One of the great things about writing is that it can be done anywhere.
My family vacationed last week in the middle of nowhere, Virginia. No, I didn’t write while lounging on the dock or sunbathing on our pontoon boat. I took this week off! The only book work I allowed was thinking, since I can’t really stop myself from doing that anyhow. I reflected on my story arc, how the book is developing and where I want it to go from here.
Now I feel refreshed, more level-headed than before, ready to jump back into writing.
But back to writing from anywhere. As we prepared to drive north from Virginia, it occurred to me that I didn’t have to write at home. After all, that’s where I found myself in a bit of a rut before vacation. So on our way home to Albany, NY, I jumped ship in New York City. My best friend lives here, so I’ll stay with her for a few days, writing at coffee shops while she’s at work.
That should make for a good change of scenery. And in two weeks, I’m off to Georgia for a five-week artist residency!
I’m guessing some of you might benefit from a similar change. Writers, don’t forget you can work anywhere! Is there a quiet bookshop down the street calling your name? Do you have a friend who’s willing to house you so you can get away for a few days? Or maybe your change of scenery is as simple as moving from your home office to your back porch for a few hours.
Share with us what works for you.
I tend to write best in my bedroom with the kids being quiet. i have tried other places and am far too distracted to get anything done. I can brainstorm ideas in other places but the act of writing must be done in my own personal sanctuary. I envy people like you.
It depends what I’m writing. When I was working on my memoir, I needed absolute quiet, so I tended to work at home. The internet writing I can do anywhere. Personal essays, back to needing quiet. I envy those who can write anywhere, anytime, with distractions or without. Wishing you wonderful writing at your artists residence program, Alexis
Karen
I write best when Julia naps 😉
I just took 2 weeks off and have come back full of ideas and desire to get back to writing!
I am always on the look out for a change of scenery. Enjoy your stay in New York and have fun down here in Georgia! It’s still a bit humid, but it is, after all, Georgia!
By the by, I’ve left a little award for you over at my blog 🙂
Happy Monday,
Jen
I’m also one of those writers who is easily distracted so I need to be somewhere fairly quiet and I do best when I’m alone. In a coffee shop I might be able to answer a few emails, but that would be about it.
When I’m working on my novel, I’m typing at my computer in my office. And of course, blogging has to be done on my computer as well. But essays, memoir, and poetry are often done by hand either in my bedroom, living room, or outside, maybe even in the car. I don’t think I’ve written when at the library; too much good reading there to distract me. I’d be too busy watching folks come and go at a coffee shop. I often write late in the afternoon when making dinner (in between kitchen stops).
have fun at the residency!
a change of space really can make a huge difference once in a while 🙂
Great point, Alexis! I do get into a rut at the dining room table with all of the chaos of family life going on right around me! I’ve thought about finding a secluded nook at the library and then not plugging into the internet. I think I’m going to do it!
I’m sooo glad you decided to stopover in NYC 🙂