Quote of the Day: A picture is worth a thousand words.
Today is another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
Question of the Month: Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Great question. Yes. I am constantly inspired by other art forms: theater, music, paintings, dance, food. I find connections. The most recent inspiration was my sister’s painting and creation of a fairy that we named Elektra. I especially like her green eyes and wild hair!
Painting of Elektra by Joy Ciaffoni
I wrote a short story for the latest IWSG anthology contest. My story didn’t get selected, but I had fun writing about Elektra. The setting is 1984 on the family farm in Minnesota. Elektra shows up one day inside the leaves of the pea plants. She blew north on the wind and needs to find her way back to Florida before the snow flies. Lili, who is 12 and likes her solitude on the farm, discovers Elektra. She wants to help her. Elektra needs fresh air to thrive, has an aversion to air conditioning, and explodes at the sight of the color orange. Lili’s mom and sister are redheads, so she needs to keep Elektra out of their sight, or her sight. My sister Joy (the artist) and I had fun talking about the 80’s, the big hair, the color of the decor, and favorite pop artists of the times. We might find another way to share stories of Elektra and her friends. You can see more of Joy’s artwork by following her on Instagram. And, yes, some of her artwork is for sale.
What am I insecure about this month? Feeling like my time has past. But, that’s dumb, I know. Still, you hit a certain age and think, maybe it’s too late to fully live out my dreams. I’m fighting that negative talk. I’m getting back in the swing of things in the new year. Tidying up. Making some creative space for myself. It will happen. Widening my circle of connections.
How are you doing on your creative goals?
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: What inspires your creativing?
Elektra’s story might fit elsewhere. Never too late or time has passed. Don’t believe it!
I’m staying strong, Alex. I have big plans for 2020.
Elektra’s story sounds like fun! Hope it finds a home one day!
And it’s never to late – keep spreading your joy!
Thanks, Jemi!
Oh, your time is not passed until they put you in the ground. Your sister’s painting is awesome, as is your story idea. Do not let it die!
Thanks, Lee. I’m feeling inspired.
When you’re older is often when those dream start coming true!
Thanks, Diane. That is true. All the hard works start to pay off.
I love the picture, what a talented family! Love the story of Elektra as well, and I agree that there is a ‘home’ for her out there.
Also… it’s never too late. I’m almost 58, and only now getting serious about writing!
Thanks for the encouragement, Donna. We’ll keep on writing and creating!
So much talent. Great picture. Keep dreaming and writing. Happy IWSG!
Thanks, Juneta!
Elektra’s turn will come soon. Love the idea and the drawing.
Thanks, D!
That story sounds so cute, Mary. Love the illustration too.
That’s so sad that you’re feeling that way, but I completely understand. I thought I’d be so much further ahead by this age. Life definitely took me on some unexpected detours.
It’s never too late. As long as we breathe and never give up, good things can happen. Love to you. x
Thanks J.H. And, thanks for all your thoughtful comments on my other posts. We always have a chance to create, to share, and to make small changes wherever we go, no matter how old we get.