I’m one of those writers who finds stories everywhere: from conversations, articles I’ve read, seeing something in nature, from words a character in another story utters, from looking outside my window, from songs, from reading a list of poisons, visiting websites on history, and so forth.
The ideas that have lasted over decades, though, have come from pictures. Ironically, I still haven’t written a story from those ideas. Yet. I suspect because the ideas are still formulating.
I have two postcards propped against some books on a shelf, which I look at every time I’m sitting at my desk. Their inspiration is a dark mystery or even darker suspense/thriller. I found them in San Francisco in 1989 while attending a writer’s conference. On Halloween night in 1998, I started writing a screenplay where I scared myself so much, I put it away and haven’t returned to it since. Though, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s time to get it back out and finish it!
During my first marriage, when decorating parties were the trend, I bought this set of three pictures in the 70s. They remind me of the English cottages and countryside, where I think of other times. They’ve hung on my office or bedroom wall in every home I’ve lived, and I look at them every day. A time travel always comes to mind that ties into a song that came out in the 70s, too. Every time I hear the song, the plot becomes more developed. It’s time I write that story, too!
So, why aren’t I sharing these pictures with you? I will when I write the stories. I wouldn’t want to give everything away right now, would I?
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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 – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Behind the Scenes with Diana Stout, MFA, PhD 
Oh you make me feel less bad about the nearly three years I’ve had a couple of pictures bubbling away in the background, except that I know I’d pretty much forgotten them until I read this month’s question.
It sounds like your pictures of inspiration will be the source of very different tales. Enjoy writing them & I hope to enjoy reading them sometime down the line! 🙂
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Thanks for commenting, Deb. My Grendel’s Mother took 10 years from start of idea to finished/published book. Each book requires its own time.
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I have decades of images that inspired ideas but never grew into books. My retirement plan, I guess. Oh, wait…I am retired! Better get busy.
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Yup, that was my idea, too, Nancy, but now I’m looking at: So many projects, too little time!
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LOL, no, of course, don’t share your pics! You are such a tease, Diana! Happy IWSG Day.
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😉 Thanks for visiting and commenting.
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The picture that originally inspired me to write a novel was a newspaper clipping. I’m not sure where it went, but I can still see it in my mind’s eye.
Ideas are definitely everywhere! I hope you finish one of those projects so we can all read them someday. 🙂
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I’m hoping to finish those projects, too! Sadly or happily (not sure which way to go) other projects scream at me more and louder to finish them first! Thanks for visiting.
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I think some things need time for your brain to subconsciously work on. When the stories are ready they will probably ‘write themselves’ quickly.
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So true. The secret is allowing the story to merge organically and not hurry it along. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
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I’m glad to hear that the pictures bring you inspiration and I look forward to the possibility of seeing them in the future. X
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Thanks! I hope you get to see them in the future, too!
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I hope so! Thanks for the comment, Helen. 🙂
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I get it. You’re a woman of mystery. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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😉 Thanks for commenting and visiting. 🙂
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You definitely need to get back to that story. And share the photos when the stories are done!
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I will. Thanks for commenting.
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You’re so funny, Diana! Good luck with your writing!
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Thanks!
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