Someone asked me the other day where I write. I quickly answered, “In my home office.” But, that simple question got me thinking about the endless possibilities of places to write that would be relaxing, inspirational, or energizing. And before I knew it, I was generating a list for future reference which I thought I would share, here. Sometimes a simple change of scenery might be just what you need to kick-start your writing day.

I closed my eyes and started my list at home: on a lounge chair in the backyard under a leafy tree; in the comfy reading chair in the bedroom; at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee; on the sofa in my husband’s “Man Cave” (television off and when he’s at work, of course); floating on a raft in the swimming pool.

I expanded my space to include my neighborhood: at the common area we call the “park”; on a bench at the end of the street; at the table in a quaint little gazebo in the middle of our subdivision.

I came up with quite a few more as I enlarged my thoughts to include our entire city:  near the fish pond about a mile from my house; in the sports park (when no games are being played); at one of dozens of coffee houses throughout the city; on a porch swing; in a flower garden; near the sandbox where several children are quietly playing; near a waterfall; in a mall or the corner of a bookstore.

Since I love to travel, I began to think of inspiring places which could easily be compiled into a writing bucket list: sitting near Niagara Falls; overlooking the ocean; in a warm cabin with snow falling outside; on a deserted island; on a sailboat; in the rainforest; at the top of Mount Everest; at the base of the Statue of Liberty; at the President’s desk in the White House; in an art museum; on an airplane; in a hot air balloon; on the porch of the Grand Hotel on Macinac Island.

That list led, conveniently, to when I could write: at sunset; at dawn; during a blizzard; in the middle of the night; after a good meal; on a spring morning.

When’s the best time to write, emotionally?  When I am extremely happy; sad; feeling ‘blue’; lonely; angry; frustrated—any intensely emotional time.

I found that I could keep making—and adding to—list after list. I plan to reread them when my inspiration seems to be depleted. When ideas aren’t coming as fast, and as clear, as I feel they should. Using them to give me that spark—that edge.

So, thanks for the original question. I think I’d better grab that cup of coffee, walk down to the gazebo, and get to work. How about you? Care to try some place new and inspirational?

Have a great day!

Brenda