Booklicious: A Picture That Leads to a Thousand Words

July 02, 2012

| 3 comments]

For writers, it's usually only the words that matter. But author Jane Langton is a bit different. This mystery writer starts out by sketching illustrations of her story, and then knits together her tale from there. Her method got me thinking — this could be a very useful tactic for those suffering from writer's block. Take a break from those obstinate words and just freehand the images bouncing around in your head instead. Even if the drawings are rough, this gives your brain a fleshed-out point from which to pick the story back up, and allows you to approach things with a new perspective. It's worth a shot.

[Thanks, Nina!]

3 comments

Joy Murray said... @ July 2, 2012 at 1:50 PM

I really enjoy your site. This was a great interview but I most liked your advice to cure writer's block by drawing. I draw and write and it's a wonderful cross pollination. Thanks for your blog!

Nann said... @ July 5, 2012 at 4:58 PM

I've been a Jane Langton fan since 1961 when I read "The Majesty of Grace Jones." "The Diamond in the Window" and its sequels are among my all-time favorites. Did you know that the sketches shown in the video are the basis for the illustrations in her Homer Kelly mysteries for adults?

Evangeline said... @ July 6, 2012 at 3:09 PM

Thanks, Joy – you've made my day!

Nann – no, I didn't know that, that's fascinating. I envy that she can develop a story via two media, and do it well in both ways.

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