Prime the Writer’s Well!

By Debby Giusti

In Seekerville, we talk a lot about writing and how to create stories. Today I want to focus on something that seems counterproductive, yet plays into the writing process in a very real way. Let’s talk about excursions, those short trips to fun or interesting destinations that provide rest and relaxation and an opportunity to prime our writer’s well.

 

Remember the old saw, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…or Jill a dull girl.” Those of us who produce art need to keep our creativity flowing. Too much time at the computer for weeks--if not months--on end can tire our Muse and drain our inspiration. Over the years, we’ve had blogposts on the benefits of eating right and getting a good night’s sleep to stay focused on our craft. We’ve learned how some folks unwind with a good book, often outside the genre they write, to counter writer fatigue. Others might watch a movie or a favorite television show. Exercise, whether a short walk or 5K jog, a neighborhood bike ride or a dip at the local pool, also boosts creativity and production.

Another way to combat writer burn out is to travel. A day trip to a local historic sight, a hike in a nearby state park, a scenic mountain drive or a longer trip to an interesting destination provide a change of pace that can jump start our stalled writing engines.

My family and I recently spent a few days in Charleston, South Carolina. We have visited the “Holy City,” as Charleston with its 400 churches is called, a number of times and always enjoy the beauty and charm of the historic district. I wanted to share a few photos from our trip. Hopefully, you’ll see why I’m drawn to the unique setting that not only nurtures my spirit but also provides fodder for future stories.

We spotted dolphin in the water near this spot.

The stars on the side of this home are decorative ornaments that
cover earthquake bolts installed to
shore up homes damaged in the huge 1886 quake.

The area was first settled in 1670 and was named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England. At the end of the Revolutionary War, the name was changed to Charleston.

Rainbow Row--13 Georgian row houses painted
in pastel colors that were saved by the newly formed
Preservation Society of Charleston in the 1920s.

The Edmondston-Alston House is open to the public
and was built in 1825.

In 1920, a group of concerned Charlestonians formed the first historic preservation society in the United States. Thanks to their efforts, Charleston retains some of the look and feel of centuries past.

This corner shop was a tavern in the 1600s
when pirates such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet
sailed in Charleston Harbor.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was built in 1721.
The British imprisoned American patriots here
during the Revolutionary War.

The stone outside this historic home
served as a step for those entering or leaving their
carriages.

Historic homes vary from early “single houses,” one room wide, to three-story mansions surrounded by lush gardens and decorative wrought iron fences. Expansive piazzas, or porches, catch the sea breezes and provide idyllic spots to sip a cool drink on a hot afternoon.

Two Meeting Street Inn, dates from 1892, and is now a B&B.

The Nathaniel Russell House, 1808.

The City Market offers an eclectic assortment of wares—everything from sweetgrass baskets made in the Gullah tradition, to benne wafers, a sesame-based cookie, to watercolor prints and oil paintings that capture the beauty of the historic sights.

Sweetgrass baskets made by the lady in the baseball hat. The small
baskets sell for over $100.

One of the expansive homes that overlook

Battery Park.

The port of Charleston, located at the confluence of the Ashely, Cooper and Wando Rivers, is known for its seafood and restaurants abound. Oysters on the half shell, she crab soup, low country boil, crab cakes and shrimp and grits are just a sampling of the epicurean delights. Pralines made at the Charleston Candy Kitchen located across from the City Market are a local favorite, as well.

Oysters on the half shell served at The Oyster House.

We ate our oysters charbroiled instead of raw.

Everyone loves to sample pralines at the
Charleston Candy Kitchen.

The entire Charleston experience transports me to another world where I’m rejuvenated and inspired, whether I’m touring the city in a horse-drawn carriage, walking along the Civil War seawall at Battery Park, admiring the stately old residences that date back to the 18^th century or enjoying breakfast in our hotel courtyard. On the drive home, I thought of new stories to write and characters to develop. My well was primed and I was eager to return to my writing.

We ate breakfast here in the courtyard of our hotel each morning
and returned in the late afternoon for an assortment
of cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and crab dip.

Other favorite historic destinations on the East Coast that provide relaxing getaways include Savannah, Georgia, and Saint Augustine, Florida. A trip to the beach – any beach – in the summer as well as a mountain retreat in winter offer short respites that refresh and inspire.

Do you recognize this Charleston church from the movie,
"The Patriot," staring Mel Gibson?

Do you have a favorite location in your part of the country that provides a refreshing oasis where you can prime your creative well? Share the ways you relax and unwind whether it’s a staycation at home or long distance travel.

I had to have my picture taken with Max, a retired Amish draft horse,
who pulled our carriage as we toured the historic area. 

AMISH RESCUE, the third book in my Amish Protectors series, is in stores this month and features Sarah’s story. Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for AMISH RESCUE and a 2018 Daily Planner.

Breakfast is served. This morning’s fare includes omelets, bacon, cheese grits, fresh salmon, fruit and biscuits. The coffee’s hot, so is the tea. Grab a plate and pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage as we talk about writer getaways and how you prime your inspirational well.

Happy traveling!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

Amish Rescue

By Debby Giusti

Hiding with the Amish

Englischer Sarah Miller escapes her captor by hiding in the buggy of an Amish carpenter. Joachim Burkholder is her only hope—and donning Plain clothing is the only way to keep safe and find her missing sister. But for Joachim, who’s just returning to the Amish, the forbidden Englischer is trouble. Trapping her kidnapper risks his life, but losing Sarah risks his heart.

Order HERE!

For those in my local area:

AUTHOR DEBBY GIUSTI

will sign her new Love Inspired Suspense

AMISH RESCUE

at

BOOKS-A-MILLION

The Avenues, Peachtree City

770-632-1296

Thursday, April 19, 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

~Proceeds benefit Pregnancy Aid Clinic~

PAC provides life-changing and life-saving services 

free of charge to women in the Atlanta area.

Free drawing for author Gift Basket.

Long distance phone orders taken.

Books will be signed and mailed.