Gerry Scott-Moore

Etude #2 - Creativity Ignition - Photographs


The Process:


     1) Generate a random image

     2) Title the image in 4 or 5 words.

     3) Write one sentence describing the image/idea.

     4) Combine a few of these into narrative.


I generate five images at random from the net and title each with a few words. This only takes a minute two at the most. I next write a single sentence about each for another 3 or 4 minutes. Finally, I write a few paragraphs combining a few of these ideas somehow. I try to do all of this in about 12-15 minutes.


The timings are important because this is process is only practice. It is the exercise of quick and instinctive formulation of characters, settings and conflict. The product itself is not intended to have specific value. It's intended to make practice easy, fun and judgement-free.


We instinctively create characters and drama that excite us, but that is not the intent. Good or bad, we write without judgement. When finished with practice, we turn to the novel or short story we are currently crafting.


This daily process continually betters our ability to initiate creativity. Do it for a week or two and you'll thank me!