One of my first steps when starting a new work of fiction (and sometimes nonfiction) is to create a mood board or collage to capture the feeling or heart of the story, and to keep me on track as I write.

Once I’ve got a few ideas sketched out, I start playing with images to try and bring the story to life in my mind. I create mine online, but other writers prefer collages or physical inspiration boards. Here’s what I’m working with so far for my Writer In Motion story.

Compare this to the aesthetic my fellow Writer in Motion Paulette Wiles created for her story from the SAME photo prompt.

The next one is from one of my critique partners in this project Megan Van Dyke.

Isn’t the creative imagination wonderful?

I can’t wait to see how Paulette and Megan’s stories, and that of the other participating authors, turn out. Stay tuned!

Get inspired . . .

If you’re interested in exploring how other writers use visuals to brainstorm their stories and keep the mood alive when they write, check out some of the posts below. And be sure to visit the other #WriterinMotion authors to see some of their mood boards too or follow the hashtag on Twitter!

NYT best-selling author Jennifer Cruise likes collages.  View some of her posts on this topic here.

Writer in Motion Fariha Khayyam has posted her mood board as well as thoughts about her process, here.

RPG writer Ashley Warren also has tips for creating mood boards.

How to create an inspiration board, from TCK Publishing.