“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

Listening to: Shakira – Sale El Sol

Mood: Energetic

So, I realize I’ve been a little delinquent in posting to the blog but I have a really good reason, I swear. I was on vacation in Morocco. And it was amazing. The Hubs and I love to travel. Exploring new cultures, trying new foods, seeing how people live in other parts of the world is really humbling and beautiful. But beyond that, travel provides me with a mental battery recharge. Not just from the day job or everyday life, but for writing too.

Travel serves as inspiration for me, another muse of sorts. I’ve been working on Bloodbird edits a lot recently while playing around with a bunch of ideas for a new story, but none were really clicking for me. None were pushing to the front of the pack. I felt a little stuck. I was aching to start something new. Then I went on vacation and one suddenly rose to the top, demanding I outline it, deciding that it wanted to be next. The characters suddenly had names, begging me to tell their story. I jotted things down in my notebook as they came. I plotted out the story for the week and a half I was in Morocco; between exploring the country, meeting some amazing people, seeing some breathtaking sites, and riding a camel into the Sahara (seriously, I HAD to do it), a story unfolded in my mind.

Now I’m home and I feel energized. My brain has had two weeks to take a break from the everyday, and in the process of doing that my creativity has been invigorated. I’m refreshed. I’m thrilled. I’m going to dive back into Blooodbird edits as my CP continues to send me her chapter feedback, but I’m excited to start my new story too. A little time away can do a wealth for creativity. I believe in writing every single day, even if I can only do it for 15 minutes or an hour, but I also believe in knowing when it’s time to give myself a break. Step away and enjoy the moment. Get lost in some other corner of the world. Be inspired. But most importantly, live beyond the pages. Because when we experience all the beauty of the world and its many cultures, it will be reflected in our writing.

And with that I leave you with a picture of me on a camel in the Sahara. Because why not?