Writing is all about setting. In this case, I’m not talking about the setting of our books or articles or poetry. But the setting in which we place our desk and computer or pad and pencil.
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| Oak and Sunset From My Window |
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| Moon Playing Hide and Seek with the Oak |
For me, visuals are important. I need the distraction of
scenery or activity, even if it’s a scene of squirrels chasing each other
around my oak tree trunk in the spring or gathering acorns in the fall. OR birds pecking the ground for bugs. OR the profusion of dandelions springing up
across the brown turning to green lawn. OR the arrival of elementary-aged kids
bicycling or skipping or skateboarding to school, wearing backpacks laden with
who knows what.
All those common-day occurrences are fodder for the
imagination. When I can’t think of a word or I can’t figure out why the heroes
of my story are acting out or not doing anything at all, which is unacceptable
in a story that must move along, these little distractions allow my brain to
observe and become distracted. That little act of woolgathering helps to empty the
mind and allow the muse to take charge and create.
But sometimes, the same ‘ole, same ‘ole just won’t do the job
of releasing the muse. A change of scenery is needed. That can be taking a walk
around the block, enjoying neighbor’s gardens to free up the brain, or getting
away for a self-imposed, writing retreat weekend, where you can stare at waves
pounding the rocky shore in New England. OR the vibrant sunsets dipping below
the red rocks in Arizona. OR eagles flying over a calm lake surrounded by tall
evergreens as far as the eye can see in the Adirondacks. OR the expanse of
white sands meeting a blue sky of a North Carolina beach, with only the flight
of native birds for company. OR a sunny day in Colorado with the range of
snow-covered mountains as a backdrop.
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| Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ Painted by My Grandfather |
Unfortunately, those types of retreats are a bit out of my
budget. But, even a three-block trip to the local coffee shop to people watch
while inhaling scents of dark roast, spicey chai tea, and cinnamon buns, can
elicit memories and help create a new outlook on story.
So, when you’re stuck, or need a break from whatever activity
is holding you hostage, take a mini-vacation around the neighborhood, or plan a
weekend getaway to really rejuvenate your muse or relieve stress of the
day-to-day drudgery that can totally shut us home-bound writers down.
To choose which I prefer, sitting at my usual writing place
with the familiar scene or exploring new places with a view, is a toss-up. I
know where things are on my desk (even though it is a frightful mess.) I know
what I’ll see out the window as I gaze blankly looking for the correct wording.
I know I can jump up and grab my favorite mug for a cup of tea, the flavor to
match my mood of the day.
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| The Oak in Early Spring |
But changing up my writing environment, puts a new spin on
the world and makes my brain do a reset, opening up my mind to think
differently. Observe a new prompt to jumpstart my stalled writing. Or bring me
in contact with an overheard conversation or new image that will spark an idea
for a brand-new story.
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| Hanging at the Beach |
Both the familiar and the unfamiliar have a place in reenergizing our minds and souls, and jumpstarting our writer’s muse…or anything in your life that needs jumpstarting.
What’s your favorite setting?
The Love Left Behind
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Love-Left-Behind-Hartford-Estate-ebook/dp/B08L5N5DS9/
Books2Read books2read.com/u/mglVqK
cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires
burning ~
Delsora
Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns from
the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.
Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine. Her newest novella is The Love Left Behind. Two holiday books will be released this fall.
Social Media Links:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram:
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Photo Credits:
View From
Desk, Oak Tree, Painting: Photos by author
Kids with backpacks: Free Pictures Of
Backpacks, Download Free Pictures Of Backpacks png images, Free ClipArts on
Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
Thinking: People Thinking
Clipart, Transparent PNG Clipart Images Free Download - ClipartMax
Steamy Cup: Clip
Art - Free Steamy Cup - Google Search
10 comments:
I love hiking to get the creative juices flowing. The scenery is peaceful and quiet.
Delsora, I'm more like you - the view of my backyard out the window next to my computer or a walk around the block or a bit farther is often just what I need to find that word, figure out the character's next move or rest the fingers. Love your oak! I think I have a similar love affair with my dwarf larch! I've not taken sunrise pictures (it's on the east side of my house) but I do have those peek-a-boo shots with Grandmother Moon.
Jennifer, there is nothing like fresh air, a bit of movement, and the sights of nature whether spring flowers, summer vegetables, fall leaves, or the silence of falling snow to clear the brain and let the muse loose.
I so agree with you Deb, that nature can release the muse and get her going! Great post!
Judith - you are so right - just getting away from the box that is my desk and chair and watching the birds and butterflies flutter among the flowers or seeing a patch of shade under the oak on a hot day, does jumpstart the creative part of us.
Diana - all I need is a tiny waterfall flowing into a bubbling pond :-)
I, too, stare out the window when I'm searching for the next word. I'm very fortunate that my writing desk faces a corner flanked by two windows with differing views. To my right is a thick evergreen forest, but not so thick that I can't peer through the tree trunks for a glimpse of a small meadow where deer like to graze. Various birds and the occasional bunny offer moments of distraction. To my left is a secluded ocean inlet which can be so calm it's a perfect mirror of the sky and a nearby island. Or the sea can be a wind-tossed, white-capped force of nature. Between my window and the water is a narrow band of wildflowers where my hens enjoy scratching for bugs and grubs. When they move off to forage elsewhere, the wild birds take their place, a moving picture show that allows my brain to find that perfect word. Or not.
Love this description, Luanna. I can so picture your view. Water views always give me an extra boost of creativity and energy. Someday, I 'll have a water view. Our family camp in the Adirondacks sits on a knoll and overlooks a lake with an island in the middle and beyond a view of the Adirondack mountains. But a seven-hour drive. I really do need to get up there more often. Thanks for checking in!
I am blessed with two office windows. The west-facing window frames a view of our gravel lane and my neighbor's horse pasture. There are often quail or rabbits skittering across to hide in the neighbor's bushes, or hawks circling high overhead, hoping to catch them for lunch.
The south-facing window view from our hillside home is of our beautiful little valley. Wooded hillsides give way to small farmsteads and stands of tall oak trees. Cows, goats and chickens dot the pastures, alongside the occasional group of solar panels. Fruit trees, flowering bushes and lovely gardens line the road and decorate the houses.
These views help me relax and focus.
Beautiful pictures!!!
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