I was excited to be asked to come up with this week’s Writing Prompt Story Starter.
This feeling was quickly followed by, “What on earth am I going to come up with as an inspiring image?”
When browsing through our library of illustrations, I came across this little gem.
I love illustrations that highlight expressions – especially ones where there is some ambiguity as to the character’s true feelings.
A glint in the eye could imply a scheming mind, or someone who is head over heels in love.
Is it just a kiss?
This illustration captures such uncertainty. At first glance, it looks like the woman is about to kiss him. Or is she . . . Maybe she is pretending to kiss him. Therefore, is she playing with his emotions?
She also has a determined look about her; maybe she’s about to tell him off. And who is in charge here? It looks like the woman. The man certainly has a playful look about him. That doesn’t mean to say he is a pushover.
The couple are smartly dressed, too, possibly implying they are office workers.
And though the couple could be from present day, I sense more of a 1980s/90s feel to the scene. In the land of the “Friend”, we now class the 80s as a period decade. So, if this illustration inspires, you might not realise you are writing a period story.
I always like to be intrigued by a scene, my mind going into creative overdrive.
But there is no right and wrong way in how to develop story scenarios around a writing prompt. People and their expressions are but one option when it comes to fuelling the imagination.
Now is it just me, or is he wearing a really awful-looking tie?
Looking for another Story Starter? Click here.
Alan Spink I am a member of the “Friend” Fiction Team. I enjoy working closely with writers and being part of the creative process, which sees storytelling ideas come to fruition. A keen reader, I also write fiction and enjoy watching football and movies in my spare time. My one tip to new writers is “write from your imagination”.
