Observe, Wonder, Connect: How to Turn Any Image into a Compelling Story

Most students struggle with narrative prompts for two critical reasons.

First, they don't plan. They get an idea and run with it, write beautifully for the first couple of paragraphs, then lose steam and can't work out how to end it. The result? An incomplete story that trails off into nothing.

Second, they try to write too much - a movie instead of a moment. They run out of time and fail to convey any depth overall, leaving markers with surface-level writing that lacks the sophistication ATAR demands.

The Real Challenge: Moving Beyond Reactive Writing

ATAR creative writing success depends heavily on how you respond to the prompt. This means more than superficial planting of a character in the setting suggested by the image. You must let your response be systemic - from the setting to the plot to the character development.

Unseen prompts encourage reactive writing, but you need to be smarter than a mere reaction!

I created a system to solve this: Observe, Wonder, Connect. This system forces you to slow down and really think about the prompt. It forces you to focus on the moment suggested by the image, rather than the epic trilogy your imagination just decided would make the ultimate story.

When done purposefully, this system solves both ATAR problems.

The Method in Action

Take this apocalyptic image as an example. Let's observe, wonder and connect.

OBSERVE: What can you see? Make a list.

• Single character in raincoat and gas mask

• Stagnant water

• Pollution

• Industrial ruins

• Stormy sky

• Reflections

WONDER: What do these things symbolise?

• Isolation - alone in a wasteland

• Protection - gas mask as barrier

• Environmental destruction - toxic world

• Reflection - literal water reflections suggest self-reflection

CONNECT: Internal/External Parallels

Now connect all the dots. These symbols should be reflected both inside the character's mind and outside the character in their environment and plot.

How does the external toxic environment mirror the character's internal emotional state? What are they thinking about? How do those thoughts connect with the environment?

• External toxic environment mirrors internal emotional toxicity

• Gas mask protection mirrors emotional walls/barriers

• Stagnant water mirrors feeling stuck/trapped

• Industrial ruins mirror broken relationships/dreams

• Stormy sky mirrors internal turmoil/conflict

From Symbols to Story Structure

Can you see how these connections set up conflicts and therefore suggest both a plot AND a possible character development arc?

✅ CONFLICT: External toxic environment vs. internal need for connection
✅ PLOT: Character must choose between protection (gas mask) and vulnerability (human connection)
✅ CHARACTER ARC: From isolation → self-reflection → potential breakthrough

The story practically writes itself:

• Opening: Character alone, protected but isolated

• Conflict: Something in the reflection forces them to confront their emotional barriers and therefore their physical barrier

• Climax: Decision moment - remove the mask (literal and metaphorical)?

• Resolution: Either breakthrough or deeper retreat

Now You're Ready to Tell the Story!

This systematic approach transforms you from a reactive writer into a strategic storyteller. Instead of panicking about what to write, you have a clear framework that creates depth, manages scope, and ensures your story has both internal and external coherence.

Crucially, this approach means you're fully engaging with the creative prompt - which is essential for creative writing exam success. ATAR markers are looking for sophisticated responses that demonstrate deep understanding of the prompt's possibilities, not surface-level reactions.

Plan to do more than Pass! Find the complete planning strategy and character development plans in my Creative Writing Exam Prep Guide, and my Academic Creative Writing Guide - Narrative Mastery.

A strategic 3-step method that teaches ATAR students how to create adaptable characters, practice proven plot structures, and rehearse responses for any creative writing exam prompt.

A comprehensive 8-step narrative framework designed by an English education specialist with 30 years of classroom experience that builds the foundational creative writing skills students need for ATAR success and beyond.