I don't know what it is about turquoise water, a hot climate, a white sand beach, and the sound of the ocean that makes my creativity kick into high gear. I do my best work, writing in this case, when I'm on vacation. Specifically, one that is filled with hot weather, sun, beaches, and impeccably clear water. My two books, Freshman Year, 91-92, and Sophomore Year, 92-93 were mainly written (and finished) while I vacationed in Hawaii. My third book, Junior Year 93-94, was started in Hawaii, but I did the bulk of it in Bora Bora ... 200 some pages, I believe and yes, I worked on vacation.
Trouble with getting creativity from a tropical place is I can't get there as often as I'd like to inspire myself since leaving my day job at Expedia, where I could afford to travel to sunny destinations more often. Sadly, I've suffered from lack of creativity in the last year, especially since I did not get away to my preferred destination (other than Vegas--let's be honest, you can't really write in Vegas when there are other things vying for your time such as slot machines). Lately, it's been hard to write at least one article a month for Examiner (when I'm accustomed to doing at least two), I put off sending my third manuscript into my Editor until last weekend, and I even took my sweet time in going over my second manuscript with a fine-tooth comb after it came back from my Editor, which resulted in it being published later than I would have wanted (May vs. February or March).
But, there is a ray of sun poking out from those grey clouds (literally, have you seen the morning weather this past week in Washington?). After a year of figuring out finances on one income and finally getting the hang of it by January of this year, I budgeted and booked my family on a beach getaway to Cabo (I've never been to Mexico. Call me unworldly). Just thinking about the weather, the blue water, and the soft beaches has kicked my creative mind into high gear. This past week, I've really started to feel more productive. In fact, I have yet another book idea that I plan to write (along with another one in the works) while I'm there.
It feels good to have these bursts of creative energy. So thank you, beach vacation to Cabo, for helping me start to get back on track with my writing and inspiring me to do more. I'm sure I'll be thanking you two-fold when I come back with two completed drafts of two books!
