Writing Spaces

Writing Spaces

With the panic that’s currently gripping the world, it seems like scenes from what we all considered sci-fi/fantasy books and movies are entering the stream of daily life. Having just attempted to do some grocery shopping, I think I need a recovery break before attempting anything else. It’s true that there is massive unease and uncertainty at the present time, and that, in some instances, brings out the worst or the best in people, depending on the scenario.

As a writer, it’s an interesting conundrum. On the page, I want to expose my characters to scenarios where they need to make choices that may be morally ambiguous, where there’s no good and clear path to the correct action and see how they behave. Being presented with a shoving mob attempting to buy basic grocery items, or starting to work from home and isolate away from the real people around me is a different proposition. It’s fodder for great amounts of exploration into the human psyche, and what makes people do the things they do.

I’ve long held out on dreams of finding somewhere isolated and beautiful to just hole up and write for a while. No interruptions, no day to day grind. How much would be possible if there isn’t anything else that has to happen. I’ve drooled over images of gorgeous writing cabins near the sea, away in mountain villages, idyllic islands, or just quiet summer houses not too far from home. It’s been a back-burner plan, that, as of yet, hasn’t happened.

In the oncoming panic, the need to do what’s necessary to help the community cope, may mean an enforced isolation. A hibernation at home with a laptop and an overactive imagination. Whilst looking for a positive in a sea of negative over information, the small things often mean a lot, and gives light to otherwise dark spaces.