Monday, October 8, 2018

Scrap booking — a creative tool for writing

Whenever I start a new writing project the first thing I do is go out and by a large size plain page scrap book or visual diary.

Just like in primary school I make a frontispiece page with the title of the book and some ilustrations or cut out pics pasted in.

Then I start adding clippings, images, random ideas, jottings, around the topic and themes of my idea.



It is a great way to bring colour and texture in and to embrace the creative process especially in the early hunting and gathering stage.

It is a way also of setting up what I like to call the image field of the story.

Art directors and designers working in film and theatre do it. Why don't we?

Author Margo Lanagan  who attended our Draft Buster workshops in Petersham has taken scrapbooking to another level.  She even set up a special scrap booking table in her writer's studio.



Have a look here at how did this for her novel Sea Hearts. 

A scrap book is a place you can return to again and again when ever you get stuck or need some fresh ideas to get things moving.

It is also a fun activity to do with others.



Spend a few hours with fellow creatives messing around with fabrics, paper, magazine cuttings, images, scissors, glue and create an image field for your next book, short story, poem series, movie/theatre script, event exhibition or life project.

Use this technique to create settings, develop characters and uncover story subtext. Map a hero's journey or explore the unknown potential of your themes.

Getting mind out of the way, allow the imagery oyu collect on the pages of your scrapbook to lead you into surprising places and hidden narratives.

Enjoy a relaxing and effective way to brainstorm, troubleshoot and generate new energy for your work.








Heading out next
November 1–7, 2018. Bali Residency. Seven days just to write! At a beachside hacienda with inhouse mentors and feedback from fellow authors.

March 1–15, 2019. Moroccan Caravan,A creative adventure into the heart of Moroccan culture. Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Tissardmine. For artists and writers.

Oct 6–12, 2019.Haiku Walking In Japan, A haiku walking tour for artists and writers along the sacred Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route following ancient trails though deep, forested valleys in remote countryside.
















No comments:

Post a Comment