A traditional favorite spot is the beach, though I have yet to write on the beach this summer.I’ve been thinking lately about where we find our inspiration and do our best writing. Some of the places that have worked for me this summer:
– A dock on the river under a tree: It was cool and the sounds of nature and human activity provided inspiration. I was also accompanied by two of my favorite writing friends, Tracy Hart and Ginger Moran.
– In bed in the morning: When I still have a toe in the dream state, the writing can be especially juicy.
– In a workshop at the University of Rhode Island’s Ocean State Summer Writing Conference: Kristen Prevalet’s nonlinear exercises helped me loosen up and take risks.
Where are you finding inspiration? Please share…
My best writing happens after I spend 45 minutes meditating. My mind goes blank during that time and when I “come back” from that zone, I’m gently transferred into my writing zone.
And your book, 3000 Pulses Later, is testament to the power of that consistent meditation, Martha. Is there a special place you meditate?
It may seem a little weird, but I meditate either in my writing space/office or a small room next to it. I stay close to my work space so I don’t risk any household duties grabbing my attention and dissuading me from getting straight to my writing.
Growing up one of my favorite poems was Frost’s Birches, so it seemed ‘right’ that I would climb up on top of the boat house, make a careful small leap to a tree which loomed out over the water. It had a wonderful wide branch that would cradle me. I continued in there for years…until I went down to write one day to find my spot had been usurped by my then 8 year old daughter, with her 5 year old brother up higher busy drawing! I found another nook on the porch! And another for winter in the upper level of the barn! (By the way, that 8 year old ~ recently interviewed you- Cora Vasseur.)
Oh, Barbara, that is so neat–both your special place discovered by your children and that Cora is your daughter–I love her. Our interview for her Fear-less Writing Telesummit was one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done. She’s a natural! I didn’t realize you were mother-daughter.
I love to write on my front step, first thing in the morning before meditation. All the juice of the night’s dreams is fresh for squeezing and once on the page I have a clear mind for meditating. I also keep paper near my yoga mat. Inspiration abounds in savasana.
Even when commenting on a blog post, your writing conjures up images and has such energy to it, Stephanie. How’s it going?