Altered Book Art~A Writer's Inspiration

Before I start a new book I need inspiration. I usually have a vague idea of the characters and the setting, but little else. I jump start my creative process with creating a book collage or altered book. These creations are full of images and objects that call to me begging to be put together. I usually do a page for each main character, and since I write romance the main characters are a hero and a heroine. Then I reserve a page for secondary characters, one for setting, and one for plot elements. It's all loose and intuitive. If I don't feel an image fits I don't include it. Sometimes I journal on the pages with phrases and words that seem to fit. When I sit down to write my book I have my collage nearby for inspiration. It's a fun and crafty way to begin a new story adventure!

I have taken a photo of my altered book disassembled and one of it assembled.

I used large rings because the pages have dimension and I needed something wide enough to flip the pages.

For the second year in a row I'm presenting my program "Deep Inspiration Through Collaging" at the Washington Romance Writers annual retreat this April. Last year there was a wonderful turn out for my workshop. One of our speakers, bestselling author Carly Phillips attended announcing that she collages before writing her books too! So does Susan Wiggs and Jennifer Crusie!

The cover of my collage (and the back cover too) is from an old book that was beyond saving. It was begging me to give it a new life! The under the sea picture on the cover worked very well because my new book takes place in a coastal town.

For embellishments I used charms, shells, and glass beads (which looked like bubbling surf to me). The placement of objects and images makes sense to me but is supposed to look random. I don't suggest thinking too much about placement. Let that be intuitive and see what it summons from your unconscious. Your book will start to come alive!