I know plenty of women who are obsessed with Pinterest. From teachers to moms to fashionistas, Pinterest appeals to pretty much every woman I know, (as well as some of the men, too, I’m sure). Until today, this excluded me. I signed up because I use it from time to time for visual inspiration or to find a picture for my blog, but I have never got into pinning things, (I already waste my valuable writing time in too many ways).
However, one of my big goals in revisiting my book is to anchor it with more specific visual cues. I don’t want to turn into Steinbeck with full page descriptions of meadows, but three words here, five words there can really shape what readers see. I want my book to feel more textured, more quirky, more unique. This comes from no one other than myself. I feel like many of my visual descriptions are too generic, even if my goal is to keep much of my description minimalistic.
So– I’ve decided to create a board on Pinterest for images that fit with my vision of the book. Before I revisit each chapter, I’m spending a maximum of five minutes pinning images that mesh with what comes next. I tried it with my prologue this morning and the story felt much more alive. I could see Kristen’s outfit more clearly, I could see Jake’s gift sitting on the kitchen table. Best of all, by the end of the book, I will have a board full of images from their travels, their choices, their lives. I love it.
Feel free to stop by and watch my story grow. And, if you create a similar writing board for your work, I would love to check it out.
Any other good writing uses for Pinterest?
I have always googled images while I write, but Pinterest gives me a way to keep all of the images together, creating a visual storyboard of my novel.
oliviaobryon 
I do tend to waste a lot of creative time perusing Pinterest. Not always a good thing. Although I also find it helpful to find inspiration for writing and for other creative projects. Finding a balance is always tough. I will look for your boards!
Yes, I can see how it can totally suck you in! So far, I’m doing a good job of keeping it brief… We’ll see how long I last 😉
Pinterest is still something that leaves me scratching my head. However, if you find it useful and it helps you visualize your story, use it!
I was right there with you until I started using it this weekend. Still don’t think I’ll be using it all the time, but a nice way to help me visualize better, especially since that is a focus as I return back through my book one more time. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Olivia. I use Facebook and Twitter for writing connections, etc, but not really sure how Pinterest would be beneficial even though all the experts say to get on it and Instagram.
Yes, I definitely was lost on how to use it for writing, too. I’m still not convinced it’s necessary, but I really think it’s fun to create some real life visuals for my characters and their experiences– makes everything feel more concrete in my mind.
I love this idea for your book progress! Keep going and enjoy!
E.
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Thanks Elizabeth!