Getting in the mood by Abie Longstaff

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 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)