Writing Series - Location, Location, Location part 2

Last time I posted about the Location being a fundamental part of my books. It doesnt just lend the atmosphere or add friction and a challenge for Goodwin but is a character of its own in the stories I write.

Now whilst I was writing Thai Die I sat in a hammock with the cover as my view tapping away on a laptop. The whole book isn't set on that beach, its set in Thailand. I can't write at the moment I am there or I'd miss what is going on and all the minutae. I write the location all from memory and I am grateful for a wonderful memory and attention to detail I can then include within my writing. But how important is the location where I choose to remember and describe the location as well as the characters, plot and timeline?

View on my morning walk

Many years ago, and some may still, authors and writers had typewriters for writing that manuscript or hand wrote with the more portable paper and pen, typing that up at a later time. At some point most of us sit at a desk or table and tap away, nowadays more likely on a laptop. But what is the importance of the location that an author actually writes in or plans all their story lines, conflicts, live scenes, murders?

For me that is just as important. I can remember and imagine the locations I am writing about but I also need and want to be in a location that inspires, regulates and comforts me when I write too.

I have come to realise, and yes that is a new realisation for me, that I have always written in places I can see or hear water. They have always been more outside and always in nature, than inside. The inspiration I feel, the ideas that flow and the joy I have being in nature just naturally inspires me to be creative, open to the flow of ideas and restful in that place. I sometimes have too much inspiration and creative flow when in nature but I never have writers block.

Recently I have been lucky enough to find the perfect location for me to write. A space that feels warm, sunny and open, as much outside as inside, mountains and beaches to walk in and along, a pool and the sea to swim in and a lake to paddleboard on. A place that smells of sun and olive trees with the sound of the wind, surf, goat bells and cicadas. The views from my 'office', as Ben calls it, I use for recognising the abundance all around and inspiration rather than a distraction to daydream over......though I do that as well!

View from my 'office'

Where do other writers and authors write? What inspires you to create words into stories for others to read?

Have an abundant nature inspired week,

Love

Helen x