Novel Kicks Writing Room: Word Association List

Published September 16, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today’s writing room task is one I think can be quite fun. That is building a piece of writing from word association.

Write down the words below. Then, set a timer for 30 seconds and make your way through the list. Write down the first thing that comes to mind with each word. Don’t overthink it.

Lantern

Velvet

Thunder

Marmalade

Compass

Whisper

Glacier

Bicycle

Cinnamon

Meadow

How did you find that?

Here’s my attempt –

Lantern – Light

Velvet – Rope

Thunder – Storm

Marmalade – Toast

Compass – Journey

Whisper – Secret

Glacier – Ice

Bicycle – Pedal

Cinnamon – Stick

Meadow – Corn

Now write a story using all of the words from your list. Use them in order. Try to write until you use them all. The gaps between the words can be as long or short as you like.

For example –

The building was bathed in light, illuminating the surrounding area. A rope cut off the entrance. People were lined up, waiting to be let in. The air was muggy. A storm was brewing. I hoped that we would be able to get inside before it began to rain….

You get the idea.

As usual, have fun.

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Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.

Novel Kicks Writing Room: Word Association List

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