Wrimos Around the World: Of Fresh Ideas, Deserts, and Writing without Judgment

One of the best parts of NaNoWriMo? The incredible community of writers that gathers every November. Today, we spotlight Ellen Riddle, who’s writing as she travels across the United States :

Tell us about where you’re writing from!

I will be writing from our RV as we are full time RV-ers—we live in our RV as we travel around. You can find me writing outside our RV… comfy in my recliner or sitting in our bed. Possibly sitting under a tree, a cactus, or in a park.

I believe that writing from so many different places will make my writing experience unique: I expect a more relaxed approach to my writing. Secondly, it will demand more discipline to write my 1,500 words a day, as distractions are plentiful…

Lastly, as I change my own scenery and interact with different people, fresh ideas will be there for the picking. Every day, where I write has the potential to be different. A new campground, a new view, different people. 

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

This is a tough question to answer as every time I pick a favorite we move on and I have a new favorite. I love the Pacific Northwest, the mountains, and the gulf coastal areas.

But, if I have to choose, it’s anywhere in the desert as the land simmers with creativity and speaks to my soul.

Tell us about your NaNo novel this year in six words.

Gypsy in all, reflected by wanderers.

What is one piece of writing advice everyone should hear?

Allow your characters to be who they are without casting judgement. Follow their lead so they can grow as they respond to the situations you put them in.