More writing inspiration on the slopes

Gran Sasso from Ovindoli, Abruzzo

View of the Gran Sasso from the slopes

As this post goes out, I’ll be wrapping up a great week with my family out on the ski slopes of Italy’s Abruzzo region.

I always look forward to a week-long skiing break (heck, if I could, I’d make it a month-long skiing break), and my kids are avid skiers. I’ve written before on skiing in Ovindoli  – a mountain town close to Rome, and summer visits to Ovindoli.

But, in addition to the thrill of skiing each day (instead of going to the office), and breathing in the fresh, mountain air (instead of Roman smog), I always treasure this ski get-away because it also gives me plenty of time to write and to think about writing.

I crave physical activity for the creative process of plotting a novel. I’m always thinking through story ideas when I’m skiing, or hiking, or swimming. And what better way to think through a plot than when examining the view from the chairlifts or swooshing down the slopes?

When I’m back home and warm at the end of a physically tiring day, it’s great to get to work in front of the computer, getting ideas down on the page.

And you, writers? Do you find yourself writing more when you’re on the slopes – or the bike paths, or hiking trails?

4 Comments

  1. evelyneholingue on February 21, 2014 at 8:08 am

    On the hiking and biking trails since I tore two knee ligaments skiing three years ago and had to say goodbye to the slopes. I find in nature a lot of inspiration or a feeling of renewal, which helps me to write later on. Glad you had a great time on the slopes. Beautiful scenery.

    • kimberlysullivan on February 23, 2014 at 8:18 pm

      Ooh, I understand, Evelyne. I’ve had my share of injuries, too. But I know you live in an area where getting out in nature is a must – so I glad to read you’re hiking and mountain-biking. It is inspiring, isn’t it?

  2. Catherine on February 21, 2014 at 10:03 am

    You are so good! After a day’s skiing (umm plus plenty of bar hopping) I’m fit for the couch! I bring up my iPad for blog surfing or a good book. But creative ideas – no way! – in the car yes however. Enjoy your week! We’ve had metres and metres of snow this year..

    • kimberlysullivan on February 23, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      Haha, Catherine. I think the real culprit is WAY too tempting apres-ski options up in the Dolomites. Our little neck of the Apennines is awfully quiet, and hence the writing inspiration. For me, driving in Rome is way too stressful to come up with creative ideas. I’m just concentrated on not getting hit… : ) Enjoy all that snow!

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