Writers are artist in every sense of the word. They create worlds on paper that inspire and comfort. They see things below the surface. I found this quote inspiring.

“I remember standing on a street corner with the black painter Beauford Delaney down in the Village, waiting for the light to change, and he pointed down and said, ‘Look.’

“I looked and all I saw was water. And he said, ‘Look again,’ which I did, and I saw oil on the water and the city reflected in the puddle. It was a great revelation to me. I can’t explain it.

“He taught me how to see, and how to trust what I saw. Painters have often taught writers how to see. And once you’ve had that experience, you see differently.”

 ~ James Baldwin

Did it inspire you? Let’s see how much. I ask my husband, Charles Huff to choose one of his photographs for my readers to use as a writing exercise. He gave me two great ones. So, you choose which one inspires you.

Writing exercise:

Look at this photo. Write the first things you see.

How about this one? What do you see at first blush?

Now like James Baldwin take a second look. What do you see now? Engage your senses beyond sight. What do you hear, smell, (yes really! Use your imagination.) Write a tight paragraph or two. Who knows this might be the beginning of a new novel idea for you. 🙂

I’d love to see these photos through your eyes. Post your writing exercise below.

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