Writing, Do Not Disturb
Out
FishingWriting
I know I am posting this week’s Substack very late in the week. I’m under an extremely tight deadline and at the last minute I decided to take off to what I consider my own personal writing retreat location, Cavalier Ocean Front Resort in San Simeon, and try to pound out some scenes without the distractions of my home and beloved family.
What works as a writing retreat will vary for person to person although I think most writers are like me: they want peace, few distractions, a meditative, quiet place that gives one’s mind room to be creative. For me that place is San Simeon where there is absolutely nothing around but beauty….well, that and Hearst Castle and sometimes elephant seals but the castle is way up on a hill and the elephant seals never ask me how to use the dishwasher.*
I get a room with few frills other than a view and a mini fridge. I bring most of my own food. So really all I’m doing is writing, grabbing quick bites on my ocean view patio (where the seagulls keep a close eye on me with the hopes I might inadvertently drop a morsel) and taking walks on the beach when I need to clear my head.
My husband also sometimes secludes himself into a hotel when he needs to write. For that, he goes to Vegas.
I know what you’re thinking, but he really does seem to get a lot of writing done in that city. When he needs a break he goes down to the Sportsbook or plays a hand or two of blackjack which for him really is somewhat meditative. It focuses him.
That would not focus me. But each of us has just got to do what works.
I’d love to know if you ever go away somewhere to write or create and if so where? What kinds of locations bring out your imagination?
*Because I know I’m going to catch shit for that dishwasher remark, I just want to say that I absolutely ADORE my husband and son. They are both brilliant and extraordinarily capable in MOST areas.
They would also be lucky to get an honorary D in Home Ec. It is what it is.