Cut and paste: idea generation
Illustration by Tim Martin
I recently finished writing two novels and have put them out into the world for review ahead of progressing with my self-publishing dream. Now, while waiting for feedback, I am searching for my next writing project.
The two novels begin a series, and I didn’t want to rush into something that might spoil the fun. For now, I wanted to do something different. Something fresh. But what would my story be about?
Searching for inspiration, I trawled back through my portfolio of artwork, looking for something that would catch my eye and spark an idea. Most of my artwork has been produced using digital means. There were a handful of pieces that gave me a twitchy feeling, but they had a Christmas theme, and given it is January, they may be okay for later this year, but not now.
I noticed everything had become a bit samey. That was until I found my physical portfolio of things I made by analogue (and photographic) means. I looked through several folders of watercolours of urban sketches and portraits copied from images in Pinterest posts. At some point during this analogue phase, I started experimenting with less traditional techniques, like paper cutting and simple book making. I was drawn to these as there were a couple of ideas that might have turned into stories.
Proud and Humble
You may or may not be familiar with the music of Imelda May. If not, you are missing out, as she is an amazing singer/songwriter. I loved her song Proud and Humble and tried to create something based on the title.
Illustration by Tim Martin
I tried to depict the words as characters and was happy with the outcome. The characters were easy to cut out, but the words were much harder. Anyway, I like how it turned out, and if I had the space, I would turn this into a poster for the wall.
I may incorporate these character traits into a novel-length story, but though I like the idea of Proud and Humble as two people, they are not something I could use to carry an entire novel. Maybe a short story at some point.
The downside to making this and other paper-cutting images was using Spray Mount, a low-tack adhesive in aerosol form. I think I got through an entire can or more on the work I produced. Given that it is an aerosol, though I sprayed every last piece outside, it ended up on everything. Every surface ended up being sticky for a while—doors, windows, the floor, my clothes—everything!
Decay
I like to take photographs. My preference is for black-and-white images as I feel they convey stronger emotions. Looking back at my collection, I had picked a few that, together, I felt formed a theme around decay. The result was a homemade mini-book.
Photographs by Tim Martin
After collecting the images, I sequenced them in a way I was pleased with. I inserted the photos into Apple Pages (this could equally be done in numerous apps), rotated them, and sequenced them in the desired sequence. I added a title, then printed the page, folded it, and turned it into a simple A4 booklet.
Photographs by Tim Martin
I loved doing this project, but I like funny books, and I try to make my writing funny. Edgy fiction about death and decay is not in my wheelhouse yet.
So I have talked a lot about what I did but ultimately, what I am not going to do. That still leaves me looking for the next thing.
I have a couple of ideas that I am at the very beginning of researching and fleshing out. They will not be continuations of the series of my first two books, but they will feature a couple of the lesser or minor characters. A common denominator will again be the City of Oxford. It’s what I know and a setting I am comfortable writing about. I appear to be creating an imaginary community within my real environment. I’ll let you know what starts to emerge.
Have a go
My tale may have inspired you to want to make your own folded book. If it has, this is what you need to do. Draw something. Use text only. Take photographs. These little books are easy to make and are great fun.
Use this template if you like to make your own.
Things to note
Any images you include should be roughly 10 centimetres by 7 centimetres to fit into the panels.
The panel at the bottom left will be the back cover.
The panel to the right of the back cover will be the front cover.
Images used in the top row of panels should be rotated 180 degrees (whether they are in landscape or portrait orientation).
Illustration by Tim Martin
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If you fancy reaching out, why not contact me.