My Creative Surroundings

Alexandra VanHorn
May 15, 2017
2 min read

Setting the scene is difficult enough in writing, so naturally it’s a challenge to find an appropriate setting to get your creative juices flowing. Spaces around us hold great potential, if only we sit and find the sparks glittering. Today we are going to look at some of my favorite places to write, create, and brainstorm. This may not seem like the most inspired list. To some, it will be downright mundane. But think of it this way: how often can you slip away to France to find your groove? When is the last time you woke up and took to a cliff top to find your muse? I appreciate every nook I have in my life and I hope this will help you appreciate the potential in your surroundings. With that, let us begin! Here are the places in my life where my motivation is at it's highest!

My couch

I'm a writer. My writing process can rarely begin without two things: a puppy laying beside me and a couch beneath my butt. Pets make a relaxing environment (but more on that for another day) and couches allow you to truly feel comfort. I need to relax to start a project and my couch is where I set sail on many an endeavor. One of the greatest gifts I ever received was a lap desk from my husband. It easily allows me to transform any of our several couches into thrones of creativity.

Coffee Shops

I often avoided coffee shops because I thought I would be distracted by chatter. I’m happy to say that’s not the case. Coffee shops are a hub for focus! Everytime I go I see professionals getting work done, students pouring over textbooks, and even job interviews (though there was that one time I’m pretty sure someone was recruiting for a cyborg army)! Coffee shops are a place to dive into your work. If you really need motivation, just do what I do: pretend the baristas are watching you and if you don’t actually work you will be judged for all eternity. Now close that cat video, order a latte (I get mine with a shot of raspberry) and get to work!

By a window

For how awful I am at keeping plants alive, I swear I’m a house plant! I always find myself drawn to places and spaces near a window. The sunlight pouring over me sets my ideas ablaze. On rainy days, I watch the droplets come down and my gears get turning. It seems that things that normally should distract me are often what is best for my inspiration!

Whew! You might not know this, but this is my first time blogging in ages! I decided to start off simple with this post. I’m finally enjoying blog writing again and I hope you’ll have fun reading my rambles! Let me know if you have any suggestions for future content!