Props

For some, this topic might seem unusual for a writer. As a writer it’s not.

As I write, I am always coming up with mentally visual images of certain things that relate to my books. This sometimes distracts me to the point where I have to create a physical manifestation of that idea.

Over the years I have created, or had created, a 30cm clay-polymer statuette and a matching platter, a set of six shadow boxes, plastic bottles filled with liquid, jewellery (purchased, but imbued with the story) and a carafe and glasses set. The biggest manifestation I’ve been working on (since 2010) has been a model of a building. When finished, it will become the part of the artwork for the cover.

Props for me are an integral part of my writing process. Even though I don’t start with the props, they become part of my process when I create them. There have been occasions when the physical appearance of the prop causes the story to be re-written. The biggest example for is the earlier mention of the building. That has undergone several design changes, some minor, some major. With the major changes, I’ve had to rewrite the story to match the building. When I finish moving to my new home in April, I will be unpacking the model and setting it up and then completing what I need to complete. The challenge is going to be working out which part to use on the cover, but I’ll deal with that when I need to.

Props can be a great release of creative flow as well. it has certainly been that way for me.

When I engaged an artist to create the 30cm clay-polymer statuette, it allowed me greater scope to be creative with description and story. Even when that same prop appeared in other parts of the story, I was able to better visualise how that part of the story needed to flow. I will be starting to work on another part of the statuette and platter props soon. This will help me with other aspects of the series of books that involve these props. When I imagine my characters handling these props, I can see their reactions and emotions, thus giving me a stronger story.

If I ever get finished with some of the series of stories I’m working on, then I will most likely have enough props to open my own museum. Any place I live in will need to have its own room or, at minimum, enough space in my office to house everything.

Yes, it’s expensive, although I try and create as much as I can myself, but it is definitely worthwhile. Sometimes even refreshing and relaxing. Always frustrating, if you’re a perfectionist like I am. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy creating.