SOMETIMES I think that the ever-elusive muse that is needed to inspire good writing is not so much an abstract entity or fantastical fairy, but, rather, a state of mind brought on by a number of factors that come together, sometimes rarely, to assist in the creation of a truly good piece of literature. The muse, in my mind, is made of everything that puts me in a comfortable state that enables me to be my best creative self. Therefore, elements such as my level of tiredness, my level of hunger, the type of equipment I am using to write, how driven I feel to write, and the space I am writing in, all contribute to the formation of my muse. If the stars have aligned and everything is as my body and mind need it to be, then the muse is in existence and the writing will be good. If I am too stressed, forced to write with pen and paper or on my phone (usually because my laptop needs charging), or I am in a noisy environment, then the muse will stay away. Out of all of these various
components that come together to create the muse, the element of space might be one of the most important – and I think the environment in which one works is important not only for writers but for all artists. As a writer, and as a student at the University of Guyana and the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, I have written (essays, short stories, plays, research papers) all over Georgetown. I have memories of typing away in the bus on the way to UG, pounding away at the computer at the Kitty seawall under the bite of the midday sun, and dragging my alcohol-stained fingers across the keyboard in several bars in the city. For the writers who struggle with finding the ideal writing space, I am happy to highlight a few of the spaces that work best for me when it comes to writing. Although it is true that what works for one person might not work best for another person, I think it is still worth making this list, especially because several of the places are well-known, but may not be instantly recognisable as somewhere that can be conducive to writing.
THE OUTDOORS
There are many writers who have been inspired by nature. Good examples include John Keats, Rudyard Kipling and Herman Melville. Nature has always inspired human beings. In the beginning, it was nature itself that inspired men to be able to create gods and everything else that came after. Nature, therefore, was the first muse. Nature continues to inspire and in Georgetown, there are two specific spaces that allow Guyanese writers to be a part of the natural world – even if they are not immediately aware of it. The first of these is the National Park. When we think of the National Park, we think mostly of athletics – joggers and soccer players, etc. – which is often quite far removed from the literary sphere writers inhabit, but there are also various natural elements (trees, ponies, the sea, canals, birds, etc.) that can help to inspire a writer. If one pays attention there is also an inspiration to be found in the variety of people who pass through the Park on a daily basis – and observing people is important because they help with character creation. On an average day at the National Park, one can observe joggers, soccer players, dancers, dance-moms, students, policemen, actors, people of varying nationalities, ethnicities and social classes, vagrants, couples, vendors, children, etc. There are a plethora of personalities to use in one’s stories. Close to the National Dance School’s benabs, there are benches to sit on or trees to sit under, and I particularly like to be there when writing at the Park.
The Botanical Gardens is also quite a good option – with the afternoons (from around 1 PM – 4:30 PM) being the ideal times for writing. There is a variety of trees and plants to help inspire the writer, and there is also a sense of openness in a wide expanse of space and breeze that helps to create a comfortable space in which to write. The space where the Mausoleum is located can be both quiet and calming – essential elements of good writing.
Of course, it is possible to write within the Zoo attached to the Botanical Gardens as well. The squawking and screaming of various animals, particularly in mornings, when fewer people are around, can, in a strange way, help to foster writing. It might have to do with being in a space that simulates the primal or the wild, therefore putting the writer in an area where civilisation and society can be forgotten for a bit and the work can be the only thing that exists within the writer’s mind and his/her frame of focus.
While this article only focuses on parks in Georgetown, there are several other places outside of the city where one can write outdoors and be inspired by nature. I once stayed in a building that overlooked the Pomeroon River bordered by an expanse of trees, for example, and was exposed to the kind of tranquility and serenity that is ideal for writing. On the West Coast, the part of the Vreed en Hoop Stelling that overlooks the Demerara River (where couples sometimes hang out in the afternoon) can be beautiful – although now the stelling is falling into various stages of disrepair and may not be as safe as it once was. Of course, with Guyana’s crime rate, it is always important to be careful when writing outdoors and in public spaces. It is best to do so in groups, during the day. There are many outdoor spaces that help the writer in shaping his/her work, but there are also several indoor spaces (libraries, cafés, and even bars) that are also beneficial when it comes to writing. These spaces will be the subject of next week’s article.
