Dartmoor is a beautiful and mysterious part of the world, full of myth and magic. If you’re lucky enough to live here, then you know all about the charms of our valleys and dramatic tors but when you live in such a breathtaking setting, it’s easy to take it for granted. Dartmoor has been a source of inspiration for writers just like you, for hundreds of years, so here are 10 easy Dos and Don’ts to help you reconnect and make the most of your creative environment.
- DON’T limit yourself to just one area
If you always visit the same parts of the Moor, mix it up and try a new walking route, travel to a spot you’ve never been to before, investigate a different path. If you’re visiting Dartmoor for the first time, don’t be afraid to adventure further afield and explore other areas beyond your holiday home. Our imaginations love new experiences and exploring is a great way to spark your creativity.
- DO investigate the local legends
Myths and legends can be incredibly inspiring, especially if you’re dealing with writer’s block. The best writers are the ones who read profusely, so feed your muse by reading up on the Dartmoor legends and try writing a story inspired by one of our local myths. Check out “The Apple Tree” by John Galsworthy, inspired by the legend of Kitty Jay.
- DON’T Forget your notebook
When you head out for your inspiring Dartmoor walk, don’t forget to bring a notebook and pen with you. You never know when inspiration will strike and you don’t want to be stuck without a way of writing your ideas down. Plus, without all the usual distractions at home, the middle of Dartmoor is the ideal place to get some undisturbed writing done.
- DO bring a camera
Writing keeps our heads down, and our eyes glued to the page, so be sure to look up and really see your surrounding environment. Photography is a beautiful way of encouraging your creative brain to see the world through another art form. After all, writing is the art of observation, so don’t forget to observe -and absorb- your inspiring environment.
- DON’T let the weather put you off
Explore Dartmoor in different weather. It’s tempting to only step outside when the sun is shining, but Dartmoor can be just as beautiful without the sunshine. Find out what Dartmoor is like in a mysterious mist, or the rain, or a moody, overcast sky. Just like in the Secret Garden, or the Bronte sisters’ novels, The Moor can be a character too, so it’s important to understand all her moods.
Always explore Dartmoor safely, though. Check your route before you head out and always let others know where you’re going.
- DO bring a friend
It’s great to have time alone with your thoughts, but sometimes two heads are better than one. Walking and talking are two great ingredients for creative thinking, so grab your boots and your bestie. When you explore Dartmoor with someone else, you will inevitably notice things that the other missed. Sharing Dartmoor with a friend can help you appreciate it through fresh eyes.
- DON’T forget to visit the local pub or tea room
What’s a romp on the Moor without a stop off at the local watering hole? Take a break from walking and soak up the atmosphere in one of Dartmoors’ many pubs or cozy tea rooms. People watching is a brilliant way to hone your dialogue writing skills, create character and explore the environment in your writing. Plus, no one can be expected to write on an empty stomach.
- DO imagine how the area would have been during different times in history.
Dartmoor has a rich history, so when imagining new stories don’t limit yourself to the here and now. Imagine how things would have been during the Roman occupation, or the Viking invasions or the Witch trials. Use the dramatic background of the Moors and you’ve set the scene for a haunting tale.
It’s not just the past that can inspire fresh stories – what might happen to Dartmoor in a hundred years time? What will future generations make of the magic of the Moors? The only limit is your imagination.
- DON’T leave the picnic behind
There’s nothing quite like eating outdoors. As Virginia Woolf famously said,“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” She was also known to include a daily walk as part of her writing routine, so why not combine the magic of a good meal with a healthy dose of fresh air? A well fed and refreshed brain is an excellent first step to creating new ideas.
- DO remember what a unique area you live
It can be tempting to set all of our stories in far-off, exotic lands and while that can be fun, don’t neglect your own, very special slice of the world. When you live here all the time, it’s easy to forget that Dartmoor is a dramatic and exciting place for others. Use the special gift of this unique environment to inspire alternative stories, new worlds or simply let it transport you and your imagination with its magic and beauty.
Moor Imagination 