I like the Clue board game you created for us. TY.
January 3, 2018 at 9:04 am
Linda Mitchell
I recently started using powerpoint as a journal because I could easily paste images next to words. I love moving them around and working with them.
Mike, THANK YOU for the idea of Clue! It’s a great idea to mix/match character, setting, prop. I’m off to play…..but I would sincerely love an avatar! What a great prize. Thanks for the chance at that too.
January 3, 2018 at 9:07 am
Carolyn Farina
Wonderful sketches! Thanks for the help!
January 3, 2018 at 9:09 am
Franziska Macur
Great illustrations and a wonderful and generous prize!
January 3, 2018 at 9:10 am
suzannepoulterharris
I love playing Clue. Planning to have fun playing around with this idea. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 9:10 am
Robin Currie
I love the idea of inspiration with magazine cut outs! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 9:13 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love your drawings and suggestions for prompts, Mike! Very helpful—especially for when I’m feeling stuck.
January 3, 2018 at 9:14 am
Kim Erickson
This was so fun! I’ll be using your post in my elementary school writing class.
January 3, 2018 at 9:14 am
Red said what?
Fun and great suggestion, Mike! Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 9:16 am
Megan Whitaker
Great ideas! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 9:16 am
M. J. Putnik
Mikey! Youse the bestest! Tanks for da inspiration in kick startin’ my creative groove!
January 3, 2018 at 9:17 am
Nadine Gamble
Appreciate the additional resources for idea generation.
January 3, 2018 at 9:18 am
mikeysack
Such a great idea to generate great ideas! I do something similar to motivate my remedial English students, but never thought of using it for my own writing inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 9:20 am
junesmalls
Love the game of Clue type prompts! Man I wish I could draw. I greatly admire your talent.
January 3, 2018 at 9:22 am
Charlotte Offsay
What a fun and different exercise! Great way for me to start my day with a little creativity! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 9:22 am
Virginia Law Manning
Mike, it was so fun to see you in StoryStorm today!!! I loved your suggestion. Rather than use any of the prompts you gave us, I went online and picked out a thing and an animal. I chose my setting based on the story that had already starting writing itself in my head! I’m really excited about this idea!!! It feels simple but truly in tune with a child. I can’t wait to write it! Thank you so much!!!
January 3, 2018 at 9:26 am
Jennifer Phillips
I’m a big believer in image play as a creativity helper. Thanks for the reminder of its value. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 9:31 am
Jane Serpa
A picture or photo can be a great inspiration for a new story.
January 3, 2018 at 9:31 am
Juliana Jones
Thanks for the simple visuals to get my brain going in this cold weather. I might even draw some of my own!
January 3, 2018 at 9:32 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
A mamma bear, a detached car stereo, and a garage with a hole in the roof…GO.
January 3, 2018 at 10:12 am
artzpam
I had a great visual of this as I read it. I could see a bear with a wide brimmed hat on, (a bit messed up, and drooping where it wasn’t supposed to droop). She fell through the roof of the garage and fell into a car. While trying to get out her rear claws get tangled in the wiring of the car and pulled the radio out. Now she’s trying to put it back so no one knows that anything happened. .
January 3, 2018 at 9:33 am
Laura Purdie Salas
I love using illos as idea sparkers. I often visit http://www.childrensillustrators.com/ and scroll through a portfolio or two until an illustration prompts a story in my head. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 9:33 am
Kirsten W. Larson
Wow, this is an amazing way to generate ideas. Thank you so much!
January 3, 2018 at 9:33 am
theresenagi
Thanks Mike for sharing these fun prompts.
January 3, 2018 at 9:35 am
Lorraine Bonzelet
An idea popped with the visual clues. A great start to the day. Thanks, Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 9:35 am
Polly Renner
Thank you Mike for your inspiration! Great idea prompts:>
January 3, 2018 at 9:36 am
Alice Carty Fulgione
Love the picture game idea! Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 9:36 am
stiefelchana
Fun idea generator! Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 9:36 am
lmconnors
Thank you for the fun inspirations Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 9:38 am
Leslie Santamaria
I can’t wait to use this idea. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 9:45 am
lindaschueler
Awesome ideas! Thanks.
January 3, 2018 at 9:48 am
moviemommie
Thanks for your post and fun ideas!
Jenna
January 3, 2018 at 9:49 am
Marlene Farrell
Fun ideas. Should I work on these or just imagine my ultimate avatar? Decisions, decisions.
January 3, 2018 at 9:50 am
Shell leDrew
Oh to be a charicature!
January 3, 2018 at 9:54 am
Katie Frawley
Already got today’s story idea from Mike’s post. Woo hoo!
January 3, 2018 at 9:55 am
Debbi Michiko Florence
This is fun! I’ve never thought about using illustrations/photos to generate ideas. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 9:56 am
betlw
Thanks, Mike. It’s like one from column A, then column B and from column C. Then put them together and make a story. Love it!
January 3, 2018 at 9:56 am
bgonsar
But what if I really want a Mike avitar? Love your writing prompts and agree it’s a good way to get the creative juices flowing.
January 3, 2018 at 9:59 am
illustratorm
Great advice Mike! Thank you for posting.
For what I’m working on now, very inspiring.
January 3, 2018 at 10:01 am
Vicki Wilke
Cool – I can see lots of photo ideas here. Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:02 am
Lindsay Maeve
These posts just get more and more fun! Spoiler: The raccoon in his rocket ship is having the best time zooming around my living room (oh shoot, there goes grandma’s crystal vase)…
January 3, 2018 at 10:02 am
artzpam
Ooooh an avatar, how fun! Thank you for the chance to win it.
January 3, 2018 at 10:02 am
Karin Larson
Great suggestions…I love Clue:) Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 10:03 am
Jen Arena
Yes, I need to come up with an alligator story now!
January 3, 2018 at 10:04 am
Louann Brown
Great idea! Can’t wait to start clipping pix today! Fun fun.
January 3, 2018 at 10:06 am
Laurie Knowlton
Too much fun! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 10:07 am
Stephanie
Let’s get visual, visual. Love it!
January 3, 2018 at 10:08 am
Laura Hancock
Delightful character illustrations! Thanks for the ideas.
January 3, 2018 at 10:08 am
Anita
What fun we are having so far this month!
January 3, 2018 at 10:08 am
Joanne Sher
SOunds like TONS of fun – and help! Can’t wait to give it a try (and thanks for the links too!)
January 3, 2018 at 10:09 am
Linda Staszak
Great way to get ideas going. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 10:13 am
marty
Your drawings did it for me, gave me a fun idea to play with. Thanks for the great visuals.
January 3, 2018 at 10:15 am
Amber Webb
I can’t wait to see where my imagination takes me with this one. My stumbling block is often recalling stories that already exist with those settings or characters. I need to combine those or expand my mind a little!
January 3, 2018 at 10:15 am
Ashley Pierson
I love this inspiring post Mike. Great sketches too!
January 3, 2018 at 10:15 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Fun post, Mike! Love the visual ideas. Well done!
January 3, 2018 at 10:16 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for this post! And thank you for the fun ideas to help us generate ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 10:18 am
Elizabeth Saxton
What a great post and a great prize!
January 3, 2018 at 10:19 am
Jennifer Lane Wilson
I really like your sketch of the chair – looks like a great place to curl up with a good book
January 3, 2018 at 10:19 am
8catpaws
Sneaky raccoon with a birthday gift, hops in his plane and generates lift!
January 3, 2018 at 10:23 am
Kelly Darke
Thanks for these story generating ideas. You reminded me of a book I have somewhere in my house collecting dust:(: 642 things to write about. Time to pull it out and put it to good use!
January 3, 2018 at 10:25 am
C.L. Murphy
Thanks for sharing a great way to generate ideas, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:27 am
Lourdes Heuer (@LourdesHeuer)
642 things to draw is great inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 10:27 am
loriannlevyholm
This is a great exercise that I’ve used with my students! Now I will play with iy myself. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 10:31 am
kirsticall
Mike! What a great way to generate ideas! I love it. The raccoon is darling too…
January 3, 2018 at 10:35 am
marylouisealucurto
This is a very effective technique that I’ve used with my students!
January 3, 2018 at 10:36 am
gayleckrause
What an easy way to get inspired to create a new picture book. Clue is a very good reference for this technique. I like it! 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 10:36 am
karammitchell
Thanks, Mike!! Followed!
January 3, 2018 at 10:37 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Wonderful approach to story inspiration, Mike! Thank you. Also, I love the personalities expressed in your animal characters!
January 3, 2018 at 10:39 am
Sally Spratt 🎉🍾🎇 (@SallySpratt)
Great idea to get inspired.
January 3, 2018 at 10:40 am
Rebecca Colby
How fun! Thanks for the inspiration, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:40 am
Mindy Baker
I would love an Avatar!
January 3, 2018 at 10:40 am
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Mike! This will be so much fun! I love these visual prompts.
January 3, 2018 at 10:42 am
4tara
Love this idea generator. So often I see lovely pics which peak my interest.
January 3, 2018 at 10:47 am
writersideup
Mike, you SO know your stuff 😀 I’ve been a long-time believer in prompts like these and it’s amazing what an image can spark! A few years back, Kathy Temean was doing prompts on her blog and when she put up an image as a prompt, my imagination soared! I have 6 or 7 “first pages” from them, several of which could “be something” should I choose. EXcellent post! 😀
January 3, 2018 at 10:48 am
Ryan Roberts
Ready to go search some magazines. Thanks for the multiple ways of generating ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 10:48 am
Caren Cantrell
Great idea. I’ve done this before with just a spreadsheet but I like the visual aspect better. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 10:50 am
Annelouise
Thank you for sharing your fun story idea generator. It’s helpful & playful.
January 3, 2018 at 10:53 am
deborahholtwilliams
Love the sketching idea. I was playing with clay with my grandson recently, and got some ideas that way, too!
January 3, 2018 at 10:56 am
Carolyne Ruck
I loved playing Clue as a teen, but never thought about using that method as a story starter. Great idea! Love the visual component, too.
January 3, 2018 at 10:56 am
Carolyn
Pictures are not my go-to idea method, so it’s great to think outside the box! The #kidlitbot looks like a great resource. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 10:58 am
stephanieoplingerarts
Ah! So much fun! 😄
I am going to use the raccoon, the rocket ship, and the backyard to see what kind of story idea I can come up with today. 🤔
Such a fun giveaway! I hope I win. 😉
January 3, 2018 at 10:58 am
Sarita F.
I love doing this exercise with my five year-old. We take turns coming up with characters, items and settings and then coming up with stories to tell one another.
January 3, 2018 at 11:01 am
Chad Allen Wonsik
Great ideas, Mike! Now I’m going to go get visual! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 11:02 am
Jennette Mutolo
Love the Clue idea!
January 3, 2018 at 11:03 am
Megan Taraszkiewicz
This is great, Mike! I love looking at illustrators’ work to gather writing ideas. Thanks for the links!
January 3, 2018 at 11:08 am
laura516
Love your sketches. Thanks for the visual prompt. It’s working!
January 3, 2018 at 11:08 am
Teresa Daffern
I love visuals! So many possibilities for prompting unique stories. Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2018 at 11:09 am
celticsea
And yet another reason for me to get drawing! Thanks Mike!
Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to organize all of these ideas into one easily accessible place?
Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Martin Segal
Hi, I use Evernote for a lot of my ideas. Not everything, but it does help me organize them overall..
January 3, 2018 at 11:10 am
Aimee
Creative prompt and love your drawings.
Thanks:)
January 3, 2018 at 11:11 am
taracreel
Your illustrations are fantastic! And I love exercises like this, thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 11:13 am
poppywrote
I can’t come up with any ideas… I think I’ll just wander around chewing on my pencil. Wait… What if a raccoon gets my pencil and chews on it? Maybe coming down the chimney…. hmmm
January 3, 2018 at 11:13 am
Rick Starkey
Great way to get ideas flowing! Thanks.
January 3, 2018 at 11:14 am
Kathy j brown
What a great way to create a book!
I’m inspired🤗
January 3, 2018 at 11:15 am
Janice Woods
Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:16 am
Marianne Kuzujanakis
Finding the story within images is always an inspiring exercise! THX!
January 3, 2018 at 11:18 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
It’s so much fun to look at your art and come up with ideas! Thanks
January 3, 2018 at 11:18 am
Mary Worley
Love your work. And I’m sure an avatar drawn by you would be way better than what I would do.
January 3, 2018 at 11:20 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
Thanks for the prompt ideas! I’ve been saving a magazine clipping and now my task is to come up with ideas for the characters.
January 3, 2018 at 11:21 am
Kathy Mazurowski
I can’t wait to get started on this. I have a Pinterest board that I keep as story ideas with objects, now I want to sketch. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 11:26 am
colleenrkosinski
Great ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 11:27 am
Crystal Lamb
*giggles* Now I’m picturing an Elephant tiptoeing up the front stairs…..with a gift…lol
January 3, 2018 at 11:27 am
Kim Chaffee
A fantastic idea for generating ideas! Now my Pinterest addiction has purpose 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 11:27 am
Janie Reinart
Mike your drawings are adorable ❤️ Great suggestions. What fun to play with visuals😊
January 3, 2018 at 11:31 am
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the great post. I need to start drawing again.
January 3, 2018 at 11:33 am
Krista Harrington
Thank you Mike for the great suggestions. I love your chicken drawing, and can see my “owl” character drawn like him:)
January 3, 2018 at 11:35 am
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for the inspiration Mike and sharing your process!
January 3, 2018 at 11:39 am
Lori Alexander
This is a fun exercise. I’ve shared something similar with students during school visits. They loved the visual inspiration. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:40 am
Danielle Dufayet
Thanks for the ideas. Visuals often prompt stories, so thanks for the reminder when I can’t come up with anything new.
January 3, 2018 at 11:43 am
judyrubin13
Sketches are a great motivation and incorporating them into a prompt is definitely a task I shall try. Thank you for sharing the idea.
January 3, 2018 at 11:43 am
Lisa Springer
I suck at drawing but this makes me want to dig out my pencils. I really like the idea of playing with visuals. Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:46 am
Joan Swanson
What a great idea. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 11:50 am
Delfina Salimbene
Thanks for the inspiration, Mike! I’m ready to let my imagination wander now. Love the dancing alligator!
January 3, 2018 at 11:51 am
Cheryl T.
Another great idea, thanks. I wrote two short stories from yesterdays idea so now I am off to try this one. This is fun and inspirational. Thanks for hosting this event.
January 3, 2018 at 11:54 am
triciacandy
That was a great post! And I LOVE your Instagram!
January 3, 2018 at 11:55 am
Elizabeth Saba
Mike, love your diverse background and the 642 books!
January 3, 2018 at 11:55 am
Traci Bold
Mike, I am a writer only, no illustrating (other than just for fun which it should always be) but this exercise in idea creating is fantastic! I love that you added the game element to it. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 11:57 am
Sherry Howard
Oh, what perfect timing for me to see this post! What an inspiration! Thanks for the ideas, and thanks for the resources! Love, love, love your own avatar! I don’t often hope to win something, but my fingers are crossed for this one!
January 3, 2018 at 11:58 am
Martin Segal
Hi Mike! Thanks for the ideas and the additional resources! I need to make sure to add visual prompts to my idea generation repertoire. Also, that is one sneaky raccoon! 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 11:59 am
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for a nudge into creativity this morning! Happy StoryStorming, everyone! 😊
January 3, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Darcee Freier
Thanks for the post. I’m excited to check out the two 642 things web sites.
January 3, 2018 at 12:03 pm
bevbaird
Great ideas Mike. I plan to use your idea today to get my story idea for today.
January 3, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Sara Matson
Thank you! And I love your avatar. 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Susan Johnston
Thanks for the inspiration, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Love the sketches. Thank you.
January 3, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Mike, for this fun post and great idea about using prompts. Love your drawings!
January 3, 2018 at 12:10 pm
Kristin Wauson
I love this exercise and really enjoy Mike’s 10 minute sketches. Thanks for a great post!
January 3, 2018 at 12:10 pm
Sylvia M. Grech
Love your post! Great ideas. Thanks much!
January 3, 2018 at 12:11 pm
Kerry Ariail
Got two ideas from this post, thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:11 pm
Anne Appert
This is such a fun idea! I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 12:13 pm
tootienienow
I’m going to start a file right now!
January 3, 2018 at 12:17 pm
DaNeil Olson
Thank you for the inspiration.
January 3, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
This was a great idea- thanks, Mike! I got my story concept for the day. 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 12:18 pm
rindabeach
Great idea! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Beth Stilborn
Like others have said before me, this gives me a great Clue about how to find new ideas (and I’m glad I *still* haven’t taken the old magazines to the recycling bin — I’ve been through them for two other projects, but those involved words. Diving back into them for PICTURES and CLUES!) Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Amy Harding
Thanks for the prompts, Mike! I have two more story ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Carrie Finison
Great idea. I love Clue – and no bodies left lying around, either. 😉 Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:25 pm
JenFW
I love this exercise!
January 3, 2018 at 12:25 pm
yangmommy
Love the prompts, and thanks for the links!
January 3, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Mary E. Cronin 🗽 (@maryecronin)
This is such a playful way to override the inner critic/editor! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Lori Dubbin
Let’s get into visual. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Meena
I am ready to get visual – thanks for the prompts!
January 3, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Jen Bagan
What a fun post! Thanks for the ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 12:36 pm
R.J. Koehn
Great post, and FUN prize!
January 3, 2018 at 12:38 pm
paulinetso
What a great idea – thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Super helpful suggestions! Thanks for encouraging me to think visually!
January 3, 2018 at 12:41 pm
curryelizabeth
Ooh I love this-thanks! I am a visual learner so I think this might be a great resource for idea generating. Many thanks to you both!
January 3, 2018 at 12:42 pm
Kimberly Ragland
Following illustrators on Instagram is so inspiring and one of my favorite ways to get ideas…your images are uh-mazing!! LOVE how your gallery is several big spreads! So cool!! I’m a new fan!
January 3, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Jill Bhowmik
I love the personalities of each of the characters!
January 3, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Susan Schade
I love writing prompts. Thank you for the great ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you to a fellow Rutgers Alum! Your post is very helpful…
January 3, 2018 at 12:48 pm
JEN Garrett
*
January 3, 2018 at 12:49 pm
storyfairy
Great post! Thank you for sharing.
January 3, 2018 at 12:50 pm
Heidi Yates
I love the idea of using visual prompts. Thank you for this fun suggestion Mike! 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Pamela Harrison
Cute idea! I love your 3 characters.
January 3, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Zainab Khan
This is a fun idea! Thank you for sharing a new way to come up with fresh stories.
January 3, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Summer Quigley
Great post. Thanks Mike. Love visual images for idea cues. Off the start idea generation for today!
January 3, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Michael Vogel
Mike I love this idea! This is very similar to a writing propmpt idea my teacher had back in fourth grade that got me really interested in writing in the first place! Many ideas are bouncing around; Thank you for contributing!
January 3, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Vicky Wirkkala
What a fun way to brainstorm!
January 3, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Margaret Greanias
Fun way to come up with ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2018 at 1:09 pm
Susan Macartney
Mike – what I love about creative people and the creative world is that inspiring, fabulous, fun prompts and ideas seem to be limitless- thank you for all your wonderful contributions and links to keep us motivated in 2018!!
January 3, 2018 at 1:15 pm
Linda Chavez
Love love love this idea! Thanks! On my way to follow you on Twitter and try your technique! Much as Gracias!
January 3, 2018 at 1:17 pm
Jen Bailey
Thanks Mike! This also reminds me of Story Cubes – these are illustrated dice you roll and combine to make stories 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Barbara Senenman
Thanks for the prompts and the other places to check out. That journal book looks interesting.
January 3, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Julie Pepper
I need to follow you on Twitter to check out more sketches 😊 Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2018 at 1:22 pm
Cindi Goodeaux
Fantastic!! This process seems like fun!
January 3, 2018 at 1:29 pm
Carolyn Currier
I love to draw and have toyed around with the idea of illustrating my own picture books but lack of artistic training holds me back.
January 3, 2018 at 1:31 pm
CindyC
What a wonderful exercise. This is great! Thanks Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 1:32 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I like the way you think – Visually. A drawing a day keeps the doldrums away.
January 3, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Gretchen McLellan
I love these ideas! At a conference once, writers and illustrators swapped work and wrote and drew for each other. I was surprised by how much fun starting with the visual is and how rich the ideas were that the visual generated. Now off to play…
January 3, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Candy
Oh boy, oh boy! Who? Where? Why?
January 3, 2018 at 1:41 pm
David McMullin
Thanks so much, Mike! Your prompt exercise quickly gave me my first idea of the day.
January 3, 2018 at 1:41 pm
Tina Lazar
I love this idea! I will start looking at pics in magazines for more inspiration! Thank you!!
January 3, 2018 at 1:46 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Great ideas Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 1:48 pm
hmmmmm
This is a bit like collage and/or montage which, even as a non-illustrator, I love as a way to stir the idea pot. Thanks Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Laura
What fun! Got me rolling right into a fun new idea today. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 1:53 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Thanks Mike. I have been stuck recently–thinking this will help un-stick me.
January 3, 2018 at 1:54 pm
gingermeurer
How have I missed you on Instagram, Mike? Your work there is AMAZING! And I am so delighted I checked it out on desktop instead of just mobile. I love what you do with the grid. Your advice is great, too. It’s helpful even for us non-illustrator types. Thanks for sharing.
January 3, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Kimberly Sprinkles Cowger
What fun combinations you can come up with that you never would have thought of otherwise!
January 3, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Darlene Koppel
Mike: Love, Love, Love this idea. I enjoy sketching daily and will definitely incorporate your tips. Thanks so much.
January 3, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Brianna Zamborsky
I know this exercise will work because I totally want to know what’s in the present for that raccoon. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 2:22 pm
sjctenney
This is a great idea! Thanks for helping me get my imagination going!
January 3, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Kassy Keppol
I always think in pictures, so this works well for me.Thank you.
January 3, 2018 at 2:23 pm
lorisherritt
Can’t wait to try this with students! Fantastic inspiration strategy!
January 3, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Janet Halfmann
Love this suggestion for getting story ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.
January 3, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Rachel Hamby
Thanks, Mike! I like that sneaky raccoon. 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 2:31 pm
mamabalza
Hi,
Your idea of using a visual prompt can really get your imagination going.
Thanks,
Maria Balza
January 3, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
I need pictures in order to write. It really helps bring the MC to life. Illustration prompts work great with groups of children too.
January 3, 2018 at 2:32 pm
Garnett Natasha
I like the choose three things approach. It’s a great creativity prompt. Thanks, Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Katie Giorgio
This is a fun prompt…thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Poupette Smith
Mixing images sounds more inspiring than focusing on one. Thanks for the tip. From now on I’ll add cuttings to my collection of words.
January 3, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Bryan Patrick Avery
This is awesome advice. Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 2:51 pm
chattytcp
I am such a visual person, so this is a perfect idea for me and one I’ve never tried before – Thank You, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 2:51 pm
Jenna Woloshyn
Great resources and fun idea!
January 3, 2018 at 2:52 pm
mariletarobinson
Love this prompt! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 2:58 pm
Marcy P.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE ILLUSTRATORS! Thank you for your ideas (and your prize offer). Have you heard of Story Cubes? Can be used similarly… taking cubes with images on the multiple sides… roll and create!
January 3, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Emmie Werner
Thanks mike. Great idea!
January 3, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Wendy
The raccoon in the living room has me on a tear–thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Peg e. Monley
Thanks Mike.
I found this idea very helpful. Thinking of the conflict is the hardest part for me. But having the visuals to kick off ideas may pop up some ideas.
January 3, 2018 at 3:08 pm
Doris k Stone
Fun exercise. Thank you, Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 3:13 pm
chardixon47
Love these prompts and places to find them! Thank you for sharing your process of linking pics to story 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 3:15 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Love the idea of playing around with sketches! (Or clippings, etc.) Makes for some fun fiction! I’ll go follow you on Twitter, and also check out those resources you offered in the end. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 3:19 pm
catcarole
I like the visual approach and attitude of play. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Susan Shea
A picture’s worth a thousand words and counting.
January 3, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Stephanie Ledyard
Looks like fun!
January 3, 2018 at 3:38 pm
Tina Barbour
This sounds like such fun, and a great way to generate ideas Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Edith Robson
Love using a picture as inspiration. The notion of combining object and setting would be a great game in a writing workshop. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Pam Miller
Thanks, Mike. The power of inspiration and rule of 3 is magical. And thanks for helping me remember that inspiration is within and all around us.
January 3, 2018 at 3:46 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I’m looking forward to trying this one today. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Amy Adeney
This is well timed since it’s Day 4 and I’m already struggling. This exercise brings to mind one that I read a million years ago in Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’ which I’m now feeling inspired to re-read! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Mike, thank you for the tips for generating ideas. I love how there are so many different ways to story build.
January 3, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Maritza M. Mejía
Picture prompts are one of my favorite ways of inspiration. Thank you Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 4:08 pm
Cathy Ogren
Love the exercise. It’s a great way to brainstorm!
January 3, 2018 at 4:10 pm
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
How easy you make it, Mike, when you provide characters that already have so much personality! They seem to have a story mission with those expressions and body language. Thanks for providing the visuals and giving us ideas for more sources and uses for pictures.
January 3, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Mark
Great advice for those of us who don’t always tend to think in pictures!
January 3, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Meli Glickman
What a fantastic way to prompt ideas and to spark creativity! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 3, 2018 at 4:15 pm
Sue Heavenrich
great idea-generators. Love the kidlitbot! how clever.
January 3, 2018 at 4:20 pm
Jonathan Schkade (@JonathanSchkade)
I love mashing stuff together to make a story. Great thoughts, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 4:21 pm
Jennifer Hunt
What a neat way to help generate new ideas! Thanks for the tip.
January 3, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Thanks, Mike. Art begets art!
January 3, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Anna Smith
Great post. I use the things to draw books often.
January 3, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Francis S. Poesy
I love visual prompts! Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Joana Pastro
These techniques for pumping the idea well are awesome. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 4:49 pm
Arin Wensley
Great post! I can’t wait to try this excercise….hopefully I will get some inspiration. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 4:50 pm
Catherine Morgans
Thanks Mike, great process. Can just picture a huge elephant in a teeny aeroplane up in a tree. Would love an illustrated avatar of my 8 year old.
January 3, 2018 at 4:53 pm
Rose Cooper
Love this! As an illustrator & author I can see a ton of ideas coming from this fun technique! Thanks for sharing, Mike! ❤️
January 3, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Jane Hawkins
What wonderful ideas. Thank you Mike. Just imagine what the old Sears catalogue would have done for creative writing.
January 3, 2018 at 5:02 pm
angie9091
I loved Clue as a kid! Colonel Mustard in the tree with the airplane. Wait… that got weird.
January 3, 2018 at 5:05 pm
Megan Walvoord
I love the visual prompts! I learn that way so I’m can’t wait to get more ideas flowing with your awesome reasources. Thank you for the ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
I need to start sketching more, so this is a great idea! Thanks so much Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Marlene Rohr
Thanks for the inspiring visual prompts!
January 3, 2018 at 5:08 pm
anitajjones
Thanks Mike…What wonderful ideas to work from. I’ve been stuck in this fake political world for so long, I haven’t been able to draw very much. I appreciate the inspiration! Much needed!!!!
January 3, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for a wonderfully inspirational post, Mike. Since I already have a manuscript about a raccoon in the woods who receives a gift that leads to all kinds of trouble, I guess I’ll try to come up with his next adventure using your suggestions! Having a personal avatar sounds like an amazing prize, too!
January 3, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Thanks for CLUEing us in Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 5:18 pm
shanah salter
this is exactly the story idea generator tip I needed today. Thank you!!
January 3, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Connie Colon
Loving the pick a pic prompt! I’m also inspired to sketch now : )
January 3, 2018 at 5:31 pm
Joy Keller
Thanks, Mike! I love that sneaky raccoon. I’m thinking this would be a great writing exercise for my fourth grade students, too!
January 3, 2018 at 5:34 pm
writeknit
This is a fun way to get that story started! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
January 3, 2018 at 5:35 pm
Brittanny Handiboe
This actually sounds like a productive idea that requires a quick, almost subconscious thought process. 🤔 will try it.
January 3, 2018 at 5:37 pm
laurelwoodkeeper
Love this!
January 3, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Holly Mow
I enjoy this idea! Simple yet effective, thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 5:57 pm
setwiggs
Mike,
Drawing is not something I’d do, but I’ll give it a try. I
January 3, 2018 at 5:57 pm
daniduckart
So many options for ideas! Endless possibilities. I probably should get started writing down some of these ideas now…
January 3, 2018 at 5:57 pm
setwiggs
I’d love an avatar.
January 3, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Christine
Love this idea, thanks Mike
January 3, 2018 at 6:01 pm
Annemarie Riley Guertin
Great way for adults and children alike to get their ideas onto paper instead of struggling with words. Pictures tell stories too 😉
January 3, 2018 at 6:08 pm
jenabenton
Great idea generator! For drawing, I might also recommend the Doodle Day group on Facebook (they have a doodle prompt for every day).
January 3, 2018 at 6:09 pm
BRitta
Super cool idea to get ideas flowing! I think the character, object, setting prompt could be used for any kind of writing as well!
January 3, 2018 at 6:14 pm
Christine Thomas Alderman
Love this idea! Love the permission to start drawing! Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Lucy Staugler
Mike! Pure genius! Putting this tip to work today with my Writing and with my grandkids!
Thanks!!
January 3, 2018 at 6:23 pm
Deborah Beauchamp
Thanks for the fun inspirational post! Your 10 minute sketches are great!
January 3, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Lu Fiskin-Ross
Thank you for your suggestions of questions to ask! I have pictures of my characters, but I hadn’t thought of these questions to ask them. Thank you again!
January 3, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Mike, this is a fun reminder to look to the visual cues around us!
January 3, 2018 at 6:28 pm
awritersdream41
Love this way of generating ideas. Thanks Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 6:29 pm
jodieparachini
Love it! I’m going to give that racoon his own picture book if it kills me! Thanks.
January 3, 2018 at 6:32 pm
Val McCammon
What fun — while I have no drawing skills, I can sure pick a character/object/setting. mash them together, and build some great concepts for PBs. Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 6:35 pm
nrompella
Great idea. I will be flipping through some pb for ideas tonight…
January 3, 2018 at 6:38 pm
Cherilyn Jose
Great way to get ideas! Thanks for sharing. Nice drawings too.
January 3, 2018 at 6:42 pm
writingcygnet
Thanks for this great entry. I love writing prompts and creativity exercises. One of the writing prompts I found during last year’s StoryStorm turned into a PB manuscript (still in the revision stages) that has become one of my favorite manuscripts ever.
Susan Swan
January 3, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Alayne Kay Christian
Great idea prompts! Thank you.
January 3, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Emma Wood
This is such a cool way to kickstart the creative process! I’m thinking Pinterest could be a fun way to find inspiring images.
January 3, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Connie B.Dowell
Love this. I’m itching to draw tonight.
January 3, 2018 at 7:03 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this! And I have an idea from it. Thanks!!
January 3, 2018 at 7:17 pm
tanyareads
A useful idea. Can’t wait to try it!
January 3, 2018 at 7:39 pm
Zoe Gaetjens
Fun ideas Mike & love your avatar!
January 3, 2018 at 7:49 pm
KatieFrey
Hmm, the crocodile in the plane going down the stairs….
January 3, 2018 at 7:56 pm
Kenda Henthorn
Love the prompts! Thanks, Mike!!
January 3, 2018 at 8:00 pm
sharonkdal
Oh wow! Love that hen eating spaghetti on your Instagram! Looking forward to following you.
January 3, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Brenda Maier
This sounds like a fun exercise to help you think flexibly and creatively. Also reminds me a bit of that idea generating game called Story Cubes.
January 3, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Leanne Shirtliffe
Love this idea. Can’t wait to see all the crocodile picture books in a few years! 😉
January 3, 2018 at 8:16 pm
wpdrey
So great. I love these different idea generators!
January 3, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Alexia Andoni
I’m really visual so this would work well for for. Thanks for the ideas!
January 3, 2018 at 8:24 pm
laurazarrin
Thanks for the links!
January 3, 2018 at 8:25 pm
Lori J Laniewski
Thanks, Mike! I look forward to following you. LJ
January 3, 2018 at 8:26 pm
annabrookswriter
Drawings/visuals are not my strength. (Thank god for talented artists!) I love this idea of getting inspired by pictures without having to come up with them myself!
January 3, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Laurie L Young
LOVE starting with the visual!
January 3, 2018 at 8:32 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post. Liked the idea to use images to create your dream book. it reminded me of my kid’s writing homework in fifth grade.
January 3, 2018 at 8:38 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
This is easy and fun! Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Rhonda Whitaker
Great character development advice Mike. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 8:53 pm
Cotton Wright
So much fun. Love this!
January 3, 2018 at 8:57 pm
Judy Bryan
Great way to spark an idea…thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 9:09 pm
Buffy Silverman
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 9:20 pm
Kaye Baillie
I like the alligator with a gift then he goes up the steps and knocks on the door. It’s amazing how Mike’s drawings seem to move all by themselves. Great idea.
January 3, 2018 at 9:22 pm
F. G. M. Kalavritinos
What a unique approach to coming up with story ideas. Thank you for the prompt links too!
January 3, 2018 at 9:29 pm
Gloria Amescua
Great ideas. I’m going to try this.
January 3, 2018 at 9:31 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Great ideas! Thanks so much!
January 3, 2018 at 9:35 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for your inspiring post, Mike–and what a creative prize!
January 3, 2018 at 9:36 pm
Peter
Very cool! I actually co-construct some stories with my kindergarteners and after I whip up a story based on their suggestions, they do the illustrations. Two heads are better than one (or in my case 23 heads)
January 3, 2018 at 9:41 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks for the fun prompts, Mike. Your elephant is very sad :(.
January 3, 2018 at 9:41 pm
Sandy
I love the story a la carte idea to mix-and-match character, setting and an object!
January 3, 2018 at 9:43 pm
Christine M Irvin
Great idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2018 at 9:49 pm
Jaclyn Crawford
Fun idea. Thanks.
January 3, 2018 at 9:56 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
My brain cells are swimming with ideas. Thank you for this fun post filled with inspiration, Mike.
~Suzy Leopold
January 3, 2018 at 10:09 pm
Darshana
Let’s get visuuaal, visuuaal …. Thanks Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:11 pm
Jason Kirschner
Tremendous! Absurd coincidence– Raccoon with gift in living room was my Storystorm idea yesterday! Great post.
January 3, 2018 at 10:13 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Fun post, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:22 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Yeah, I had a possum on the deck with a “gift” just the other night…Hahahahaha! Thanks for the idea!
January 3, 2018 at 10:26 pm
saputnam
Great post Mike! Thank you for sharing this technique as a way to generate ideas. A picture or photograph can be a great inspiration for a new story. I’m mulling around one about the raccoon and the airplane.
January 3, 2018 at 10:30 pm
Kaitlin Hedberg
Fun read and great advice. Thank you, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 10:42 pm
sharischwarz
I love using visuals as prompts! Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 10:46 pm
Shelley Kozakevich
Love this exercise.
January 3, 2018 at 10:48 pm
Michele Helsel
Cool that you make visual prompts!
January 3, 2018 at 10:49 pm
megcason1
I love the ideas you’ve mentioned. A visual can always help a story!
January 3, 2018 at 10:52 pm
viviankirkfield
WOW…I love this idea for story prompts…what fun to take the images of character, object, and setting and see what story will emerge! Thanks for the photo links also, Mike!!!
January 3, 2018 at 10:58 pm
Zoraida Rivera Morales
Visuals can be powerful for fantasy picture books. Thinking about favorite things is something to try.
January 3, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Kimberly
Gee, well thank you. I came up with an idea! Great post and thank you for the links.
January 3, 2018 at 11:04 pm
Heather
Visual prompts are so fun! Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Mike—Such wonderful drawings! Who wouldn’t be inspired?!
January 3, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Amanda Herron
I like this idea for making visual collages when I’m rounding out characters too.
January 3, 2018 at 11:17 pm
Sharon
Hi, Mike. Such a profoundly simple idea, yet capable of generating countless story ideas. Thanks.
January 3, 2018 at 11:19 pm
Keila Dawson
”Let’s get visual, visual” is stuck in my head now! I like that exercise. Thanks for the links too Mike.
January 3, 2018 at 11:26 pm
Sandy Perlic
Love this idea of combining images and really thinking about the possibilities. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:34 pm
Amy Louise Negussie
As an author/illustrator now I’m wondering if I should draw my own avitar?! Fun idea
January 3, 2018 at 11:34 pm
Kristen Browning
Great idea! I’ve done a similar exercise with my 6 year old: she put magazine pictures into a paper bag, drew three of them, and then wrote a story around them. Not sure why I didn’t try it myself, but I surely will now. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Wow, the visual cue worked for me in a way I didn’t expect! I will definitely have to try this more often. Thanks, Mike!
January 3, 2018 at 11:44 pm
McDonaldRae
Mike, you are inspiring. Our young readers thrive on visual and I do too always making a movie in my head before I write. Thank you!
January 3, 2018 at 11:52 pm
matthewlasley
When I am working with kids, or sometimes for a little fun, I like to use story dice. Each side of a dice has a picture representing a character, a setting or an action. A few minute exercise to get the mind warmed up!
January 3, 2018 at 11:53 pm
Sheri Radovich
Thanks for giving me a beginning with characters and idea choices. Now I have to figure out how to show growth by the end of the story. Hmm. An avatar for myself, hmm.
January 4, 2018 at 12:10 am
Cheryl Malandrinos
What a neat way to use illustrations to create a story. Usually we think of doing it the reverse way. I like this approach. Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2018 at 12:10 am
Maria Marshall
I love this activity and am enthralled with your racoon image. Thank you so much for adding a fun visual aspect to the post-it-note exercise. What fun.
January 4, 2018 at 12:26 am
Cathy Breisacher
I am a fan of your art, Mike. Thanks for the fun post. And, one of your sketches gave me a story idea!
January 4, 2018 at 12:26 am
Angie
Fun! Thanks for the suggestions. This sounds like a great way to get some stories going. Yay!
January 4, 2018 at 12:27 am
Alessandra Doyle
I’ve always enjoyed using prompts but the mixing and matching will add a whole new dimension. Woohoo!
January 4, 2018 at 12:34 am
denitajohnson
Thank you for the inspiration!
January 4, 2018 at 12:34 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Mike
THANK YOU for the GREAT idea of working or visual minds to generate IDEAS. LOVE IT!!!
January 4, 2018 at 12:40 am
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
Good tip. It’s like coffee. Gets rid of brain fog 😁
January 4, 2018 at 12:53 am
slowsly
Thank you for the suggestions and links. I admire your talent.
January 4, 2018 at 12:58 am
Trine Grillo
I like this idea of putting random images and pics together and asking questions about what could be happening.
Thanks!
January 4, 2018 at 1:18 am
Patricia Toht
I’m greatly influenced by visuals. They get my creativity flowing!
January 4, 2018 at 1:23 am
KJ Bateman
Great prompt! I had an idea before I finished reading the post!
January 4, 2018 at 1:29 am
Tasha Hilderman
The crocodile is speaking to me. Maybe he has a thing for Olivia Newton John songs….
January 4, 2018 at 1:30 am
Rani Iyer
This is so fun! Never considered this before! Thank you.
January 4, 2018 at 2:02 am
Jill Giesbrecht
Custom avatar – how fun! Thanks for the visual inspiration! Lots of fodder for building and combining ideas.
January 4, 2018 at 2:19 am
rgstones
Love this prompt: picking a character, object and setting. And holy crap, you guys! Don’t you love Mike’s work? It’s mesmerizing.
January 4, 2018 at 3:13 am
Mirka Hokkanen
Long time admirer of Mike. Got my ideas down already for today!
January 4, 2018 at 6:17 am
julielacombeauthor
I’ve followed Mike on Instagram for some time. I’m constantly amazed at his work! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2018 at 6:34 am
Amanda Sincavage
Your images are inspiring! I follow some great Instagram accounts and Twitter feeds that inspire me creatively, but may need to revisit them with a more focused purpose! Thank you, and great prize!
January 4, 2018 at 6:53 am
cravevsworld
Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2018 at 7:42 am
deniseaengle
Every new Storystorm day gets better! These techniques and strategies rock. Thank you!!!
January 4, 2018 at 8:23 am
Deborah Allmand
Mike,
Great questions which literally lead to more questions. Thanks for this wonderful post. Going to search through magazines because illustrations need to look realistic.
January 4, 2018 at 8:50 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for the visual prompts idea and lists of other prompts! These all look great.
January 4, 2018 at 8:54 am
Rita Antoinette Borg
this is a good way to bring in the senses to help in creation deep inside you to come out and say hello
January 4, 2018 at 8:57 am
mona861
Fun. Fun. Fun. Thanks, Mike, for making me see outside of my stick drawings box!!!!
January 4, 2018 at 9:00 am
rimna
Great way to come up with ideas – thanks!
January 4, 2018 at 9:05 am
Debbie Austin
Love this idea! Thank you!
January 4, 2018 at 9:19 am
Lynne Marie
What a fun prize! And thanks for the gobs and gobs of inspiration!
January 4, 2018 at 9:22 am
Becky Scharnhorst
What a great prompt! I can think of a whole bunch of story ideas for that sneaky raccoon. 🙂
January 4, 2018 at 9:23 am
allegore
I love the mix and match idea! It makes me want to write down a bunch of story pieces on notecards and draw them out of a hat to see what develops!
January 4, 2018 at 9:27 am
justcomposeyourself
Mike!
This is super inspiring! I love story/vision-boarding with magazines and such! Reminds me of my creative childhood! Great activity! Thank you 🌟
January 4, 2018 at 9:29 am
Sharon Mayhew
I have 642 Thingsto Draw. I’m not very good at drawing but it’s good fun and a good creativity enhancing activity.
January 4, 2018 at 9:38 am
onathought
This was so inspiring! I can’t wait to explore the idea I got!!! Thank you.
January 4, 2018 at 9:43 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
I love doing this! Encore, encore!!
January 4, 2018 at 9:49 am
Artelle Lenthall
Great idea, Mike. Thanks 🙂
January 4, 2018 at 10:08 am
Jim Chaize
This is so simple and yet gives one so many possibilities. Thanks, Mike.
January 4, 2018 at 10:15 am
April Scott
This can take you in so many directions! Love this idea!
January 4, 2018 at 10:17 am
Anne Iverson
So easy and such fun! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
January 4, 2018 at 10:23 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Super fun way to get ideas or hone ideas already in progress. I used Pinterest when I was working on a story about scarecrows. It helped me see what they looked like!
January 4, 2018 at 10:30 am
carolmunrojww
I’ve often used this prompt. It always reminds me of a flip book I had when I was a kid with pages split in thirds to mix & match the head, torso, and legs of characters.
January 4, 2018 at 10:45 am
Brittany Orrico
Great post, Mike! I love your 10 minute sketches!
January 4, 2018 at 10:52 am
Heather Kelso
Why have I not been doing this? I’m so excited to try this.
Thank you!
January 4, 2018 at 10:55 am
Jennifer B Bower
Great inspiration to start off the day! I’m looking all around, who knows what ideas I’ll come up with! Thanks for a great post!
January 4, 2018 at 10:57 am
Amanda Davis
So many fun opportunities to experiment! Thank you!
January 4, 2018 at 10:58 am
Rita K.
With students, I’ve done something similar with words. However, I think using sketches and other pictures adds a whole new dimension that prompts creativity. Thanks so much!
January 4, 2018 at 11:00 am
Krissy
Such a fun idea!
January 4, 2018 at 11:06 am
Shauna LaVoy Reynolds
Love Mike’s art and his Instagram feed is one of my favorites. : )
January 4, 2018 at 11:12 am
sharonwernerauthor
I use something similar. There is a game called Storycubes I got for my kids but it’s a great kickstart to story ideas too. You roll the die to get different combos of pics and invent a story from them. Used as a group continuous story game comes up with some creative options!
January 4, 2018 at 11:23 am
Justin Colón
There’s a blizzard going on outside. And this is sick timing… in for the day writing and sketching. Using this method. Thanks.
January 4, 2018 at 11:30 am
Mavis Penney
Great idea for story prompts – and the inspiration for doodles to use for prompts, too! Thanks! 🙂
January 4, 2018 at 11:38 am
Rosalind
Hmm. Elephant in a rocking chair by the tree .
January 4, 2018 at 11:53 am
KASteed
Great story prompt. I’ve got an idea. Thanks Mike
January 4, 2018 at 11:57 am
Kathy Manchip
Absolutely love these ideas, thanks so much Mike!
January 4, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the great ideas!
January 4, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Darlene Ivy
I love this. I’m very visual, but I rely on my memory and imagination for inspiration. Using more concrete prompts was a huge lightbulb moment. Thank you.
January 4, 2018 at 12:40 pm
seschipper
Fantastic ideas in today’s blog!!! Thanks for sharing! Usually the only ones who think I can “draw” are the Kindergarten/first graders!! 🙂
January 4, 2018 at 12:56 pm
Naana
I love these great tips for generating story ideas and building character and settings. Thank you for sharing, Mike
January 4, 2018 at 1:05 pm
Laurie Bouck
Thanks for sharing this Mike! Great inspiration! 🙂
January 4, 2018 at 1:50 pm
supermario6
Ever rip out an “idea” from a magazine in the doctor’s office? You get some strange looks!
January 4, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Hélène Sabourin
Very inspiring,
January 4, 2018 at 1:53 pm
kathydoherty1
This post helps me s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Thank you!
January 4, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Thank you for the inspiration
January 4, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Kathy Farr
Love the visual prompts — especially the raccoon!
January 4, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Elaine Kiely Kearns
Great post!
January 4, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Gabi Snyder
Fun way to get some inspiration. Thanks, Mike!
January 4, 2018 at 3:09 pm
danielle hammelef
I always enjoy finding new inspiration sources. Thanks for today’s post.
January 4, 2018 at 3:11 pm
kirstenbockblog
Love the illustrations! Thanks for the great post, Mike.
January 4, 2018 at 3:42 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Picture prompts have always been a great way to kick my brain cells into create mode. Thanks for reinforcing that, Mike.
January 4, 2018 at 3:47 pm
wendymyersart
Always love to start off drawing first! Great inspiration, Mike, thank you. And Chronicle Books gave 25% discount and free shipping on the 642 things to write book when I ordered.
January 4, 2018 at 4:29 pm
Catherine F
I love this suggestion for creating ideas! The runaway raccoon intrigues me and I have lots of questions about where he could be going and what he could be running from…
Thank you!
January 4, 2018 at 4:46 pm
Nadine
Thank you Mike!
January 4, 2018 at 4:56 pm
Tracey Brown
A great way to create ideas! I’ll start pulling images from the web or magazines as I may not recognize what my sketches were supposed to be 😉
January 4, 2018 at 5:34 pm
sherilyncook
I love yiur post! I am an illustrator and see my story before I actually have a story. I loved the ideas you shared and the prompt links. Thanks so much!
January 4, 2018 at 6:35 pm
Janet Smart
Hi, Mike. Thanks for the neat idea!
January 4, 2018 at 6:42 pm
Allison Alley
Thanks for your post, Mike. This is a totally different way of thinking for me. I look forward to trying it!
January 4, 2018 at 7:26 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for visuals Mike. I’m following you on twitter to discover even more visuals.
January 4, 2018 at 8:07 pm
Angela De Groot
Love visual prompts. Thanks, Mike.
January 4, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Maria J Cuesta
I Just love sketching. Thank you!!!
January 4, 2018 at 8:42 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
What a simple and great way to get ideas going. Thanks
January 4, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Juliana Lee
Images always help me focus. I wish I had any tiny bit of drawing talent, for I usually have a character or full scene in my head while I write.
January 4, 2018 at 10:22 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
It’s always interesting to hear things from an illustrator’s point of view. Thanks.
January 4, 2018 at 10:23 pm
Sharon Langley
Thanks for sharing your process…I’m a writer and I could see how this might apply to my process, as well.
January 4, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Ann Cronin Romano
Great idea for writing prompts! Thanks!
January 4, 2018 at 11:05 pm
Peta-Ann Smith
Now here’s a method I never tried before. Thank you, Mike!
January 4, 2018 at 11:06 pm
Dawn Malone
This is one of my favorite exercises to warm up with. I love working with pictures from magazines for this reason. Thanks for the great post!
January 4, 2018 at 11:19 pm
Sue
Love this approach. It’s very playful.
January 4, 2018 at 11:21 pm
Rona Shirdan
This is great! Thank you
January 5, 2018 at 12:08 am
susanbruck
This is really fun-I’m going to try it. I always did like playing Clue. Thanks!
January 5, 2018 at 12:42 am
Debbie Day (@debbiedayauthor)
This is such a great idea. Using visual aids really makes a difference. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 5, 2018 at 12:49 am
ingridboydston
Love your creative creativity suggestions! Thanks!
January 5, 2018 at 3:19 am
Marge Gower
What a great idea. Like most people I start with the story and find pictures later. Starting with the three picture prompts and then building a story around them is a fascinating idea. I will try it tomorrow.
January 5, 2018 at 5:54 am
sharongiltrow
Great idea! I love the let’s get visual clip :-).
January 5, 2018 at 7:27 am
hdening
I love the mix and match. So many possibilities. Thanks for the idea.
January 5, 2018 at 7:57 am
Linda Hofke
Combining random picture prompts as a story starter is fun and it works! I already have a story about a raccoon and one about a crocodile, so I went with the elephant. Adding the other two picture choices gave me a new idea quickly. Thanks!
January 5, 2018 at 8:47 am
Nat Keller
This is a great way to jump-start the creative flow! Thanks Mike!
January 5, 2018 at 9:00 am
helenrj
Though I’m not much of an artist, I use photos and art to compile idea books for my wips. A picture is worth a thousand words.
January 5, 2018 at 9:33 am
@luvthatword
Love these prompt ideas. Reminds me of the three-tiered flip books with characters made up of different heads, torsos and legs (or faces with different eyes, noses and mouths) you could mix and match. Thanks for the links too.
January 5, 2018 at 9:34 am
Kelly
I love the Clue analogy! I’ll definitely be trying this!
January 5, 2018 at 10:27 am
topangamaria
A little late to the party, but LOVE how the visual shuffle is a great story prompt. Thanks! Bonus, what a great resource All the Wonders is.
January 5, 2018 at 11:13 am
tanjabauerle
This is a great way to push you mind into thinking in directions that you might not normally do. Thank you for a great post and the links as well.
January 5, 2018 at 11:15 am
Karen Lawler
I have been clipping ideas for years but not really looking back at them. Thanks for jogging my mind into my closet of pictures. 🙂
January 5, 2018 at 11:43 am
Melissa Koosmann
Thanks for the post! You have me a picture book idea!
January 5, 2018 at 11:50 am
Gayle Taylor Davis
Since I am not an artist it never occurred to me to brainstorm using pictures. The Clue game idea – brilliant. Thank you!
January 5, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Mary Zychowicz
This was so much fun! I’m sending it to my granddaughters to play around with! I hope you’re doing school visits because what fun would that be for students?! You are bringing out the “inner illustrator” in me! This is going to certainly help spark at least 30 ideas this month!
January 5, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Nancy Ferguson
I, too, seldom think of using pictures, cartoons, illustrations as a prompt. Now I will.
January 5, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Cindi Handley Goodeaux
Storystorm is so amazing! I feel so inspired!
January 5, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Viviane Elbee
Thank you Mike for those fun & inspiring pictures.
January 5, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Jeanine Fondacaro Brown
Sitting in a room full of props and would be promts in my art studio, never thought to look around for perfect pairings… thanks Mike!
January 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
DN Jackson
This was a lot of fun! Mike, thanks for the suggestion.
January 5, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Michelle Mullen
Mike I especially like the mode of transportation prompt…zoom! Your pic prompts are simple to do, but lead to endless creativity! Thank you.
January 5, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Amy Murrell
I have done this exercise many times, and it always seems to work!
January 5, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
This is a great prompt.
January 5, 2018 at 8:52 pm
jeanjames926
What a fantastic exercise! Can’t wait to give it a try.
January 5, 2018 at 9:30 pm
Aubri Mosness
I love the idea of using pictures to help generate ideas! As a teacher, I often use the sentence frame “somebody___ wanted___, but____, so___ as a way of teaching story structure but I hadn’t thought of it as a way to compose a manuscript. Talk about one of those light bulb/duh moments! I am super excited to browse through illustrations/magazines and put pictures in the blanks! Thank you!
January 5, 2018 at 11:10 pm
Jane Jeffries
Great ideas. Thanks for the prompt resources!
January 5, 2018 at 11:11 pm
Diane Tulloch
I love visual clues for story ideas. Actually I’m heading back into looking at old photos too. Thanks.
January 5, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Cassie Bentley
I cut pictures out of magazines but never thought of using them this way.
Great idea.
January 6, 2018 at 10:23 am
Heather Elizabeth
Heading to my desk to do this, thanks!
January 6, 2018 at 11:14 am
Author Yvona Fast
As someone with NVLD who is not very visual this would be difficult, but i’m glad it works for you! My world is words, not pictures.
January 6, 2018 at 12:15 pm
alexbrotherhood
Really fun idea. Ah man I wish I could draw. Thanks!
January 6, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Susan Cabael
Not sorry that I rejected your visual prompts for something more wacky. 🤪 Thanks for the inspiration!
January 6, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Cheryl Bommarito Klein
I love the story-generator idea through images. So simple, yet so clever! I also think the prize of a custom writing avatar is AMAZING! If I don’t win this prize I may need to commission one of my illustrator friends to make this happen. How sad can you really feel reading rejection letters if your own illustrated avatar is looking at you whispering encouragement?!
January 6, 2018 at 2:09 pm
JC Davis
If I could sketch that well, I’d never stop!
January 6, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the idea starters Mike! I love your instagram feed!
January 6, 2018 at 3:39 pm
annettepimentel
Love your art!
January 6, 2018 at 7:04 pm
Guyla Greenly
Fun idea!
January 6, 2018 at 8:53 pm
Judy Sobanski
Thanks for the idea generators! Love your sketches!
January 6, 2018 at 9:16 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Since I can’t sketch, I love your idea of using pics from another source. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 6, 2018 at 9:48 pm
Angela Turner
It’s amazing how when I am sketching ideas pop into my head. My drawings may not be anything great but the process definitely taps into my creativity.
January 7, 2018 at 2:17 pm
singebinge
This is an amazing exercise to get your creative juices flowing!
January 7, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Laurel Abell
Oh, this prompt generated such cute ideas!
January 7, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Elizabeth Tracy
Thank you Mike! I love the prompts.
January 7, 2018 at 6:17 pm
Joannie Duris
Great idea generator, Mike! The world – and the web – is filled with inspiring pictures and endless possibilities.
January 7, 2018 at 6:21 pm
Kirsten Ealand
Thanks Mike)
January 7, 2018 at 6:25 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks, Mike. I love this idea. I do something similar with my writing students, but since I don’t draw I rely on magazine pictures. It’s great fun.
Thanks.
January 7, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Melissa Stoller
Great post and amazing prize! Love your idea generator! Thanks!
January 7, 2018 at 8:28 pm
Michelle Cusolito
This is a fun idea! Clipping from magazines feels less intimidating to this non-illustrator.
January 7, 2018 at 8:50 pm
Jen Kraar
I’m very text oriented but I do like Clue. Thanks for opening up visual worlds in a playful way.
January 7, 2018 at 9:39 pm
Shaye Wardrop
Awesome links! Thank you! And awesome prize too!
January 7, 2018 at 10:30 pm
natalie15
This is a great way to generate ideas. Your Raccoon and I have really hit it off! Thanks!
January 8, 2018 at 3:23 am
Cindy E. Owens
Oh, I love this idea!
It is fun, definitely creative, and the scenarios one can come up with, is infinite.
Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2018 at 10:33 am
A. P. Alessandri
This is great! I love the idea of starting out with options and picking those to create possible stories. Of course, reading your post right after Tammi’s gave birth to an idea I’m excited about!
January 8, 2018 at 11:27 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Mike, your sketches inspire…there’s fun and mystery and curious-ness in those lines. Thanks for the creativity.
January 8, 2018 at 12:34 pm
donnacangelosi
Fun way to come up with stories, Mike! Love your sketches too! Thank you!
January 8, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Laura Jean Watters
I went to Instagram right away to follow Michael. Such great positive energy in the illustrations. And really smart to show some in variations.
January 8, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Julia
What a fun exercise! Love your feed on Instagram.
January 8, 2018 at 5:58 pm
Paula Puckett
The idea of visual prompts and pulling images from magazines sounds like a creative way to get to know (a) character(s). This is definitely on my list of things to try!
January 8, 2018 at 7:07 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Thanks, Mike, for this fun way to get the brain churning!
January 9, 2018 at 12:50 am
Ken Major
This post got my writing juices flowing! Thanks, Mike.
January 9, 2018 at 3:58 am
Marge Gower
I’m using your pictures to lengthen a poem I wrote years ago. It still needed something this might help.
January 9, 2018 at 8:47 am
CoffeeWriteBooks
This is such a great idea! I like the idea of picking prompts from images.
January 9, 2018 at 1:02 pm
susanzonca
I really like the idea of having visuals available to use as prompts. I have a jar of words, but jars of pictures from magazines would be a great addition. Maybe jars for people/places/things that I could play with when I am looking for inspiration.
January 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm
Kelly Vavala
Great prompts! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your wisdom!!
January 9, 2018 at 3:01 pm
rjtraxel
Fun!
January 9, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Sheri Dillard
Fun post! Thanks, Mike!
January 9, 2018 at 3:57 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
I have always enjoyed your 10 min prompt sketches on IG, Mike. And now I can potentially have 642 ideas thanks to you!
January 9, 2018 at 4:44 pm
L. Michelle Quraishi
Sometimes at an SCBWI conference I’ll join the illustrators’ session, just to get a little more left-brain on my righter-self. Thanks for the tips!
January 9, 2018 at 8:58 pm
Diana Calio
Oh boy, Mike! I caught the raccoon sneaking around the library. You’ll never guess what he was looking for! Lol! Thanks for the prompt. Lots of fun!
January 9, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
So fun and such an inspiration! You are one cool guy, Mike!
January 10, 2018 at 9:36 am
ptnozell
Love the Clue analogy, Mike! Almost like a recipe, the character, object & setting come together to solve the story. Brilliant!
January 10, 2018 at 3:13 pm
Geralyn Underwood
I love the “Chinese menu” idea for generating story ideas! Thanks for sharing your genius!
January 10, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Bethany Roberts
Thanks for all the fun idea-generating ideas! (And I would totally love a custom illustrated avatar!)
January 10, 2018 at 9:20 pm
Susan Tuggy
Brilliant way to generate story ideas! Thanks!
January 10, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Steve Schwartz
Great sketches and a whole new way of looking at putting a story together. Thanks!
January 11, 2018 at 11:29 am
Dana Edwards
Your last gif is what I look like when attempting to draw.
January 11, 2018 at 11:49 am
Heather Hatch
Delightful approach!
January 11, 2018 at 10:36 pm
Sara Gentry
I like this fun approach! Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2018 at 10:53 am
Susie Sawyer
Thank you Mike! I really like the idea of actually clipping/collecting photos from magazines to spark ideas. I’ve done this with people, trying to find new characters, but hadn’t thought of watching to items, settings, etc. Good stuff!!
January 12, 2018 at 10:57 am
topangamaria
What an EYE dandy prompt! LOVE your art.
January 13, 2018 at 11:33 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Great way to generate those story ideas! Thank you!
January 13, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
This may be the best prize giveaway yet! Thanks, Mike!
January 13, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Alberto "NiñoCactus"
69/5000
Thanks for the links. A great brainstorming full of images.
January 13, 2018 at 9:00 pm
christinerodenbour
This “game” is such a great idea, thank you for sharing!
January 15, 2018 at 7:18 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Love the pick a character, object, setting concept to brainstorm ideas, awesome!
January 15, 2018 at 9:49 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to use visual prompts to generate ideas. Thank you, Mike.
January 16, 2018 at 11:16 pm
Bronte Colbert
Loved this ~ thank you !
January 18, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Linda J Thomas
Mike, thanks for the image-inspired idea generator and for the links to picture sources. What fun! And I love your drawings! 🙂
January 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Wow, this is new to me. I usually don’t think in a visual way when I’m coming up with ideas. They usually come upon me in word form. Will have to try this. Thanks!
January 18, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Lauri Meyers
This is great Mike! Of course now I have a Beatles remix called “Rocking Raccoon” stuck in my head…but who knows where this ditty may take me during the day.
January 19, 2018 at 2:43 pm
sunwalker2013
OMG, Mike, this is SO fun. I totally want the avatar (not an illustrator, no training, just a – new word – craptastic mess-around-er.) Thanks!!
January 20, 2018 at 4:26 am
Myrna Foster
This looks like fun. Thank you!
January 20, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Pamela Courtney
Wow, fab way of engaging one’s imagination. And the level of fun this brings is contagious. Sharing this exercise with my students. Love this.
January 21, 2018 at 12:32 am
Brenda Bokenyi
Such great, practical advice.
January 21, 2018 at 4:21 pm
Pat Miller
This didn’t even seem like work when I tried it and I got an idea I think will work in just a few minutes! Thanks, Mike!
January 21, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Sarah Momo Romero
This prompt was so fun to work with! I don’t usually think to draw my ideas out when I’m initially writing, but now I will. This is such a great technique, thanks for sharing, Mike!
January 22, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Melanie Lucero
I have a folder with clippings from magazines and newspapers, and now I have a new way to use them! Thank you!
January 23, 2018 at 8:44 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Such a great idea! Like visual story cubes. LOVE IT. Thank you.
January 25, 2018 at 12:10 am
julia dworschack
This exercise really sparks the ideas from combining a character, conflict and setting, randomly. Try putting pictures on three stacks of playing cards and ‘forcing’ the interaction of cards drawn blindly from each category!!!! Woo HOO!
January 25, 2018 at 11:52 am
ammwrite3
I am a visual person. I should use visual prompts more. Thanks for the advice, Mike.
January 28, 2018 at 9:23 am
Rebecca Sheraton
Love this
January 28, 2018 at 8:24 pm
Barb Ostapina
Great idea, Mike! And especially on point (or on the porch, with a jet plane waiting) for picture books (or thieving raccoons).
January 30, 2018 at 10:02 am
Susan Nicholas
Thanks for the “visual” prompt idea. It’s fun and I’ve already gotten a great start on a new story.
January 30, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Anna Levin
Visual prompts were helpful Thank you!
January 31, 2018 at 7:12 pm
Hannah Tuohy (@hannahlollman)
Thank you for the writing/illustrating prompt resources!
February 1, 2018 at 3:23 am
Annie Bailey
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
January 2, 2019 at 10:12 pm
cergunay
mix-n-match with mike!!! SO fun. great way to get started storystorming!
thx Mike and Tara!
xoxCris
January 2, 2019 at 10:17 pm
Rani Iyer
Fantastic idea! Thank you!