Tuesday was the final day of my Easter break from work. I felt it only fair, therefore, that I should celebrate with a treat for myself. So, I took myself off for a little drive to the Ettington Park Hotel in Warwickshire for lunch and a nosey around (click here for the hotel website).
It has the dubious accolade of Britain’s Most haunted Hotel, for those with an interest in the paranormal, which I have. Very much. In fact, I have now decided I want to write some ghost stories.
The waiter who served my lunch was extremely helpful. It’s amazing how much people want to help when you tell them you’re a writer!
The hotel have a prepared handout which he gave me. The property has an extraordinary history, and there are some marvellous characters haunting the house and grounds, by all accounts. From the monk who has been seen by the nearby chapel and the children who drowned in the River Stour, to the Victorian lady who haunts the conservatory and the flying book in the library. They really have covered all the available angles.
All in all, I had a fantastic time taking pages of notes in my book and pictures on my phone. I realise I’m very lucky to be able to spare this kind of time occasionally, and it helps having somewhere so close to home.
I would strongly recommend all you writers out there to treat yourself to a day out like this once in a while. I found it tremendously inspiring to be in a beautiful stately home where I could switch off completely from my mundane day to day life and just soak up the atmosphere.
Now then, I realise that stately homes may not be your thing, and that’s absolutely fine. Instead, choose something else. It might be you feel inspired by a day at the seaside or walking in the country. Or, perhaps you prefer the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop in a shopping mall.
Whatever you choose, try and resist the temptation to check your phone for emails or texts and just enjoy being completely in the moment and watching and observing what’s around you. Remember, your creativity will flourish in an environment where you feel relaxed and unhindered.
Happy writing!
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