by Kennisha Griffin

Traveling holds a special place in my heart as a writer. Whenever I venture to new destinations, I am filled with an indescribable excitement and a burning desire to capture every moment. Whether I’m navigating bustling cities or exploring serene landscapes, I find endless inspiration in the unfamiliar. It’s not just a personal indulgence; it’s an essential part of my creative process. As a writer, I’ve come to realize the immense value of immersing myself in different settings to enrich my stories. There’s simply nothing that can compare to firsthand experience when it comes to painting a vivid and authentic literary picture.

Story time:

Last weekend, I had an incredible opportunity to join the Sheepdog Response Protector One course in Austin, Texas. This experience took me completely out of my comfort zone, and it was truly amazing. While I don’t typically train in BJJ, I have a deep passion for firearm training at my local gun range. However, delving into tactical training was a whole new and exhilarating experience for me. Learn more about Sheepdog Response and how they help people train to protect and defend human life here. (Highly recommended!)

Now, I can’t express enough how much I adore action movies! I mean, who doesn’t love the adrenaline-pumping thrill of movies like John Wick? The skills portrayed in these movies have always captivated me, and I’ve often fantasized about mastering the art of shooting with pinpoint precision, completely unfazed by recoil anticipation. Well, guess what? Last weekend, I finally conquered that challenge and emerged as a vastly improved shooter! This experience has been so impactful that I’m bursting with excitement to create a video sharing my full review. It’s been truly transformative, and I can’t wait to share the details with everyone!

This experience has been incredibly fulfilling for me, as at Create and Blossom Studios, I have the privilege of collaborating with veterans and first responders at Mighty Oaks Foundation to help them share their powerful stories. It’s remarkable to see how many of the writers involved in our book project also engage with veterans and first responders while practicing Brazilian jujitsu. They all speak of the profound impact it has had on them.

After being inspired by their encouraging words and presented with an amazing opportunity, I wholeheartedly embraced it. And now, I’m completely captivated. I’ve personally experienced the immense benefits and I’m eager to share them with others. Immersing myself in the gym environment and learning various techniques has not only enriched my own understanding but has also empowered me to convey their narratives more authentically. Indeed, firsthand experience in the very environments you aim to portray is undeniably invaluable.

Travel to enhance your storytelling skills!

Traveling can be a fantastic way for storytellers to enhance their writing and storytelling skills in numerous ways. Firstly, traveling allows storytellers to immerse themselves in new environments, cultures, and experiences, providing them with a wealth of inspiration for their narratives. By exploring different landscapes, meeting diverse people, and encountering unique customs, storytellers can gather a treasure trove of ideas to infuse into their stories, making them richer and more authentic.

Secondly, traveling can help storytellers break out of their comfort zones and routine, sparking creativity and pushing them to think outside the box. Being in unfamiliar surroundings can stimulate the imagination and prompt storytellers to see things from fresh perspectives, leading to innovative plot twists, character developments, and settings in their books. The challenges and surprises that come with traveling can also teach storytellers valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness, which can be reflected in their writing.

Lastly, traveling can provide storytellers with the opportunity to conduct firsthand research for their books. Whether it’s visiting historical sites, interviewing locals, or participating in unique activities, traveling allows storytellers to gather authentic details and insights that can add depth and credibility to their storytelling. By incorporating real-life experiences and observations from their travels, storytellers can create more engaging and believable narratives that resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Have you ever travelled for research purposes for your book? What was your experience like? Share below!