I’m one of those people who invariably finds that the book version of a story better than the screenplay version (notable exceptions being the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice, and Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring), so it is with some surprise that I write the following.
While writing scenes that are set in 1930s London, where Portia exists, I find it helpful to watch movies set in that time period, to get ‘into the mood’ if you know what I mean. One of those movies is The King’s Speech which I bought on DVD for specifically this purpose.
Not only are the costumes great fodder for the ‘ole imagination, but as The Guardian astutely points out, the sets really transport you to depression-era England. Also, I love that Lancaster House (the setting for Case Book 5: Box 850) is used as Buckingham Palace in the movie. I picked Lancaster House as a setting for probably the same reasons – that the castle is as impressive as the Royal home – as described in an earlier post called Scouting Locations.
What imagination-boosting tricks do you use to write? Movies? Music? Travel?
I like to meditate when I’m struggling. Also, I read a lot, and that helps incredibly. Movies and music play a big part too, and occasionally I have a dream that gives me great fodder for writing.
All really good suggestions, Rami!
anytime.
Have you read any of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries by Jacqueline Winspear? They’re set in London in the 30’s and very evocative of the time. If I’m working on a setting that is totally made up as for a fantasy, then I draw maps so that I know which direction my characters are heading in. I’m working with maps of medieval Lincoln at the moment for my current WIP.
I have not, but I am checking Kindle for them now, thanks Heather. Are you posting those maps online? I’d love to see them!
I’m finding them online 🙂 and struggling to create printed versions that I can keep handy to map my routes when my characters leave home base and head out for their adventures. It’s fiddly but doable. Have a great Monday!