Kate Lansing

There and Back Again

I love traveling. Experiencing other cultures, challenging myself to try new things, getting a fresh perspective on the world. And every place I go inspires me in some unforeseen way.

John and I recently spent 10 *amazing* days in Japan, starting in Tokyo and then taking the bullet train south to Kyoto. I won’t bore you with ALL of the things we saw and did, but instead thought I’d share some general observations and how they’re impacting me, specifically my approach to writing:

We wandered through elegant gardens, down mysterious paths that could’ve been straight out of a Miyazaki film. They were designed with such purpose, every angle giving a beautiful view, that you could feel the intention behind every shrub, water feature, and sculpture.

Like these gardens, every word, sentence, paragraph, and scene should have a purpose in your story. They should be placed there with careful consideration, and with the hope of giving the reader something to muse on.

We tasted the freshest sushi in the world at the Tsukiji fish market, enjoyed a 10-course kaiseki meal at a traditional Japanese inn, and slurped savory ramen with the locals. The food was so simple but with flavors that hit every taste bud–savory, sweet, salty, bitter, and even the elusive umami.

It was a welcome reminder that there’s beauty in simplicity. Words should flow with ease; there’s no need to use big words or overly complicated sentence structures when something straightforward will work just as well. By using a few choice ingredients, the simplest dish can shine.

The temples and shrines were unlike anything I’ve ever seen, stunning and wholly unique—from a series of red archways that stretch for miles to giant paper lanterns dangling from curved ceilings to a would-be retirement home covered in shimmering flakes of gold.

It’s the embellishments that make a piece of art truly standout. If you’re going to call attention to something, make it extraordinary, unforgettable, and worthy of your story. I may not remember all the facts about the Fushimi Inari shrine, but I’m definitely going to remember the awe of walking through thousands of red-lacquered gates.

But the people were the most remarkable part of our trip. They were so polite, kind, and orderly. While everyone was clearly busy and had places to be, no one ever seemed in a hurry. There was this understated patience; people waited their turn in line, didn’t push or honk, and even took a minute to offer a helping hand to a pair of wayward tourists.

While there’s A LOT of work that goes into writing a book, there’s no need to rush. The work will get done eventually as long as you keep moving forward. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and be the best person you can be along the way.

Do you enjoy traveling? Have you visited somewhere that has inspired you? Where was it, and how did it impact you?

What I’m reading: Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling

What I’m listening: Stressed Out — twenty one pilots

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