Why Living in Costa Rica Is Great For Writers?
Since moving to Grecia in Costa Rica nearly 4 years ago, three of Aaron Aalborg’s novels have been published. His latest is ‘Terminated- The making of a serial killer, Volume 1’.
It is a gripping tale of a poor boy rising from the slums to success in business and to combat in the Royal Marines during the 1982 Falklands war between Britain and Argentina. It is available from Amazon.com as both a paperback and ebook. Several others are in the pipeline.
Why is Costa Rica such a great place for Aaron and many other creative writers to work so productively? Aaron says there are three main reasons. They are peacefulness, support groups and connectivity.
Mike Crump, a novelist and resident of Terrubares, is the author of a trio of exciting novels. The latest is ‘The Oligarch’ set in the turbulent years of Guatemala and immediately after. Mike says, “Peacefulness can be summarized as fantastic views from one’s patio, pleasant climate and remoteness from the worries of large countries and their workaday cares. Costa Rica has a similar, but safer feel to the Guatemala of my novels.”
Such surroundings can be a distraction, but they provide inspiration for poetry, cogitation and even plot lines. The plot of Aaron Aarlborg’s, first novel ,’They deserved it,’ begins as a historical novel set in 17th Century Italy. It is based on real events in which young brides poisoned their husbands.
Inspired by the idea of Costa Rica as a hideaway in paradise, Aaron has one of the antiheroes, in the second part of the book in modern times fleeing to a villa in the mountains around the Central Valley. “The isolation and landscape directly inspired those scenes.”
Lenny Karpman, who lives in La Guacima, is a well-known food writer. Costa Rica provided him with the material for his latest book, “Feasting and Foraging in the Central Valley”. It is the definitive restaurant guide for the area and is selling well.
Dr. Lucinda Gray from California lives in Escazu. She is a practicing Psychologist and author of ‘New World Meditation’. She considers Costa Rica to be an excellent place to practice mindfulness with all its attendant mental and other health benefits.
Support groups are important to writers. K. Francis Ryan lives in El Cahon near Grecia. He is writing a four part series of novels about the paranormal, the latest one is ‘Echoes through the Vatican’ set in Rome. He tells, “There are several writers’ groups in Costa Rica. They cater to a variety of needs.
“By meeting with fellow writers you receive constructive criticism on your writing and can share news and information on: style, publishing and the writer’s craft. Fellow writers have common issues and offer encouragement good fellowship and helpful ideas.
“I attend a writer’s group with fellow novelists Mike Crump and Aaron Aalborg. It is organized by our publisher Penman House Publishing. If you are interested, you can read about our doings at: http://www.penmanhouse.com/ and give feedback.
Aaron Aalborg says that good connectivity in Costa Rica is essential to writing success. “Using the internet, it is possible to research events in Paris during the riots of 1968, which I did for my second novel ‘Revolution’, a political thriller. Then you can be in Paraguay one minute and Hong Kong or Washington DC the next.
The internet also allows you to share your work in progress with publishers, editors and colleagues. The book cover designs for Penman House’s authors come from the US, Italy and Portugal. I can propose changes. Whilst I sleep, the designers have them ready for the next morning.”
In short, Costa Rica is a fun and fertile place for those who wish to write. Aaron Aalborg says, ‘There is nothing like getting out of the rat race and enjoying pleasant surroundings, good company and sunset cocktails to make writing a real pleasure.’
Dozens of published expat authors now live in Costa Rica. You can see why.
Why Living in Costa Rica Is Great For Writers?
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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I’m interested in where the writers groups are. Are there any near Tamarindo? Great article. Very exciting.