Recharging the Batteries
Terry Odell
Image by Eveline de Bruin from Pixabay
Routines are great. They’re comfortable. They keep us grounded. They keep us productive. But every now and then, it’s a good idea to get out of the rut. Do you have to order the same coffee every time? Dare you mix things up?
With writing, sometimes changes are very simple. For example, when I do my nightly reads of each completed chapter, I print it out and read it in bed. That gives me a different perspective and a different mindset. The words don’t look the same on paper as they do on the screen. I’m not getting mental “you’re at work” messages. I’m relaxed and reading my chapter the same way I’d be reading the book on my nightstand.
Even more of a change is how I read my draft of my completed manuscript. For this read-through, I change the font. Since I use TNR on my computer, I’ll use a sans-serif font for my printout. I reduce the size and print it single-spaced in columns. Not only does it save paper, but it totally changes the way my brain sees the words. The words line up differently, so repeated words jump out more readily. I’ve found it’s a very effective way to get through the entire manuscript that first time. It’s reading with fresh eyes.
Sometimes, the entire writing gig can use a jump start. Right now, I’ve hit the wall that shows up in every book, so I’ve left my mountain in Colorado for a getaway at an inn in Boonsboro, Maryland. (Thus, I’m probably not going to be able to respond to comments right away, but I’ll do my best.) I’m spending this week on a writing retreat with one of my writing partners. We’re planning a little sightseeing, taking advantage of some of the inn’s “girl time pampering”, and some face-to-face, real-time brainstorming. Maybe even a little writing.
In addition to a complimentary breakfast each morning, this inn offers a wine and charcuterie service every evening. What’s not to like?
My companion on this trip is starting her fourth book in her series about a character who’s in tune to the “other side” although she considers her “gift” more of a curse.
Turns out, where we’re staying is supposed to be haunted, and my buddy is hoping to pick up some vibes from any resident spirits.
Me, not so much on the ghostly angle, but the inn is owned by a prolific best-selling author and each of the guest rooms is decorated based on a book and its leading characters.. They are:
The Scarlet Pimpernel – Marguerite and Percy
The Thin Man – Nick and Nora
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Titania and Oberon
Pride and Prejudice – Elizabeth and Darcy
The In Death Novels – Eve and Roarke
Jane Eyre – Jane and Rochester
The Princess Bride – Westley and Buttercup
With so much literary power lurking in the wings, I’m hoping the “writer” side of me gains some inspiration.
I’m looking forward to the different environment, and that a real in person person to bounce ideas off of gets the momentum going again.
We’re both hoping to come away from this retreat with our writing batteries recharged.
What about you? What’s your favorite battery charging station?
Meanwhile, in other news, as an antidote to “hitting the wall”, I put together a bundle of the first 3 books in my Mapleton Mystery series: Deadly Secrets, Deadly Bones, and Deadly Puzzles. It went on sale Monday. You can get it here.
Terry Odell is an award-winning author of Mystery and Romantic Suspense, although she prefers to think of them all as “Mysteries with Relationships.”
That inn sounds like a hoot. I’d be in the Midsummer Night’s Dream room.
The beach is my favorite recharge place. Anything seems possible there.
I was going to the beach in utero, so I understand its appeal. I’ve become a mountain person, but this retreat in a small town in Maryland with its pastoral setting is inspiring, too.
I saw what you did there…
◾ Recharging the Batteries…
◾ Grounded…
◾ Jump start…
😋
I will draft in longhand sometimes, transcribe to the screen catching some repeats and awkward phrasings (and misspellings), print and red-line as well…
And travel – with music or interesting talk-radio (NPR’s Fresh Aire for example), new sights/sounds, or even familiar old ones – often get the “what if” juices flowing, and can take the “negative” day-to-day “currents” and turn ’em ’round into a “positive” flow…
Well, George, it must have been my subconscious at work, because my wordplay wasn’t intentional. 🙂
I like what you did, too. I agree the new surrounding are filled with ‘what if’ possibilities.
I love JD Robb and have read the entire Eve Dallas series – all 50+ books. I think I would find writing inspiration if I stayed in that Inn. Let us know if it works!
We arrived right in time for their wine and charcuterie last evening, and after a tour of the inn, soaked up the vibes, then went across the street to dinner where we did some brainstorming, so things are off to a good start. Word has it that Roberts/Robb will be at her bookstore tomorrow with advance copies of the new In Death book. We might have to pop over and grab a copy (although it will mess of the symmetry of my shelves of the MMPBs)
The beach for sure for me.
As for the room, I’d opt for Nick and Nora. They’d be the most fun to hang out with (along with Asta).
Another beacher. Understandable from a southern Californian. We’re in Marguerite and Percy simply because it’s the only room here with 2 beds. 🙂
My favorite battery charging station is mindless physical work, cutting firewood or mowing the grass on the trails or in the pasture. There is nothing like nature to inspire hope and fresh ideas.
Have a productive writer retreat
Doing mindless physical work is another good battery charger, along with nature. I’ll leave the firewood cutting to you — we have a gas fireplace, so it’s just a matter of flipping a switch. Also, no lawns where we are.
Agree about nature, Steve. No better inspiration.
That sounds like a dream vacation, Terry. Like dying from a chocolate overdose. I wouldn’t be able to write a word b/c I’d be overwhelmed, sucking up the atmosphere.
My change of scenery is being outdoors doing physical activity like hiking or gardening. That always power-washes the brain and sprouts new ideas.
Lunch with my good brainstorming buddies has solved a multitude of plot problems. You can practically see electricity sparking as alternating currents of ideas flow between us.
Enjoy every minute of your retreat and please tell us about it when you return.
Thanks, Debbie. We had a brainstorming session over dinner last night. Today, we’re walking to the Crystal Grottoes Caverns which should give us some new experiences to absorb.
Your getaway sounds like a wonderful trip to recharge the batteries, Terry, although I had to look up what a charcuterie is.
Travel also helps me recharge, and you gave me an idea for a future post. I also find a lot of inspiration when I’m out running and listening to good books or writing courses.
I also read my ms on paper as well as electronically. Don’t know why, but there’s a difference in the way I perceive the words.
Enjoy your stay and safe travels home.
Thanks, Kay. Glad I helped you find a topic. Definitely a difference in perception on screen vs paper. And I always do a final listen via the computer which catches more glitches.
Sounds like a cool mini-vacation, Terry. Let us know if any ghosts show up. 😉
I’d love to go on a writing retreat, but I fear I might lose my mojo without my usual routine.
Hope you have a blast!
I think when I get back to my usual routine, I think my mojo will be rejuvenated.
Wow, Terry, what a cool place to stay.
I didn’t see the room listed that I’d choose: Narnia, with Aslan & Reepicheep for me!
My recharging station is playing outside with my praying mantids (in the summer). And sometimes I play Scrabble against the computer. It’s amazing what thinking up words can do for the girls in the basement. 🙂
When you get back, you must tell us all the juicy details, K?
I’ll have to suggest that new room to Nora when/if she decides to remodel or renovate, Deb!
My writing buddy and I also play Words With Friends. And do Wordle and Phrazle. And I’ve started doing Connections, but my brain doesn’t work that way.
Yes!! The door into the room could be made to look like wardrobe door in the Spar ‘oom!
What fun…
This sounds like an amazing way to recharge. I like to think of changing things up as little “sensory field trips.” I think my senses become dull to the things I interact with daily, so putting them in a new environment wakes them up again.
And a potential haunted inn would certainly keep more than my senses awake!
Enjoy and thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Lori – We went for a walk to the Crystal Grottoes this morning, and definitely had “new” sensory input, from smells of the exhaust of the trucks barrelling up and down the road, to the fresh-cut grass in the pastures. Not like at home. The feel of the hot and humid air — definitely not like home. We weren’t allowed to touch anything in the caves, so that sense didn’t get refreshed. And when our guide turned off the lights and left us in total darkness — another experience.
The Zane Grey Hotel in Catalina used to have each room named after one of his books. We stayed in “The Light of Western Stars.” They were revamped in 2019, so I don’t know if that’s still true.