As an author, I tend to put Southern charm in my books. There have even been instances when I use British or French characters because of my background. This is a subconscious thing most of the time. Why do authors tend to keep to the same location when they write? Simply put, we know that area well and it is usually a place dear to us so it’s only natural to use a familiar location in most of our books; otherwise, more research would be needed and we do enough of that already. It really is as simple as that.
While I grew up in Texas and lived in the UK, I moved to Arizona months ago. I’ve been drawn to the desert before but I’d never been to a place like this…the High Desert… as in mountains and actual foliage verses the bleak, sandy expanse that is probably in your mind right now. Since I’ve lived here, I’ve had the privilege to take in some natural beauty and it will undoubtedly sneak its way into my writing. New adventures mean new works are around the corner. That’s just how it goes.
I am always thankful when I accomplish something on my “Live Life” list and that is just what I was able to do several weeks ago. Living a dream really is one of the best motivators to reach another goal and continue accomplishing your dreams. Little getaways, no matter how small, can increase your creativity whether it’s writing novels or writing music with the added bonus of retraining your focus onto what matters. My trip across the Southwest did just that. It sparked new music for me (I couldn’t restrain myself from songwriting on the open road!) and grounded me.
At the Grand Canyon, Arizona
The wonder of the Grand Canyon
Standing on the 4 Corners Monument: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona
Monument Valley, Utah
The Painted Desert
Petrified Forrest National Park
International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Enjoying nauture
Travelling through White Apache, Navajo, and Hopi land
On old Route 66
Roswell, New Mexico
…I think now is the perfect time for me to harness some of that inspiration from the road trip into something beautiful. I encourage you to do the same.
XOXO,
D
