Writing is a visual process...

4/2/2017

by Gwendolyn M Plano

The RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB is sponsoring a Spring BOOK & BLOCK PARTY throughout the month of April, and I am participating from beautiful Branson, MO. Visitors who leave a comment have a chance of winning a signed copy of my book (2) or a $5 Amazon gift card (2) - a total of 4 gifts. Have fun traveling to all the sites!

WRITING IS A VISUAL PROCESS

Writing is a visual process. The characters, the setting, the time of day, even the conflict is something we craft in the scenes we display. A recent trip to Tuscany, Italy brought this fact home to me.

This beautiful country of contrasts, where time is a marriage of yesterday and tomorrow, opened my eyes to how I see. I was taking a photograph of ancient steps leading up to a medieval church, when my sister said,
“I’m following you and taking photos of whatever you photograph, because you see differently than me, and I like what you see.”

Interesting comment, right? I’m not a photographer, but I am drawn to the intersections of life, and less to the obvious passing me by. I notice the play of light, the shadows that linger, and I am fascinated by the reaches of buildings and sky. A pigeon in the side of a fortress wall will hold my attention, as does a dog bowl on a cobbled street, where visitors like me meet.

Images of the intersection of life draw me into story, which is my world it seems. Do you find your stories taking form through something you see?

A short walk in Tuscany and one travels through centuries - to a time of the Etruscans, to a time before Christianity. The land is riddled with relics of war that the invaders and armies ignored. Walled fortresses have now been transformed, into a home for wine shops and cafés, boutiques and other market places. Walls, once dividing and threatening, are now pulsing with life. Contrasts…a writer’s dream.

Dante, Petrarch, Machiavelli, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vince and Michelangelo all walked the Tuscany streets. Now they dwell in galleries, churches, and libraries, but they are often seen on the streets.

What do you focus on? Do you notice the cardinals in the trees, the solitary fisherman standing on the edge of the stream, the old man in his garden pulling weeds, or the child high in the tree? What is it you see? Do you find stories awaiting you when you pause to see - the intersections of life surrounding you, surrounding me?

77 Comments

A.S. McGowan link

4/3/2017 00:51:17

The way you write is amazing. I find that I am usually really busy and miss the little details of life. Every once in a while though something small and unassuming will catch my eye and hold me transfixed for a long time. During those rare moments I do find that I may not exactly ponder on what has me captivated but more make up stories to go along with it. Just give it life that may or may not fit with the reality of the object, animal or person. Maybe one day I will get a chance to visit Tuscany and see it the way you saw it.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 04:18:12

Thank you, A.S. I love that you can "make up stories" that go along with what you see. How beautiful! Thank you for visiting my site today.

D.L. Finn

4/3/2017 01:39:06

Beautiful pictures of Italy, Gwen! You do have an eye for photography! You make a good point of seeing things and bringing them inside and a story blooms. Everyone sees things differently, which means there are so many stories out there, at the same point. I love the play of light on objects and I am also that person noticing the bird or dog, too. It is a matter of focus--great post!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 04:12:29

Thanks so much, D. L. We writers are distracted by about everything, aren't we. As you wrote, "there are so many stories out there." ♥

Wendy Scott link

4/3/2017 02:22:19

Hi Gwen, My partner's grandmother was Italian so Italy is on our list of places we must visit. Your photos are insightful - what a wonderful trip you must have experienced. Yes, inspiration is everywhere!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 04:10:31

Oh how happy your partner's grandmother will be! And, you'll love Italy...surely it will spark another mystery. :) Thank you, Wendy, for stopping by.

Stephen Geez link

4/3/2017 03:30:21

Wonderful observations, Gwendolyn. I explored similar notions in my Fantasy Patch, both from the side of what we see and the side of what we choose to show. I've written stories from random photos sent by friends hoping to inspire me to say something they might uniquely hear. I tend to associate a lot, seeing my experiences and memories in the imagery of everyday experiences. I like to look around and find something I've never noticed, though in truth sometimes what I find, of course, is just me. I appreciate how you've made me feel and think with your post. Good luck to you always!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 04:07:55

Thanks so much, Stephen. I hove that you've written stories from photos from your friends! And...love that sometimes "what I find is just me." How beautiful!

Yvette M Calleiro link

4/3/2017 04:39:34

Tuscany really is beautiful, and I hope to visit again one day, but I doubt I'll make it back because there are still so many places in our world that I have yet to see and explore. I, too, love to take pictures. I am always the one who holds the camera. Though my eye tends to gravitate toward moments rather than objects in my every day life, I always seek to vacation somewhere surrounded by nature, somewhere where I can bask in the beauty surrounding me. It is in those places where my mind is actually (finally) still, and I embrace that peace wholeheartedly.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 04:46:38

Thank you for visiting, Yvette. Like you, nature is where I find peace. Beauty quiets our busy minds, doesn't it?

Davy D link

4/3/2017 04:59:20

Loved this post Gwen and it has started an avalanche of thoughts in my head. From a poetry point of view I always start with a story and try to reduce it to its simplest form, a seed as it were. It's a bit like your photography looking for the difference, the bits that other people may not see. Could the answer be that our brains contain varying perspectives from our different journeys through life so we all see different things?

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 05:21:16

Thank you, Davy. Truly - your poetry always opens the door to a panorama of dreams, sights unseen - and memories. It's amazing what a few words can do!

Patricia A. Guthrie link

4/3/2017 06:05:19

Lovely piece on Tuscany, Gwen. I especially liked the photo where that huge truck was attempting to negotiate that small street. LOL
I think I'll have to add Tuscany to my life's bucket list.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 06:19:19

Thank you, Patricia. We couldn't believe the truck was making deliveries down these very narrow streets. There were only inches on either side of it. When it made it through, the guys beamed and we gave the universal thumbs up. They were so happy!... LOL.

Staci Troilo link

4/3/2017 06:28:16

Gwen, what lovely photos and what a beautiful sentiment. Thanks for sharing.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 06:39:45

Thanks so much, Staci!

Michael Lynes link

4/3/2017 06:55:24

As they say - when you want to write intimately - write small. The details of the scene - down to the smallest - are what make it real - draw the reader in. Beautiful post Gwen!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:26:10

Thank you, Michael...I like your insight about writing small. All the best!

john howell link

4/3/2017 07:04:59

I've enjoyed your views of Italy. I was especially intrigued by your sister's comment about seeing things through different eyes. I think this is what makes the human experience so special and when we all can compare what we see, so rewarding.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:27:47

Thank you, John. It is eye-opening to compare what we see...and like you said, so rewarding.

Harmony Kent link

4/3/2017 07:18:36

What a lovely post, Gwen. I love your thoughts on writing being a visual process, and the pictures are beautiful. :)

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:29:22

Thanks so much, Harmony. With our phones, we can do so much. All the best to you.

Suzanne Kelman link

4/3/2017 07:32:21

Lovely! And so true. My husband and I always take a camera to the beach and are amazed that even though we take pictures of the same things, just how different they turn out. He is an engineer, looks for form and structure in his photo I am creative, look for the romance in a shot, color, feel, moment. I love the way your post reminds me that it is what we focus on that is the most important, a deeper thought to dwell on. What am I focusing on today... is it "the play of the light, the shadows that linger" or am I moving to fast to notice it. Thank you for the lovely morning trip to Tuscany!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:55:03

Thank you so much, Suzanne. Your comment made me chuckle, because my husband is former IBM - all structure and form...and I live in a different world. It's so funny, isn't it. Vive la difference ♥

Jan Sikes link

4/3/2017 07:40:53

I absolutely loved this post, Gwen. We all see through our own filters and as a result all have different stories to tell. I love the days when John Howell is given a picture to make up a story with. His story is never what I would have chosen, but are always amazingly creative and most often funny. Thank you for sharing Italy through your eyes!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:50:08

Thanks so much, Jan. It's so true - we all see through our own filters. Makes it fun, doesn't it!

Mae Clair link

4/3/2017 07:48:14

Beautiful photos, Gwen, and even more so the beauty of your post.

I tend to be drawn by small details too...light reflection and shadows, contrast between elements. I'm not a photographer but images will spark a thread of creativity, if not an idea for a book. Thanks for the tour of Italy and the inspiring post!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 07:57:54

Thank you, Mae. I always appreciate your comments and insights - image do spark a thread of creativity. :)

Patricia Green link

4/3/2017 08:24:51

Your writing is always so beautiful and evokes visual memories or draws beautiful pictures in my mind. I see your walk through Tuscany with these few words, Gwen.

Thank you for the wonderful post for the #RRBC Springtime Book & Blog Party!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 08:43:40

Thank you, Patricia...so kind of you to say. So glad you walked with me through the streets of Tuscany. :)

John Fioravanti

4/3/2017 08:32:37

Your descriptions are truly amazing, but your observations even more so, Gwen. You are truly gifted. I'm more like your sister in what I observe - or don't observe! Thanks for the vision!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 08:45:15

Thanks so much, John, always wonderful to hear from you. ☺

Shirley Harris-Slaughter link

4/3/2017 08:41:34

Gwen, you have a different take on seeing things. We all do. That's what makes each of us so unique above all other creatures. Sometimes I get my answers in dreams. Its amazing how unclouded the mind is during sleep. I appreciate you sharing your perspective on this fascinating topic.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 08:48:01

Thank you for stopping by, Shirley. I'm in awe of you getting answers in dreams; I barely remember mine. ☺

Shirley Harris-Slaughter

4/6/2017 07:37:11

Gwen when you stay focused on a thought, it will manifest itself in a dream and sometimes you can come up with a solution. The intensity of the focus never leaves your subconscious mind. I have trouble remembering my dreams at times too. Its really wierd.

C. S. Boyack link

4/3/2017 09:00:24

What a great post. You take lovely pictures and weave wonderful prose. I really enjoyed this one.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 09:23:45

Thanks so much for stopping by...RRBC offers us wonderful ways of meeting other writers. ☺

Kim Cox link

4/3/2017 09:20:13

Loved the photos, Gwen. I agree with your sister. Those are gorgeous shots. Italy is an amazing country--so much history.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 09:24:50

Thank you so much, Kim. It was a fun adventure!

Charles W Jones link

4/3/2017 09:26:48

I love looking at the details, but sometimes I get caught up in them and don't see the big picture (forest for the trees problem). Thanks for the great post, Gwen!

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 10:02:22

Thank you, Charles. We all see just a tad differently from others - makes it magical, doesn't it.

Linda link

4/3/2017 10:30:59

Beautifully written, Gwen! You photograph with a writer's keen eye. Thanks for sharing.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 10:58:48

Thanks so much, Linda. I really appreciate your kind words and visit.

Lizzie Chantree link

4/3/2017 10:31:12

Great blog post Gwen. It's true we all see things differently and that's what makes life interesting. I'm always observing the things around me for my writing and love taking photos. I remember being at a concert once, when the artist told everyone to put their cameras down and actually experience the view with their eyes, rather than through a lens. It made everyone stop and really look around them for a while.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 11:01:49

Thank you, Lizzie. My phone travels with me and captures some of what I am intrigued with in that moment - the wonders of technology. ♥

D E Howard

4/3/2017 10:38:57

Great post and beautiful photographs :)

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 11:03:04

Thanks so much, D.E. It was an adventure I will not be forgetting any time soon ... ☺

Larry Landgraf link

4/3/2017 11:38:09

When I saw the "link" title, Gwen, I immediately knew who you were. I have seen Letting Go Into the Perfect Love and the rafting photo many times. It reminds me of the trip to Costa Rica Ellen and took year before last. Great memory! We went rafting there too.

Now I will associate the vision with Tuscany. Italy is also on Ellen and my bucket list of places to travel. You are right, the little things make the trips more enjoyable--the orchid tucked away in the bushes, an iguana sunning on a stone wall...

Some have said my books have too much detail. I say I'm just stopping to smell the roses. Slow down and see what I'm seeing through my words. I think you might agree.

Thanks for bring back some pleasant memories. Loved the slide show. Made me want to go to Italy even more.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 12:53:03

Thanks so much, Larry. I very much enjoyed your book, Into Autumn, and part of the reason i that you stop "to smell the roses." ☺

Beem Weeks link

4/3/2017 12:49:39

A fantastic piece, Gwen. You are so correct. Writing is as visual as photography or painting. It's just that the author paints with words and mood and descriptions. We all truly see things differently. That's what makes us unique. Amazing photos! Thank you for sharing.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 14:35:46

Thanks so much, Beem...I love your comment that "the author paints with words and mood and descriptions." ☺

Jan Hawke link

4/3/2017 14:31:10

Did I spot the walled medieval city of Lucca in there? Tuscany is just fantastic and, like you it's the small seemingly everyday details that entice as much of not more than the more famous, grander sights. That and that beautiful Italian light. :-D
I really enjoyed my visit today Gwen - hope you're having as good a time as your guests! :-D

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 14:37:30

Thanks so much, Jan. Yes, it's been great fun!! And, Lucca is in the collection.... ☺

Maggie link

4/3/2017 14:58:13

Writing is a visual art. I think that is the magic of writing, to be able to paint pictures with words. It sounds like Tuscany is an amazing place. Definitely will add it to my bucket list. I love the comment from your sister, quite a compliment. It sounds like you two had an amazing trip.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 15:37:50

Thank you, Maggie. It was a sweet compliment...and we did have a lot of fun. ☺

Mar link

4/3/2017 15:04:33

Gwen, I absolutely love your post. You have such an amazing way with words. AND pictures! I'm also jealous of your trip to Tuscany. I've always wanted to go and fill like I just got a sample, so thank you! :)

I think it's wonderful how we can all see things so differently, especially in terms of being inspired. What your sister said speaks measures, I think.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 15:42:19

Thanks so much, Mar. Very sweet of you to say...♥ I think you'll be visiting Italy someday. Head for the countryside, the small towns, the wineries and little places to eat....you'll find a piece of your heart and your dreams. ☺

Mar link

4/4/2017 11:02:58

From you lips to God's ears. :)

Natalie Ducey link

4/3/2017 15:57:08

Gwen, thank you for sharing this beautiful post and gorgeous pictures with us. I'm fascinated by relics of a distant past, but my attention always falls on people and their interactions with others, nature, and especially those solitary moments. The arrivals gate at the airport is one of my favourite places. To see so many smiles form in unison is such a beautiful gift. :)

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 16:12:22

I love the image of the arrivals gate! How beautiful - the smiles. Thank you, Natalie, for visiting and commenting. Your poems always paint the most beautiful scenes. ♥

Joy Lo-Bamijoko link

4/3/2017 16:20:09

You know Gwen, I travel a lot, but I am not a photographer. I sometimes will have my camera in my handbag, all charged, and still forget to bring it out when it counts most. :) I wish I could change this...
to see the world, as you do, through the lenses. Good luck with your party.

Gwen Plano

4/3/2017 17:06:48

Thank you very much, Joy. My cell phone is my camera, and it's usually with me. Italy is a beautiful country....as you know so well. ♥

Rhani D'Chae

4/3/2017 17:13:27

Gwen, I love the pictures. They are just gorgeous. It's so easy to find inspiration in everything around me. I am constantly visualizing how something will fit into whatever project I'm working on, and if it doesn't fit, I file it away for later use.
Thank you for a wonderful post, and for those fantastic pictures.

Gwen Plano

4/4/2017 11:39:23

Thank you, Rhani. So lovely of you to visit. Have an amazing day!

Suzanne Burke link

4/3/2017 17:35:15

An inspiring post, Gwen. Your gift of communication dazzles me, as always. I can't use a camera, I'm utterly hopeless at it. Yet I've found that throughout my crazy-life the snapshots stored in my soul ... of people, places, and precious things; remain as pristine today as they did the day I witnessed them. I share them via my words. Thank you for sharing a part of who you are. x

Gwen Plano

4/4/2017 11:38:17

Thanks so much, Suzanne! Your snapshots are displayed powerfully in your books. I'm in awe of your journey! ♥

Laurie Finkelstein link

4/4/2017 00:12:32

Your pictures blew me away. Spectacular. I have the same problem as your sister. I follow my sister around because she always gets the better shots! Thanks for sharing your post.

Gwen Plano

4/4/2017 11:36:47

Thanks for stopping by, Laurie. It's amazing how we each see something from different angles...little pieces to the puzzle. Have a wonderful day!

Michelle Abbott link

4/4/2017 09:51:24

What a lovely post, Gwen! I really enjoyed the photos of Tuscany. I plan to visit Italy one day.

Gwen Plano

4/4/2017 11:35:02

Thanks so much, Michelle. Have a wonderful day!

Joan Hall link

4/4/2017 19:28:11

Great post, Gwen. I enjoy photography in my spare time and I've found that it inspires and helps my writing. There is so much to see and ideas to be had if we'll only take time to slow down, look, and listen.

Gwen Plano

4/6/2017 12:41:23

Thank you, Joan...We all need to slow down, don't we... When I do, inspiration flows. ☺

Robert Kimbrell

4/6/2017 11:31:09

Sorry I'm late, Gwen. I agree with others, your writing is....wow; very smooth. I can almost sense a harmony.
Great Blog stop.

Gwen Plano

4/6/2017 12:38:26

Thanks so much, Robert, for visiting. All the best.....

Micki Peluso link

4/7/2017 13:31:02

Hi Gwen, Sorry I missed your day. Never got a notice and just found the list on the main site today. Outstanding blog!!! You are so talented. Hope you had fun on your day!.

Julie Watson

4/7/2017 18:32:24

Hi Gwen, I loved seeing your photos of Italy. You do capture scenes so well and I am sure you have many photos to remind you of your trip in years to come. So special to go with your sister as well.

Flossie Benton Rogers link

4/14/2017 21:44:29

What a lovely, gorgeous post. I am glad to meet you, and thank you for being part of this party.

Writing is a visual process...

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