Writing Prompt: Ink Blot

As part of my Spring Writing Retreat as a reward for my student authors, I hosted a variety of activities in the month of May.

I have used these ink blots 2 ways:

1. Have several printed at the top of a page and numbered. Everyone in the circle gets one and quickly writes 1–3 things they see in the inkblot.
2. Each writer chooses an ink blot and writes a story based on what they see or the impressions. The choice is to do a free write first and then write a story or to just start in on a story if the impression is strong.

Writer Retreat Agenda

• “Lunch on the Lawn” with conversation questions
• Large Key passed around: “Unlock whatever will happen today” [The key stayed out to remind everyone to be themselves and open]
• 5 Imaginary Lives writing prompt from The Artist’s Way
• Ink Blot writing
• Circle Share — What I will do for my writing life over the summer
• Clean up/Evaluation