Everyone occasionally needs some R&R but we writers sometimes need the
three Rs: rest, relaxation and research. I love to travel so, for
me, a change of scenery is the ticket. It gets my imagination going full speed,
sparks my creativity and it helps me to recharge my batteries so that I’m ready
to take on my next writing project.
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| Bridge linking Mt. Pleasant and Charleston, SC |
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| View of Charleston Harbor from the pier in Mt. Pleasant |
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| The pool where I spent every afternoon |
As you may have figured out by now, I just got back from
a vacation to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and, although I love my hometown,
Cincinnati, it felt good to get a break from my everyday life. Freedom from
responsibilities and routine. I had so much fun and I enjoyed seeing new
sights, going to the beach to gaze out at the ocean and I met some very nice
people on my trip. It was restful and relaxing.
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| Sullivan's Island lighthouse |
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| Folly Beach |
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| The Morris Island lighthouse |
But, a writer is always
writing in one form or another so, while I was there, I took a lot of pictures,
bought more than my share of postcards and picked up literature about the area
wherever I could find it. Not to mention initiating conversations with the
locals whenever the opportunity presented itself. Why? Because my fifth Malone
Mystery will take place there and it was the perfect opportunity for the third
“R,” research.
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| A view from a horse drawn carriage ride in Charleston |
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| Bubba Gump's restaurant in Charleston |
I especially love this
stage of writing, when the ideas swirl around in my head and I scurry to find
paper and a pen to jot them down. Plotting a novel reminds me of putting
together a jig saw puzzle. So many pieces, many of them colorful and
interesting but, until each one is put in its proper place, we don’t see the
whole picture. So, over the next several months, I’ll be fitting together the
pieces from my research and my imagination until they all come together to form
my next book.
Super post, Patricia. Gorgeous pics. Makes me want to hit the road...and research...of course!
ReplyDeleteOf course, Anne. Research. LOL
DeleteIsn't being a writer a wonderful thing?
What fun. So happy you had a great inspiring vacation. It's always challenging thinking about the 'next great novel.' Best wishes always.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Elaine. It was a fun and fulfilling vacation. Although I'd been to Mt. Pleasant once before and to Charleston twice, it felt good to get a better "feel" for the area before starting my next book.
DeleteLove the pictures and, yes, research can be a lot of fun when done right. I'm glad you had a great vacation! I'm almost done with your latest book, Mistaken Identity, and I've really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see how it ends!
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Marja,
DeleteI'm not so sure I'd enjoy doing research in a cold climate because, as you know, I'm a Summer girl. But we had gorgeous weather and I love South Carolina!
Your blog brings back a lot of memories as I lived and worked in South Carolina for a year and loved going to Charleston for some R and R. I ended my year there with a vacation on Folly Beach with some friends. I too love the research part of writing and have done some fun things such as an airboat ride or time in microbreweries to make my work more authentic, but your research sounds more relaxing and inspiring than mine.
ReplyDeleteLesley,
DeleteWe went to three beaches while we were there. Sullivan's is gorgeous but lacks even the basic amenities and Isle of Palms had all the amenities but was a bit too touristy for me. My favorite, by far, was Folly Beach.
I'm glad you had such a great vacation, Pat. The reserach was a definite plus.
ReplyDeleteYes it was, Jean. After spending time in the area, I'm even more excited about starting work on my next book.
DeleteGreat pictures. Glad you had a fun time. And the best part is that if it truly was research for your next novel, you can take the entire cost of the trip off on your income tax.:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyn. I'll be looking into that at tax time. Every little bit helps. :)
DeleteResearch--one of the most fun aspects of the writing life. Especially when you can do it at the beach. Good post, Pat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. Seriously, who could ask for more?
DeleteLooks like your research was soooo hard! (smile) Love the picture in front of Bubba Gumps restaurant--and love the lighthouse. Wonderful post to start my day off with--even though I'm a day late.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Madeline, it was difficult. If only all of life was that hard. LOL
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