:: Leda Sammarco - It's a book thing ::

It may not feel like it after the recent Bank Holiday weather, but the summer is approaching (so I’ve heard!) and if it has been difficult finding time to write, then you may want to consider booking a trip for that express purpose.

Here are some suggestions of how to make the most of a writing break:

Switch off
That means no Blackberry, no phone calls to clients and no wi-fi (which means no email or internet to distract you). In fact, the less outside stimulation you have the better. I once read an interview with film director Francis Ford Coppola, who said that if he wanted to come up with a new creative project he would have to give up TV for a year!

Go West
Maybe you have a favourite place that you find very inspiring; the author Wayne Dyer regularly writes on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Or, you could go somewhere new to engage your sense of wonder. Someone I know recently treated herself to ten days in the Hamptons in New York so she could get started on a long-standing idea for a book.

Nature and Nurture
It can be very replenishing to spend time in nature either in the mountains or by the sea. This can really feed your soul and the outer stillness helps to quiet the inner dialogue. As the mind calms down, you get a new perspective on things and the ideas start to flow.

Follow in Their Footsteps
Visit places where other writers have lived such as Concord, Massachusetts for Henry David Thoreau or go somewhere that has featured in an inspiring book such as the pyramids in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.

Get Out of Your Head
Moving your body is a great way to clear your mind. It allows you to empty yourself and surrender completely to a higher consciousness. Someone once told me that this is why the Sufis whirl and spin for hours on end.

Like Minds
Spending time in a writers and artists community, such as The MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire, USA can be a great way to get down to some serious writing. You can spend up to five weeks there (room and board are free) and at least 61 Pulitzer Prizes have been received by the 5,000 artists who have been in residence over the years!

Home Sweet Home
If you can’t go away, then you can have a writing day at home. Tell people you will be unavailable, turn off the TV, don’t answer the phone, send your partner or kids out for the day, keep the curtains drawn (if you like!) and get going.

To share your thoughts or favourite places for writing, please go to my blog