Writing for Pleasure

When writing for pleasure wouldn’t it be nice to do it in a place where you can concentrate on writing? Peace and quiet is what writer’s retreats are meant to provide, and there are many such retreats in the world. Which one is best for you is something that only you can decide. It will probably be a choice based on the cost and other similar items that may restrict your options – but you can also set out to provide the retreat yourself. The latter can often be the most economical alternative.

You may be able to establish such a place in your home country, or you may select to go “somewhere else” simply to ensure that you will be undisturbed and given all the time you need to concentrate on your writing.

I have established my own little retreat on a small paradise island in the Gulf of Siam (Thailand). The island’s name is Koh Tao and that shall mean “Turtle Island” if what I am told is correct.

For me it is an ideal retreat where I can enjoy life while writing full time. The climate is wonderful, the cost of living is cheap and there are beautiful beaches to relax on when not occupied with the pleasure of writing.

There is a limited “night life” which only serves to curtail the temptations to do things that could hamper your writing – it is not so easy to write when having a hangover.

You have to travel by boat to reach the island, and that helps keeping the island rather undisturbed. Most of those coming to the island are interested in diving, and the diving schools here have a very good reputation. For those not already into diving, it could provide a very good opportunity to learn the basics of diving as well as the more advanced courses. Many come here as novices and leave as fully accredited instructors – which can provide them with good jobs in other tourist paradises.

Not a bad occupation and it can give ample experience to write for pleasure, and perhaps also be able to sell the material – especially if combined with some underwater photos.

For me it is an ideal place to do my writing. I can sit in front of my computer with only the essentials in the way of clothing – right now I sit with only a pair of shorts on…and I haven’t used shoes for a long time.

Outside there is a big mango tree and there are lots of small finches, mynha birds, butterflies and even a few squirrels running around. It is like having the “Discovery Channel” right outside my window. Even though beautiful and interesting, it is not disturbing in the least.

What can be disturbing though are all the noisy motorbikes driving up and down the road outside…but you soon get used to it and after that your mind doesn’t even register the noise.

When I need a stretch I can simply go out onto the veranda, have a cup of coffee and pet some of the many dogs here…and then go back to work again.

It does not feel like work, and I can produce quite many words per day and it feel completely effortless.

I often go up with the sun (and it rises very early here, or around 05:30 – every day) and it is usually down by 06:30 in the evening. It is not unusual that I “work” 12-14 hours a day…and feel great doing it.

It may not be everybody’s dream to live and work like this, but for me it is.