Using Imagery to Inspire Writing
It’s no secret that every writer will be faced with writer’s block sooner or later in their writing career. However, there are fun ways to inspire you and keep you going through each of your projects to avoid that pesky writer’s block.
By using technology and even some print methodology, we can use images to keep us, and maybe even our readers inspired throughout the day.
What Do I Mean By Imagery
Great question! And a pretty simple answer. Essentially if you can see it or picture it, that is classified as imagery. Any painting, drawing, sketch, dream, daydream, show, movie, album cover, nature, or even a quote printed on a piece of wood would be classified as imagery. So, as you can see, it’s a pretty large list.
With that said, let us get into it.
Pinterest is an amazing tool. It has been around for a good time now and is easily accessible with any device. Sure, it may be seen as a place for crafty individuals trying to find that next project and then becoming upset when it doesn’t turn out the way the picture looks, but we shouldn’t forget it has an amazing use for writers. Seriously, it does.
Finding New Ideas
It is a fantastic place filled with all types of beautiful art and imagery that allows the individual to scroll for hours. If you hit some type of writer’s block, whether that is being stuck on a scene, a character development, or just need some fresh new ideas, taking a scroll through Pinterest can be of great use.
Example: Needing ideas of how currency in your fictional world will look and work.
Search Term “Fictional Currency” or “World Currency”.
Result: You will be presented with thousands of examples of images that could inspire exactly how you want your currency to look or even act in your story.
Storyboarding
I personally love using Pinterest for storyboarding. With each new book and story I write, I tend to head to Pinterest to pin a bunch of different images to a board made specifically for that new story. I will do this around the same time I’m outlining my story. It’s a great way to capture the excitement and passion, as well as the feel of the story you’re aiming for.
One of the reasons I find that this works so well is that it helps me remember the original idea of my story. As we write our stories, the characters, plots, and vibe of the story can change. This can later become challenging when we are trying to be consistent with certain details and character development. However, if we can use imagery to remember the vibe we wanted from the story, we can later recall these images when we wander off the trail and lose our way.
Example: You thought of a romance novel based around a dark academia library.
Action: You can search for dark academia, libraries, clothing styles of dark academia, dark academia characters, dark academia atmosphere, forbidden libraries, and so much more.
Result: Pin everything and anything that appeals to you and your gut feeling. Then when you get stuck in your novel, you can come back to your storyboard and be reminded of that story based on some images. Seeing the eyes of a specific male character may help you remember that this character is an overly optimistic character in a dark setting.
This is actually loosely based on a trick that I’ve learned while studying languages. When you attach an image to a word, it becomes easier to remember that specific word. I have just altered this technique to remember specific vibes, scenes, and how our characters should act when I look at a specific image. This really comes in handy when I spend a long period of time writing thousands and thousands of words and fall off the original idea path.
Tumblr
Okay, so I love Tumblr. Maybe I am a bit old school and prefer a chronological order of catching up on images. Or maybe I love the simplicity of Tumblr. Either way, I find it to be a great source of inspiration for my writing and stories as it allows me to follow specific people and artists that I want to follow and not be bombarded with algorithms that show me a bunch of things I don’t want or need to see. When I am allowed to follow and see only the items I want to see, this allows me to use Tumblr for artists and topics specific to my current work in progress.
Example
Using Dark Academia as an example again, I can search for these terms and follow the artists, creators or topics that give me the feels I need for my story. Then, I can easily go back and find many of the same images without feeling like I am trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Bonus Point
A great bonus of using Tumblr is the chronological order of your timeline. It is truly a timeline and allows you to easily catch up, be inspired, and move on to your writing. This helps take away the mindless scrolling for hours on end, and may even push you towards more writing.
This doesn’t mean you can’t mindlessly scroll as there is still an “Explore” feature. But it is a start to a more productive use of time and inspiration.
Instagram and TikTok
I’ll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with both of these platforms. So much of our world revolves around what is trending on these platforms, which in turn makes our careers as writers to be more focused on trending topics rather than the work of writing. Especially for newer writers trying to establish themselves.
However, they can also be fantastic inspirational tools…when used properly.
Both platforms rely heavily on algorithms to cater to your feed. You view a specific type of image more than a few times and the next day your feed is loaded with more of these images.
Example:
I follow only book-themed accounts, but saw a video of baked goods, then another, and then I watched one more. The next day, I saw less book/writing-related posts, and all food-related posts.
Now, I love food just as much as the next person, especially some baked goods. In fact, there is always a food element in my stories, but this defeats the larger inspirational goal I want of these platforms.
On A positive note, if we use these algorithms to our advantage, we can easily find endless amounts of images, art, communities, and videos that could push our writing to the next level.
Collage
So, this one may be a little old school, but that’s often how I like to roll. Using craft supplies such as printed images, magazines, poster boards, stickers, glue, and so many other items, we can create a beautiful collage of inspiration that keeps us going throughout our project.
In a way, this is the old-school way of how Pinterest works. What I like about this though is that you can place this on a wall right in front of your computer, or in a spot you will always see. No accidentely minimizing and forgetting about the collage, it is a constant reminder of your project.
Also, such a fun and unique way to spend an evening using your mind in a creative, hands-on, and fulfilling type of way.
Tech Devices
While we covered the basics of apps, I think it is important to also mention a few other capabilities of our devices.
It’s no secret that most of us are attached to some type of electronic device. The fact that you are reading this article only proves that fact. While we have these devices at our disposal, why not use some of the features to inspire our writing.
Backgrounds
Changing the backgrounds of your phone, tablet, or computer to an image that inspired you, is a great way to keep the inspiration going every time you open the device. However, we often have our backgrounds and forget about them or ignore them after a few days of setting them. So, as an added bonus, take five minutes one day a week to freshen up your background with a new image that will help you get through the week.
Canva and Other Image Apps
Using an app such as Canva is an excellent use of time while on your devices. Creating artwork and social media posts to promote your up-and-coming book can help keep the momentum going.
Example:
I have a book about werewolves coming out in the next few months. I could use Canva to create images of full moons, the characters, some snippets of text, and promotional art to get others hyped, as well as myself.
Cameras
I think it is safe to say that most people reading this have a smartphone. If you don’t, props to you. With those smartphones come some pretty amazing camera features. Use the camera and its features to create our own real-world imagery. Go for a walk and take a picture of some flowers, a dog, a tree, an old car. Essentially, you can create your inspirational roll of film and storyboard with 15 minutes of time and a camera.
Other
Art
Filling your house with art is never a waste. I have dozens of posters, paintings, maps, and other objects in my house that I spend hours gazing upon and thinking of new ideas as I view them. Art is also incredibly accessible to obtain or view.
To obtain artwork, you can scroll through Amazon for a fan favorite. Hit up the local Goodwill for a delightful little treasure that is oftentimes beautifully unique. Or even taking a stroll through the farmers market, downtown stores, or art gallery to find a piece that speaks to you and supports your local artist/business.
Creating Your Own
Let’s not forget that you also have the capability to create your own imagery and art that inspires your writing. Taking up drawing, sketching, painting, doodling, woodburning, photography, stargazing, digital art, or dozens of other visual art hobbies can be a lovely addition to your skill set and resources to find the inspiration you crave.
Summary
Now, I know I didn’t cover everything in this article, but I want to make sure I cover a few other ideas and ways to use imagery, but ones that are a little more loose and free-spirited. Using items such as dreams, forms of meditation, daydreaming, and anything else that comes to you in your mind. Your brain is the most powerful resource that you will ever hold, don’t waste it, don’t limit it, and make sure to use all the components of it and keep pushing the boundaries. This will only help you with your creative careers and inspiration. Let that spirited mind of yours free and don’t hold back.
