I am not one to leave my comfort zone very often, yet a writer's ability to construct believable and interesting narratives is at least partially dependent on their range of experiences. After all, everyone knows the saying 'write what you know.' Recently I went to witness the wedding of a life long friend, a journey which took me away from home to a completely new place. It was the first time I'd travelled without caretakers and guardians. I held all the responsibility and power to choose the route, plans, and arrangements. Thankfully, it was a highly successful trip.
Now that it's over I am surprised by how it has altered my view of home. By the end of the trip, although it was not a long one, I was ready to return to my familiar abode. Upon returning, I felt as though I appreciated it more. Living the life of a tourist is fun, but also exhausting. A space that is ones' own is comfortable. For me, it put into perspective how important my space is and how going away from it can hone that appreciation.
For my writing, the outing has provided new experiences from which I can draw people, places, and concepts. Always in my mind now is what work I should focus on publishing after 'Call of the Black Panther'. Since 'The Rules' trilogy is nearly complete and the most 'polished' of any of my completed works it makes sense to begin with it. As to new material, I am debating on continuing the 'Amelia Starling' story which features a young woman who marries a man who wants to kill her. Alternately, I could return to a sequel of 'Call of the Black Panther', but am feeling like taking a break from that universe for a while.
How has travelling affected your creative juices? Has it changed how you feel about your home? Opinions on what project I should pursue? All thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Below is an image of a road through a forest by tomsumartin
Now that it's over I am surprised by how it has altered my view of home. By the end of the trip, although it was not a long one, I was ready to return to my familiar abode. Upon returning, I felt as though I appreciated it more. Living the life of a tourist is fun, but also exhausting. A space that is ones' own is comfortable. For me, it put into perspective how important my space is and how going away from it can hone that appreciation.
For my writing, the outing has provided new experiences from which I can draw people, places, and concepts. Always in my mind now is what work I should focus on publishing after 'Call of the Black Panther'. Since 'The Rules' trilogy is nearly complete and the most 'polished' of any of my completed works it makes sense to begin with it. As to new material, I am debating on continuing the 'Amelia Starling' story which features a young woman who marries a man who wants to kill her. Alternately, I could return to a sequel of 'Call of the Black Panther', but am feeling like taking a break from that universe for a while.
How has travelling affected your creative juices? Has it changed how you feel about your home? Opinions on what project I should pursue? All thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Below is an image of a road through a forest by tomsumartin
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