Friday, May 23, 2008

Inspiration At The Lake

I've mentioned before that we live in a lake community. And, like so many writers, I draw inspiration from my surroundings - which is why the larger part of my novel is set around a lake just like ours.


Today, eager to get out in the beautiful weather, my daughters and I went in search of some fun. We had a picnic at the park, played on the slides and merry-go-round, and soon after headed to the beach with new buckets and shovels.


The girls busied themselves in a search for "treasure" as I stretched out and soaked in the scenery. From my sandy patch I enjoyed a perfect view of the water: Passing boats and jet skis, a spring breeze with fresh smells and contented sounds of outdoor activity reminded we why I so love where we live. And why I chose to write about it.


On a basic level, today's experience moved me to a renewed surety; I have to keep up with the edits of this book and proceed with finding representation. Then, even deeper, it gave me a kind of stirring, a kind of drive to sink further into my revisions. To really make sure I capture the essence of this life, this lake, so the reader can grasp it in full.


I hope I can do it justice.


12 comments:

Janet said...

Oh, built-in inspiration, always a good thing. I'll have to try that sometime.

I'm waving the white flag until the wedding is over. I'm just kidding myself if I think I'll get anything done between now and then.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Yes, focus on the wedding (I hope it goes well!) and then take several days, dead to the world, to recuperate!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

What a beautiful spot! My new book takes place in Mexico, but in the desert, so my surroundings don't help as much. One thing I am enjoying is that I'm able to incorporate little things I've learned about this country, things that didn't always make sense to include in my memoir.

Janna Leadbetter said...

That's so exciting! I love reading (even in fiction) about places I'm not familiar with. The Mexican desert counts! :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

The scene I'm working on now is a combination of all the little towns we've passed through, so I get to include all the things you take in but don't normally seem important enough to write about.

Travis Erwin said...

I id a post last week about the lake and how it inspired me so I'm with you..

Janna Leadbetter said...

Ooh! I'll have to go check it out. Thanks, Travis. :)

WendyCinNYC said...

How pretty. That does look very inspiring--fresh and verdant.

I just bought my very first laptop, so I'm excited to get out of my apartment and find inspiration. We went to the beach today, and I could hardly wait to get my computer up and running so I can clickclickclick in my beach chair.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Hooray for mobile writing! :)

Michele said...

What a precious photo! Can't wait to read your book, Janna! :-)

Wishing you the best,
Michele

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thank you, Michele. For both parts of your comment! :)

Michele said...

You're most welcome!

*smiles*
Michele