I think we take a lot of things for granted. When things are going well, it’s easy to forget about the basics. When things fall apart, sometimes we only see the obstacles rather than the opportunities. If we remain in the same place, we don’t change and grow. And neither do our characters, because indirectly they share in our wisdom and experience as we craft our stories.
You can never go home again. But you can create a new home. And sometimes we do that, both in real life and in fiction. As readers or writers, we have certain places that resonate with us. Some books we return to over and over again, sliding into the comfort of a well-known place. If it were a house, we might yell out, “I’m home!” as we cross the threshold.
When we build our own worlds, we bring those elements and comforts of home with us to create and build those spaces. And what is a place without people? Combined, these elements give a warm glow that keeps us writing and reading. So, pull up a chair by the fire, pour a cup of tea (or something stronger), and get ready to while away the hours sharing tales!
