Writing Retreat

For the last four years, my writing place has been on my sailboat where I live. I'm either hunkered down on my bed or sitting at the large table in the cockpit where I can see the light blue water, watch the goings on and enjoy the magnificent sunsets. It's a very peaceful place for the most part.

I'm writing on my smart phone via Swype or sometimes on my iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard because they take less of the precious solar or wind generated electricity that sustains my boat. I do miss my laptop.

With that said, my ideal retreat would be a floating structure secured to pilings set just offshore in a quiet and protected Bahamian or Caribbean harbor. The roof would be covered with many solar panels and a wind turbine or two for cloudy and windy days. An inverter and a large bank of batteries to store the power generated would lie beneath the floors.

A wrap around porch offering a 360° view provides the ability to stay cool by facing into the breeze regardless of the wind direction. Plenty of electrical outlets would line the outside walls. Various chair and writing table configurations would dot the porch.

A set of stairs would lead down into the water from the spacious composite deck thus providing easy access to the ocean for a quick swim. An outdoor fresh water shower would be fed by a reverse osmosis water maker. This would allow the structure to remain off the grid such as my boat.

An ample Wi-Fi antenna and router would provide research capabilities and connection to the rest of the world when desired. Other worldly conveniences such as a propane stove and an efficient refrigerator would allow for indefinite stays. Having only one bedroom and bath would ensure less disruptions from guests.

On the deck a queen sized platform bed would be suspended below a pergola offering a location to rest in the breeze and contemplate killing off the character that isn't behaving like I planned. The pagoda's cover could be removed so that the star filled night sky would be unobstructed.

These slight improvements over my current arrangement would improve my writing only to the extent that I motivate myself to write more in my ideal environment.