Creative writers feed their imaginations by observing and interacting with and receiving from the world. Impressions that come to us must be captured before any critical voice comes in. I find the cross-fertilisation of ideas between different art forms very important in creative writing. And that is why going to art exhibitions can be very helpful - and is the focus for this article.
When viewing art, we can be open not only to how the art work makes us feel, but also to the thoughts that spring into our minds without any conscious process. It's best to let go of any critical impulse, but simply to experience the art, and allow it to make impressions upon us. As a creative writer, Rovner ligature the part this will all play in any story structure comes later, and sometimes much later - even perhaps several books later.
As an illustration of this, consider an exhibition I went to where all the artists had been inspired by lace. Their work showed me how holes, spaces and gaps concentrate meaning within themselves, through the creation of networks, connections, and boundaries. I saw an inverted crystal cathedral hanging from the ceiling, and a room filled with a disturbing and sinister network of black embroidery wool, enclosing four long white dresses. A glittering rose pattern punched on another wall of the gallery seemed to have been created with sequins, or glass beads, or crystals. But they were only holes. Behind them a large window let in natural light; and the holes defined the pattern.
I entered a room which plunged the viewer into darkness and only threads of light could be seen, curving around, above and through space, given meaning by the hole of darkness at the centre. In my imagination that hole could become the portal to another world. Later I thought of another analogy. When we write a novel often we don't necessarily know what our theme or controlling idea is, or indeed exactly how the main protagonist is going to live that out. But when we have completed the book, we know - or think we know. After the book is published, and in the hands of readers, a gap opens up - the gap between what we thought we meant, and what the reader will make of it. That can sometimes be very different indeed. There is space between us and our readers; but somehow the threads that enclose the space will create a connection.
So it is in story structure. Gaps are essential to great story: the gap that opens up between the expectation of the reader, and what actually happens. And from that gap pours a flood of insight.
SC Skillman
SC Skillman is the author of mystery romance novel "Mystical Circles" in which Juliet, concerned that her younger sister has fallen for the charismatic Craig, leader of a dubious New Age spiritual group, sets off for the Cotswolds to see the situation for herself. She arrives at Craig's community hoping to rescue Zoe. But intrigues, liaisons and relationships flare and flourish or fizzle out quickly within this close circle and, despite her reservations, Juliet is drawn into the Wheel of Love... with completely unforeseen consequences.
Mystical Circles is now available as an e-book on Amazon Kindle. You can find out more by visiting the author's blog at .
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