Howdy, Y’all. Sandra here. Isn’t it wonderful up here in
this fresh air? I love being on the ranch. I’m a bit saddle sore though from
the horseback ride I took the yesterday. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a
horse and those muscles are screaming.
So today I think I’ll take a hike up in the mountains. I love the smell of the pine needles warming
in the sun. I love catching a glimpse of the wildlife out here: deer,
jackrabbits, coyotes and maybe I’ll get to see a cougar. Mountain lions are
rare sightings though. I’ve only seen one in the wild about four times in my
whole life.
I love the feel of the warmth from the golden rays on my
skin. Anyone else here getting some suntan? I have a few more freckles on my
nose. Chuckle.
Maybe I’ll see an eagle soaring up in that deep blue sky.
The thing I like about taking a hike is that the physical
activity keeps my left brain occupied so I have full freedom in the right brain
to create. This really helps me develop my story in my head. Anyone else get
inspired from walking? Some of my best story ideas have developed while hiking
out in nature. In fact, Seeker buddies Myra, Cara and I all have novellas set
with the characters hiking in the collection Love Will Find A Way. link for that
Another strategy I’ve used to get inspired is to do what
Ruthy advises and that is just plain write every day. Sometimes I get stuck so
I find that instead of sitting and fretting about where to go in that corner, I
go write another scene that will fit in another chapter. Or I write a blog post
or even work on another wip. Sometimes letting the other sit and gel for a while
works. When I go back to it, I have some new ideas.
So if you’re stuck, maybe you can go sit on one of the
swings on Shane’s veranda and look out at the cattle, horses and gorgeous
scenery and write about what you see. It could be like a daily diary or some
journaling. And who knows, that info might come in handy in a future wip.
Share with us the ways you get inspired. Or what do you do
when you need to mull over your story ideas? I always love learning new
techniques. We will then be wise like
this great horned owl.
Happy trails, folks.
