This blog post was written during jetlag and recovering from the FIFA World Cup 2014 Final (I was supporting Argentina…sigh). Factor in kegs of caffeine and you get a fair idea of my state-approaching-zombie. I have tried to be lucid here.
One of the first things I do when organizing a trip (any trip!) is plan and pack my writing which means…
* …outlining what I would like the trip to yield writing-wise. E.g. I hope to write 5 new poems OR I would like to do two poetry readings OR I will speak about poetry at a school.
* …planning for at least 1 hour of uninterrupted writing time during my day.
* …making a list of places to see or things to do that I want to write about or hope to get inspired by.
Every time I take a trip, I am almost always brought to a realization of how traveling can enrich and sustain our writing:
1 – Language Use
Since I write in English, I think the most interesting part of traveling is the opportunity to interact with different people and hear the way they use the English language. Oftentimes, it can be in surprising and innovative ways, especially in places where it is not the native language. Even where English is the official, spoken language its use can vary region-to-region, place-to-place. I always pay attention to how people express themselves when I’m traveling because oftentimes their word choices can inform my own writing.
2 – Writing Fodder
I find I get inspired while traveling. I get new grist for my poems. Every place has stories and its own traditions of storytelling and poetry and to be able to absorb that as well as translate my firsthand experience into new work is rewarding. Traveling equals fresh writing material.
3 – Fresh Experience
Travel is good for breaking out of Writer’s Rut – the groove where writers get stuck in uninspired word usage, unoriginal thought processes and lack of motivation. Travel provides injection of fresh thought. It opens you up to the possibilities of a new way of being. It can be a much-needed and healthy interruption in the sameness of writing life.
4 – Broadens Worldview
Exposure to a new place, people, a different way of life can be great triggers for writing. A broadened worldview can add depth and richness to your understanding of the human condition and bring you to a deeper appreciation of the diversity and complexity of a different culture that can translate into your writing.
5 – Self-discovery
You can find yourself in new situations through travel which becomes a great way to learn more about yourself, what your comfort levels are, what challenges you, how you react under certain conditions. This kind of self-awareness contributes to your growth as a writer and matures your writing.
Travel for a love of words. Until next week!
Leave a Reply