Travel...It's Worth It
Several things happen to someone who writes and travels. Firstly, the stress of deadlines, editing and marketing strategies has a way of evaporating like spilled lemonade on a summer sidewalk. Next, new faces and landscapes give birth to a plethora of unrestrained story ideas. Finally, the world is put into perspective- not just the literary world, but life in general. So in light of this, I'm calling out to all my writing companions and asking them to do whatever it takes in order to plan what I had put off for so long...traveling. When I began writing Consumed, I took advantage of an opportunity to research the Transylvania region. I'd already conducted countless hours of legwork in the States, but nothing prepared me for the insight I'd gain when I finally arrived in Romania. Elements like culture and atmosphere are something that just can't be described in books or guides. It's a "boots on the ground" sort of experience. So it goes without saying that when I recently traveled to Ireland for my current project, Dim Fairy Tales (the second installment in the Plenty Dreadful series), the same held true. The people of Ireland are welcoming, but not overwhelming. The history of the Emerald Isle is far richer than what's expressed in social studies classes, and perhaps most importantly, stories in Ireland are cherished by its people beyond anything else. Just go to any coffee shop, lounge or pub and listen to the colorful array of accounts and tall tales. It's a type of specialized oratory and written folklore that you can't find anywhere. But this is not a story about my travels. No, this is a story about your travels. If you're a writer, I beg you, explore. I know it's easier said than done, but I beseech you to do what ever you can in order to journey to new towns, countries and continents. Save those pennies and cut those coupons because travel can help inspire, broaden horizons and give piece of mind. Johann Wolfgang Goethe was one of the most talented German writers of the 18th and 19th century. His early writings were considered entertaining, but short of groundbreaking. It wasn't until 1786, when he traveled through the Italian Peninsula that Goethe would find his voice. Not just his voice mind you, but according to his journals, his philosophical outlook on life. So much so that in 1816, his published work, "Italian Journey" took center stage in the literary world. None of it would have been possible without travel. So writers, I implore you, please find a way to travel. Is it expensive? Often, yes. Do you have the time? Probably not. But, will it help in your writing? I'll guarantee it.
