Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Blastin' through the Block: FURNITURE SHOPPING EDITION!!!

Okay, so I was out today with my writing buddy and we needed some inspiration (and were slightly bored)...well, that inspiration (and boredom) turned into an massive project that I am going to present to you every Tuesday and Thursday!


Presenting: Blastin' through the Block!
A series where I tell you what my writing buddy and I do to blast through those problem days when we'd rather become Chemistry majors than open our manuscripts. (Well, that's just me, she doesn't have nearly the issues I do about Chemistry) So, today's topic is...FURNITURE SHOPPING!!!!

This is one of our favorite pastimes when we need to kill an hour or two, or when we're desperate for some inspiration. There's nothing like going into a store and finding something that could fit in your story like candy hearts on Valentine's Day. When I go in, I can find something and envision it in it's place in one of my character's houses and their actions around said furniture piece.


For example, this lovely pale yellow lounge sofa has the following place in my book. It's small but it got me out of a small slump.
"  “We need to talk for a second.” Ausin replied walking into her immaculate white and pink bedroom to find her on a light yellow lounge couch.  " (Yes, the character's name is Ausin. It's like awesome, but with an n instead of m, long story)



Here's another that is similar to something I've written. Okay, I found it on Regis and Kelly, but it counts! It got me out of writer's block in a snap when I saw it because it screamed one of my characters and her couch plays a bigger part in my books than I could have ever imagined! 


Now, you can do all of this "furniture shopping inspiration" from your seat but it is so much more fun when you can go to a store and sit in the seat, imagine the character and feel that you are in your book. It gives you a HUGE connection with the character! There's no doubt I can find something that reminds me of my book in a furniture store and by just seeing it, I can get some inspiration. It's like seeing your book pop out in front of your eyes, and even better, you get to sit on it!! (another added bonus: you can close your eyes for a sec to think about all of this popping out of your book and no one thinks you're crazy!! unless you actually sleep, but that's never happened to me)


So, what do you think? Is Furniture Shopping a possibility for you? Do you already do it? Will you give it a try? What do you think of this new Blastin' through the Block idea? Let me know in the comments!

17 comments:

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Hey - whatever works! I think you get brownie points for creativity on this one. I would never have thought of furniture shopping as a way of dealing with writer's block. :-)

Ellie Kings said...

I just moved to a bigger place and need more furniture. You think you could ship that lounge sofa to me? I'd greatly appreciate it. If you must know, I'm needing inspiration. :)

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Stephanie Thornton said...

I love that yellow couch! It's like a fainting couch which is so romantic, but more formal.

Isn't it funny where we find inspiration for our stories?

Aubrie said...

What a great idea for inspiration! I'll never think of furniture in the same way...

BK Mattingly said...

Shannon, I love brownie points!! :D

Ellie, Congrats on your new place! I'd love to if I had one. I can't wait to get a house. This piece of furniture is 2nd on my list, only to the bed. :)

Henry, thanks for the suggestion and visiting my blog!

Stephanie, I love finding new inspiration in things I've never thought about before.

Aubrie, ha ha thanks!

Tabitha Bird said...

Well, I will never look at furniture the same way again :)

Valerie Geary said...

Frankly... I love this idea.

BK Mattingly said...

Tabitha, I have a hard time seeing a furniture store without smiling. :D

Valerie, Aww, thanks, you made my day!

V. S said...

I think this is a great idea. Furniture shopping sounds so much more fun now :)

V. S said...

By the way... I just tagged you :)

head over to my place for more details.

Rustic Furniture said...

Cool blog!Your concept is very creative. The sofa is looking very comfy.

writergirl said...

That is a great idea! We all need inspiration, to keep our thoughts going. Furniture shopping will give you something new, that is real, to add to your story.

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Bow Window Expert said...
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