This is my desktop picture. I believe it's in the desert, and if you look closely, you'll see there are mountains, and in the distance a small town. My novel, The Other Side, takes place in a setting almost identical to this (minus the lightning). I found this picture in my computer's preset desktop images. I was looking for a dark background so we could watch the debates (CNN's viewer doesn't go full screen on Macs) and froze when I came across this one. It's almost EXACTLY how I've pictured the scene in my head.
In my story, the distant lights are the first city on the other side of the border and Mateo can see them while he struggles in the desert. They are his beacon, a source of hope and inspiration. At first he thinks he'll be able to run across the road that divides the two countries and be on his way, but border patrol and corrupt military officers make the crossing nearly impossible. Even when he almost gives up, those lights continue to shine.
Now they shine for me as well. I've caught myself staring at this picture when I get stuck on a detail and so far it's always worked itself out. And of course I'm picturing this as the cover. :)
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21 comments:
That is a great picture! It reminds me of a small town out in the San Bernadino Mountains in So. Calif.
Well that IS where he's sneaking in, lol. Near San Diego anyways.
It's cool that you've found a source of inspiration.
That picture is enthralling and terrifying at the same time! Love it :)
Travis, you have no idea. :) Well maybe you do, but I had no idea.
Colby, I laughed after I posted this because just the other day I was ranting on your blog about how inspiration isn't what gets the job done. lol. I suppose it helps.
That's one powerful picture, Melanie! There's something about it. I can't put my finger on it.
What an awesome photo. It's nice when you stumble across something that gives you an instant visual of your WIP.
It's funny the different ways inspiration can strike. Today I was looking at art calendars in Borders. I found one with the coolest paintings and it hit me: I'm going to do a baby nursery around this. I'm going to tear out a few and frame them.(not that I'm pregnant - just thinking ahead)
Spy, I love it!
Rachel, I'm glad you clarified because I was about to congratulate you. :) I love getting home decor ideas from unexpected places.
Awesome picture, Melanie! I was hoping it was a view from your apartment, because I'm sure my dad would really like the scenery when he visits!:)
It would make an awesome book cover, and your novel sounds wonderful. Soon NPR will be interviewing you and your aunt together (who I called "Dionne" like a numbskull)
Robin, :D I'm sure I have a couple around here someplace. All the sunset pictures are taken from our windows, so that's our view.
And thank you, but huh?
It's a silly story. I went to your aunt's virtual book signing party, and left her a note. Instead of saying, "Congratulations, Karen", or even "Ms. Dionne", I said, "Congratulations Dionne". I thought that was her name. As in "Dionne Warwick". There's a piece of my brain missing. Then, I wrote again trying to explain what I did, and it became even more convoluted, (if that's possible.) However, I did buy her book, so that should exonerate me a little.
ROFLMAO!!!
I love it, Melanie, that is truly awesome. The picture is amazing, and that it holds deeper meaning for you is even better.
And I still love the name Mateo. ;)
Janna, I know! I can't convince Ibis so this might be the closest I can get. ;)
What a picture!
Gorgeous setting!! Sounds like your book might be quite intriguing!!
Cool desktop pic. Sorry I've been away and haven't been commenting on your blog.
*banishes Zoe to the corner*
Thanks everyone. I lurve it. :D
That picture is beautiful. What a great idea to put it as your desktop picture!
That's a great picture Melanie. I had that as my desktop a few years ago too. It is definitely inspiring and I'm glad that you find it helps a lot with your writing. Good lord you have a million icons in your dock!!! How do you find anything on there? lol.
My monitor's pretty big so I can see them ok. Plus you get used to where they are. I've always kept things in the same place between work and home so I instinctively know where to look.
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