In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion. Albert Camus
Today I spent the day with a few of my fellow writers from Kinwomen. Every few months we get together to chat, write, share a meal and reflect. Today we each had different things to work on: our blogs, novels, articles or poetry. It was a hive of activity.
I had a knotty plot problem I’ve been stuck on for a few weeks.
Do I keep trying to write a book with several plot lines or stick one central one?
Do I tell several character’s stories over generations or stick to the present?
It’s been driving me crazy!
As I sat in a comfortable lounge chair with the soft buzz of conversation, scribbling and the tapping of keyboards, I got some clarity.
I asked myself some questions:
What are the big rocks of the story?
What was the original inspiration of this story?
The answer came to me: stick with your original intention.
Sometimes we need to get away, not just alone, but with companions, in order to make some sense of what confuses us.
Writing is a solitary activity. Spending time inside your head can be a little lonely, even when the characters you are creating are alive in your thoughts.
Today was special as we shared things about our families, work and ideas. Creativity is sparked in these times.
I make time to get away because every time I do something new is birthed in me and I’m inspired again.
My next retreat will be in Tuscany at the Art of Writing . It’s not just the location that’s important, it’s the combination of people who gather to share the experience that makes these times so valuable.
#365adventure is a book lover’s year of adventures. Adventures in travel, friendship, family, soul, heart and, of course, book stores!
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