Five Types of Vision Boards for Authors to Kickstart Their Writing

Are you an author looking for a unique way to spark inspiration, clarify your goals, or develop your story ideas? Vision boards are an ideal tool for organizing thoughts, setting intentions, and visualizing the world you’re building on the page. Whether you’re crafting a novel, penning a series, or building an author brand, creating a vision board can provide motivation, focus, and clarity in your writing journey.

Let’s dive into some specific types of vision boards that can empower authors to jumpstart their creativity and take their writing to the next level!

1. Character Vision Board

A character vision board is perfect for authors who want to dive deep into character development. This type of board visually captures who your characters are, from their appearance and style to their personality traits, backstory, and key motivations. To create a character board, you might include:

Images of people who look like your characters
Quotes that capture their mindset or motivations
Objects and symbols that have significance in their lives
Color palettes that reflect their moods or personalities

Why It Works: This board gives a tangible reference to return to whenever you’re writing dialogue, scenes, or emotional arcs. It keeps each character feeling alive and dynamic in your mind.

2. Setting Vision Boards

Are you creating an immersive fantasy world or anchoring your story in a distinct real-world location? A setting vision board can capture the essence of where your story unfolds, helping you vividly describe the world around your characters.

Photos of landscapes, buildings, and environments
Color schemes that match the mood of your setting (e.g., dark and moody for a thriller, bright and whimsical for a romance)
Textures and items that relate to specific locations, like cobblestone streets, snow-covered mountains, or bustling cityscapes
Historical or cultural elements if relevant to your setting

Why It Works: A setting board helps you stay consistent with the ambiance and feel of your world, anchoring readers within the story.

3. Plot and Story Arc Boards

If you’re working on complex story arcs, plot vision boards can help you keep track of your narrative. This type of board serves as a visual outline that shows key events, turning points, and character transformations in your book.

Story arc templates or visuals that outline typical structures (like the Hero’s Journey)
Key scene images or keywords that define major plot points
Symbolic imagery for conflict, resolution, and transformation
Inspirational quotes or reminders of your main themes

Why It Works: Plot boards help authors avoid writer’s block by mapping out a clear storyline. They’re also a visual reminder of the larger journey you’re taking your characters—and your readers—on.

4. Inspiration and Motivation Boards

Sometimes, authors need more than just a plan—they need motivation to keep going. Inspiration boards are perfect for reminding you why you write and keeping your goals front and center.

Author quotes that resonate with your writing journey
Images of books, libraries, or places where you dream of seeing your book someday
Success symbols like bestseller lists, awards, or scenes of book launches
Personal affirmations and reminders of your unique voice and purpose

Why It Works: These boards can lift your spirits on tough writing days, reminding you of the excitement and joy you felt when you first started.

5. Book Cover Design and Branding Boards

For authors preparing for publication, a marketing and branding vision board is a powerful tool. This type of board helps you visualize the public face of your book and brand.

Brand colors and fonts that align with your book’s themes
Cover inspirations for your book design
Social media visuals or content ideas for promoting your book
Imagery related to your author brand and how you want to be perceived by readers

Why It Works: A branding board gives you a cohesive visual language, making it easier to connect with your audience and stay consistent across all platforms.

How to Get Started with Your Vision Board

Ready to dive in? Here are some quick steps to create your own vision board:

Gather Supplies: Use digital tools like Pinterest, Canva, or Trello, or go the traditional route with magazine clippings, markers, and a corkboard.
Choose Your Focus: Decide which board type aligns best with your current writing needs.
Curate Visuals and Words: Find images, colors, and words that resonate with the vision you’re building.
Arrange with Intention: Place your items in a way that makes sense to you—organized, chaotic, color-coordinated, or grouped by theme.
Display It: Keep your vision board somewhere visible to stay inspired each time you sit down to write.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in the brainstorming stage, plotting your book, or preparing for publication, vision boards offer a creative way to bring clarity and inspiration to your work. Each type of vision board serves a specific purpose, giving you tools to stay motivated, keep track of details, and connect more deeply with your story.

So, find a quiet spot, grab your materials (and maybe a cup of coffee), and get ready to bring your story to life, one image at a time. Your next breakthrough might be just a vision board away!