Where do you write most often? At a fancy mahogany desk with carved feet? On your couch while the television provides background noise (and sometimes distraction)? In your favorite coffee shop, where other patrons provide company and inspiration?
People who don't write think that writers have it easy because we can perform our jobs and our craft just about anywhere. Even if you're camping in the woods with no electricity, there's always the option of writing on a legal pad with pencil or pen. We can work in our pajamas if we want. We can take the whole day off and work into the night if that's when we do our best work.
As writers, we know it's not always that easy. Sometimes ideas are hard to come by; the perfect turn of phrase is just out of reach. And then there's the dreaded Writer's Block.
We all have our favorite places to write. Some people find it easier to sit at a desk, while others would feel too confined and prefer writing at a sidewalk cafe. The space is not what matters most. What does is the fact that you're there more often than you're not. Many of you may remember this writers' riddle: What is the most important part of a writer's body?
My first guess was the hands. How else can you write without hands? But that's not the answer. The answer is: the butt.
If your butt isn't sitting in your writing space, no writing is being done.
So take a look at where you like to write the most, the area that makes you comfortable and provides you with all kinds of ideas. Where is this place? And are you in it right now?
Hi Del,
ReplyDeleteIf I had a laptop, which I did before it got stolen, I'd love to write in bed like your pic. :o) I used to write on the patio, the beach, or in the park, under the shade of a big tree. There's something liberating about writing outdoors--especially when creative writing. But, for now, I have to settle for my messy office, LOL. And yes, I'm sitting there now. ;o)
Ang
I always wanted to be one of those people who could write at coffee shops. It seems like it would be a much less lonely way of working. But no matter how many different ways I tried to make it work over the years, I just don't do great work in public places. I've learned that if I'm planning to write, I need to stay at home whether I like the idea or not.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have noticed that switching up your location can actually change the way that you write. In some cases, if I've been looking for a jumpstart or a way to break out of that writer's block, I'll go work at a new location to get that boost.