Also, do the season and/or weather play an important role in the story? Where does your story take place? What are some notable things about the setting? Think about where the characters live, where the most important scenes take place, and what it is about each of these locations that stand out in your mind.
What pops into your head? What are some things you’ve seen that reminded you of your story?Ĭapture the setting and characters, too. They could be things like repeated imagery or themes, important moments, emotions/experiences, and anything else that stands out in your mind when you think about your story. Run through your story in your mind and pick out significant elements that stand out to you. Highlight Significant Elements from the Story Once you have a grasp of the aesthetic, you can start looking for specific images to use for your mood board. What would your story look like if it were a movie? Step into the role of the director and cinematographer. What colors and imagery reflect the words on your list? Obviously, you wouldn’t choose faded, somber photos with a desaturated palette if your story is a feel-good romantic comedy. Then, use those as a jumping-off point for the aesthetic. Is it dark? Moody? Uplifting? Warm? Whimsical? Satirical? Make a list of every word that describes the vibe of your story. Next, think about some words that describe your story. (You can find them on Pinterest and Tumblr by searching for things like “character mood board” and “character aesthetic.”) Some people actually create mood boards for characters and stories they love just for fun, so you can search through those to get some ideas, too. Think about movies, TV shows, photography, artwork, and even Instagram accounts that have a similar mood and tone. With this in mind, get inspired by other works that are similar to the feel of your own story. You can take some time to explore it.Īesthetic is made up of a certain color scheme, style, and mood. You may already have a strong idea of how your story translates into visuals but it’s okay if you don’t. How to Create a Story Mood Board Decide on the Aestheticįirst, take some time to explore what aesthetic best captures the overall vibe of your story. How to Create Compelling Charactes That Pull You into the Story.2 Lists You Should Have in Your Writing Toolbox.Head over to my free resource library to grab a copy! I’ve also created a free printable worksheet you can use to keep notes on all of the things I go over in this post that will help you curate the perfect imagery for your mood board. In this post, you’ll find tips on how to create a story mood board that will enhance your connection to the story and entice readers. A mood board can pique their interest by giving them a taste of what to expect at a glance, which can inspire them to want to learn more about it. What would it look like if it were a movie? Not only will your mood board help you connect more to your story, but it will also help potential readers connect to it. The goal is to capture the overall vibe of your story through visuals. And as a bonus, it can get you (and your readers) even more excited about it! Putting together a mood board that is essentially a snapshot of your story in physical form is a great way to attain a richer understanding of the feel of your story so you can translate that into writing. When you’re writing, your tools to bring the story to life on the page are your verbiage and what you choose to focus on so that it plays like a movie in the reader’s mind. It helps me connect with it on a deeper level by bringing it to life through visuals for an extra sensory experience. Creating a mood board is one of my favorite parts of developing a story.