Feb222017

Visual Inspiration for Authors: Pinterest Character Boards & Connecting with Readers from Gail Carriger

I got into Pinterest in a big way last year, Gentle Reader, and yes I am aware of all the annoying things that keep people off Pinterest  ~ the closed and proprietary nature of the venue, the lack of organization and ability to cross pollinate, to name only a few.

You know why I’m aware?

Because those very things kept me off Pinterest for years.

However, once I joined I found that as an author Pinterest is a genuinely great way to keep a visual record of inspiration, fan art, links to my own back blogs and images, visual reference points for characters, places, and times. Also it really helps me answer the reoccurring questions, who would you like to see play your character in a movie?

 

I will say the lack of ability to drag & drop organize troubles me. (Both for boards and for images inside boards.) But I’m learning to cope. Lack of ability to organize is pretty much always an issue for me.

Why did I try it?

I work really well from the visual, especially when researching history. That way I can describe what I see through the lens of my characters, without having to try to filter thorough someone else’s description, as would happen with primary written chronicles, or worse, secondary sources. (Perhaps this is a hint at my archaeologist nature, give me the actual evidence, not the historical record.)

 

It’s also been quite lovely connecting with some of you on Pinterest. I’ve learned interesting things about you. For example, a lot of you like tattoos, candy-colored hair, knitting, and Doctor Who. None of this is overly surprising, I do, you know, look at you and talk to you when we meet in person.

Surprises to come?

Yes I have secret boards for the new books coming out this year. Which I will release slowly but surely when the time is right. And yes I have secret boards for new characters in the Custard Protocol books already pilling up to go with the next three years or writing that world. Just you wait. They are so much fun.

Anyway, I guess that I’m saying if you’re an author who works really well from a visual medium than you could do worse than Pinterest. And if you’re a reader, then my boards are fun insights into my world. And, frankly, if you just want to escape the depressive death knell of Twitter and Facebook, well that’s a good reason to play on Pinterest too. Although I am also prone to hanging out on the Parasol Protectorate Facebook group for that reason.

Hugs my darlings, and remember the pretties.

{Gail’s monthly read along for Feb is Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford.}

OUT NOW

Romancing the Inventor

Romancing the Inventor: A Supernatural Society Novella

A steampunk lesbian romance featuring a maid bent on seducing a brilliant cross-dressing scientist who’s too brokenhearted to notice. Or is she?

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Each Arm of an Octopus Has a Mind of Its Own

 

Book News:

Skye’s Scribblings says of Prudence:

“With its young, adventurous, and rather rebellious cast of characters, this latest series set in Carriger’s parasolverse will definitely appeal to New Adult fans.”

Quote of the Day:

“It was one of those parties where you cough twice before you speak and then decide not to say it after all.”

~ P. G. Wodehouse

Questions about Gail’s steampunk world? There’s a wiki for that!
Share & Enjoy!

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Posted by Gail Carriger

One Response

  1. Rhiannon said:

    Random question here, ma’am – what is Lord Maccon’s military rank? Major-General? Brigadier-General? It would be useful to know…

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