Write, Here!
Where Is Your Favorite Writing Space?
Where do you love to write? In your home office? Or tucked away in a hidden corner of the building where you work your other job? You know, the one that pays the bills and allows you to have your creative life too. Maybe you enjoy your writing sessions under a shady tree, with its dappled light caressing the pages of your notebook. Perhaps your parked car, radio loud enough to scare intruders away, is the perfect spot for your creativity to fly.
I have a couple of favorite places. One is on our patio (elevation 4400’). There is a view of the stunning Wasatch Mountain range to the east. The massive mountain, named Ben Lomond (elevation 9716’) towers above our town and is a gorgeous chunk of creation. It is said to be complex, geologically speaking; a solid hunk of granite, diorite, porphyry, quartzite and mica schist (I said schist, not $#!z).
In February 2024, when I began this essay, Ben Lomond was blanketed in such deep snow that the trees on the top ridgeline had disappeared for the winter. That smooth frosting across the top gave us all hope of evading a drought year. Each day, as I walked with my dogs, and my neighbor’s dogs, I watched the mountain for the near-daily avalanches and rock slides. Their increasing frequency foretold of spring, when the water trickles, then rushes down to the valley below. The volume of water in the ditch along our roadway is carefully managed throughout summer and fall, but in the spring, it can rise many feet in half of a day.
Our community is nestled between the fairways of the Barn Golf Club. In winter, it is quiet, that snow-quiet that is unmatched. In spring, the first sound I listen for is the opening of the pinecones. Did you know they make a very distinct sound? I didn’t before we moved here. From our patio I heard a new sound, and went out into the yard to investigate. We have many types of birds here, so I thought I was looking for a bird. To my awe and delight, when I reached the little pine tree, I realized it was waking up for spring! I stood there a long time, listening to the life of that lovely tree. The pinecones popping make me smile each year. In summer, that same little tree provides a delicious reprieve from the heat. Fall brings vivid colors on all the other types of trees around. It is a stunning witness to how the seasons must change, in order to move forward.
My other favorite place to write is here in our bed. I keep it covered in faux fur blankies for the dogs. They love the softness and comfort. I have fluffy pillows to prop me up. Ripple quietly watches the world go by outside our window; his muzzle propped on a shoe he stole for the occasion. He settles into a nap, complete with whole-body dog dreams and deep sighs. Little Toko is on his back, propped up on pillows, his breakfast-full tummy expanded to near-bursting. He too is dreaming doggie dreams; snoring, snorting, squeaking, startling himself awake at times, all the while his little elevated legs kicking in the air. His stubby tail wags so fast – it is a blur. I wonder if their active dreams are made of memories of our walks.
Where do you like to write? Is there a place that gives you the most creative energy? Do different settings bring different genres out from your depths?
The most important thing about writing, of course, is doing the writing itself, anywhere, on anything: paper, phone, tablet, laptop, index cards or even your skin, as we’ve heard Anne Lamott talk about. Jot it all down. On our long walk recently, I had several sentences come to mind as we propelled feet and paws forward. My plan to jot things down on my phone didn’t work out so great due to glare from the sun. I couldn’t see the screen. Anne’s index card plan dominated my thoughts then. I’d better stock up! I love to walk, and writing comes to me while walking.
On the way home from my IV infusion of Tysabri a couple of weeks ago, I had a character idea come to mind. By the time I got close to home, I’d forgotten it. I started thinking back, freeway section by freeway section, digging deep to remember. A half-mile from home, I remembered! And as soon as I got home, I wrote it down. I’d better learn to use my voice notes on my phone. We have so many tools at our disposal, I might as well put them to good use. I have a gift. I have unwrapped it. Now it is time to use it, as Rheema Zaman says, “VORACIOUSLY!”
Jacque, your photo is beautiful! What an inspiring place to live!
I usually write in my blue patchwork chair, where I sit for Zoom meetings, or at the kitchen table. I haven’t been more creative than that, but now I’m thinking of writing outside tonight on my porch, listening to the neighborhood noise.
I never knew pinecones pop either. My parents have a huge pine tree but I haven’t paid much attention to it. I should.
Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love the stunning photograph and the playful tone of this piece. The imagery you created as you describe your view transported me to both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
I usually write at my writer's desk in the room that used to be my oldest son's bedroom. I have filled it with family photos, plants, and some of my own creative projects. My daughter gave me a prism decal for the east-facing window. It sprinkles rainbows all around the room when the morning sun shines through it. Your descriptions of inspiration coming to you while walking and driving are so relatable! I, too, struggle with putting technology to good use for recording ideas when out and about.