I’ve been thinking about visual inspiration lately, as I tackle KING PESO, the 4th Emilia Cruz mystery. Thankfully, Mexico is replete with visual cues to creativity, from large (the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City’s Zocalo, assorted volcanoes) to small (shots of tequila, Chupa Pops, silver milagros).
The word milagro means “miracle.” Milagros are small charms, typically silver or tin, that represent an intention. The Zanzibar art website, which carries folk art from around the world, talks about milagros on its page devoted to Mexico.
The bearer typically is asking a saint to intercede on their behalf. They may be asking for health after an injury or illness, a successful romance, or the survival of their livestock. The charms are in the shape of an item related to the request, such as arms, legs, hearts, animals, etc.
The requestor leaves the milagro at the shrine of the saint that they are asking to intercede on their behalf. Mexico is full of statues and crosses covered with the silver charms, including those pinned to ribbons or threads adorning a statue. In many cases, the milagros are pinned to clothing worn by a statue. A milagro can also be carried for protection and good luck, in the way Detective Emilia Cruz carried her rosary with her in DIABLO NIGHTS, the 3rd Emilia Cruz mystery.
I used a milagro as visual inspiration in The Angler, a stand-alone short story that takes place before the books in the Emilia Cruz mystery series.
When I left Mexico, I took some milagros with me, in the form of this crucifix and a shape known as a Sacred Heart.
I’m writing in the room where they hang. KING PESO is coming together, albeit slowly.
Not that I’m praying for an intercession, mind you.
But visual inspiration that turns into faster typing wouldn’t hurt.
You may also like
Book Review: THE SPY COAST by Tess Gerritsen
THE SPY COAST by Tess Gerritsen This excellent thriller, with a cast of characters to root for and...
The season of loss
Spring has become the season of loss. Four years ago we lost my first cousin Celine. This year we...
The Perfect Library Made by the Perfectionists of Oneida, NY
If you are traveling to Oneida, NY, as I did last month, your choices for places to stay are...
CARMEN AMATO
Mystery and thriller author. Retired Central Intelligence Agency intel officer. Dog mom to Hazel and Dutch. Recovering Italian handbag addict.
0 Comments