How to use visual inspiration to tell a story

Published on November 18, 2019 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

I’ve made electronic visual boards, but now I’m thinking maybe I need to take it a step further by bringing my board from the computer to my wall.

Oprah often talks of using a Vision Board to reach your life goals.

So how about using a Vision Board for the book you’re writing? A board for your Muse? A board for your character?

Find pictures from magazines, newspapers, paint color samples, images from Google or Pinterest. Use a cork board, poster board, whiteboard, or chalkboard. Or just tape pictures and notes on the wall above your desk. It can be simple or busy. No rules here.

I love the tips in this article by Jill Hedgecock.

Writing Tips: Using Visual Inspiration For Your Stories

Who knows a vision board may be just what you need to push on to the end.

Vision Boards for Authors

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Do you know what a Muse look like?

Published on January 26, 2018January 25, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

Is your muse still wearing a toga?

Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; holding lyre on Jean's Writing.com

The Muse Clio discovered history and guitar depicted holding a book, on Jean's Writing.com

I recently read an article about the 9 muses of Greek mythology and wondered what they might look like in today’s world. After all, we’ve evolved so why shouldn’t they?

Maybe your muse is ready for a modern makeover.

Nothing too wild, just a bit of updating.

Woman's face covered in many colors on Jean's Writing.com

Close your eyes. Now imagine what your muse looks like. Does she have wings and the voice of an angel? Or does she tease you so often you’ve imagined her with horns? Maybe instead of Clio holding a book, she’s relaxing amidst the pages of a good book?

How about Erota, maybe she’s a warrior fighting for a hero in that romance novel you’re writing? Modern day Muse Erato hunting with bow and arrow on Jean's Writing.com Writing comedy? Then maybe Thalia is the right muse for you. Melpomene was the protector of tragedy, so if you’re writing a tear-jerker, you might want to pick her.

Go ahead click, and read the article below to pick a muse, there are 9 to choose from, and then give her a modern-day makeover. Who knows maybe it will inspire you both.

The Nine Muses of the Greek Mythology

Did you pick out a muse to inspire your current work?

Which muse one spoke to you?

Don’t you think she could use a makeover?

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Do you need a little inspiration today?

Published on October 16, 2017October 15, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

Writing inspiration comes in many forms.

I’m trying Ben, I’m trying.

Some days are easier than others.

Inspiration can get our creative juices flowing come from Memes, blogs, books, other writers, our kids or weird characters that wake us in the middle of the night. I’m talking about imaginary characters of course.

When a character waltzes in my bedroom in the dead of night I do what any reasonable writer would, I grab my trusty pad and pen to promptly scribble down the best words ever written. In the morning I bounce from bed ready to turn my late night inspired words into a fabulous award-winning scene.

My first reaction as I try to read the gibberish is, WTF? Did a six-year-old kid scribble this on my notepad? It appears my characters enjoy tormenting me in my sleep talking about nothing. Guess I need to stop watching Seinfeld reruns before bed.

Maybe I should try meditating instead of sleeping. Hmm.