So, what haven’t I been doing? I’ve not been looking at work
emails, or dealing with publishers or carrying on the manic self-promotion that
is normally part of my working day. I’ve done no more writing than normal -
possibly a little less. But I have been more focussed on the writing itself
than all that goes with it. Plus the people watching and reading have fed my
creative juices.
Not writing to most writers anyway is like not cleaning your
teeth. It really is rare that I don’t write every day. It’s usually only if I
really can’t – such as when I’m travelling or have visitors.
I read an article in one of the free magazines here that claimed
that low background noise –i.e. the sort of buzz you get in a café – or indeed
on a beach – often aids creativity. It seems to be based on some solid research
and I’ll be investigating it in more detail when I have a chance. And again,
I’m buzzing with ideas.
Coming here anyway is a sort of pilgrimage and
continues to serve as a retreat. I’d always wanted to write but I wasn’t
entirely sure what. Strange happenings on the hills, astounding weather,
miraculous caves and children running out of reading material the first time we
came here convinced me that I wanted to and could write for children. Each time
we have come here since the dreams and ideas have grown. I’m now living the
original dream but the growth of the dream accelerates every time I come here.
It’s possibly to do with the sunshine being so relaxing. Bathing in salt water
is always good anyway. But I’m actually quite convinced there’s another layer
of magic here. Long may it last!
