In Western Washington, February blew in wet and dreary. No big surprise there. With no outdoor events beckoning, it’s a slow time of year, perfect for indoor pursuits like writing a beachy romance novella. Funny, that. Writing seasonal stories means being out of sync with the outside world. I spent January listening to recorded surf and summery music while winter storms raged outside my window. Next project: just as spring begins, I’ll start writing a Christmas-themed novella.
Lots of news next week–an upcoming book release, a new cover I love, love, love, plus a live event and some Facebook giveaways. But this week, it’s time for our monthly blog hop with the Insecure Writers Support Group, a place where writers find camaraderie, sympathy, resources, and all kinds of good vibes. Join us here: https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
This month’s question: Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Back when I taught high school English classes, I often used artwork as writing prompts for my students. We’d start with Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and I’d play Don McLean’s Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) as an example of poetry inspired by artwork. The kids would then write their own poems inspired by that image. Imagine my delight when one kid actually turned in McLean’s lyrics and tried to claim it as his own work. I do not miss teaching.
I’ve never written a story inspired by artwork, but I did write a novel inspired by an image. While driving near Gig Harbor, Washington, I saw a blue Mylar balloon bobbing merrily on the side of the road, its ribbon snagged by roadside brush. And I wondered, because I’m twisted, “What if that balloon were attached to a dead body?” I pictured a corpse beneath the roadside brush, the balloon a mocking challenge left by the killer. That idea became the basis for a cozy mystery I’ve yet to publish, though it did final in a competition for romantic suspense.
Most of my story ideas come from daydreams, night dreams, musings on relationships–my own and others’–and how they could have turned out differently. Revenge fantasies are excellent story fuel, especially for crime writers, but also for romance.
What about you? Do you find artwork inspiring? Does a beautiful image help your words flow?
I wish you happy writing in February!
I too saw something (at a beach) and thought is there a body connected to that…lol What is it…too much time around high school students?
Actually, Helen, my very first murder mystery story was inspired by an incident in my classroom. Big, angry, unstable kid flipped out and scared the bejeezus out of me.
I remember on a sports trip standing outside the bus waiting to load when two boys were ready to go at each other. One dashed on to the bus and I just put my arm across the door and looked the second one as he ran at the bus (looked up at) and I just stood there wondering if I was about to get my arm broken. He stopped and backed off. I imagine, you and I could write a book of just a lot of moments like those.
Indeed we could!
Balloon attached to a dead body — now that sounds like a great story!
Ronel visiting on IWSG day Project Evergreen
My fantasy wip is based on a single frame from one of the LOTR movies.
Woo HOO! You’ve got a new book about to be released? Awesome! I look forward to reading it.
I suspect a psychiatrist would have a grand time figuring out the stories writers come up with based on the images they see. Kinda like a Rorschach test, but better!
I’d sign up for that test!
Congrats on the upcoming release. Happy IWSG!
Ooo, I like the balloon attached to the body. I dig it! Let’s see this book!
Artwork hasn’t prompted me to write. I can’t even imagine what it was like to teach students. I would be pulling out my hair. I do like the image of a body attached to a balloon. Sounds like a fun story.
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