I find that photos inspire me when I’m writing. I search out photos that might look similar to what I imagine my characters look like; photos that help me get a sense of historical setting; photos that simply pull me into a certain mood conducive to writing certain scenes. Below are some of these photos. Presently, all are related to the novel I am working on, Lord of Horses. Later I may divide this page into sub-pages for the inclusion of various themed photos.
The lad to the left has a bit of Jaffey to him. The lad on the right looks drunk.
I simply like this photo. Perhaps it’s the knickers. I do love knickers.
Note the boy to the far right of the following photo. It’s the closest I’ve come to finding a picture of Willie.
A close-up of almost-Willie, far right.
The original story of LOH that I started was to be called Boys of Burnside or Burnside Boys, and had three main characters inspired by the photo below.
This is not Willie at all, but when I am working on a scene where he is sad or reflective, this is the picture I often focus on. The story behind it speaks to the often harsh reality of the time. As I recall, the boy in the photo was 14, frequented whore houses, and may have contracted syphilis in the process. It was part of a study on the life conditions of poor kids in New York early during the Progressive era.
The one historical figure in LOH. Dr. Marie D. Equi. She was a feminist, a doctor, a Leftist radical and all around colorful character. She was made for fiction. In LOH she plays something of a mentor role to Willie and Jaffey.
Another of Dr. Equi.
Dr. Equi, center front.
Anarchist Emma Goldman made an appearance in Portland in 1916 to give a talk in support of the rights of “Inverts,” or homosexuals. This event is featured in my story as well.
The following two are not old photos, obviously. They are of a Scottish actor named Martin Comston. Besides being utterly lovely, he is very, very close to being Jaffey.
This is also an option for Willie.
Aunt Clara
Two options for Jack … a kid who Jaffey has taken under his wing.
Rev. Brinston
This photo of actor John Berrymore serves as my Sam; a mostly cynical, self-serving Gay man who may just not be so terrible as he initially seems.
My choice for the Skidmore Boys: a gang in Portland at least as late as 1912.
The Oregonian Building, c. 1912
Pulling taffey at Oaks Park, c. 1912
SW 5th & Morrison, c. 1900
I just think this one is funny. I want to find a way to reference the product in the story.
