Walking and Writing (Beginning Writer)

During the summer, my main job is on vacation and I am only teaching on Friday.  This has worked out great for me because it has given me a lot of time to write my second book without having to worry about making lessons and what not. 

I understand myself and know that I get distracted easily, games, tv shows...the list goes on.  Therefore I have developed a daily schedule that has worked great.

First: I wake up and check the internet while eating breakfast.  About an hour.

Then, I sit down and start writing.  Sometimes the words flow onto the paper, sometimes they don't, but I keep at it until lunch time.

Around 1:00 or so, I have a quick lunch and then go for my midday walk.  Before I walk, I try to clear my mind of everything other than my story.  Sometimes this is difficult, but most of the time I'm pretty successful at doing so.  Another thing I do is check over my story outline and reaffirm what I plan for the next part of my book to be.

Then, with nothing but my charcaters in my head to keep me company, I walk around a nearby lake called Seokchon Lake.  It's a very peaceful walk and the path is supposed to be one way, which allows me to think without worrying about running into people (though some do break the rules).  During my walk, I think about my book and how the story will go.  The words of my charcaters play through my head over and over, as do the many different things that might happen to them. 

By the time I have finished my walk, I have found my second wind and immediately get out my laptop and jot down ideas when I get home.  Sometimes I do this even before taking a shower, thus getting whatever I'm sitting on a bit sweaty (don't tell my wife). 

Walks are wonderful for me and my writing.  I highly suggest every writer try and do this.  Maybe it's not for you, but maybe you'll find it to be as helpful as I do.  My advice is to find a relaxing place to walk, think of nothing other than your book and then just enjoy yourself.  It also has the benefit of being healthy. 

Here's some pics of Seokchon Lake. 

 

It has a nice array of plants.  I particularly like these purple flowers.

 

The path is large, so it's easy to avoid people.  (usually)

 

Right in the city.

 

Trees line the path, offering shade from the sun.

 

Many Geese, a family of ducks, turtles, cats and more animals live on or nearby the lake.

 

It's pretty big.

 

Lotte World Amusement Park is in the middle of one.

 

The lake is full of these guys and other kinds of fish.  They congregate close to places where people throw bread for them to eat.

 

Algae grows all over the man-made they do a good job of keeping it under control.

 

 

I like this guy.  He's here everyday.  (the black bird to the left of the fountain).

 

He showed off for me today.  I guess he knew he was in a photo shoot.