I’m getting ready to write a new book.
For me this process starts
with collecting ideas. My ideas come from everywhere – the radio, the
newspaper, people’s stories, nature, the television – so when I’m
at this stage of a project I tend to immerse myself in themes that might crop
up in my book. Some of the process is about finding plots and characters, but some of it is
also about retreating into a cave of writing where I (try) to shut out the
world.
My new book is about a tropical swamp so I need:
1. Ideas for words
These might come from the internet;
(Source: www.etymonline.com)
(Source: www.visualthesaurus.com)
from other books, like the wonderful Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson (any excuse to read this...);
or from brain storming on my own;
2. Ideas for images
I find Pinterest a really good source for images. I often make
boards for my books as I find it really helps to collect all the pictures in
one place. For me the images kick start themes, drawings and plots, or even
just get me in the mood to write.
My boards:
For my swamp book I have:
both of which are starting to spark off ideas.
I visit places that might inspire me and take photos (these are from Butterfly World):
I visit places that might inspire me and take photos (these are from Butterfly World):
I also draw my own images to help jog things along.
3. Ideas for noise
I find sound a very evocative sense so I will search for
noises that echo the mood of the book. For my swamp I’ve chosen a rainforest birdsong
background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vli6cmmvXkg
I might have this on while I gather images and draw and
sometimes throughout the entire writing process. Bits of birdsong may find
their way into my descriptions and the noise helps to imagine the
hot, humid feel of the jungle.
4. Ideas for scent
I got the idea of using scent from an author friend, Nicola Morgan. Her blog full of writing tips is highly recommended:
http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.co.uk
Nicola told me she sometimes lights a candle to get her in
the mood to write. I’ve started doing this too, choosing a scent depending on
the book. I’m trying a tropical reed diffuser to get me in the zone for my swamp book.
I’d love to know how you get in the mood.
(If you want to see more of my boards, You can find me on Pinterest under AbieLongstaff)
