Almost three years ago, we were discussing a national poll that asked, “When thinking creatively, do you think in pictures, words, or sounds?” Fifty percent of the respondents said they think in pictures.

My answer at the time (need you ask?) was I “think [creatively] in words; I always have a running commentary in my head, my own inner monologue.” I believe many of my writer friends—whether they are writing fiction, memoir, poetry, or anything else—would answer the same. Many of them also journal, which is the definition of thinking in words.

And yet … although I express my creativity in words, I very often find my inspiration from pictures. Scenes, if you will.

So it was with a series of photos a friend of mine posted on Facebook—and which I quickly begged the use of, so evocative were they. (Evocative: “tending to evoke an emotional response : charged with emotion as well as meaning,” according to Merriam-Webster.)

My friend was hiking in the Granite Dells area of north central Arizona when she came across a mysterious little scene. She’s been there many times … but never happened upon this. Until now.

Can you see it yet?

What is that? she wondered, and kept walking toward it.

Now can you see it?

She kept walking, focused on … something … she saw in the distance.

And there it was.

Later she would write: “Stumbled across this swing tucked high up in the boulders on yesterday’s stroll. It’s seen better days. The romantic in me is imaging all kinds of sweet stories as to why and how it got there.”

Me too.

My friend went on to note the swing is well hidden, and the location is difficult to reach; it’s not for amateur hikers. So how did it get here? Did the original owner carry it in piece by piece? Did he or she enlist friends to bring it in all at once?

What is the story? (Because surely there is one.) My friend imagined the swing as a wedding gift … or a promise kept … perhaps even a project shared with a child. What do you think?

There is one more photo—the view. That would be important to the story, too, don’t you think?

It’s a spectacular view.

Can you imagine a story for this old wooden swing? Can you imagine just a scene? Send me your scene or short fiction up to 2,000 words, and … what would you like? A private edit or publication and discussion here at the blog? Let me know.

There are other articles in this series: parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Many thanks to Tammy Lambert, who did all the hard work. 🙂

Tweet: I express my creativity in words, but I very often find my inspiration from pictures.
Tweet: A series of evocative photos—what’s the story?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”