Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board: Inspiration and Insight for Your Creative Journey

The first time I heard about a mood board was at a writer’s retreat with my now-publisher, Scrivenings Press. I had not only never heard of one, but I had no idea how to do it. Being a total “newbie” and working on two totally different genres, I did mine about myself as a writer.

That mood board inspired me for months!

As writers, we often draw inspiration from different sources to breathe life into our stories, characters, and settings. Mood boards are effective tools for showcasing our creativity. For someone like me who isn’t artsy at all, making one was fun! Plus, I got to use scissors and glue, so … 🙂

In this blog post, we’ll explore what a mood board is, why writers should consider creating one, and how to effectively craft your own.

What is a mood board?

A mood board is a visual collage. We collect images, textures, colors, and other elements that evoke a particular mood, theme, or aesthetic. When we put it together – whether on actual poster board or digitally – it serves as a visual representation of what you want to convey in your writing.

Mood boards have been used for a long time, especially in creative industries, including fashion, interior design, and advertising. They help to gather and communicate visual ideas and inspirations.

Why should writers create a mood board?

Creating a mood board can benefit writers in several ways:

Visual Inspiration: Like I said, I am not artsy, but making a mood board gives me a tangible reference point for capturing the visual aspects of my story. You can include settings, characters, and themes. Seeing these pictures spark creativity and help you develop a vivid and immersive world for your readers.

Setting Tone and Atmosphere: Using images that reflect the mood and atmosphere of your story, helps you establish a consistent tone throughout your novel.

Character Development: Visual representations can help flesh out your characters’ appearances, personalities, and motivations. Seeing images that embody your characters’ traits can deepen your understanding and portrayal of them in your writing. **Tip – I use Pinterest for this too!

Other ways mood boards help writers:

Plot and Setting Visualization: Organizing images of landscapes, architecture, and other settings relevant to your story can aid in world-building and ensure consistency in your descriptions.

Creative Focus and Direction: Creating a mood board encourages focused brainstorming and helps you stay connected to the essence of your story’s vision, preventing creative “drift” or inconsistency.

How to create a writer’s mood board:

• Define Your Theme or Concept– Determine the central themes, emotions, and visual elements you want to explore and convey in your writing.
• Gather Inspirational Images– Use online platforms like Pinterest, Tumblr, or even physical magazines to gather images that resonate with your story’s theme, characters, settings, and mood.
• Curate and Organize– Arrange and organize your collected images on a physical board (e.g., poster or foam board) or digitally using tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or PowerPoint.
• Add Textures and Text– Include textures, fabrics, or patterns that evoke sensory details relevant to your story. Include quotes or descriptions from your manuscript that complement the images and enhance the mood.
• Review and Refine– Step back and review your mood board periodically. Ensure it accurately reflects your story’s vision and makes you feel connected to your narrative world.

**My tip – Enjoy making it. Let your creativity show. Don’t be afraid to try things. This mood board is for YOU!

Show me your mood boards!

I’d love to see your mood boards! Show them in the comments and describe what they mean to you. Below are two of mine that I created on Canva.

A writer’s mood board is more than just a collection of images; it’s a tool that can ignite your creativity, deepen your storytelling, and provide clarity and direction throughout your writing process.

Whether you’re embarking on a new project or seeking to enrich an existing manuscript, crafting one offers a visual roadmap to guide your imagination and bring your literary visions to life.

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)