Author Becky Lyles Points Us to the Write Path

Through my office window and beyond our chain-link fence, I can see walkers and joggers and their dogs tread a well-used path that follows a canal. Looking further into the distance, I can see mountains. Living next to a canal is something like living beside a river, except we only have water six months each year. When the water is flowing, ducks and geese take up residence on the banks, along with frogs, snakes, foxes, marmots and skunks. We also see hawks, robins and humming birds in the summer.

My daily routine includes a walk through my neighborhood or a stroll along the canal. The canal path is a good place to enjoy nature, stretch my legs, clear my mind and think through my latest story or article. Plus, exercise is wonderful for the brain as well as the body. According to Drs. Oz and Roizen, walking boosts blood flow to our noggins, helps keep our brains from shrinking and increases our memory processing area, something all writers can use.

Here’s a photo of me sitting at my desk. If the blinds behind me were open, you could see the canal bank and, most likely, someone walking

their dog. I’m grateful God gave me an office with a view (my previous writing areas were either in windowless basements or in rooms with windows that faced a fence or a building). In addition to a great view, I have a nearby walking path. I am blessed!

p.s. For those of you who noticed the nostril above my head—yes, that’s a nose-shaped bookend, for which I have my sister to thank. She’s so thoughtful…

Rebecca Carey Lyles writes nonfiction as well as fiction and serves as an editor and mentor for aspiring authors. Her second novel, Winds of Freedom is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate Neilson series, Winds of Wyoming.

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Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for a chance to win a free copy of Becky's latest release, Winds of Freedom!