Do you have a specific place in which you are most comfortable where you prefer to write? Is it an office, a dining room table, or a comfortable chair?
Or do you vary your locales? Do you ever go to a coffee shop or a diner to write? Personally, I like to change my writing areas, especially when working on first drafts, which I always compose by hand. I use a legal pad and pen, and I like to work in a wide variety of places.
Today, the weather is spectacular. It is a bit breezy and cooler than normal, which I love. My plan for writing today, therefore, is to find a nice outside table somewhere, perhaps at a park or a college campus, and I will do my work there.
I think it is good changing locations as you do, not least for inspiration, but most days I write at my desk or in a couch, simply due to habit..
LikeLiked by 2 people
So, do yourself a favor, and try a new spot.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can write in several places, I don’t necessarily need a “writing space”. That said, I’m doing some more writing for my blog and working more on my second novel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m in the middle of moving, but when in my home I have an old desk where I love to sit, or even in bed at times.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They sound like excellent choices!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do not have a fixed site, I just hope to be inspired to write … If I can say that it inspires me more the cold weather 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always prefer the cold weather!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Charles, I used to write with pen and paper and then transfer to my PC, now I skip that first process. I will use Word or if it is something for W P only go straight to “write”. I have an office in my home but sometimes use the dining room table that looks out on the water. I have also been known to write at work when I have a break, in fact I am doing that right now.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hello, and thank you! I am always interesed in the process of writing and how other writers do it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s basically the routine for me, I really never know when I will write, whenever the spirit moves me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I hope you are able to write often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try. Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so happy when I was able to skip the pencil and paper and compose on the computer. I am much more productive as a result.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Whatever works best for you is what you should do!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me too, the conversion was much easier than I thought it would, it’s a real time saver!
LikeLiked by 3 people
For me, I still find my ideas flow better with pen and paper.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pen and paper offers an element , a sense of inspiration that is lost on the PC.
LikeLiked by 2 people
But I would not say it is better for all, simply for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like to write or read in various places. A cosy cafe, the pc-room at the university campus, my bedroom where I have a good view from the window. I rarely write in my office, but I did today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That flexibility is excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice question, got me thinking about how place affects writing. I write everywhere. I always have a pen and a square of A4 or A3 paper folded up in my back pocket. I do a lot of work on my phone- I like the slow process, I’m slow on a phone… each morning first thing I use my laptop, but for those really intense ideas that grab you by the throat, I need my desk and plain paper. Thanks for the space to share.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You are very welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a writer of mostly poetry I write in many locations including parks and taverns and even while I’m cycling. My main location, however, is the solitude of my sunroom ~ morning, noon or night.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
A sunroom is a good place for poetry.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most of the time at my dining table. It is the most comfortable spot for me. I’ve tried other places, like coffee shops and the library – but I tend to get distracted. People watching.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I certainly understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write at my computer. Sometimes I write on paper when a ‘killer sentence’ or a ‘brilliant idea’ comes to mind.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Both work well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write writs right, right here, on my ol’ Trusty Rusty, my 9 year old desktop. Sometimes I use my 14 year old Thinkpad, lounging in a lounge, but rarely now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can write anywhere but the coffee shop and diner. I tried coffee shops but I get distracted. So, instead I visit them for people-watching and eavesdropping for inspiration. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is an excellent idea.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I write in my study at my dad’s beat-up monster of a wooden desk. I write best in my home because it’s where I feel most relaxed so the words can flow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am curious–how old is the desk?
LikeLiked by 2 people
He had it for as long as I can remember (close to 60 years). And he bought it second-hand. Looking at office furniture online, I’d put the date at 1920s.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It must be wonderful and filled with character and memories.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I only change locations when I’m having trouble thinking of something to write. Often though I prefer to be in the same place every time I write in one of my books so that if I need to remember something I’ll be more likely to do so. I tend to sit at my little corner desk with my legs up on the windowsill when I write.
It’s a beautiful day here too though. Would like to do some writing outside.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you did go outside to write!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I write in my bedroom. My laptop sits on a card table I use as a desk and I have a nice office chair a friend gave me. Currently working on my vampire novel. The latest chapter will hopefully be ready by tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is wonderful! Please keep us informed of your progress.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do a lot of my writing in my recliner as the position and heat in the back of it help my back. But I often go to a place like Panera Bread where I can sip coffee and watch people to inspire me. The bookstore coffee shop is also a good spot. I love finding new spots but they are few and far between and not close enough for me since I drive very little.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sounds that you have found an interesting and varied array of places to work in.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I write in my living room, which is the same place I use when I work at home. I tried a home office, but it turned out not to be my thing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I certainly understand.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I vary. Today I’m working at my standing desk.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have never tried that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I highly recommend! Mine is made from restaurant shelving plus a separate stand for my monitor. I did NaNo while sitting and that resulted in very tight muscles, especially in hips. I went back to my standing desk because it keeps me looser.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I will have to give it a try!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I used to write by hand at the dining room table at 4 am. Now I write by hand anywhere I have a notepad. I’m like you in that I prefer to handwrite. Edits are done on the computer.
Great post – I’m always interested in where people write!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write on my laptop when the thoughts come pouring into my head. The location never seems to matter much to me. I find myself writing when I have insomnia and cannot find a way to relax, I write when something important happens. I write more than most people know, but I am very discerning about what I actually publish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is the writing that matters!
LikeLike
Typing takes place in my office, but I’ll write anywhere I get an idea. Hopefully I can decipher my handwriting when I do get to my computer. That’s always a challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand! My students also have to decipher mine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For general sitting down and writing, I write at my desk because I don’t like having to bring a laptop around. However, when I’m traveling, I will bring a notebook and a few pens or pencils so if I think of anything, I can write down my inspired thoughts. I just don’t think of going somewhere with the intent to write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a good plan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write in the spare room at a standing desk so my hamstrings don’t seize up. Sometimes though I take the laptop down to the living room and work at the table in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Today I worked in my office and in an easy chair.
LikeLike
I did about 1000 words by hand at the Bethlehem Public Library the other day. It’s quiet and you can’t get up to make a turkey sandwich.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is an excellent point!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I am a funny writer. I write in my mind when I am out walking in nature, and sometimes I write in my dreams too, and I can remember what I was writing later on and get it down.
I have a funny story to tell about creative writing, and perhaps it applies to many of us regarding our belief systems about what constitutes creativity in writing.
Years ago in San Pedro, CA, I taught an evening creative writing class for the City Parks and Recreation. First it taught me a lot about what people consider creative writing, and I am NOT a fiction writer, but I have written poetry at times and had some of it published, as well as a number of nonfiction articles and a couple of books.
The first night, the students sat waiting for something extra-ordinary to come forth from their teacher, and instead, I had them write about the common lead pencil. I could see them all fidgeting and being frustrated that I would not give them something creative in a class such as this. This was going to be a dull class, and likely few of them would return.
After a few minutes of silence, I started to read them something about the life of a mere pencil, and suddenly they were all listening carefully. I went through each part of the pencil and what is involved in its manufacture, and how many people and processes it takes to make everything involved in the creation of the materials in pencils. I let the students know how when we purchase a .05 cent pencil. how many people from different parts of the world we are employing and how complex each aspect of the manufacture is. This was an intentional way of having them look at the element of creativity, because in reality, creativity is what you make it to be. Some of my favorite writers are not fiction writers, but they can write creatively to the point where you read a piece from start to finish because it is so fascinating, even if it is a topic that you were never interested in. John McPhee is such a writer.
So when you think of creative writing, it doesn’t have to be something that is exotic and has to be fiction. And it doesn’t matter where you choose to write – alone or surrounded by others. It is what comes out of your mind and soul, and it can be the most mundane of things that you can turn into magic for the readers. If it feels like magic in your discovery of something you write about, likely it will appeal to your writers too.
Thank you so much, Charles. Great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Anne, you are very welcome, and thank you for this excellent commentary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mostly on my Mac. Sometimes a few paper notes or on my iPhone. I do write quick notes when I have inspiration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to write wherever and whenever the muse strikes…at least in regard to my blog posts. My books are usually handled on my table, which is set up in the sunroom. I use that as my office. It has views of green fields, flowers, and trees, lots of sunshine and lots of quiet. When the weather is good I open the windows, and when it’s bad, I still have nature through the closed windows.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is wonderful!
LikeLike