How Ireland Reignited My Passion For Writing
Welcome!
This week’s blog post is a bit different from my previous ones. You’re going to learn more about me. (Gasp!) If that doesn’t interest you, that’s fine. Continue with your day and tune in next week for your regularly-scheduled programming.
But if you’re like me and you like a good story, then buckle up and let’s get rolling!
My name is Ceara, and I’m a writer. I’ve been writing novels - not good ones, but still - since I was 12 years old. I LOVE the written word and stories of all kinds. I’m an avid reader, movie-goer, and storyteller.
I’m in the querying process for my completed romantic suspense novel, SAFEKEEPING, and in the process of writing another in the fantasy genre.
As a writer, I spend a lot of time working on my craft. I’m in the throes of editing SAFEKEEPING for the billionth time and drafting my fantasy novel. When you’re in the trenches on a story, sometimes it’s hard to keep that spark alive.
You know, the spark? When you first have an idea and it’s shiny and fresh and new. Your stomach is aflutter and you eat, sleep and breathe the story. Conversations with the characters, sketches of the settings, and So. Much. Outlining!
And then you start writing, and you’re slogging through the hard scenes to get to the ones that make your heart beat just a little faster. And sometimes you’re stuck and you’re wondering, “Why, oh why, did I decide to be a writer?”
No? Just me?
I took a 2-week break from writing (and blogging) to spend 9 days in Europe. More specifically, 2 days in Paris and then 7 days in Ireland. A little background on this: Ireland has been on my bucket list for YEARS. Something about it has always called to me --the endless green rolling hills, the crumbling castles, and the lilting accents.
It was the trip of a lifetime. I can’t even explain to you what I felt while I was there. If there was ever a place that was meant to be my home, it’s Ireland.
I told myself that I wouldn’t write while I was there. I wanted to spend my time soaking up the scenery, absorbing everything and committing it to memory.
Sometimes a break from writing can be a good thing. We writers can get bogged down in our work and the creative outlet can become plugged. If that happens to you, I highly recommend a “writing vacation.”
That doesn’t mean you have to fly to Europe. Maybe it means you put away the laptop for a few days. Go outside and play in the yard. Read a new book in a different genre. Clean your house. Go on a road trip.
Find something (besides writing) that sets your soul on fire and dedicate some time to it. I promise you that fire will translate right back into your current writing project.
How do you find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy writing!