I like Cate Russell-Cole’s great advice about gathering inspiration for historical fiction. I’ve been googling all morning to get inspiring images for my historical novel. Her way is much better. Thanks again Cate.
The Power of Day Dreaming in Fiction #Writing
by Cate Russell-Cole
Set Building
I am a fantasy writer, who has hassles with description. Day dreaming and visualising is the only way I can cut through all the one sided fuzz that runs through my head. Otherwise my writing just sounds like a monologue! For me it’s a challenge as I am very analytical. I am more interested in the ˜why’ and ˜how’ of the story, than telling it.
I have a few tricks for getting over this: Pinterest, story boarding and set building. The last two set my ideas in concrete; Pinterest shows me things I can mull over, and all these techniques expand and improve my work. I find I rarely click on the links in Pinterest, it is the images or quotes which give me the ideas, so that is what I use the boards for.
I use cheap home design software for set building, to mock-up the main areas where scenes take place. Without knowing where things are in relation to each other, I trip myself up. Details can be hard to visualise. Avoidance of bad reviews and harsh criticism sounds like a great goal to me¦ It’s amazing what details readers notice¦
This is the perfect example of how Pinterest helps. This gorgeous Celtic motif Witches Dagger is made by Bladesmith Jeff Helmes. I wanted to buy it, but Aussie Customs had other ideas¦ Please click on the image to go to his Facebook page. If you are a fantasy, historical or crime writer, or just love shiny things, you will love him.
I have been building Pinterest boards which give writers the same inspiration that Pinterest gives me. So many images generate story ideas! As I am not well, I have cut my public boards down to four pivotal areas I relate to the most. (Sorry, the romance board just had me nauseous, it was the first to be divorced.)
If you are into fantasy, historical writing, Steampunk or Memoir, you will enjoy my themed boards. The Inspiration Board for All Writers has been there since the beginning and there are over 1100 pins on it, specifically on writing skills. (Though Pinterest is not letting me access all of them and I have no idea why.) Links are below the image. Have fun raiding it and please tell me, what works for you?
~ Fantasy Writer’s Dream Board
~ Memoir / Life Story / Autobiography
Hi, Madeline! I’m dropping by having found you via Cate Russell-Cole’s site, and I’m glad I did!
I have the same “problem”. While I am a very visual learner, I sometimes have difficulty visualizing things. I’ve played with Pinterest in that way a bit in the past, but not as much recently. Will have to reinstitute that practice, though. 🙂
I am curious to know, though, what home design software do you use?
Thank you!
Dear Dawn, I’m glad you found me too. I hope you’ll return often, though I’m not sure what you mean by home design software. I don’t think I use any. Sorry I’m not much help on that.
All best.