Writing and travelling

When you visit somewhere new, make notes.  Think about the different smells and tastes, the way the weather feels, the way the people act, the way the light falls through the window.  It’s hard to write when you’re on the road, but even if you only jot down a few ideas, a sentence or two, you can always use what you’ve got later.

And if you’re not travelling, use writing as an opportunity to go wherever you want to.  I don’t believe in writing what you know.  I believe in using your imagination (and some research) to create something believable on the page.  So travel right now – choose a country you’ve wanted to visit or one you know and love.  Look it up on the Internet or read about it in a book.  Then imagine yourself there.  Describe it intimately so someone else could go there too, through your words, with you.