“Many can write words yet only some will feel them.”

When I use to think of writers, I imagined quirky introverts sitting behind desks all day, drinking coffee and writing amazing stories from thin air. Until I became one and learned that writing like many other things in life is art; Art that takes time to develop. Time to think,  experience and put into writing. Though it is ideal for a writer to write profusely for many hours a day, the reality is, you won’t always feel inspired too.

Working in a cramped or overly familiar workspace like the diner down the street or the corner space in your bedroom, may fickle your drive and motivation and the need for inspiration will be in high demand.

When writing begins to feel more like a daily task, seize inspiration from the world around you to re-foil yourself. Try writing somewhere else. Let new scenery and different moments peak the writer in you and make way for better story-telling.

Discover the world and use that information to create worlds of your own.

One of the best things about writing and journalism is you can write anywhere. Here are ten of my favorite places around town for inspired writing:

• Beach

Feel the ocean breeze and listen to the roar of crashing waves while gathering intel for your next novel. The beach is a great place to people watch, while resting your feet in a bed of warm sand and allowing the words to flow through you.    

• Park

The park is a busy place of fun. Unfold a blanket and get a front row seat near excited children at play or somewhere alone, surrounded by a bed of flowers.

• Library

It’s quiet, cozy and filled with resources.

• Backyard/ outdoor patio

Take comfort in the proximities of your own home. And the best part, you can do it in a pair of sweats. Smell the flowers outside your front door.

• Coffee shop

Coffee shops and writers have a special relationship. Whether it be the fresh brew of coffee, soft background music and light chatter; Coffee shops have been popular to many writers for centuries. Let your thoughts come to life while relaxing in the warm ambiance.

• Mall

The mall is filled with people shopping, talking and interacting with one another. It’s a great place to sit back and people watch. Let a story unfold as locals and consumers from all over rush to and from in a shopping frenzy.   

• Restaurant/ bar

Whether a crowded bar or a relaxing, hang-out spot with music; Bars and restaurants are full of interesting people with fascinating stories waiting to be told. Meet someone new, socialize a bit or tuck yourself away in a corner booth and observe the many characters; take note of how their dressed, their facial expressions. Give your characters names and personalities. Give them a voice.

• Open campus

If you live in a small town, an open college campus might be the closet comparison to life in a busy city, use it. Put your own spin to the cool things happening around campus while basking in its many resources (library, cafes, student population, diversity etc).

• Into the wilderness

Let the crunch of leaves and grassy bayou’s connect you with the beautiful wilderness. Think of someone who might’ve lived here or what life would be like living here. What would you do? How does life here look? Let the soothing sounds of nature help focus your mind and spark inspiration.

• Someone else’s house

A place that feels like home but isn’t quite as intimate. Perhaps a good friend or relative whose stories and experiences are fascinating enough to get your creative juices flowing.