5 Places for Great Writing

Where do writers conjure their best ideas and find inspiration to fill the blank page? While scribblers can scratch out prose anywhere from a cramped airplane seat to a quiet backyard perch, we have 5 heightened suggestions for settings that seem to spark storytelling magic.

Writers write everywhere, but when you have trouble we have 5 suggestions for where to gain inspiration. These are simple and to the point, and they work. If you don’t believe us try them. They are in no particular order.

1 Forests

Nestled in lush wooded areas, the trees seem to whisper tales in the gentle breeze while woodland creatures scurry about providing the perfect atmosphere to ignite your creativity. As you walk along quiet trails, descriptions and dialogue seem to flow more freely far from the clamor of everyday life. Find a fallen tree to sit against, listen to birdsong overhead, and let the surrounding nature scene become the backdrop for your next story.

2. Cemeteries at Dusk

While seemingly dark and macabre, cemeteries at dusk provide quiet emotion and evocative visual details that lend themselves perfectly to descriptive writing. As the sun sets, play with contrasts describing intricate shadows creeping across age-worn headstones buffered by the warm glow of the horizon. What stories might the spirits there tell? Grab a notebook, pick a perch near a striking memorial statue, describe the scene, and let your writing take flight.

3. Swamps

Swamps represent wild untamed places with swaying trees draped in wispy Spanish moss, croaking frogs, strange insect chatter, and muddy water slowly inching along. Make a trip to drink in the unique sensory details from dripping branches to spongy ground underfoot unlike anywhere else you’ve wandered. Jot notes sitting along the murky banks then retreat home to infuse the exotic setting into an atmospheric original tale.

4. Busy Hotel Lobbies

Chaotic busy hotel lobbies see people constantly coming and going representing a microcosm of interactions waiting to happen. Grab a cozy chair and observe fellow guests rolling bags, families checking in, convention attendees networking. Eavesdrop on conversations, imagine distinct lives, use visual details as prompts. That eccentric woman yelling at the front desk clerk – maybe she’s an international spy! Fashion distinct characters with rich backstories using the lobby action to ignite your creativity.

5. Mom-and-Pop Coffee Shops

Down-to-earth mom-and-pop coffee shops exude community and comfort. Unlike big chains, these cafes possess quirky character with locals regulars chatting over steaming mugs. Find a corner, sip something seasonal, and let the homey ambience stir your writing motivations. Errant bits of overheard dialogue can launch story ideas. Envision why the guy at the next table seems anxious. Capture impressions in your notebook then head home to develop original tales steeped in the coffee house’s essence.

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Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.

5 Places for Great Writing