Find a random picture from the Internet.

Spend some time studying the picture prompt. Ten minutes is usually plenty of time to gaze at the picture; however, if time allows, some authors prefer to spend more time with the picture prompt. While studying the picture, allow your imagination to take over. Ask questions such as: What is happening in the picture? Why does the subject express the emotion they are showing? What happened just before the scene depicted in the picture? Allow your mind to wander and daydream, just make sure the daydreaming is about the picture prompt.

Be sure to keep your story about the picture. Remember, use people in the picture as your characters. Describe them. Use the setting of the picture as the setting of yourstory. Make sure that if something is happening in the picture, it happens in your story as well.

Give very specific details. Name your characters. Give them an age and a history. Describe the setting. What do your characters see, feel, taste, touch, and smell? Add dialogue. It is always impressive when your characters have a conversation. In addition, dialogue makes sure you are “showing” not “telling.”

Have a theme. If you can, make your character learn a lesson or have a realization.