Can you use a still photo for inspiration to write? Sure you can. The photo posted today has no people in it, no cars, buses, or taxis, no street signs. Nothing but three buildings butted together. How can that inspire you to write a story?
Look at the windows. There's a story behind each and every one. People are inside the buildings and behind the windows. Who are they? What are they doing? What is happening in their lives? Do the stories behind several windows overlap? Are they all adults? Families? Children deserted by distraught parents? Think about sensory details of the people behind those windows. What can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, smelled?
You can create all kinds of stories that happen behind each one of those windows. Another story might be why all those tiny lights are across the buildings. Who put them there? For what purpose? Do the people behind the windows like them or hate them?
When you want a photo to inspire you, the important thing to do is to study the photo, then ask yourself questions. Not one, but many. The more questions you ask, the more clear the story that is waiting becomes.
Most often, we use photos like this as a beginning of a freewrite exercise. You can do the exercise with this photo, too. Do it after you study the photo and ask yourself the questions. Let your mind be free and let your fingers hit the keyboard without stopping. You might be surprised at what comes from this exercise.
What I particularly like about this photo is the possibility of a new story behind each and every one of those many windows and the two doorways. A treasure trove for you if you're willing to be creative and use your imagination to the fullest extent.
Save the photo and write the stories, one window at a time.
I can't help myself. I'm constantly asking questions.
ReplyDeleteHope you also constantly find answers!
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