Recently I was asked about my favorite writing locations in the area and Carolina Home and Garden immediately came to mind. Since we had such a successful writer’s workshop in their Sun Room, I thought it would be easy to write about and share. However, my mind went blank trying to describe the feelings I get when I sit within all the foliage and flowers. Where to start? It contains so much beauty to be almost overwhelming to try and put into words. While I will do my best to describe why it is such a great place for me to write, I do recommend you go and find out for yourself.

I have three favorite areas to write in depending on my current writing genre and mood.

The Sun Room space is wonderful for creating a fantasy or romance story. The white, airy ceiling beams covered in ivy and hanging crystal chandeliers fill my mind with enchantment and maybe a fairy tale or two. The oversize brick fireplace begs to be the setting for a romantic rendezvous. It is large enough that even if people are around, I can still find a relaxed spot to write and dream up the next delightful tale.

The small little green room hidden outside behind the Sun Room is a great little nook. The walls and ceiling are covered in various plants, exotic ornamental trimmings and with it a great inspirational atmosphere for writing a mystery. There are comfortable tables and chairs, so I can purchase a coffee or tea and pretend to be Agatha Christie for a bit. And if schedule permits, on Fridays at 9 I attend the yoga class finding that the mock grass floor makes a soft landing for ideas to explore after class.

And finally, for a quirky coffee shop tale or to explore a contemporary fiction idea, I like to write in the front area where they sell smoothies, wine, coffee and homemade pastries. The wooden booth seating creates the perfect environment for people watching and story inspiration. You never know what you will experience or overhear as customers order their drinks and snacks. As a bonus, they have a sign labeling it as a quiet space from 9-4 which makes eavesdropping a little easier. Sometimes I can hear one sentence from a stranger that can completely take my mind to a storyline or character that has been hanging out in my head waiting for the spotlight.

A visit there has never been a disappointment. Even during all the planning for our writer’s workshop, I found that ideas would hang out in the ivy or the rosemary until I left and then launch themselves into my back pocket for later exploration.