This week’s post comes from Cayla Lewis, our executive assistant. In this piece, she shares why her best writing ideas come when she’s not at her desk. Enjoy!

As writers, many of us carry a quiet pressure to be at our desks to feel productive. But I’ve discovered that some of my very best writing ideas come away from my desk. Not while typing, but while walking, exploring, or letting my mind wander. We measure progress by word count, hours logged, and how long we’ve managed to sit in front of our screens without distraction. And while desk time is absolutely important, some of my best ideas have come when I’ve been far from my desk.

In the past, I used to feel a bit guilty about this. Shouldn’t I be seated with a notebook or Word doc open if I want to be taken seriously? Shouldn’t I be more “productive”? But over time, I’ve realized that coming up with ideas is an important, and often overlooked, part of the creative process. And it usually doesn’t happen while sitting in a chair.

This truth became even more real to me while living in a new country this month: the Netherlands, all the way from Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve had the chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of Europe along the way. I expected the sights to be inspiring, but what has surprised me most is how many story ideas and creative connections have come to me in the most ordinary moments: on trains, along cobbled city streets, or simply walking to the store. Traveling has reminded me that creative inspiration often arrives in the least expected places.

Some of my best ideas have come during beach walks, quiet forest strolls, or just moving through the rhythm of everyday life. These moments aren’t breaks from writing. Rather, they’re often where the writing begins.

Creativity needs space to breathe

Unlike tasks that need deep focus or step-by-step thinking, creativity often shows up when there’s a bit more breathing room. It’s actually backed by science: when our minds relax and we’re not trying too hard to solve something, we naturally start making unexpected connections. That’s why those lightbulb moments often happen when you’re in the shower, out on a walk, or just doing something simple like washing dishes.

For me, living in Cape Town means I’m lucky to be close to mountains, coastlines, and open skies. And when I allow myself to step away from the desk, even for a short while, I’m met with creative clarity that’s often harder to reach when I’m staring at my screen.

Where I go when I need inspiration

Even though I write children’s books, I’ve found that the creative process works the same no matter the genre. All writing needs imagination, insight, and problem-solving—and for that, you need space to think. So many of my best writing ideas have come in ordinary, everyday moments—far from the desk.

Here are a few of the places and practices that consistently spark my creativity:

• Beach walks: Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Two of my favorites are Boulders Beach (famous for its penguins!) and the vast, open stretch of Noordhoek Beach. When I’m stuck on something in my writing, heading to the beach often gives me the clarity I need. There’s something about the steady rhythm of the waves and the wide-open horizon that helps clear my mind. I usually come back feeling a little less stuck—or at the very least, a lot more relaxed.

• Hiking and walking through nature: Immersing myself in nature gives my mind room to breathe. Whether it’s a mountain trail, a quiet forest, or a sandy path near home, the combination of movement and natural beauty helps me reconnect with ideas. One of my favorite hikes is to Elephant’s Eye Cave in Silvermine. It’s green, peaceful, and always seems to unlock something creatively for me.
• Brisk walks or a workout routine: Sometimes, simply getting my blood flowing is enough to break through mental fog. A short walk around the block or a quick home workout helps me reset. I’ve often found myself mid-exercise when a solution to a creative challenge suddenly pops into my mind.
• Walking or cycling to the shops: During my time in the Netherlands, I’ve noticed how much people love walking and cycling to get around. It’s become part of my daily rhythm too—especially those crisp morning strolls to the grocery store. Surprisingly, these simple moments have become the perfect space to think through my writing. I often find myself working out character arcs or untangling story knots while crossing a canal or passing rows of charming little houses.
• Train rides: One of my favorite things about the Netherlands is the train system. Watching the world pass by through a window feels meditative. I often find myself drifting into a reflective space—and more than once, I’ve pulled out my notebook to jot down a new idea.
• Coffee shops: Sometimes all it takes is a change of environment. Stepping into a cozy coffee shop, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the smell of coffee, often gives me the clarity I’ve been looking for. The quiet bustle feels inspiring—like I’m connected to a larger creative energy, even while working alone.

Letting go of desk guilt

If you’re a writer—or any kind of creative—you’ve likely felt the sting of “desk guilt.” That voice that tells you you’re not really working unless it looks a certain way. But here’s the truth I’m learning: writing isn’t just what happens at your desk. Writing is also what happens when you’re paying attention, when you let yourself wander, when you give your brain room to breathe.

Of course, we eventually have to sit down and turn ideas into words. Desk time matters. But not all progress looks productive. Sometimes, progress looks like a walk to the store, and a fantastic idea popping into your mind just as you reach for the lemons.

A new way of measurement

I used to measure my writing success by how many hours I’d spent at my desk. Now, I measure it by the richness of ideas I bring to the desk.

So, if you find yourself wandering, don’t rush back to your chair too soon. The best ideas might be just around the corner. You may be surprised by what you discover when you give yourself permission to step away.