Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For February, the question is: “Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson.
My answer to the question
I think this month’s question is more fitting for fiction writers. As a non-fiction writer I have never been inspired to write a story when seeing a photo or art. I’d love to play around with that, one day. I have gone back to my own photo archives (which contain tens of thousands of images – I have been traveling for a while) to bring back a memory of a scene, place, or event I wanted to write about.
My book progress
I edited the prologue and first two chapters of my memoir again, to have better “first pages” to submit to publishers as a sample. Indeed, I have started the process of sending queries to niche publishers, which I researched the previous months. Like agents, some request a query letter only, others are interested in seeing a book proposal, the first couple of chapters, or the entire manuscript.
My first impression is that publishers and editors are more responsive and personal than agents in their dealings with authors. When asking for more information or clarification, they respond. And, one publisher requested sample chapters and my book proposal after reading my query letter.
What’s next?
In January, Mark and I worked towards a goal and a lead of him being hired for a temporary job in St. Augustine, Florida. It didn’t work out. Why does this matter? Because I was looking forward to being “settled” (with electricity, internet, and camping conveniences) for at least a few weeks; it’s the only way for me to make good progress with my writing and my memoir publication.
Needless to say, I’m bummed about the inadvertent change of plans. Just last Saturday, for example, I got into the swing of submitting to publishers, when my laptop battery died and there had been zero sun for days to charge our solar panels and camper van battery… I had to quit the work. The day before, the cell signal died. On weekdays, logging took place next door. Other than that, it was nice to be back in the forest. 😊
So, after a few weeks in St. Augustine, we returned to the road, trying to find comfortable boondocking sites with cell service and grassy open fields for our solar panels. This month, I aim to submit my material to the rest of my list of publishers (eight contacted and 18 more to go) and edit my entire manuscript again. We’ll see what happens!
Have you ever been inspired by a photo, art, or anything else in your writing or other creative pursuits?
February 5, 2020 at 12:06
Nice job on your editing and submissions, Liesbet! I kind of agree with your thoughts on publishers and editors vs.agents. To answer your question, my first published short story was inspired by a photograph of a lighthouse and also by my mother.
February 6, 2020 at 09:37
Aha, the lighthouse affection! Nice that you had your mother inspire you are well. It would be interesting to be inside your mind sometimes, Jill! 🙂
I’m so glad that there is somewhat of a reaction and/or communication going on with the publishers, as agents just sent me a form rejection letter or – more often – nothing! Or, an assistant quickly sent out a note, sometimes not even signed or addressed. This gives me hope again.
February 6, 2020 at 19:26
There’s always hope…keep at it! Inside my head…eek! 🙂
February 8, 2020 at 22:04
I only see rainbows and unicorns in your head, Jill, so I’m sure it’s not too “eeeky”. 🙂
February 9, 2020 at 09:20
LOL! That was funny, Liesbet. 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 13:50
Your photos are very inspiring!
I understand the constant worry about power. Although we are usual good in that department a trip to the library and plugging into a seemingly unlimited power source can be nice.
I guess I am inspired all the time to write by our travels and what I see out the window.
February 6, 2020 at 09:42
Hi Duwan,
Funny thing is that each time I see photos about our sailing journey, or I write new articles about it (or work on my sailing memoir), I don’t miss it at all. I’m so ready to move on (even though it’s been many years now since we completed that lifestyle), which is why this memoir has to be completed and published soon. Then, I might feel excited again to talk about our adventures and maybe repeating them. 🙂
Yes, experiences and views outside the window inspire me to write as well. So many impressions, so much to write, so little time! Library visits would work if it were to be for a single job (like a translation), once in a while. To accomplish my goals, however, I need eight hours a day behind my computer for a couple of months. Good luck with that on the road, right??
February 5, 2020 at 14:21
Glad you’re having better responses from publishers. Just a little setback – keep after it.
February 6, 2020 at 09:43
Thanks, Alex. If I can stick to my priorities and am determined to get the screen time I need, I might get somewhere. Thing is that we need to find places that work for me and that are interesting and entertaining enough for the other two parties in this household. 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 15:26
Hi, Liesbet – I echo Alex’s sentiments. Keep after it! I know that the right publisher for you is out there (and I really want to read your book)!
To answer your question, I frequently use a feature image to write my blogs post. I did just that yesterday!
February 6, 2020 at 09:45
Hi Donna!
I had no idea that you start (some) blog posts based on a feature photo. You sure did a fantastic job with that in your last post about celebrations, reflections, and gratitude!
Thank you for the continued support and encouragement. You WILL be able to read that book one day! 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 15:35
I hope I don’t sound too silly, but here I go. Have you considered using paper and pen when your battery dies or the cell service disappears?
Since you’re on a roll when it happens, put your thoughts down to be inputted later so you don’t lose your momentum.
Be tough. You can do this.
Anna from elements of emaginette
February 6, 2020 at 09:49
Thanks for the idea about pen and paper, Anna! I agree with you (and often take notes that way or on my iPad, when inspiration strikes), but I’m currently in the process of editing my existing memoir and submitting to publishers, using my own query template on my computer, so I need to access that material to progress.
I could do more research or prep work on my iPad, come to think about it, but my overview and selection files are – again – stored on my laptop. 🙁
What’s life worth without challenges, right?
February 5, 2020 at 16:16
Well done with your submissions – you’ve had an uphill battle against technology!
I’ve never been inspired to write based on an image or photo – my writing process generally springs from a ‘what if’ question. But I’ve read excellent work by other people who were inspired by photos or art, so it definitely can be done!
February 6, 2020 at 09:53
It seems fun to me to start writing from a photo or art work one day. It would help to get in the writing swing of things and use those instigators as prompts. But it would take a while – decades – for me to not have anything else to write about, before I need “external” motivation.
I like your “what if” approach. Internal prompts. That would work well to come up with a multitude of scenarios! I’m sure you know all about that, Diane! 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 16:21
I always enjoy your photos of the places you’ve visited, Liesbet! And I am one of those who can be inspired by a photo to write. That is basically how I started my blog! Bummer about the solar power and change of plans. Definitely a major distraction! I’m glad you made some progress on your opening pages. I’ve been working on some of that myself. You will read this Sunday why I have been distracted of late 🙂 Before you know it, you will be back in your groove!
February 6, 2020 at 10:59
Hi Terri!
I’d love to be back in the groove soon. It all depends on finding a suitable place to camp for a little while. It hasn’t been easy to come by in Florida… We realize we will have to spend some money on camping and services here, but are hoping to find attractive boondocking sites as well. When you drive and hunt for camping most of the day, there’s not much time left for work and productiveness. AT&T service also doesn’t seem to exist in Ocala National Forest, which is where we are currently searching for a campsite.
Looking forward to your Sunday post. If I have internet. 🙂
February 5, 2020 at 19:16
Your Maupiti picture jumped right out at me. Miss that place. Want to go again. Really bummed to hear that Mark didn’t get the job but I am a true believer that there are good things to come in your future. Very interesting to learn that publishers are more responsive than agents. I would have thought it would be the other way around. Delighted to hear one is expressing interest in learning more. Best of luck as you reach out to the others.
February 6, 2020 at 12:10
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your positive words. We put too much weight and confidence in Mark’s job working out. We even looked at houses and were ready to settle in St. Augustine for a while, if you can believe that. But more about that later. I’m destined to remain a nomad. 🙂
And, yes, I’m happy about the conversations that are ensuing with publishers. That, at least, gives me some hope that people are actually looking at my work and materials and maybe even considering it…
February 5, 2020 at 19:29
Your photos always inspire me to dream. Congrats with your interactions with Publishers. Happy IWSG!
February 6, 2020 at 12:11
Happy dreams, Juneta! 🙂 And thanks for the wishes and for swinging by. I hope you get better soon!!!
February 5, 2020 at 20:20
Bummer about the power and all those other things. Just another challenge! I keep a list of ‘quotes’ – just things I hear people say (One of my favourites is ‘she didn’t have any children, but she did have a caravan(!!!) and one day I’m going to try and write short stories from them, but at the moment, I can’t keep up with writing my journal and blogs!
February 6, 2020 at 12:18
Life on the road IS challenging, especially if one still needs to work and rely on amenities like internet and electricity. Most campers, however, stay in campgrounds all the time, where these issues are resolved. That would cost us a fortune, so we “choose” the more challenging way.
Collecting quotes is a great idea, especially when you have a personal relationship with them or the people who invented them. And, I hear you about not being able to keep up with the journal and the blogs. That takes up so much time! Then, there’s reading other blogs and commenting, doing editing and translation work, attempt to write articles, and work on my memoir. I haven’t even mentioned social media. Oh, and deal with life on the road. 🙂
February 8, 2020 at 21:48
Liesbet, I keep trying to reply to your comments on my comments but always receive a notice saying ‘reply failed’. I don’t want you to think I’m ignoring you!
February 8, 2020 at 22:15
Hi Tracey!
I’m sorry to read this. There was one person before who mentioned this not being able to reply on replies. No idea why that is. I’ll look into it, but I have often concluded that WordPress has a mind of its own and some features just refuse to work for some undetectable reason.
Thanks for not ignoring me. 🙂 For some people the “like” button shows up with my reply and then they hit that to let me know they saw it. But, once again, I have no idea why this button shows up for some people and not for others. Lots of mysteries abound…
February 5, 2020 at 21:13
I love your updates. You’re so adventurous. I’m a little jealous I cant do what you do. Congrats on your submissions.
http://www.alliebock.com
February 6, 2020 at 12:20
Hi Allie! I love your email address. You sure got your priorities right! Oh, and don’t be jealous of our lifestyle. It’s not always as glorious as people think and it can be super exhausting. I hope you could get it a try one day, though, and check it out for yourself. Adventurous it sure is! 🙂
February 6, 2020 at 06:07
Reading the comments after your post shows me you have great (and growing) support here.
I too am BUMMED about the setback. I had hope the St. Augustine thing would work out as it would smooth your work path. Besides, with a job in the area I might see you again next year!
Brava for persisting: You are indefatigable! (See I know big words too – ha!)
One day soon we’ll see a “Bingo” on your submissions. ((( )))
February 6, 2020 at 12:25
Hi Marian,
I will be bummed for a while about that job not working out, as it has many implications… And, I was hoping to attend one of your book events if we would have remained in St. Augustine. Social events galore there and time and amenities. It almost sounds like I’m ready to settle for a bit, right? Oh well… We’re trying to make it work in Ocala National Forest at the moment.
Oh, I KNOW you own a lot of big words, as I often learn something new from your comments by looking those words up in a dictionary. Here’s hoping for a “bingo” one of these months!
February 6, 2020 at 16:27
Hi Liesbet, I suspect when you accumulate tens of thousands of images, it is difficult to narrow down only a few favourite photos. I have said it before, how I greatly admire your tenacity going forward with your memoir.
I would categorize myself as a creative non-fiction writer. I am often inspired by photos or I want to have an excuse to weave specific photos into my story.
My first published short story was inspired by photos I took forty years ago. The story was published about three years ago. I hadn’t given much thought on which came first, chicken or egg (photo or story?) I am looking forward to reading your book, Liesbet!
February 8, 2020 at 22:03
Hi Erica,
I had no idea that you wrote short stories! Now I’m curious to find out what those photos of forty years ago represented… I hear you about the chicken and the egg, as sometimes, we have images in our head that lead to inspiration and writing, to then realize our “image” came from a photo we took in the past.
I have sooooo many photos – in tons of albums from the pre-digital area and in hundreds of folders on hard drives and my computer… It’s basically impossible to find specific ones back, if I don’t remember either the location or the date!
February 7, 2020 at 12:08
I agree with everyone’s good wishes. You can do this. You have an exciting life, even if solar panels don’t last forever. Like Anna, I use pen and paper–notebooks, actually–when I need to get important details right or have unexpected inspiration.
And as far as story from a photo, photos can be used to create setting, characters, as well as an entire plot premise. Just ask: What is she thinking about? What is bothering her? Why is he carrying a satchel instead of a briefcase or computer bag? Or if it’s one of these gorgeous beach photos: What could happen on a beach between two characters who are happy, sad, angry?
All the best with your memoir. You’ve got this. Stop at a library or cafe and charge your battery or use the internet.
February 8, 2020 at 22:11
I love your thinking and questioning when staring at photos, Victoria! Yes, they can “say” so much more when one digs a bit deeper. 🙂
Most of my inspiration comes at night, when I can’t fall asleep. Since it’s close quarters in our van and I can’t sit up in bed, my thoughts and ideas never get recorded. Unless, I get up.
Library visits are mostly a thing of the past, now that I want/need to sit behind my computer all day and every day during the week and also, since we have Maya, who has separation anxiety. They are a good solution for once in a while translation work or a day here or there, but for our every day life, it’s more conducive to make things work from our camper…
What most people don’t realize is that there are actually still places where a cell phone plan doesn’t work, especially in forests in the middle of nowhere. All fine during the weekend, but during the week, there’s only one solution: move.
February 9, 2020 at 15:45
Your photos are beautiful! Lots of ideas pop up in my head, but I write fiction, so there’s always the “what if” rolling around inside. Sounds like you’re on a roll with the submissions! The nomadic life certainly has it’s challenges but I guess that’s what keeps the journey interesting. Safe travels!
February 9, 2020 at 18:15
Thanks, Lee. For your visit and comment and well wishes. I wish I could write fiction – the possibilities are endless and it’s such a fantastic outlet for creativity. This month, I’m determined to prioritize my submissions to publishers, and ideally reviewing the entire book again. It’s been going on long enough.
And, yes, this lifestyle keeps our overall journey interesting to say the least. Never a dull moment and lots of amazing experiences, despite the challenges. Plus, a lot of photos and writing material is garnered. 🙂
February 10, 2020 at 13:26
Love the photos and congratulations on the progress made on editing.
February 12, 2020 at 10:03
Thank you, Damyanti! As you know, the editing is never done. 🙂
February 13, 2020 at 02:02
Good luck on your continued search for a publisher! The personalized responses are a hopeful sign.
Those are gorgeous photos. Definitely print worthy.
February 13, 2020 at 21:45
Thank you, my friend. I’m already happy that publishers seem more accessible and responsive. 🙂
February 18, 2020 at 22:03
Inspired by your photos, Liesbet – perchance to dream…
February 19, 2020 at 15:06
Thanks, Roland! As you can tell from this post, the photos of our sailing journey far surpass the ones I’m taking on this extended camper van adventure. 🙂
February 26, 2020 at 14:30
Liesbet, that’s great that one of the niche publishers requested your manuscript and book proposal! Fingers crossed.
I hear your frustration about not being able to work on your manuscript and submissions because of the constraints of living in a van and not having access to power. I know travelling is your first priority, but even though I love to travel, there comes a time when I want to get home and settle down. Although it’s fun for me seeing new places, it’s also stressful never knowing where I’ll be each night and whether I’ll have access to certain amenities, or even time to myself to write (or whatever). And it sounds like this is happening to you too, a bit. Your decision to no longer do house-sits has made it even harder.
I hope you find a solution that works for both of you!
Jude
February 27, 2020 at 13:21
The coming home part is very different for me, Jude, since on one hand, I don’t really have a home (base), but on the other hand, we always have our home with us.
I guess for me it’s the “continuity, convenience, and comfort” that I miss from a settled house life. I don’t miss that often, but when I just can’t make it happen to sit and work and focus on other things than travel after months and months, I get frustrated with the lifestyle. I also know that once I can finish some of my projects, I’d feel better. How long that period is to catch up with things I’d like to finish is unknown. 🙂 House sitting gave us that balance before…