I love taking pictures of the moon. I am willing to go outside in almost any kind of weather get photos of God’s night light.
NASA says it is an average 238,855 miles away from here. And yet, on the right night, with the right camera, tripod, and focus, I can see details on its surface and can find craters with names! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_craters_on_the_Moon
Today I was looking through some old photos I’ve taken of the moon on its orbital way across the sky and pondered them as a possible question I’m often asked: “What’s it like when you get an idea you know you have to write?”
It’s a cool process but not as mystical as some folks think.
An idea often comes to me the way the moon shines through the tightly woven branches of our windbreak.
The idea is there, and it’s bright, and it’s beautiful, but there are some things that need to be pushed back so the story can grow into something I can’t let go of.
For example, we were enjoying a Sunday afternoon ride through our favorite river town, Redwing, MN. We drove past a place called Whimsy’s Closet. That’s when I knew her name was Whimsy. Having a name made it impossible for me to ignore her.
By the time I got home, her voice and appearance were crystal clear, and her backstory was taking shape, but I couldn’t see as much as I knew was on the way.
In the outlining stage, some of the clutter fell away, and I am now certain who Whimsy is, and I am emotionally attached to her. She has a beautiful story, and it will happen if I stay out of the story and let her do the talking.
By the way, I use the word outline loosely – I have one or two thoughts about a chapter that are guides to what might happen and are not a detailed roadmap. I’ve written the first seven chapters, and there are already more chapters involved in her story than I anticipated.
And things the idea is getting blurry and . . .
. . . the storm clouds gather and the clarity of her story shifts.
This is the time when I must take more deep breaths and stay out of the way. Really – this is a thing.
I’d rather she didn’t have these clouds creeping into the story, but I know that without them she is a paper doll character whose pretty clothes can be changed and that is all.
Without the clouds, she would lack significance, beauty, and purpose.
One day, after hours of writing the raw draft, the first draft, and likely more drafts, her story will shine. Perhaps it will even cast a glimmer of Truth and gladness into the hearts of those who dare to read about her.
That’s this writer’s prayer and dream, and it’s what drives me back to my keyboard.
Until Next Time,
Joy
Whimsy’s Closet – I love that little store, but what really struck me is what you said about the clouds – how often I have marveled at the beauty of a sunrise or sunset (I’m a day-time person 😉 and also observed that the beauty is most apparent when clouds are present, it makes the picture and the person more interesting. I can make someone look picture perfect with photo shopping — but more beauty is seen in the real-ness of the person when you see a few of those “clouds” — a scar here, a birthmark there, a few wrinkles and freckles add to the authenticity of it all. Oh how many times I’ve gone back to a photographer whose done my own shots and said, “take out some of that photo re-touching and make me look more ‘real’!” Okay, I admit, a little bit of paint on the side of the barn never hurt anything, the same can be said of “photoxing” a picture 😉 Thank you for sharing your insights Joy!
Thank YOU, Jill! I’ve never been to the store – maybe you’ll have to take me. How fun would that be?!
Joy what a beautiful comparison: the evasive moon, showing up right on time and never saying a single word. It is much like writing. The idea shows up, begins to form and light the author’s way. I love the moon…am a nighttime person and never miss a chance to admire this beautiful creation God set up there to keep us company during the night. And it’s a creation of His, just like a storywriter creates. Beautiful scenario! Happy writing….can’t can’t to read about Whimsey!
Thank you, Pat! I’ll let you know when Whimsy is ready!