Inspiration

Artists often choose their subjects from the pages of literary works. From the ancient tales of the Ramayana to the 20th century writings of JRR Tolkien, painters, sketch artists and sculptors have been inspired by story.

But the reverse is also true. A sketch, a photograph or a painting often works to inspire a writer. Who is the person in that painting? What is his/her story? What's happened just before this photo was taken to make this scene so lonely, so scary, so beautiful?

When using art for inspiration, it helps to go back to the old newpaperman questions: Who, What, Where, When and Why? Add in How and you have an entire story.

Below are two pictures you can use for inspiration, although any photograph or artwork will do. Use the questions below to get the creative juices flowing:

• Who: Who is in the picture? Why is he/she there? Who is missing from the pic?
• What: What is going on in the picture? What is the action? What emotions are evoked by looking at the scene? What emotions are the people in the picture expressing? Why do you think they're having those emotions?
• Where: Remember, there are three ways to think of setting: geographical, historical and physical. To that end,  Where is the scene set as far as location? What time period is it? What are the physical details of the scene?
• When: When does this scene take place? The time of day? the season? Are there any cultural mores that come into play because of when it's set?
• Why: Why on earth would anyone want to capture this scene to begin with? Why is it important?
• How: How did this person (these people) get here in the first place? How will they get out of their situation? How will they react to what is happening? (NOTE: This is where you build your conflict. The others are all details, but here is where it turns into a story instead of a news report).

Ready?

Who: Who is in the picture? Why is he/she there? Who is missing from the pic?

What: What is going on in the picture? What is the action? What emotions are evoked by looking at the scene? What emotions are the people in the picture expressing? Why do you think they're having those emotions?

Where: Remember, there are three ways to think of setting: geographical, historical and physical. To that end,  Where is the scene set as far as location? What time period is it? What are the physical details of the scene?

When: When does this scene take place? The time of day? the season? Are there any cultural mores that come into play because of when it's set?

Why: Why on earth would anyone want to capture this scene to begin with? Why is it important?

How: How did this person (these people) get here in the first place? How will they get out of their situation? How will they react to what is happening? (NOTE: This is where you build your conflict. The others are all details, but here is where it turns into a story instead of a news report).

Go write!

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