My Favorite Writing Spot
Artists find favorite spots to paint, by the sea, in a park, a mountaintop, or a kitchen (thinking ‘still life’ with apples, bananas, cherries because I’m hungry for them). Writers must need their favorite spots as well.
Most of my writing has come in the last twenty years, much of it stored in 8″X10″ cardboard manuscipt boxes until one was published in 1995. The others have been gathering dust until just the last few years. When I reached the Sea of Cortez, it seems my need to write increased along with my desire. And, write I have.
There are sixteen books finished now, fourteen fictional, two non-fiction with just a few final touches left, and another ficttional manuscript just recently started. It has dawned on me, what the artists have apparently known for all these years, that a writer must find a spot that agrees with her or his motivational make-up, her or his health, her or his moods, her or his changing priorities. I’m convinced that the sea is my favorite spot, because I’ve never enjoyed the ‘flow’ of writing that I feel here, the phrases that seem to effortlessly come out and please me. Yes, I know, they ‘please me’, but they might not find the same measure of enjoyment in others eyes.
I find myself wondering why this is so, why one can find a spot where writing becomes more natural and rhythmic in its outpouring. Perhaps it is because I can see from my penthouse deck the horizon there in the distance, and my mind is free to roam toward that far off spot and grab from the passing zephyrs those little gems of words and phrases that go by as though on currents of their own. Perhaps it is because I do not feel hemmed in on all sides so my mind is keenly aware that the horizon and all beyond are mine but for the asking there in my imagination. Pehaps it is because it is so beautiful here by the sea where the villas touch the sand, where the beach hawkers sell their wares among the sun worshipers, where there playing upon the water are jet skis, sail boats, yachts, and the large twin yellow ‘banana boats’ that toss the squealing young adults into the choppy waters.
Whatever it is, the transparency of my delight must indeed be obvious. I’m a wordsmith at his favorite spot, doing what it is that he perceives he does best. My only wish now is to have my writing enjoyed by many, as many as I might be allowed by the God of that distant horizon on the glorious Sea of Cortez.
Billy Ray Chitwood – Written in 2012 on The Sea of Cortez
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Yes, Bill, I find I’m more productive in a favorite writing spot as well. Usually, it’s my office, where it’s quiet and I get only a few interruptions. Often it’s on my couch at home, now that the wonderfulness of my laptop can be used. Sometimes it’s the couch in our villa, as people swim and sun and wonder why the heck I bother to travel to Mexico just to stay inside and write (answer: writing is more fun to me than beach activities).
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Ha, Ha! Funny, that’s how I felt when I lived down there! Hugs to Renni, Gentry, and them back to you! ♥♥♥
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The Sea of Cortez area sounds amazing and prompted me to think about where I like to write. I need silence and beauty. Living in the Ozarks, above a lake, inspiration comes easily. 🙂 Have a fantastic cay, Billy Ray.
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I’ve been in your area…so much beauty and great for writing! You, too, Gwen, have a fantastic day! ♥
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Beautiful, Billy Ray. I think the sea pulls us beyond ourselves while it also speaks to something primordial and deep within us. I’m not surprised that it’s your favorite writing spot and draws out your stories. ❤
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So true, Diana… I miss the constant sun! A Picture of our KY home I just put on the cover of a new short book that’s coming out (flash fiction, blog posts, poetry, short stories) call KENTUCKY KERNELS. So, KY, with its rolling hills outside our windows does the job as well. Thanks, dear lady, for your comment. ♥
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