Nobody can live with low horizons. A narrow outlook will choke you. -Coco ChanelThe first time I read this, I thought about dreams. About how dreaming big can help you live big.
But then as I thought more about what it means to have a narrow outlook, I wondered if it was less about dreaming big and more about enabling yourself to think bigger. There's so much value—for your writing and your life in general—in exposing yourself to new ideas and different ways of living life.
What's something you can do this week that will broaden your view of the world? I'm going to read an article in National Geographic that teaches me about a different culture.
With my novel being more international-ish, I've gotten to read a lot about different countries and cultures in the world. It's been so much fun. :) Especially reading about foods.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Food in other cultures fascinates me.
DeleteHmmm...one thing I can do this week to broaden my view of the world is keep up with the world news. As it turns out, the news can also be a good source of story ideas.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteOooh, this is interesting. /Flapper/ has been on my TBR list for a while, too. :D (also, when do we get to read this historical story??? *is a huge hisfic fan*) ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma! My agent just finished reading it and had a few suggested edits for me. Once I make her all pretty, hopefully an editor will snatch her up quickly! If so, I'd love to have you on my team of early readers.
DeleteI can not wait to read your historical mystery!!! I am kind of obsessed with historical fiction, and I really love mysteries. How does one get on your team of early readers?
DeleteYou're so sweet! Just send me an email and I'll put you on it :)
DeleteI was obsessed with Coco when I was in high school. I was obsessed with every fashion designer, but I used to check out these VHS tapes about different fashion designers, and I loved the one about her.
ReplyDeleteShe's fascinating. I'm very glad, however, that you didn't choose to pattern your life after her :)
DeleteWell, I don't know about this week, but I did sign up to support a family that is trying to raise funds to go to Ethiopia for two years as medical missionaries. They are both doctors, and they plan to train Ethiopians to be doctors. They have three little kids, two of which they adopted from Ethiopia. So, I learned a lot about their trip in the past few weeks and about Ethiopia too. Oddly, my BFF from high school went to Ethiopia with her daughter last summer on a short-term mission trip, and this summer she might be going back with her son. Maybe one of these years I'll go too. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool thing to be a part of!
DeleteCoco Chanel really was a fascinating lady! I love reading up on fashion designers, their inspirations kind of strike me as close to some writing processes.
ReplyDeleteI really should do more to broaden my horizons, so thank you for the post. If I get a chance this week I'll pop into the library for their travel section. I'll take an imaginary trip. :)