An author’s technique to develop creativity.
Create differently is a thought I had recently when I was tired of some of my writing projects. It emphasizes trying to stretch my current point of view into something other. I had been doing a lot of revising, editing, and story continuation. But I found myself thinking a lot about how I could write differently, what I could write differently, and how I could create differently in order to get that jolt of energy again when I was eyeball deep into writing my story.
One way I create differently
The picture above conjures many words for me. It has me thinking about the peace that comes with religious practices. The physical reflection in the water says to me that it’s a place of reflection. The birds flying above make it seem freeing and uplifting. The light colors make it appear fresh and inviting. The architecture’s symmetry and the treeline’s symmetry both say, “Everything about me is logical and makes sense.” Greenery on the lawns tells me how fresh this place is. Overall, it is a comforting scene.
Now, consider this photograph:
The marsh and the trash tell an entirely different story. However, what really stands out to me in this image is the lonely ball. In this, I begin to feel a story forming, a character coming to life, maybe a young and lonely boy who lives on the edge of the marsh overlooking this seat of religion and beauty. Then I begin to see a journey for him. In this case, it’s one where that boy would struggle to find the beauty that the first image represents. And there it is, the seed of a new story.
You: Go now…and Create Differently!
Drop to the bottom of the page and leave your thoughts or where you might take this.
Write your own story using this as a prompt.
Go find two different images and write your own story using the same technique.
Check out some of my writing! I use this technique all the time to develop character experiences and scenes. Here’s a sample chapter from my latest book: Sixth Induction.
I may now have one of my own to complete, but I’d love to discuss this and other ideas for gaining author creativity.