It’s been a long time since I’ve done a photo inspiration post. Writing is going well lately and I’ve shifted to revising a circus story that I started (and finished a couple of times…I’m on my third ending and haven’t quite gotten it right yet). So this means I am heavy duty into thinking about the circus – both the kind you attend to as a kid and the creepy kind we see in horror movies. I’m asking questions about this setting – is it too outdated to appreciate now? Should I set up the circus to be something else? As the internal debate goes on with me and my muse, I found a photo that may just inspire you…
Next blog post may or may not feature a fictional interview between me and this headless woman…
I was always that person who fell for this EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
I don't know what it is all about, but nostalgia is something you could key in on. People love the carnivals, even the old timey ones. I'll still pull over to the side of the road and join, even while traveling hundreds of miles away from home.
I enjoyed Stephen King's Joyland for this very reason. Nothing ever gets old about the carnivals and the gimmicks they play in their culture.
I think one thing I wish I could do is travel around the US and visit amusement parks and carnivals! I think that would be amazing š Something about them are so charming and fun!
Now you also gave me a book to look up! The circus theme never gets old with me!
I have vague memories from childhood of a midway feature with this sort of thing, though the freakshow act itself, the specifics, I can't recall.
Writing from pictures has always been a productive exercise for me– something about a picture that sparks the memory and imagination.
This reminds me of a short story I wrote. š
Another example for you – Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus has gained tons of fans since it came out in 2011. Apparently, readers aren't getting tired of the circus/carnival setting, and they probably won't anytime soon :). I'd say, go for it – and I can't wait to see how you pull off your interview with the headless woman, despite her being, well, headless ;). I'll stay tuned!
Love it, you're a great writer! š
This is an interesting photo. I will probably always think of American Horror Story: Freak Show now when I see this type of circus…very sad.
I do think this photo is super! I love looking at photos from a very long time ago.
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Wow what a cool photo. I've always been fascinated with old time carnivals and the circus. It's really interesting to learn about and often times very depressing. Thank you for sharing.
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Very cool picture. I always love black and white photos.
i used to work for for the carnival and then i did a lot of the picture and the black white photo are neat
Cool Picture! I love old pictures like that!
This photo is inspiring to me so I say go for it!
I remember back in the early 70s, when I was a kid & you still saw these at County Fairs! I was usually more interested in sampling every possible fair-food, lol, but this would have drawn me in!!
I love that photo! I don't think a circus theme is too outdated. It's still an iconic scene, perhaps it'd be too outdated for children but anyone else should be just fine. You should see if you can find The Carnival of Souls to watch. It's an old b-rated black and white "horror" movie and it is AMAZING. Might give you some creepy inspiration. (It's from the 50's or 60's, so it wouldn't exactly fit into it's modern day genre)
Brings back great memories of going to the beach when I was a kid
I remember carnivals but never got to see a freak show. Love the photo!
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I remember carnivals but never got to see a freak show. Love the photo!
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No, this isn't an outdated concept! I think its a great place to start….there are SO many different directions you could go in. I say GO FOR IT!
i was just thinking today i havent been to a circus in years…probably one in a photo somewhere
Should go with this! The photo has the right about of horror/creepy feeling to it š
I always thought the Siamese twins were fascinating. Makes me think of that movie Big Fish.
That sounds very interesting–I can't wait to read it!
I liked going to the freak show at carnivals and circuses. Even though you know some of the things aren't real, it's still fun.
I don't think the setting is outdated. It is very nostalgic and kitsch and warm and fuzzy and interesting.
I remember going carnivals in my younger days. Never visited the freak show. Freak Show, that reminds me of this past American Horror Story. Love the picture!!
I just love this sounds amazing to read the picture reminds me of the good old days when they really looked like that.
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