Writing - Slacken Imagination

 Have you found yourself thinking that you've run out of imagination? Where is the next idea coming from? How do full-time artists do it? Even how brilliant is she/he. In fact, the problem is that we live in a world where information and opinion flood the senses 24/7. Our minds follow paths through that plethora of noise and favour some ideas and facts more than others. When someone suggests that you 'think outside the box' or indulge in some 'blue-sky thinking', they are just asking you to allow the strictures on your thinking to be released, or slackened off to allow in alternative ideas. 

Of course, that may be a little scary. Stepping away from conventions may entail attracting criticism, a factor no human is truly happy accepting. 

Like the box above. The sides aren't straight. The shading is not complete. I don't see what you are getting at. 

The short answer is that there is no right answer. The idea is that you take from the sketch what you want to take. 

You all know what this curly line represents. You may attach, colour, breed, situation and more, but the style you are happy with emerges from your experiences and preferences. 

In the visual arts you are free to copy life or make representations of life in the form that satisfies your imagination and artistic desires. Where did Munch see the 'Scream' or Dali his melting clocks? 

Similarly, when writing we are as free as a visual artist to create situations as we feel are appropriate to your narrative. 

God Bless 

Writing - Developing stories

 You have the idea for your story and even a strong beginning, but how will your tale progress? The chances are that you have a solid plan, but then, while you're writing one of your characters does something unexpected! 

I have read of several authors who state that the characters take over their stories, and that may seem fanciful, but I know that it's true. Patrick Steele was my creation, but once the action is set, it is his skills and attitudes that lead the direction of the tales. There is a logic in that statement. When you have invested in building characters, the process includes all human aspects of personality, so unsurprising that the character imprints itself on the development of your story. 

Don't fight it! 

In the case of the above 'wonky' house, part of an unfinished idea, what should be added next? In this case, I will decide. It may be that I add a broken-down stable, or a bicycle, a path leading to a cave/cliff/pond/river, and so on. Whatever, I will decide according to the house as it is, with all of its faults and facilities. It is that aspect of story writing which is most exciting because even as the creator, you're never quite sure. 

The finished picture.

God Bless