February’s question: Has a single photo or work of art
ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Long-time followers of Middle Passages may remember
the photos I used to post after taking daily walks with an honest-to-goodness
camera hanging around my neck. I used the resulting images as inspiration to
jump-start my writing.
Almost six years ago, I went out one foggy
May morning. Mist gives ordinary things a touch of the ethereal and that day, I
photographed a dilapidated house perched on a saltwater pond, emerging from
brush and vapor. Something about the place spoke
to me, and once downloaded, the photo spurred me to write a flash fiction piece for Middle Passages. At the time, the piece was simply a writing exercise, a way to force myself to get words on to a page. But at some point, and I honestly can't remember when, I committed myself to that little vignette and ultimately, that snippet grew into the novel
I’m currently querying.
For today’s essay, I scrolled through Middle Passages to
that original post from May, 2014. I was delighted to find that in spite of something like
seventeen drafts, full chapter re-writes demanded by my writing group, editorial
changes, and revisions based on comments from a friendly reader, some of the
same language and rhythm from that original blog post remain on the first
page of my novel, The Beneficiary.
Almost six years ago, when I wrote that flash fiction post, I included the following under the picture:
When all else fails and you can't come up with a topic for a blog post, take a picture and use it as a writing prompt.
It’s a practice I recommend to this day. Who knows? You may be surprised to find in addition to a bit of flash fiction, a novel might claw its way out.
What single thing has inspired you to write?
I remember that!And I agree. When I was in Labrador I had a spate of time (6 months?)when I went for a walk, camera in hand, took photos, posted one and wrote a poem inspired by it every day!Such a rich world. Glad the heart of your novel still beats.
ReplyDeleteAnd now you're querying it! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great story! We need to keep our eyes open because we just don't know what could hit us on any given day and where it could lead to.
ReplyDeleteI do remember your post and your photos are always lovely. I am often inspired by a photo or an overheard conversation.
ReplyDeleteContinued good luck on the queries. Something is going to stick!
That's great you're querying. I'm crossing my fingers for you!
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent idea! I will add that to my list of ways to combat writer's block. One of my books started as one simple idea- what if Scarlet O'Hara wasn't so doggone mean at heart? That thought lingered until my mind created an entire story. Funny how that happens from small things.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an inspiring story! This is such a gorgeous photo it's not hard to understand why it prompted you to write something. Good luck with the querying!
ReplyDeleteYou always have such wonderful photos here. And that one is absolutely haunting.
ReplyDeleteYou are really a talented photographer. Cool that your picture inspired your story.
ReplyDeleteThat is sooooooo cool! I can see how such an atmospheric photo could kick-start your imagination, but it'a absolutely fantabulous that it inspired you to write a novel. Good luck with the queries!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous photo! And what a great story about the novel it inspired. Good luck with your queries!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed your pictures and envied the great places you had to walk.
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning photo, and an inspirational lesson.
ReplyDeleteI can see why that photo inspired you. So atmospheric and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great practice. I still have one of those good 'ol cameras. I once saw an abandoned "writer's cottage" on a dune overlooking Lake Superior. My sister said it was rumored to be some sort of writing haven for someone but there was never anyone there. I found that to be the saddest thing.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that you are a very gifted photographer, and I'm so glad this photo jump-started your passion for writing. Wishing you all the best, Liza!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I have often used photos I've taken as jumping off points to write poems. Most of the time these photos are of something in nature.
ReplyDeletePictures can be such an inspiration. It's a good use of Pinterest, too. Scanning through, one can fine all kinds of pictures that give story ideas.
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