It’s been two years since I started writing. I never thought I’d enjoy it this much. Back then, a single image triggered all sorts of stories and characters to come to life in my head (it’s still does, I just make sure it has all the necessary elements – interesting characters, twist, etc – before I write anything down).
So here’s an image I hope it does the same to you.
Today I submitted a story for two contests (thumbs up for all markets with simultaneous submissions). Wish me luck folks 🙂
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” I don’t know where the following image is from, but I think most of us will agree that it’s a strong one, and has a story to tell. Though I’m not a fan of war stories nor do I aspire to write any, the look on this man’s face says so much. From the loss of a fellow soldier/friend, to him carrying out a bad command.
If you don’t write or don’t like war-related stories, forget about the setting of the image, and focus on the face and how he holds his head. What does it tell you? Did he make a bad choice? What were the stakes? Think outside the usual life or death dilemma (and dehumanisation) many war stories have at their core (though one can’t argue it’s strong). Forget about the soot on his face. Think of him in an Armani suit and a silk tie, but with the exact same expression of desperation on his face. Perhaps he’s a businessman and he had to acquire and liquidate a business, because that’s what the CEO he worked for had asked him to do.
It’s time for another prompt to help your creative side shine. The following image kind of stuck with me for some time and after searching the web for a while (I didn’t save it when I first saw it, DOH!), I managed to find it and pin it on Pinterest for everyone to see. Though I prefer fantasy settings (as any of you can see if you visit either my tumblr blog or my pinterest board), there are some images that “say” so many things when one looks at them. That, or they simply inspire.
What do you think? Do you see a setting somewhere there or an interesting character? How about writing a children’s story, this time from the cat’s POV? That would be fun, no?
Lets try something a bit different today. I understand that some people don’t get inspired by visual stimuli. Some find inspiration in sounds, others in previously written work, etc.
So today, I’m going to give you a written prompt. Ready?
Come nightfall, the opposite riverbank echoed with the moans of those they left behind.
Ok? Let’s see if this helps you get going. Let me know if it did 🙂
