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Writing among the distractions

A few days ago, I saw a news report on Amtrak Residency program for writers. I must admit, this program was interesting--being able to ride on a long distance train where all my attention would be on my writing.
The story also reminded me of biographical movies where famous, established writers go off on writing vacations. In the movie Hitchcock, his wife, played by Helen Mirren, drove off to a house in Malibu to collaborate on her own movie. In Capote, he jetted off for a year to Morocco and Spain to write the first three chapters of his famous book In Cold Blood.
Unfortunately, these excursions are out of my reach for now. On the other hand, all of these destinations would be very distracting to me. My writing would probably take a back seat, as I would find myself looking out the train window constantly, staring at the ocean in Malibu or playing tourist in Morocco and Spain.
Even when I was at a coffee shop with my laptop, I became entranced with an interview of a Realtor at the table next to me. I think they offered a good employee package and the interview went well!
I believe that distractions, kept to a minimum, are useful in a way. After all, I don't live in a vacuum and it's important to be aware of conversations and interactions.  That way, my writing has a ring of authenticity to it. Also, when my mind may wander, I have a whole wide world of internet to search for video from a train window. 


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