My Creative Writing Process: Research and Imagination

My creative writing process is a blend of research, inspiration, and a bucket load of coffee. As an author, I believe storytelling is rich in emotion, connection, and a window into different worlds. Each of my stories is crafted with care, and this process involves various elements that ignite my creativity. One of my favorite tools is Pinterest, a platform where my imagination truly comes to life.

The Spark of Inspiration

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For me, it often begins with reading or watching movies and a simple idea swirls into my mind of how the story could have ended. I like to jot down any thoughts or snippets of dialogue into a small notebook and once a full story idea forms, I turn that into a writing document on my computer. This initial phase is exhilarating but also overwhelming because once I have an outline of the story I want to write then comes the mountain of research that I have to take care in doing. Among this creative chaos, I turn to Pinterest for visual inspiration.

My Pinterest board for Beautiful Wilderness

Pinterest serves as a digital scrapbook where I create boards dedicated to different stories or themes. For instance, one board might be focused on locations, featuring lush landscapes, intimate settings, and iconic buildings. I collect images that resonate with the mood of my story, using them as a visual toolkit to guide the narrative. This unique approach allows me to immerse myself in the atmosphere I aim to create for my readers.

Crafting Characters with Depth

Once I have a visual representation of my story's vibe, I shift my focus to character development. My characters are the heart and soul of my tales. To create well-rounded figures, I explore their backstories, desires, and conflicts. An engaging character often begins with a single trait or experience that makes them relatable. After creating a character profile I'll again turn to my research and also Pinterest for a deep understanding of the clothing, setting, and general looks that I want for each of my characters.

Setting the Scene

With characters nestled in my mind, it’s time to consider the settings. Atmosphere plays a crucial role in storytelling, especially in romance where mood can enhance every interaction. When crafting settings, I refer back to my Pinterest boards. Each photo can evoke specific moods - from cozy campfires to vast wildernesses.

Artist rendition of Jane looking out into a vast wilderness

Incorporating these visual cues helps me to describe the environment vividly. I often ask myself: How does the setting make my characters feel? How does it impact their decisions and relationships? By grounding my scenes in richly detailed descriptions inspired by maps and pictures, I create a more immersive experience.

Embracing the Process

One important aspect of my creative writing process is learning to embrace imperfection. Not every sentence will be perfect, nor will every draft shine. Giving myself permission to explore ideas freely, without pressure, allows my creativity to flourish and my stories to grow richer with each revision.

This mindset is actually one of the reasons I've chosen to independently publish my novels.  I pour so much love and care into crafting my stories that I can’t bear the thought of handing them over to a big-box publisher who might strip them of their soul.

Ultimately, my creative writing process is about writing what I love and sharing with friends and readers. Some days words flow effortlessly, while other days are filled with staring at a blank page for hours and realizing no writing will get done. It’s all part of the adventure, and I cherish every moment of growth it offers.

If you’re on your own writing adventure, remember to give yourself grace and enjoy the ride.