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:
#delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/
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
