My father is an amazing photographer. He hasn't photographed professionally since before I was born, but it's still one of my favorite things about him. I don't have the patience or talent to pursue the art professionally, but I do love taking pictures, and I have a whole collection of photos I keep in a file on my desktop labeled "Inspo pics". Here are some of my favorites.
I have a thing for Ferris Wheels. It's kind of a long story, but whenever I see one I have to take pictures of it. This is my view from the bottom of the Wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago, which I visited with one of my best friends, Kristie, on an epic summer road trip. There was so much win during those two weeks, but I think this was probably my favorite day--nothing on the agenda but bumming around, in what was otherwise a insane schedule.
The loves of my life. I semi-retired from writing for a long time before I fell in love with another creative person who encouraged me to dust myself off and get back in the game.
He's my hero. She's the best thing either of us will ever create.This is my favorite photo I've taken of them together.
My brief stint as a Russian. I did a study abroad program while earning my Masters in Clinical Social Work. We toured Moscow and spent a couple weeks in Volgograd learning about the adoption and juvenile justice systems. It's one of the bravest things I've ever done--leaving my country and my family and going to a world completely different from my own for a few whirlwind weeks one summer. I was violently ill and more violently homesick the entire time, but the experience made me stronger at a time in my life when that was exactly what I needed to learn to be. Russia has yet to find its way into one of my stories but it will. My experiences being dropped into a foreign land where I couldn't read the alphabet, much less the language definitely will.
Symbolism on the side of the road. Another image from that epic summer road trip. I think at some point shortly before our trip there must have been a hurricane, which is nearly impossible since I took this picture in Memphis, Tennessee. So maybe it was a tornado then? Either way, this gaggle of signage was legitimately located on the exit ramp we took to our hotel and I felt like it was so symbolic of my life at the time. A little bit twisted, a little misdirected, but somehow still in the right place.
The evolution of literary pen pals. I wouldn't know any of these women if it weren't for the interwebz, and I don't really know what I did before I "met" them. I know I wouldn't be writing without Dawn (far left) and Suzanne (far right) who have been two of my first, most vital beta readers and my head cheerleaders through the fires of hell that is querying. I think they champion my manuscripts more than I do. My cheerleaders, my sisters, and proof positive that the intewebz bring special people together who are meant to leave imprints on each others lives. Pictures of my readers and CPs keep me writing, even when the form rejections scream for me to give up.
Beyond these standards, I have files for each of my manuscripts--pictures of what I think my characters might wear or settings might look like. Funny memes that seem like things characters would say or think.
Do you use photos or images to inspire your writing?
Visit more of Thursdays Children and join us!
My brief stint as a Russian. I did a study abroad program while earning my Masters in Clinical Social Work. We toured Moscow and spent a couple weeks in Volgograd learning about the adoption and juvenile justice systems. It's one of the bravest things I've ever done--leaving my country and my family and going to a world completely different from my own for a few whirlwind weeks one summer. I was violently ill and more violently homesick the entire time, but the experience made me stronger at a time in my life when that was exactly what I needed to learn to be. Russia has yet to find its way into one of my stories but it will. My experiences being dropped into a foreign land where I couldn't read the alphabet, much less the language definitely will.
Symbolism on the side of the road. Another image from that epic summer road trip. I think at some point shortly before our trip there must have been a hurricane, which is nearly impossible since I took this picture in Memphis, Tennessee. So maybe it was a tornado then? Either way, this gaggle of signage was legitimately located on the exit ramp we took to our hotel and I felt like it was so symbolic of my life at the time. A little bit twisted, a little misdirected, but somehow still in the right place.
The evolution of literary pen pals. I wouldn't know any of these women if it weren't for the interwebz, and I don't really know what I did before I "met" them. I know I wouldn't be writing without Dawn (far left) and Suzanne (far right) who have been two of my first, most vital beta readers and my head cheerleaders through the fires of hell that is querying. I think they champion my manuscripts more than I do. My cheerleaders, my sisters, and proof positive that the intewebz bring special people together who are meant to leave imprints on each others lives. Pictures of my readers and CPs keep me writing, even when the form rejections scream for me to give up.Do you use photos or images to inspire your writing?
Visit more of Thursdays Children and join us!
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I do use photos sometimes (Pinterest IS NOT A WASTE OF TIME). Your photos are great! We have a daughter adopted from Russia, and I worked at an adoption agency for a while ;-) Ferris wheels terrify me but I like looking at them.
ReplyDeleteWe considered a Russian adoption--were still considering it until the recent closing of the program. I feel so awful for the families that were mid-process! I can't make myself join Pinterest--I know it will become another addiction like twitter.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rhiann and for coordinating our blog hop!
Yes, the politics are sickening, since really that's what it's about more than anything else. I have to set time limits on Pinterest, sweet rabbit-hole of lovely that it is. And my pleasure, I love reading about peoples' inspirations :)
DeleteVery cool. It's great to do and get good at what you're passionate about! I wish you much happiness with those precious loves and much success in writing.
ReplyDeletehttp://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2013/04/inspired-by-remarkable-unusual-and-true.html
Aww, thank you, Mia!
DeleteLove the one of the ferris wheel, Russia, your family, your signs, well, love them all. Yes, photos can really inspire. I DO use photos in my writing - sometimes when I'm having a difficult time describing what something looks like, I'll do an internet search for it and find all sorts of options. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly, Stacey! Especially if I'm writing something fantastical and need a frame of reference!
DeleteI love your "gaggle of signage" I use photos of people and places all the time to inspire me when I'm writing and to transport me through space and time. Pictures help to keep faces and specific spaces fresh in my mind. Thanks for sharing. I love your photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, KS! I have yet to "cast" any of my books with actors who might play my characters, but that's what your comment reminds me of. I may have to do that for a future post!
DeleteWow- dropping into Russia without knowing anything is BRAVE. the web has brought my writing into reality. Don't know of i'd be moving toward my goal of getting published w/out Twitter, etc.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of Farris wheel--they scare me. I was the kid screaming to be left off. But can ride a roller coaster-go figure. Sweet photo of the great loves in your life. Must apoligize, phome typing in moving vehicle. Nice post. I want to see your photos!! And your papa's
Thanks, Karen! I'm the girl you'd see trying to climb out of the moving rollercoaster while it's upside down. It started in my twenties, before that I was unfazed!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is absolutely adorable! :) And I love your photos. I use photos for inspiration *all* the time. Pinterest is pretty much the best thing ever as far as I'm concerned! :D
ReplyDelete