Finding My Writing Muse from the Desert to the Gulf
I’ve heard people can go into a room without windows and work, writing productively. I’ve never been able to think clearly in silence or without a view. Even as a child, I needed noise as I did my homework—a TV on or music playing. Silence was distracting.
The writing areas in my house always involve windows. My favorite spot is in the room with the TV, which I often have on for background noise. I particularly enjoy having murder mysteries playing while I’m busy turning scientific facts into rhymes!
But even though I enjoy my home in Tucson, I am often distracted in my writing. Meetings to go to, tasks to be completed, and household chores to be done. I’ve discovered that when I focus at home, it’s limited to short periods of time. They can be productive, but some books need me to commit big chunks of time to complete—maybe even several days in a row.
So, when I can, I travel to locations where I can sequester myself, spread out notes, and maybe even have dual screens for editing efficiency.
Writing Away from Home
Where am I most productive? I’m not entirely certain. I was able to pull together my award-winning book, Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona, in a hotel room in Punta Gorda, Florida. Mother Nature cooperated by having it rain torrentially for a couple of days. I was in town for a festival and felt energized by the solitude and the ocean view. Writing by the Gulf of Mexico may very well be my retreat of choice!
When I was volunteering on Cayman Brac, I was equally energized by the island environment. Of course, the Sister Isles Rock Iguanas are my ultimate writing spirit animals. The iguanas in The Bahamas are pretty inspiring, too. Before the pandemic, I was trying to visit all the islands that had iguanas on them. I haven’t gotten back to that pursuit quite yet, but I hope to soon.
Nowadays, I also long for my time visiting my cousin, Rick, in Peoria, Illinois—my hometown. I try to visit him and my friends there at least once a year, twice if I’m lucky. I don’t know if it’s the positive vibes from my childhood, the love of family, the quiet, comfortable working areas, or the fur and feather babies, but it always turns into a very productive writing retreat.
Lessons from the Mountain Trail
Recently, I thought I’d try following my muse up in Overgaard while riding my horse. Despite the amazing landscape and daily rides on my gelding, Poncho, I wasn’t creative at all. It might have had something to do with being absolutely zonked physically after all that trail activity! Instead of writing, I slept.
I think even my muse enjoyed the extra slumber. So, I’ll gladly refresh myself physically in Overgaard, and then channel that renewed energy right back into writing when I’m home in Tucson.
Help Bring Fun Science to Young Readers!
Did you know that many of my books—from island iguanas to desert wildlife—are used to inspire conservation awareness in classrooms? You can join in on the adventure by supporting our latest projects, including animated adaptations that bring these facts to life. Visit my author website to join in the fun!
