I’ve been trying to write and edit a few novels and I have come across a useful tool to help visualize characters, places, and things. What I was normally doing for my character’s description was trying to write everything I envisioned down in a notebook. Each character would get a page. The page would list physical appearances, personality, and motive. It wasn’t until I saw a post by blogger Shannon A. Thompson called, “Writing Tips: Picture Book” I realized how much detail I was missing by not using this useful tool. Pictures.
I never thought of using pictures to help inspire and build images of characters, places, or objects. I’ve had a Pinterest account for years. When I first signed up I used it a few times but it wasn’t long that I left it having found no use for it. Now I can’t help but think, here was a writing instrument at my fingertips and I have left it idle. Well, no longer, I have started to use it to help with my novel’s vision. Pinterest has an a great number of pictures, easy access for pinning from other websites, and a board privacy setting (so the world doesn’t have to know what you’re planning). Also, saves on paper and ink, which helps me, keep my limited budget from going over. Also, it adds a bit more of creative fun to the process. I find creating a character board or looking at a few photos can be all the pop I need for a shot of inspiration. Even on days writing is slow I can get a daily writing exercise from a few pinned pictures.
If there is anyone out there who is struggling to write a novel, I hope this helps. It has sure has helped me. If you would like to see Shannon A. Thomas’s examples I have linked to her website and her “Picture Book” blog above.
Random Thoughts 
That sounds like a great idea, think I’ll give it a go, I’ve just started to write my 1st novel and love these sorts of tips, thanks 🙂
Welcome! Glad I could help and maybe make your writing experience a little bit easier. Good luck. Happy creating! 🙂
Marjorie,
I’m so glad you were inspired to create character boards. How is it going so far?
Thank you for linking to my website. You’re very kind for doing so.
~SAT
SAT,
Thank you for writing that blog topic. You opened another creative outlet that helps me write.
The character boards are going great! Writing is much better with pictures and descriptions. My novel writing feels less messy with the creation of the character boards.
Marjorie
That’s wonderful! I always love them (Even more!) when I have to go back and edit. Keeps me going and helps me remember the little things after I’ve taken a break between writing and editing.
~SAT
Reblogged this on stealersaga.
I also have a notebook with pages dedicated to characters, scenes, dramatic arcs and what not… I just might start using my Pinterest account now, thanks for the tip!
I know I wasn’t using my Pinterest for the longest time and was thinking about deleting it. But now it’s fun and useful. Welcome for the tip. Good luck with your writing.
Reblogged this on Random Thoughts and commented:
A reblog from a little over a year ago. This flashback is to remind people of the tool that still helps me write. Pinterest. Thanks to blogger/author Shannon A. Thompson my eyes were opened. It has helped my imagination build more descriptive images. In this blog I only mentioned the positives this exercise has promoted. I’m sure there are many that will point out you are not focusing on your most important task, writing. Just remember, don’t get lost on the site and forget to write. The internet can task in procrastination and this could zap writing time. To prevent this from happening try to set a pin limit, e.g., every 5 character/setting pictures you pin you must write a description based on the pictures you found. If you are only using this site to put off writing ask yourself why. Recognize and decide how you are going to move past the problem. Whatever you’re struggling with isn’t going anywhere. It’s best to take action. It’s only writing. You can always come back to scene and edit it later.
Now for my blast from the past post below. Enjoy.