Indelible Sunrise

Among the list of my favorite pastimes, photography ranks high - just behind writing.  There are many parallels that can be drawn between the two, but in some points they are widely divergent.

One of my favorite subjects in photography is the sunrise or sunset.  The changing hues can create a new sunrise every few moments, to the point that a photographer will spend two full rolls of film in a single event.  But among all the captured images, only one has that magic that catches one's breath.  It is that indelible picture that can remain in the memory for the rest of your life.

I've had the good fortune to have a few sunrises unveil their splendor while I had my camera in the car.  Many others will simply have to remain in my memorial collection.  Unless, of course, I write them.

In imagery, the written word surpasses a photograph by such a wide margin that they are not even in the same class.  I'm always surprised by the number of people who want to include a photograph to illustrate their story or poem.  A photograph is so very limiting.

Case in point, here is a sunrise from one of my old, old stories:

Cirrus clouds formed  crimson lace across the eastern sky, as the couple traced virgin trails into the new-fallen snow.  A low fog suspended  in the frosty air above the river, reached icy fingers into the woods and grasped the forest in the stillness of a cold Michigan morning.

Sharzee's red hair stood out sharply against the blinding white of the snow, and puffs of steam traced her laughter as they frolicked like children.  It is surprising what love can do to the adult mind.

There are many images in the description, but they are interpreted by the reader's own experience with sunrise, winter, fog, forest.  In essence, every reader sees a different picture, and can immediately relate to it - even if they've never been to Michigan.  They are quickly drawn into the story.

The writing of a story demands a delicate weaving of scenery, social interaction, and timing as a framework for the drama that unfolds.

The characters need to be full-bodied and lively.  Give them room to run and play while you are developing the plot, but don't let them stray too far.  When it comes time to reveal the climax, make it stand out as an indelible image.

Dallas D'Angelo-Gary