I dream of places, people, things and situations. I dream by day and I dream by night. If my dreams turned into shiny gold coins then I'd be a wealthy man. It could happen you know...
Arlee Bird
 |
| An East Tennessee Lake scene |
The Insecure Writer's Support Group
The co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner,Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner!
September 4 question - If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?
Since I consider myself to be a logical person, the answer to this is easy: If I were to sit down to write I'd prefer to be right here at home at my computer. When I'm away from home I get so distracted by my surroundings or people I'm with I might never do any writing.
If I were to take a retreat for the sole purpose of writing, I'd want a mountain setting like my old home East Tennessee or maybe somewhere in western Virginia--specifically Marion. But that could be very expensive unless I outright moved there. So that dream is impractical in my real world.
Besides, near my desk and in my home I have my office and all its stuff and my house and all my life stuff. To be unfettered by such and financially free to travel to an unlimited extent and support my away-from-home lifestyle in a comfortable way, I might want to have a summer place in upstate New York or maybe somewhere in New England.
If I were to stay in the western half of the U.S. I might opt for someplace like Sedona Arizona or Colorado Springs. But there go the distractions. With so many beautiful places to see in such places I can see the advantage of just staying at home in my urbanity from which I'd prefer not be in traffic and just stay home for the most part.
...but wait a minute. That's what I do all the time. So why the heck am I not writing my next story?
Oh look, there's a squirrel...
Are you more distracted at home or away? What fires your imagination most? Where do you feel more compelled to write?
If you haven't voted on my current Battle of the Bands I'd be pleased if you'd take a moment to visit here and vote for your favorite song version. Thanks in advance!
Hi Lee - yes, like you, I'd prefer to write at home - and I know your East Tennessee countryside with your family and memories ... but lots of distractions too. No squirrels here - but rain, which I'm hoping will pass over before I need to go out! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, rain! We need rain in Los Angeles! We can always use rain.
DeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I wonder how many of will say we would write someplace glorious if not for the distraction...(I did).
ReplyDeleteLiza, if I'm going someplace glorious it probably wouldn't be for the writing.
DeleteLee
Yes, a retreat, sounds like a great choice, but in a group I always find there is more chatter than actual writing 😊
ReplyDeleteLost, a retreat by myself might work, but in the company of others I also think it might be difficult to focus on writing.
DeleteLee
I'm with you about distractions. The Internet is my biggest distraction. I love to do research on whatever I am writing, but always go down the rabbit hole of things that have nothing to do with my W.I.P.
ReplyDeleteEm, I tumble down those rabbit holes with great frequency.
DeleteLee
Not having to drive there is a big plus in my books.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I enjoy driving so I'm all for a road trip as long as I have the funds to do it right.
DeleteLee
I get bored writing at home, I took my laptop to many places in the US, especially loved Nashville. Great music. Continue to enjoy writing Lee.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, I sometimes get bored being away from home. I miss those comforts and familiarities.
DeleteLee
Writing at home is the easiest. Or at least the cheapest. I don't write much in my office though. I have to move to the table or living room and get away from the computer.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, just waking up and not leaving the house is about as simple and economical as one can get!
DeleteLee
I've never attempted to write while traveling. Then again, I've got two kids. Even if I didn't, I think I would be too distracted to work, unless it was to a writing retreat perhaps.
ReplyDeleteTamara, for years when I was living on the road I had little choice but to write while traveling. Now my travel is for fun and fun is what I do when I'm away from home.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteWhich lake is that? We have too many around us to gamble a guess. I hope you're able to fullfill your dream of returning to the east. It's so beautiful here and the cost of living for one's retirement years is far doable. We've seen a population increase of folks coming into Knoxville. It's certainly driving our real estate prices up which makes it hard on us but I can't blame folks to want to ride out their golden years in a place that's more affordable. I don't think I could write anything away from home because I'd be distracted by the new surroundings. Of course, i get distracted at home, so I guess I won't be doing a whole of serious writing anytime soon. :) Often times what I find that fires my imagination is a blogger prompt. That's been instrumental in all of my creative works. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great week, my friend!
Cathy, I was trying to figure out which lake but wasn't quite sure. It seems logical that it would be Chilhowee Lake since that's the only one where I can recall taking pictures, but I don't remember that wooden railing.
DeleteBlogging has been the most motivational force in my writing life. Now if only I'd become as dedicated in other endeavors.
Lee
Looks like you have a few favorites. Let's hope one day you get to write at all of them. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Anna, still there is no place like home as far as I'm concerned. But maybe one day I'll get away in the sense of a solo writing retreat.
DeleteLee
Home really is my favorite place to write too. I get bored easy though so occasionally new scenery helps.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Parralox version. Allen Parsons allowed me to use one of his songs for a book trailer. I was stunned he even answered. You never know...
Doreen, I figure if I'm paying for the space, home is worth using.
DeleteA vote for Parralox.
Lee
I love to write in my own office, but there's are distractions: husband, dog, cat, housework, gardening, yard work, snacks...
ReplyDeleteOur local writer organization holds a Write-In once a month in a local (relatively quiet) coffee shop. For three hours I can sip a latte and focus on a manuscript. That's where I'll be next Monday!!!
Patricia, no writer organization near me that I know about. I'm so easily distracted no matter where I am.
DeleteLee
Oh my word! What Patricia Stoltey said. All of it!
DeleteDiedre, I think distractions are where we look for them. For me, that's everywhere.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous country; Tennessee, Virginia. I was so in awe during a few brief visits that it wasn't until I got home that I was able to write about the experience.
We camped for a week once, on the bank of the San Juan river in Pagosa Springs, right outside Colorado Springs. No shortage of distractions there ;-) Once again, I wrote once I got home.
While stories are apt to form out of nowhere, there's no better place than the comforts of home and nature to record them.
One day, I'd like to take a scenic cross-country train ride, or a riverboat cruise. Not sure I could tear myself away from the window long enough to write much, but I bet I'd be inspired ;-)
Happy writing!
Diedre, I like the train ride or river cruise idea, but I don't think I'd be writing much on those excursions.
DeleteLee
Very true! I would probably get distracted if I was anywhere but home too. :)
ReplyDeleteLoni, even at home I get distracted a lot, but there's more writing time available if I choose to use it.
DeleteLee
What colour is the squirrel? Or was it a rabbit? Holiday places are for inspiration and research. Home is for writing. But your second home idea...
ReplyDeleteRoland, actually I don't ever see squirrels or rabbits where I live. Sometimes a lizard but that's about it.
DeleteLee
I'm absolutely more distracted away from home. But if I could spend about a week next to that lake photo you posted above, I'm sure I'd get more done ;)
ReplyDeleteGwen, that lake scene seems like a peace setting that remains static for the most part. After the initial distractions of the novelty of it, I could probably settle into writing there.
DeleteLee
Being at home is great, but there are many distractions there too. I work best in the early morning when everyone else is asleep. As soon as they get up the TV comes on, along with music and voices, and suddenly I can't create anymore. I need somewhere quiet.
ReplyDeleteKen, I can always find plenty to distract me at home. I'd probably do well to limit my TV viewing, but it draws me like a magnet.
DeleteLee
Laughing out loud, here! ☺ I am also easily distracted, even at home. Makes it hard to get down to the serious task of writing. And away from home - forget it! The wanderlust kicks in big time. East Tennessee looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, East Tennessee is lovely.
DeleteLee
Yep, "squirrel" is my problem too, lol.
ReplyDeleteDolorah, metaphorical squirrels for me, but if I saw an actual squirrel around my house I'd probably stop a while to look at it.
DeleteLee