Locations to Write a Novel
Which Locations Will Inspire You?: A writer’s job usually seems so easy to all non-writers. “So, you just sit and write stuff, and that’s it?”
You’ve probably heard this before. What lies behind that “sitting and writing stuff” is self-doubt and the never-ending need for inspiration. Writers are in a constant search for the flow of ideas that will get them to that one big goal – writing a book.
Creating something unique such as your book can put some pressure on you. However, the solution is simple – travel. Traveling can help with your writing in many ways. It can give you the needed life experience that you can use in the book, it can broaden your mindset, and ultimately, give you the inspiration you need. If you are looking for an inspirational place for your writing endeavor, here are some of the most amazing places in the world.
1. San Sebastian, Spain
This is the place that inspired Ernest Hemingway to write The Sun Also Rises. If it was good enough for Hemingway, it could work for you as well.
San Sebastian offers that mix of beautiful beaches and charming town that simply takes you into another universe. The best time to go to San Sebastian is in the winter. That is if you wish to avoid all the tourists.
Let the amazing cuisine, historical architecture, and the sound of waves calm your body and mind. Only the thoughts that are worthy of writing down will stick around.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s cozy cafes and literary salons are everything you need for your writing adventure. Did you know that this city has one of the highest concentrations of bookstores in Europe?
The cultural value that the streets exude will charm you from the very first time you step into the city. If you want to get lost in the crowd or observe the people that come to this town, take a walk on Charles Bridge. You’ll see everyone from musicians, artists, tourists, and locals, crossing the Vltava river.
Make sure that you head to Franz Kafka Museum. The long-term exhibit known as The City of K. Franz Kafka and Prague explains how the artist and the city are inextricably intertwined.
3. Crystalline Turquoise Lake, Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
Do you want to go to nature’s own fairyland? Crystalline Turquoise Lake can make that happen. This lake can get you that feeling of purity and innocence. You’ll be surprised by what kind of beauty nature can create.
Jiuzhaigou National Park is set in China’s Sichuan province. It is a network of valleys whose scenery takes your breath away. Surrounded by spectacular waterfalls, colorful lakes, and mountains, you can’t help yourself but start expressing your originality.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh was the first that gained the title of the world’s UNESCO City of Literature. If that isn’t enough to convince you, here is what can. It is the home of literary names like Jackie Kay, J.K. Rowling, Robert Burns, Irvine Welsh, and Muriel Spark.
You can go to cafes where these writers spend time creating their masterpieces. Some of those cafes are The Elephant House (J.K. Rowling’s favorite), Milnes Bar, and Poets’ Pub.
If you plan to travel in August, you should know that within that month, they organize the Edinburgh International Book Festival. You can take part in over 800 events such as workshops, debates, discussion series, panel discussions, and much more.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans was a setting for numerous poetry and novels. Authors of all kinds originated or spent time in this iconic place. You probably know the work of some, for example, William Faulkner, Kate Chopin, and Anne Rice.
Hotel Monteleone is one of the favorite places of famous writers. Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and William Faulkner all stayed in this hotel. You can also check out Carousel Bar & Lounge and try to travel in the past when these writers were still around.
You think of this city to be like any other. That is why you have to visit it and solve the mystery that drove so many bright names in literature to this particular place.
6. Kolkata (Calcutta), India
The place of religion, the festival of human existence, and the city splendid in its decay – the best ways to describe Kolkata. Kolkata is known as the artistic, intellectual, and cultural capital of India.
Writing a novel is a complex process which is why this place can provide you with inspiration of any sort. You can observe the self-made middle class, and notice the non-extinguishable poverty, specific customs, and dominant urban area.
When in Kolkota, you must visit Victoria Memorial (Grand museum for art and Indian history), Dakshineswar Kali Temple, National Library of India, and the place of Mother Theresa’s grave – The Mother House Of the Missionaries Of Charity.
These city-inspired novels like “Bengal Nights” by Mircea Eliade and “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Besides, it was the place of birth of the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, Rabindranath Tagore.
7. Havana, Cuba
This list can’t end without mentioning Cuba. You probably know that Havana was Ernest Hemingway‘s favorite place on Earth. He had his own house there. He found his favorite pub (Floridita), his favorite drink (Daiquiri), and his source of inspiration.
He wrote some of his masterpieces like The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls, there. Once you visit Havana, you’ll understand why Hemingway fell in love with it.
Time has stopped in this city. Spend some time in Old Havana, and you’ll feel like you’re living in the same century as Hemingway. The most astonishing part is its vibrant culture that will give you an endless list of topics to write about.
Isn’t it amazing how versatile and authentic the world we live in is? Whether you want to surround yourself with nature, with people, or with mesmerizing buildings, you can get it all. Start exploring the world, and you’ll see how your mind opens up to new thoughts, dilemmas, and conclusions. Such ideas can be crucial for creating your masterpiece.
