Stepping Back in Time
Using family photos as writing prompts
I was going to throw this photo away. I've been on a mission to cull my personal photo collection and this one was a candidate for the trash bin. One of the criteria for keeping a photograph is whether it will have any meaning to future generations and the cropped head of my mother in this photo would make it impossible for anyone else to identify the subject.
But as I looked at the photo, mulling over its fate, I began to notice that it contained multitudes of information about my childhood and sparked memories that I would one day want to write about. The trick was to sit with the photo long enough and focus not only on the person in the photo, but also the setting. Once I began this process, I found I couldn't wait to get to my writing prompt notebook and start writing.
Of course, this is my childhood photo and, as a writer who is focusing on the memoir genre, it is loaded with topics for future essays but even a fiction writer could find inspiration through this process of looking at photographs. It is inspiration for describing a 1970s kitchen; the Harvest Gold appliances are waiting to be described, the pattern on the linoleum floors could certainly be a detail to include when world building. The folded newspaper on the kitchen stool is a small detail that could make a short story sparkle with realism.
Character building can also benefit from this photo. See how the woman has tucked a dishtowel into the waistband of her skirt instead of using an apron? See the slippers she's wearing, while she prepares cooks a meal before the guests arrive? She'll quickly slip out of them and put on high heels when they knock on the door. These details could make a character come to life for readers.
I could go on an on with examples of how this simple, poor example of photography, has inspired me today. Now it's your turn, find a photograph and see how many details you can pull out to use for your next writing project.
News
A New Book Club
I’m freelancing for Melissa Gilbert’s lifestyle website for modern, mature women, Modern Prairie, and have been part of the team to start her Book Club! The first book we’re reading is Little House in the Big Woods (naturally) and our first Zoom Book Club Meeting is on February 7 (Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Birthday!) and Melissa Gilbert will be there to talk about how the book affected her as a child, bringing Laura Ingalls to life. It’s free to join! Here’s the link to read more about it.
Heart at the Cave
Did you know, before the pandemic, I was focusing on making textile art and teaching people how to embroider? I put my needle and floss aside a few years ago and decided to focus on writing, but when a call for artwork for “hearts'“ came up, I couldn’t help but submit my piece, “My Beeting Heart”. It’s a three dimensional heart sewn on fabric with floss dyed in beet juice. It will be on display at Art at the Cave during the month of February. There’s an artist reception on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4-8pm. I’d love to see you there if you live in the area.
At the Check-Out Desk
As you can see it’s been a busy week. Ever since my daughter moved out to go to college, I feel like everything I had put aside in order to focus on raising her has come rushing back into my life to fill the space she left. This is a good thing, but also surprising. I spent the past few years preparing myself to be a bit lost, thinking I couldn’t just go back to my life pre-motherhood. Yet, while motherhood most decidedly changed me, I am surprised to find large shards of my 35 year old self, still intact. I feel as though I am spending my days, picking those shards up, turning them over, and deciding if I want to add them to the mosaic that is me at 54. Thanks for being here with me as I find my way. If there are any seasoned empty nesters out there, I’d love to hear about your experiences during your first months of your new season of life.
Glad I could help! And be an inspiration!
What a lovely post! I’m going to revisit some of my childhood photos with a new eye. I remember that linoleum and we had similar wallpaper.
I am one year behind you - my daughter is graduating from HS in June. This really resonates with me and opens up a new door of possibility: “ Yet, while motherhood most decidedly changed me, I am surprised to find large shards of my 35 year old self, still intact. I feel as though I am spending my days, picking those shards up, turning them over, and deciding if I want to add them to the mosaic that is me at 54.”