Use Photos to Inspire

As the school year winds down, I’m gearing up for a writing summer.

Part of that pre-writing preparation involves finding photos that inspire me. For my next supernatural mystery, Eye of the Peacock, I am lucky enough to have photographed the location that provides the most inspiration for the story. But I also scan the internet for people, scenery, and historical events that help keep my descriptions focused and help me imagine the story.

Sometimes I drop these photos right at the top of my page as I write, and then remove them later. In Relic, some of the photos even made it into the book as chapter illustrations.

I’m even collecting photos for my next project, yet untitled, but planned to be a futuristic adventure.

Book Group Challenge

I heard through the grape vine the other day that several young readers plan to read Relic as a book group this summer. I think that is a fantastic idea! Reading is often such a solitary thing, and it doesn’t need to be!

Get together with two or three friends. Make a timeline so you’ll all be in the same place at the same time, and then stop and get together to talk about it. (Don't forget to have some snacks!) If you have what I call “I wonder” questions, post them on the blog in the comments section, and I’ll make sure I respond.

Then I can be a member of your book group, too!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all the mothers out there had a great, relaxing day.

I received great hand-made presents from my girls. Those are the best. My oldest, wrote me a beautiful card and it made me remember the power and beauty of hand-written notes. I will cherish it forever.

Remember to hand write someone a letter soon.