Using a stimulus for creative writing

1. CREATIVE WRITING
USING A STIMULUS
Year 11 Standard

2. Character*
Setting*
Tone/Mood
Symbolism
Theme/Concept
Motif
ELEMENTS OF A
CREATIVE COMPOSITION
* these elements should be well developed prior to receiving a stimulus. They are also the less conceptual components of a stimulus
and storyline - avoid relying on these to shape your story

3. A stimulus is given to prompt creativity, and help
you create an authentic and personal creative
writing piece. It is NOT meant to limit you.
When you are given a stimulus, then, consider
which element of your creative writing it might
help influence.
In order to use a stimulus well, you need to do a
few things:
A STIMULUS
A STIMULUS IS INTENDED AS A HELPFUL
PROMPT

4. ENGAGE WITH THE STIMULUS
Pull the text apart, in terms of what
components make up the image you
see before you.
WHAT DO I SEE?
Does this remind you of a memory or
experience? Does it connect to other
ideas you have had?
WHAT DOES THIS MAKE ME
THINK OF?
HOW DOES THIS MAKE ME FEEL?

5. FIND A MOOD
Consider what the mood of the image
is specifically.
What has created this mood?
Could this mood be applied in a
different context?
How could you explore this mood?
(techniques, setting, imagery, etc.)
1. WHAT IS THE MOOD OF THE
IMAGE?
BRAINSTORM

6. FIND A SYMBOL
What items are present in the image?
Do any of these items serve important
or multiple functions in everyday life?
Do any of these items hold
metaphorical meaning?
How could these symbols be used to
shape the entire story, or a key
image/metaphor within the story?
2. COULD THIS IMAGE CONTAIN
A SYMBOL
BRAINSTORM

7. FIND A CONCEPT
What are some big ideas about the
human condition, experiences or
emotions, that are possibly reflected
in the image?
What personal connections to or
understanding of these ideas do you
have?
3. WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL
THEMES OR CONCEPTS IN THE
IMAGE?
BRAINSTORM

8. FIND A MOTIF
What key images, movements or ideas
are in this image?
Do any of these hold
symbolic/metaphoric meaning?
Could any of these be carried
throughout a creative piece?
How might this ongoing image be
used to shape a story?
4. IS THERE AN IMAGE,
MOVEMENT OR IDEA WHICH
COULD BE REPRODUCED?
BRAINSTORM

9. FOCUS ON ONE FEATURE (MOOD, SYMBOL,
THEME/CONCEPT OR MOTIF) TO HELP SHAPE
YOUR CREATIVE WRITING.
USE ANY OF THESE IDEAS!
10 minutes - Write about ONE moment or
experience, incorporating this feature.

10. 1. Engage with the stimulus
2. Find the mood
3. Find any symbols
4. Consider if there is a theme/concept?
5. Find any possible motif's
6. Choose one and write
MAKE ANOTHER
ATTEMPT
REPEAT THIS PROCESS OF ENGAGING
CREATIVELY, WITH A NEW STIMULUS

11. MAKE
ANOTHER
ATTEMPT
1. Engage with the stimulus
2. Find the mood
3. Find any symbols
4. Consider if there is a theme/concept?
5. Find any possible motif's
6. Choose one and write