At 59, I’m almost done with the decade Gail Sheehy calls “feisty” and I wonder what took me so long. To get feisty, I mean. Really, I spent my 50s publishing novels and teaching writing. Not what I’d call feisty activities. But then something happened this year, well, a lot of somethings happened, and I snapped into feisty so fast it made my head spin.
As an example of my new-found adventuress spirit (it’s not new, it just went away for awhile and now it’s baaaack) I’m going away alone today on a special sort of date with myself. I’m even spending the night. I’m not really clear on why I’m doing this except something inside says “you must.”
With Mac and my camera, I’m hoping to get some writing done and maybe start dabbling with a new video project. But then, maybe I’ll just write a few pages and then read. (I want to learn about this next stage Sheehy talks about, the “Selective Sixties” which are right around the corner for me.) I’m going to be spontaneous. I’m going to look out at the water. I’m going to order a really good dinner and eat alone in the restaurant attached to the hotel. I’m considering dressing up. Which for me means not jeans. Just going to see how I feel when I get there.
I first heard about writing alone in hotels from the ever-feisty Anne Stuart. There’s something about being alone in a room with a book project on deadline that fires up a creative spark. It works in a way being at home does not. Stuart has often drafted entire books over a long weekend this way. My friend Laura Zera also swears by writing outside the house. She has a little office she goes to every day where she is not distracted by domestic duties. Natalie Goldberg prefers coffee shops as does Jennifer Weiner.
Me, I like writing early in the morning, in my blessedly empty house, in my pajamas. But just lately I’ve been stalled on my current fiction project and the mere thought of this mini-getaway sparked some plot ideas. Really, I can hardly wait. Check in is at 3. Better start packing:)
Cynthia Harrison 
I’m so chuffed that you’re going to give it a try! I think you’ll find it rejuvenating in so many different ways. And before I leased the office space, I used to do hotel weekends (scored some awesome deals by bidding on Priceline!). Have a fantastic, relaxing, wonderful time. xo
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LOL as you know it didn’t quite turn out as planned, but then, what does? And you know what? That voice was still in my head after the accident, not five minutes from home “You must go!” So I did. And I am having a great time just feeling the love!!
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You are awesome ! I’m sure it will work for you “ENJOY”
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What worked was your Mama advice, or Big Sis, really. “Take a hot bath.” Boy that felt good:)
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This is great. I went away to write too. Loved it hope to do it again sometime. 🙂
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There’s something about hotels. They offer a less cluttered version of living. Sometimes that by itself is enough to reinvigorate the mind.
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Yes, and I will do it again. Hoping for an early night and to be able to get some real writing time in tomorrow before check out:)
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Good for you, gal. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures. I hope they include lobster and champers… 😉
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Bodicia, I had seafood linguini and chardonnay. I had never tried clams and they were good! Then before I had a vodka martini and after Key Lime pie with some liquor my waiter recommended. I just went for it. I shot that pic just for you…but I have lots more and maybe I’ll do another post on “plans” lol.
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I like the idea of getting feisty – I have a couple of years left and I applaud your ideas for the 60’s and will keep them in mind. I’m going to give Blue Heaven a go – the setting catches my fancy.
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Thank you Francis! I hope you enjoy … your 50s, 60s, and beyond. Also Blue Heaven, lol.
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I wish you the best with the trip.
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Thanks MysteryKnitter!
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