Bring Your Creative Spark to Life in a Cemetery
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How do you feel about cemeteries? As a young person they scared me to death (heh), but they have become one of my favorite spots to spend my time. I do happen to be someone who enjoys the spooky and the macabre, but I also see them as a place of quiet beauty and mystery.
One of my favorite things about a walk through the cemetery is its ability to spark my creative fires.
I am incredibly fortunate to be able to experience the vast nigh-250 acres that is Lakewood Cemetery, as it is within walking distance of my home in Uptown, Minneapolis. If it’s inconvenient for you to get there, don’t fret! You shouldn’t have to go far to find one in your area that will do quite nicely!
So how can you love a graveyard? Let me count the ways:
1) Great names for your characters!
You will find a plethora of interesting monikers on tombstones! Sure, you can use a name generator, but often when you’re eager to start writing already, you’ll just pick one of the first ones that pop up (raising my hand here). Unfortunately, that’s probably what the last writer did.
Names like Sanborn or Manser are great last or first names for a strong character. Isn’t Floros absolutely fabulous for your badass medieval maiden?
Imagine an outlaw with the great name of Spoor or Reep!
Maybe your bumbling warlock could use the most perfect name of Gizzard the Wizard? (Yes, I did see this surname on my latest cemetery jaunt.)
There are endless possibilities!
2) Objects or Landmarks
I recently saw a large, gangly oak tree with delicate, colorful ribbons wafting in the breeze. Could something like this be a good memorial or landmark for your story?
I also spied a large, open scallop-looking shell with a small baby laying peacefully inside. This marker certainly doesn’t have to say "death"; it could spark some ideas for an ocean-setting relic!
3) Visualize your world
World-building can be tough, and visual references help a ton. In Lakewood, there is a reflecting pool that leads up to a Community Memorial building. Not only are the visuals stunning, but it’s fun to imagine that Pool of Reflections welcoming your readers to a secret sanctuary or place of learning in your story.
4) Architecture and Motifs
You can’t ignore a creepy tilted tombstone, especially if you’re writing something in the horror or thriller genre. The way it tilts to one side, as if something is pushing it up from under the ground . . .
The embellished door of the on-site chapel is so gorgeous and could open up to a place of worship, a grand library, a time portal—who knows?
Yes, you will find many religious symbols at a cemetery, which may not be your story’s thing. But how could you re-think and re-work a gorgeous Russian Orthodox cross and make it your own secret society’s symbol or a tattoo that marks your character’s unique set of beliefs?
If you’ve been feeling the least bit angsty around a lack of motivation with your story-writing lately, I hope some or all of these ideas are able to resurrect your inspiration.
Even if you’re not working on something at this very moment, it’s always a good time to be inspired! Who knows, something you see there may be just what you’ve needed to get started on your next best-selling book or screenplay.