For those non-writers reading this, allow me to introduce a common expression among writers: “Off to the writing cave.” This is how we tell people that we are going to work.
Are writers really going into a cave? I sure hope not. But hey, no judging from this corner. If dark, dank caves are your thing, or they help get the writing juju flowing, good for you.
But for me? I am not going into a cave – real or fictional. Yuck – caves are gross! Why would I even want to pretend to go in one?
I don’t know who started this cave business but I have to assume it was a writer. Shame shame. We are the most creative people on the planet. We develop completely different worlds with mixed breed characters who can also shape shift or travel through time. A typical night has us living amongst magical entities or smokin’ hot alpha male firefighters who love kittens and can look in our eyes and “just know” what we’re thinking. We take an ordinary small town and make it into a place where everyone wants to live.
But we’re stuck in a freaking cave?
I don’t think so. I’m not going into a cave. Honestly, I don’t even go camping.
What’s that? Caves are just a metaphorical term for head space. Well, guess what? My head does not want to be in a space that evokes images of bats, creepy crawlers and mud. My head needs to be somewhere palatial.
That’s why I’m crawling out of the cave and doing my writing in a castle. I’m envisioning a beautiful lake or ocean outside the windows as a heavenly breeze flows through the beautiful silk curtains.
I’m seeing a super-hot male waiter who brings me all my favorite treats; treats that just so happen to have zero calories. I weigh twenty pounds less and I’ve paid off my mortgage. My dog, Harry, frolics happily through the lush gardens as a light scent of lavender permeates the room.
Yes, this sounds like a much happier place to me.
While every other writer is crawling back into their cave, they should consider following me instead. Meanwhile, I’m off to the writing castle.
Love your writing castle, Kerri! Maybe you’ll let the rest of us visit from time to time? 🙂
And this is why we’re critique partners. I’m no stinkin spelunker either.
So true! Mine has a steady supply of coffee and tea, bottled water and healthy snacks. The seasons change without unpleasant weather EVER. Whew! Maybe envisioning this will get me to embrace the writing aura more frequently!
I like the castle analogy. Alos, instead of a cave, why don’t we say: “I’m off to the beach.”
My castle travels with me.
Yay! I’ve been waiting for you to blast the darn writing cave! Your palace sounds very Kerri which means awesome-sauce. I’ve been in my cave since September but I’ve had lots of fun in there… 🙂
I forgot to say that in honor of this post, I will now refer to my cave as my cabana 😉
I actually thought it would be super cool to live at Luray Caverns. This was many years ago, but I loved it so much I wanted to move in. Of course, the dank and dark might get spooky without the electricity thing they have goin’ on.
With regards to the writer’s cave…I will also consider it a castle from now on. Or a pretty log cabin. I like log cabins. Ones that have been visited by exterminators. I’m not one for the creepy crawly thingie either.
Great post.
Get thee back to the castle now.
I totally want to be invited to your castle!! I mean, great things should come out of great places and well, what is more fantastic then a castle? Meet you on west wing lawn for tea at 4!
Have fun in your castle – I hope to find mine soon! I can’t wait to be writing all day, all night again. I too prefer writing in a beautiful, warm place with quiet music, strong coffee and handsome men!
Or in a tree house on a deserted island, kind of like Blue Lagoon. How cool would that be?
Thank you for all the comments! I’m so glad you enjoyed my castle and hope everyone finds their special place too! Big smoochies! 😉