There’s something about a train that’s magic…for writers

Do you think so? Someone had the idea that there should be a writer’s residence like Breadloaf on a train.

Maybe the train would be conducive to getting something magical done. You have the hypnotic rhythm of the rails, the isolation of your berth, the absence of someplace else to go. In a way, you’d be a captive writer, so you might as well write.

I’m not sure about that. I’m a sucker for scenery. I’d probably be gazing out the window a lot, watching the mountains rotate slowly as the train went by. I’d want to be in the observation car for those craggy views through the Rockies and Sierras. Or I’d wonder who’s in the bar car now. Getting a little thirsty…

I did do a writers’ retreat once in Idaho, thirty miles out of Ketchum. Pretty country. My room was a small cabin without television or radio. I was surrounded by earthly magnificence. Didn’t get a lick of writing done, but I did meet a lot of terrific writers and jawed with them over beers on the veranda of the lodge.

This train thing sounds fun, though. I wouldn’t mind avoiding my WIP by booking a seat.

(Image via.)