The other day my husband and I took notebooks and pens down to a park bench on the riverside, fully intending to do some inspired-by-our-surroundings scribbling together. Not surprisingly, however, our planned session of creativity was usurped by a mutual desire to bask in the sunwarm air, people-watch and chat with various passersby, and carry on an evolving conversation with each other about Very Important Things™.
So much for writing!
Later in the day, though, when I was back in front of my computer, inspiration from our time together took over and the ideas started to flow, too fast and furious for me to completely process! I was able to capture a few choice morsels, however, and have tucked the rest away in my mind for future exploration.
Since that time, and as a sort of followup to my ponderings on How I Do That Thing I Do, I’ve been giving some thought as to where we as writers “do that thing we do.” From a physical standpoint, where do we go when we want to translate our ideas, the inspiration that’s been tickling our thoughts, into something tangible?
Our book club’s selection last month was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
I’ve shoved a writing table by the biggest window in my sitting room. The only flaw in this arrangement is the constant temptation to go outside and walk over to the cliff’s edge. The sea and the clouds don’t stay the same for five minutes running and I’m scared I’ll miss something if I stay inside. When I got up this morning, the sea was full of sun pennies – and now it all seems to be covered in lemon scrim. Writers ought to live far inland or next to the city dump, if they are ever to get any work done. Or perhaps they need to be stronger-minded than I am.
So, where do you go to write out your inspiration? Is it the same place every time? Do you have a particular spot that’s especially inspirational? How important are your surroundings in relation to your satisfaction with the end result of your writing session?
Where does it happen for you?
Please share!
Twitter: BrendaMoguez
March 20, 2012
One of my favorite topic to write about (which I try to control) is the writer’s process. It’s fascinating to me. It doesn’t matter to me where I write or what time of the day. Because I have a day job I tend to write at nights during the week but if I have pockets of time between meetings – I write. I don’t need to be in any place. I am glad of this ..other wise I’d be in trouble.
Brenda recently posted… What Would You Do If You Could Not Fail
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
That’s excellent that you’re so adaptable! I tend to do better when I’m at a computer, but if inspiration strikes at other times paper works!
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
Twitter: joheroux
March 20, 2012
For me, my blogs are usually done in the living room on the laptop. No reason except that I am comfortable here and I like this room.
Writing or editing a book, however, is done in my office. I am most creative if I’m not distracted and nothing distracts me there. I have a large window to my right, but I seldom look outside while writing. I do enjoy the natural light it allows.
I have taken pen and pad outside many times to write and I have had mixed success. Sometimes the outside just draws me out of the writers state of mind and into the nature appreciating state of mind. ♥
Jo recently posted… My Spring List of Things To Do 2012
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
I’m the same when I go outside – sometimes it works for me, but most of the time I’m distracted by nature and writing takes a back seat.
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
I usually just plop down on my couch in the living room. But inspiration comes to me wherever – shower, grocery store, work, sitting in the car.
I can write where ever, and have.
As long as I can focus (which I can usually do where ever) I am good to write.
a.eye recently posted… OCD-like intervals
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
Sometimes inspiration strikes at the least convenient moment, I find… so it’s good that you’re so flexible.
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
For me, it is more a matter of when than where. But, to answer your question of where, it is in my computer room/library which is a converted spare bedroom. This is my center. If I’m on my laptop, you can bet I’m not at home because this room is my haven for my imagination and the center of my internet social life. Back to the when…I write best in the mornings or obscenely late at night. The business of the day otherwise dictates where my attention lies…
Darlene~Bloggity Blogger~ recently posted… KITCHEN DISASTERS ~ BFF 176
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
It’s great to have a haven like that! My home office is similar for me.
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
When I do manage to write (only myself to stop me) I tend to do it where I am at. However, when seriously writing I tend toward “the hole”. In the past I used to write near the center of the house, kids in and out, TV in the background…. Now, I go for seclusion. As my wife has mentioned – I tend to disappear. Also time tends to get thrown to the wayside – 10pm soon becomes 3:30am, without notice.
Rick Buda recently posted… Hey?! This is Work!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
Oh, I can so relate to the time thing! It’s like clocks don’t even exist when I’m into a really good writing session.
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
March 21, 2012
My inspiration comes at the most unlikeliest of times and in the most unlikeliest of places, Dawn. But I can put my thoughts together only when I’m sitting in my study and staring a blank ‘new post’!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Chipping Away
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 21, 2012
I am much the same, Corinne!
Dawn recently posted… Where does it happen for you?
Usually when I sit in front of a blank post page on my computer. Sometimes when I read an inspiring book. And to my chagrin, sometimes in the shower or when my eyelids are closing at midnight.
Larissa T. recently posted… As I Sit and Wait.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 29, 2012
I get inspired at night and in the shower as well! I keep a notepad by my bed, but that doesn’t help for showertime inspiration, LOL!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Just look at her
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