Wrimos Around The World: Of Graveyards, Old Tombstones, and Finding Writerly Grace

One of the best parts of NaNoWriMo? The incredible community of writers. This week, we spotlight Danielle Bowers  in Boston, MA:

Danielle: One day I was out photographing an old graveyard and I realized it was the perfect place to write. It was quiet and if people see a solitary person sitting in the graveyard, they’ll leave them alone.

The graveyard that I like best is pretty old: the newest graves were placed in the mid-1880 so visitors are rare. My only company is birds, squirrels and the occasional deer from the woods. When the late afternoon sunlight filters down through the leaves and the only sounds I can hear are birds and the wind rustling leaves, it’s magic.

What is unique about where you are writing from? 

Danielle: I don’t need to wear headphones to tune out distractions and it is so quiet that I can concentrate better without the music playing. The sober air of the place makes it easy to focus. Stopping to check email or text with a friend feels out of place and wrong.

My previous book was set in Salem, Massachusetts during the height of the Salem Witch Trials. Working in the graveyard helped set the tone and visual aids. Some of the names that appeared in the book came straight from gravestones I saw while writing.

How would you describe your writing set-up in six words?

Danielle: I am writing with dead people.

Do you have any writing tips that have been inspired by your process this year?

Danielle: Keep writing. Don’t stop. Writing is a muscle that needs to be exercised daily and your story won’t be what you want immediately. You have to keep working it and every page will see you getting better.

At first you’ll stumble, but with every lap you’ll move easier, you’ll know where to place your feet, until you’re finally running with the grace you dreamed of.