IWSG: Every Picture Tells a Story
Our Insecure Writers Support Group question for February is: Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Yes! In my case, I blame it on the debut of MTV. As a stay-at-home mom with a new baby, the music and videos carried me back to my rather wild rock-n-roll college roots, encouraging me to join a record club (vinyl, remember them?) to pad my long-neglected collection. On the back of one of the LPs, I don’t remember which, there was a picture of the group’s drummer. I couldn’t look away. What a perfect pirate he would make! (In fact, one of their later music vids had a rather swashbuckling feel to it!). While trying to nap between feedings for the new kid on the block, I daydreamed about that swarthy fellow. Piece by piece, a story came together, first in my mind then on notebook paper, becoming my second completed manuscript (the first is still in a box somewhere). And in August of 1987, THE PIRATE’S CAPTIVE debuted under my pen name Dana Ransom alongside SWEET TEMPEST , a historical Regency also written for Zebra Books as Lauren Giddings, my first two published books. And I owe it all to Rock’n’Roll.
I’m very visual when I write. For each book, I put together a folder (either physical, digital or both. Now, I even use Pintrest!) filled with images that support or inspire my current WIP. Faces of characters, clothing they’d wear, places they’d live or travel to. I hang my daydreams on those images as the story emerges and finally expands into text (I’ve come a long way since notebook paper and a manual typewriter). So, in my case, every picture helps me tell my story.
But when I think of a picture that inspires me to finish those stories, it’s this one on my desk of my critique group of over 25 years strong! Their steady stares all say the same thing: “You should be writing!”.
Have a happy shortest month year and Happy Writing! Looking forward to reading about your inspirations!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the February 5th posting of the IWSG will be Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
Yes! In my case, I blame it on the debut of MTV. As a stay-at-home mom with a new baby, the music and videos carried me back to my rather wild rock-n-roll college roots, encouraging me to join a record club (vinyl, remember them?) to pad my long-neglected collection. On the back of one of the LPs, I don’t remember which, there was a picture of the group’s drummer. I couldn’t look away. What a perfect pirate he would make! (In fact, one of their later music vids had a rather swashbuckling feel to it!). While trying to nap between feedings for the new kid on the block, I daydreamed about that swarthy fellow. Piece by piece, a story came together, first in my mind then on notebook paper, becoming my second completed manuscript (the first is still in a box somewhere). And in August of 1987, THE PIRATE’S CAPTIVE debuted under my pen name Dana Ransom alongside SWEET TEMPEST , a historical Regency also written for Zebra Books as Lauren Giddings, my first two published books. And I owe it all to Rock’n’Roll.
I’m very visual when I write. For each book, I put together a folder (either physical, digital or both. Now, I even use Pintrest!) filled with images that support or inspire my current WIP. Faces of characters, clothing they’d wear, places they’d live or travel to. I hang my daydreams on those images as the story emerges and finally expands into text (I’ve come a long way since notebook paper and a manual typewriter). So, in my case, every picture helps me tell my story.
But when I think of a picture that inspires me to finish those stories, it’s this one on my desk of my critique group of over 25 years strong! Their steady stares all say the same thing: “You should be writing!”.
Have a happy shortest month year and Happy Writing! Looking forward to reading about your inspirations!
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.The awesome co-hosts for the February 5th posting of the IWSG will be Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
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