For three months, I’ve enjoyed a daily dose of Portugal.

When I kicked off marketing for my book, “How to Achieve Goals: 10 Steps You Can Follow that Took Me to Portugal,” I set up an Instagram author page where I post photos from my time living there. This daily dose of Portugal keeps it top of mind for me, and I love reminiscing and thinking about when I go back.

Because it’s not if, it’s when. I will go back. But for now, I feel like I’m needed here, and Portugal will be there when I’m ready to move again.

In light of the worldwide pandemic, it’s probably good I didn’t stay on or head back sooner. Not that I’d be sad about being in Lisbon during a lockdown. I love my flatmates and “catmates,” and it would be enjoyable to spend time with them. It would be stressful, though, with my family in the states and the uncertainty of what the future holds.

Seeing pictures from Portugal every day is a bright spot for me. I have thousands, although if you know me, you know I also take a lot during a single “photo shoot,” if I have time. I’ll have 50 photos, each just slightly different, trying to get the best look and angle.

If you look at my Instagram for this project, you’ll see some themes emerge: doors, sidewalks, architecture, nature (trees, flowers, the beach), cats and food. Generally, I take pictures of things that appeal to me, that I want to remember. I’m not so much into selfies or photos just to show I was someplace. Rather, I want images that draw me back and help me remember a particular time, place, person or feeling.

You are welcome to follow on Instagram (or my Facebook author page), to see how I’m remembering with a daily dose of Portugal.

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How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Try something new

I wrote a short story, fiction. If “Twilight Zone” was a genre, that would best describe it. It’s a first draft, and it will need editing, but generally, I like it.

I have no idea what I’ll do with it, if anything. Maybe I’ll post it here. I could explain how the parts came together and the editing process.

Fiction is not my usual style for writing. For years I’ve been a journalist or writing in a journalism style based on facts and rooted in reality. Even these columns are focused on me, my life and my thoughts – my reality. So, writing a fiction story is a bit of a departure, although I used experiences in my life to build it.

If you’re looking to change things up – especially right now – try writing something new, a different genre or style. Not a poet? Give it a try. Usually write short and concise? Try some long-form detailed writing. Even if you don’t do anything with it, the process of writing in a different way will help you stretch and grow as a writer.

Let me know how it goes for you! Leave a comment, email me or share on social media.