Author of Free to Be FabulousDebbieHardy.com |
I wrote my first book sitting at my desk. And I
haven’t written there since.
After decades of working in an office, pushing
paper at a desk, it only seemed natural for me to continue doing just that. So
I typed away on my keyboard, researched online, and spewed facts for Stepping Through Cancer: A Guide for the
Journey. It worked okay, I guess. That book is a reference for cancer patients and caregivers, and shows what to expect and how to deal with it. Other than the subject matter and talking about grief over my husband’s death, it was easy to write objectively.
Then came other types of writing, mostly involving emotions and memories. For some reason, I couldn’t produce sitting in the same position as I had to negotiate contracts and calculate discounts for customers. I needed a new place to write.
 |
| Sometimes, a desk will work. Maybe. Hmmm. |
My agent likes to write in a coffee shop, so I followed
his example. But the distractions of people coming and going, the enticing
smells created by the baristas, and the feeling that people were waiting for my
table made me feel rushed and uninspired. It cost me $5 for a cup of cappuccino
every time, added unneeded calories to my diet, and kept me from accomplishing
much.
Another friend goes to the library for quiet,
uninterrupted time. Stephen King, in his book On Writing, says that he sits with his feet propped up, writes longhand
on a yellow legal pad, and lets someone else do the typing. Neither of those
worked for me.
One day, I wanted to check my email, read Facebook,
and see people on the TV screen so I wouldn’t feel lonely, all at the same time.
I sat on the couch, propped my feet up, and opened my laptop. And the words
flowed out! So that’s where I am now, writing to you. This won’t work for everyone.
Some of my writer friends can’t accomplish anything on the couch except watch
TV or sleep.
Sometimes I need to change things up to write
other than books. When composing the Prayer Line for my church, I sit at my
kitchen counter. Writing workshops take shape while on the couch, but not
reclining. And thank-you notes can flow anywhere, just not often. |
| Caffeine can cause creativity! |
The location itself isn’t important. What gets your juices flowing is. The secret is to find what works and stick with it.
And sometimes you may need a cup of tea or a TV set to get the muse rolling. Try different places until you find the one that works for you. Then, keep at it!
Images
courtesy of imagerymajestic and Ohmega1982 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
3 comments:
Wherever it is, that sacred writing space is so important, isn't it? I have the hardest time staying on task at home. I'm glad computers are so mobile anymore. It really helps to take it on the road.
I write at a desktop in my little office upstairs most of the time, but have lately thought taking my laptop to the library would eliminate some of the distractions (and kitchen temptations). Of course, I would have to get cleaned up and wear presentable clothes....
My laptop has its own little rolling table that's parked in front of my wingback in the living room. I have my internet connection (which can be a distraction in and of itself), a huge picture window (for inspiration and/or distraction) and the TV (ditto). Oftentimes I have a small dog smooshed on either side of me and a third sprawled out on the floor. It's my favorite place to write from.
Post a Comment