For the past few weeks, I’ve been immersed in a photo project.  Removing pictures from albums, scanning and numbering them haven’t been creative for me.  I’ve felt dulled, going through the motions but lacking that special zing.

A few days ago I met with my writing group. Surrounded by imagination, I felt that energy returning.  Zing! What a difference it made to my day.

So now, although I’m still getting past family photos in order, I’m reserving some time every day for writing.  Funny how after years of being a writer, I needed this reminder to myself.  Seek that deeper layer and all will be well.

Last week, I met with a friend who has been going through emotional trauma.  While walking on the beach, she took a photo of a fire.

Cross in Fire

“They were burning a cross?” I asked her, puzzled.

“No, Liz.  There WAS no cross,” she said.

Zing.

“You’re surrounded by spiritual love,” I told her

“I know,” she said.

Seek your other layer.  When you find it, honor it every day.

 

Writing Prompts:

1.  As you rush through your day, through work, commuting, household chores, and activities, schedule minutes to discover the deeper you.  Write stories, poems, create art.

2.  Honor your spirituality.  Give gratitude every day.   Provide a random act of kindness and see how it makes you feel.

3.  Search into your past for memories.  Write about how they’ve influenced you.  Use humor and story to give shape to your life.

4.  Appreciate others’ creative works.  Read, visit a museum, and an art show.  Let these ways broaden your own projects.

California Mendocino Photo

Taking pictures is a true art. Photos solidify memories and show specific details, which helps your writing become more specific.

If you live in California, are 18 or older, and not employed as full-time professional photographers, enter this contest! Photos are due by 5 p.m., May 3.   You can submit as many as you like, but if you enter more than one of the same shot, judges will select their favorite.  They will choose and publish only one photo per reader.  Judges won’t consider photos with time stamps, water marks, obtrusive copyrights and alterations (beyond minimal photo editing).

Winners:  Seven winners will have their pictures featured in the May 31 Eat Drink Play section and online at www.mercurynews.com/travel-contest.  Grand prize winner receives a three-night stay for two at the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara.  Six other winners will receive $100 gift certificates from Mike’s Camera.  In addition to the seven winners, there will be Best of the Rest honorable mention photos to be featured in an online slide show.  Entries, as they come in, will be displayed at www.mercurynews.com/travel-contest.

For more information, visit the above site.  Good luck!

Writing Prompts:

  1. Choose a photo you have taken as a prompt for a short story, poem, or other art work.
  2. Take your camera everywhere.  Practice taking shots.  Discover what makes the best ones. Write about your experiences.
  3. Take a photo class and read about photo techniques.  Become aware of the details that count.  How can this help your writing and other art?

Toilet Paper bathroom real estate photoHairdresser Real Estate PhotoGranny Dummy Real Estate Photo

 

The photos above are from actual real estate agents attempting to sell their properties.

But wait!  What’s the story BEHIND the story?

Writing Prompts:

1. Using humor, choose one of the photos above to show the story behind the story.

2.  Create a poem or story utilizing an unusual point of view.   Who is the narrator?

3.  Read Terrible Estate Agent Photos by Andy Donaldson.  Allow yourself to draw on these to create stories in various genres:  mystery, science fiction, romance, nonfiction, etc.  Play with styles!

Visit terriblerealestateagentphotos.com for more ideas.