Say It in Pictures by Nevada McPherson

by Beth Barany · Published September 8, 2017 · Updated September 8, 2017

Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Nevada McPherson as she shares with us “Say It in Pictures.” Enjoy!

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From a writer’s standpoint, what does success look like? Does it mean freedom and independence? Recognition? When you visualize yourself as a successful writer, what do you see? Is it easy or difficult to visualize? Visualization is frequently referred to as a great way to manifest your dreams and desires but does it really help? How does it help? Why?

Everyday we’re inundated with images and visuals: some that make us happy, some that make us sad and possibly some that are just plain unpleasant. (Do you ever feel ambushed by an internet pop-up ad featuring a gross photo of something designed to make you think “What’s that?” so you’ll click on it?)

Images are powerful

Images are powerful, and though we strive to create compelling imagery in words, actual pictures that represent our best and happiest thoughts and desires can help us by giving us something tangible with which to connect.

What would you do if you were a successful writer? If you’re one already, what inspires you toward your next goal?

Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to a project that you’ve worked on for a long time, but what images inspire you for your next project and where that will take you? To what parts of the world?

Or, if you write about worlds other than this one, what does that world look like?

Find images that inspire you from magazines, old books, old calendars (which I save just for the pictures!), ephemera, postcards, greeting cards; the list goes on and on.

Some images I’ve saved for decades just so I can use them for craft projects or vision boards. Just because I haven’t gotten to it yet in some cases doesn’t mean I never will. In fact, I’m getting ready to create a new vision board now for my next project.

There’s something grounding about having a vision board, so that even if you drift away from your focus from time to time, looking at the images that you’ve arranged with an intent and a purpose brings you back and re-sharpens your focus.

I have a vision board that I created a few years ago with images related to all the graphic novels I wanted to create: faces, places, things, a bit of inspirational text here and there, and looking at it really does inspire me.

I see the projects that are finished now that weren’t when I made the board, and the ones yet to be done.

Sometimes if you’re overwhelmed by all there is to do, a look at how far you’ve come can be an encouraging push forward.

You may have made vision boards for other purposes in the past, but take an hour or so sometime in the near future to create one just for your writing.

It can be about you as a writer, or about your current or next project, but focus on finding compelling images that inspire and encourage you.

Put it near your desk or where you like best to work. Take a picture of it on your phone so you can see it any time you need to connect with that part of yourself and your life, and it’s a great fall activity that just might refresh your spirit!

Happy Writing!