A Home Away From Home
“There’s No Place Like Home.” -Dorothy
Have you ever stayed someplace that you’d return to in a heartbeat, a place you hesitate to spread the word about, sure that if you tried to go back, it would be booked solid with no room for you? Casa Dona Maria, with my own little studio surrounded by windows, was that. Living and dining areas, a lovely bedroom, and a luxurious bathroom. There were modern touches and decor combined with stonework on the walls that made the studio feel cozy. The living area, where I would write, was bright, even in the rain. The garden was a splendid place to take to step out, breathe, stretch, and take a break from the screen. I thought it was so perfect, I’d have loved to live in it permanently - if only I could have it shipped back to Canada for me.
There was a language barrier between myself and the owner at first but, with my very basic grasp of Spanish, a lot of gesturing, and his patience, we plowed through it. My brain could barely hold the new words he fed me. I even wondered if he actually spoke English and was messing with me. But that was likely just me creating “story!” It turns out, my hosts were amazing, caring people, and the food and wine were the best I’d had on the trip. After one particularly succulent serving of beef in a rich gravy, which I raved about, a meal they made from memory, they wrote out the recipe for me. As I ate dessert, I heard them squabble and laugh in the other room while they did so, not knowing what they were up to. I so appreciated their effort, even if it was written in Spanish, baiting me into the task of translating it in order to make it.
I booked in for five nights, the three I’d need while completing the last four stages of my Camino, and two more to catch up on some writing. I fell into a lovely routine, particularly after I received my official Compostella certificate. I spent mornings and evenings working on Wayward, tweaking the plot line, and adding local flavor.
I’m always inspired by settings. To me, “place” becomes a character. It did for Wayward, and for Love With a Side of Water, set mostly in Ireland. I wrote with the hope that the Casa would appear on the big screen one day. The darling little courtyard is where things began to sizzle between Farren and Liam. And the studio - well, there was romance, passion, laughter, confusion, and frustration. I wrote my first and best-ever love scene there, with others to follow. I’d always allowed my characters their privacy beyond a kiss. But not in Wayward. Somehow I wanted Farren to throw caution to the wind along with insecurities about aging and body image.
How strongly does a sense of place influence your writing?
Do you keep a travel journal when you go on a trip?
. Remember that your home turf is a destination for some travelers. Perhaps carrying a travel-at-home journal would you allow you to see home in a whole new light.
Ultreia! Forward, together.
