Writing From A Sense Of Place
Any place or landscape can become a writing prompt. Descriptions of landscape may carry layers of meaning beyond the physical forms. Since attending an online workshop focused on creating a sense of place in our writing, I’ve been aware of ways I can build physical details into my writing, making it stronger. Landscapes and physical places can also be metaphors. I live on Vancouver Island, where logging is a major industry. Lately, I’ve been asking myself, “How is a logging clearcut representative for some aspect of my life?” Another question has been, “What is the possibility for restoring vibrancy to this devastated place?” Using the imagery of landscape brings the possibility of deeper understanding to my writing, and to my self-awareness.
Connected To Your Body
You might be wondering how to begin writing from a sense of “place”. I suggest you begin by becoming connected to your body. Slowing down, perhaps becoming still for a few minutes, and taking time to notice the contact your feet have with the ground, the places of contact your body has with your seat, and then – if you are able – notice the rhythm of your breath. In the process of coming home to your body, you may also find yourself noticing the physical details around you with more clarity.
In her book, Old Friend from Far Away, Natalie Goldberg has an exercise called, “What’s in Front of You”. If ever you feel stuck in your writing, doing this exercise can break down the walls of resistance. Once you have slowed down and opened up your senses, try writing the physical details of what’s in front of you for five minutes. “In front of me is a wooden light brown wall with a rectangular cloth hanging in the centre. The cloth is shiny, perhaps silk, and the border is deep red with patterns etched in delicate gold thread …..” I looked up and wrote these words as I’m drafting this post, and immediately felt more grounded, present to my surroundings and to my inner core. These seemingly simple practices can support your writing in surprising ways. If your mind wanders off, come back to the physical details in front of you.
Exploring Place And Memory
I experience Place as a portal. If I envision the lake I grew up beside, the sensory experience of “lake” opens up memories, and allows me to layer “Past Marie” with “Present Marie” – and perhaps allow me to envision “Future Marie”. My connection to lakes and water is a powerful thread in my life.
I also believe that land holds memories. Have you ever had the experience of walking into an area, and suddenly remembering something long forgotten? This “memory” might be something ancestral, like the way I felt when I travelled in northern Italy – on foot – and felt so “at home”. It’s like my body was remembering where my father came from, even though I’d never been there before. I have not written much about this experience, but when I do, I will let my emotional resonance emerge. The sense of coming home was so body-centred that I ended up having a full menstrual cycle, even though I was menopausal. What was that about?
Juxtapose Past And Present
Another possible writing exercise is to juxtapose past and present. Try using the prompt: “If I went there now …..” OR “There would still be the ______ but the ____ would be gone.” Then you might consider where you might locate a character within this landscape you’re creating.
As you begin to incorporate more sensory details into your writing, you may find that you are – in fact – writing your way home.
marie
If something in this newsletter inspired you, send me a note at marie@mariemaccagno.com.
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1 thought on “Writing From A Sense Of Place”
Returning from a few weeks at an International Congress in Kalimantan, Indonesian southern Borneo, I love reading Writing from a Sense of Place! Seeing Orangutan on the beaches and so much more was an amazing experience. At Rungan Sari Resort there was a unique sense of place very different from home on the west coast here in Victoria. Writing from a Sense of Place is an inspiring perspective from which to express my recent experiences.
Thank you Marie for sharing this and all the other Prompt messages you send us ❤️
Warmest wishes,
Wiluya