13 Pics Which Inspire My Writing

13 Pics Which Inspire My Writing

Okay, y'all... We all have 'em. Those particular photos, images, impressions, whatever, which seem never to fail to inspire us. Whether we're writers or artists or musicians, there's just something about certain images and feelings which drives us to create.

This week, I thought I'd share a handful of mine, and let you see what happened as a result of the inspiration I found. These are in no particular order, however...

1) Riccardo Scamarcio - Actor

It's that time of year again. The days are longer, the sun is hotter, and everyone heads out to the beach or the mountains for some relief from the heat. At least, that's how it works in Italy. And just like last summer, Eros, my sexually ambiguous bagnino (that's lifeguard to the English speakers, eh?) starts asking when I'll tell his story, for a change. In my head, before I'd even considered casting him, I'd described him in my notes like this:
"Lean, muscular frame. Tanned from spending full days in the sun. Dark, wavy hair. Brilliant blue eyes. Young. Not awkward, yet lacking a certain self-confidence." Then I saw Riccardo, and I said, "There he is!"

2/3) Daniele Bennati - Cyclist

I have the same situation when cycling season rolls around. (Heh.) Daniele here provides a lot of inspiration, as do several other cyclists. I'm concocting a short story at the moment, but I need a little more research before I can even give the character a name. In the meantime, I'm just gonna enjoy the pics. ...sigh...

4/5) Alessandro Gassman - Actor

Son of the famous (and incredible) Italian actor Vittorio Gassman, Alessandro is not someone I'd thought of for a character until recently. Burbling away in the back of my head are a few plot pots which are leaning toward using his "persona" and having a little fun. Short stories, I think. I hope so, since I'm just wrapping up a novel that's taken nearly two years...

6) Gonzalo Canale - rugby player

No characters here, yet. I just like the pic. :) I don't normally like the bigger guys, but... I mean... DANG, y'all!

7) Julien Arias - Rugby player

This pic reminds me of countless Romance covers, sure... But this is simply a gorgeous example of black/white photography, and is uber-sexy for what it's none-too-subtly hinting at, no?

8/9) Samuele Bersani - Singer/Songwriter

The inspiration for the character of Davide in my current opus, these pics, taken by Monica Silva (whom I adore in her own right) capture that certain something I mentioned at the opening. I find these shots mischevious, sexy and playful all at the same time. I also think they're awfully gosh-darn smart, somehow.

10/11) Luca Argentero - Actor

This shot made me sigh with happiness the first time I saw it. Why? Because, in combination/addition to the shots of Samuele above, I "saw" Davide in it. Somewhere between Samuele and Luca, I find Davide. Neither one of them is him, precisely, but in the nebulous neverland in my head, he's. right. THERE.

This is Luca as I've displayed him before, as eye candy. Yum, no?

12/13) Raoul Bova - Actor

*ahem* Yeah, I don't need a lot of explanation here, do I? The first time I'd seen him and noticed him was in Under the Tuscan Sun. Now I've seen him in other films, interviews, and of course calendars, and I have to say, I like him more and more - and not just as a lust object. Mostly. I think...

BONUS! :)
14/15) Kim Rossi Stuart - Actor

Kim is unusual in that he has come to personify two rather different characters in two different tales:
a) Jacopo, the wealthy Venetian charmer who seduces and betrays Emily in Ask Me if I'm Happy, and
b) Angelo, the Modenese environmental engineer who courts single mother Chiara in Grand Emilia.
Neither pic is precisely the character, and yet, both are spot on in the emotions they invoke in me.

Whenever I look at these pics, I'm inspired anew, and can't wait to get back to work on these stories. I have a lot of work to do, so I'd better get back to it, eh?


And in spite of the plethora of lovelies, this week, I'm going to give you just one more.

Because I wouldn't feel right about it, if I didn't.










'cause it's been a while, and I feel bad for that...











So, here you go...













Enjoy, and remember...











Lift with the legs, y'all!



Ciao for now!