30 Comments

I have spots that turn my work brain on. When I sit in front of the big monitor at my desk, that's work time, specifically writing time. I'm telling my brain I mean business. Is it the prettiest, most romantic spot to write in? Nope. It's just the spot where work has gotten done in the past. I also have favorite cafe spots (Sun Life Organics at Point Dume in Malibu because I had a great writing day there once on a work trip and now I go there anytime I'm near LA and King Arthur Flour in Norwich VT where I wrote a lot of GIft of Failure).

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Sitting by the river under a tree with a full glass of iced water, a nice pen and a lined pad. The water soothes me and allows me to focus without interruption on the writing I am attempting. Doing this without technology keeps me from getting distracted. It's a peaceful, meditative process. Spring, summer and fall make for an easy time to do this. Winter is a bit more challenging so I need to be sure to be dressed warmly so as not to be distracted by the cold.

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I think I'm still searching for one... I keep thinking about the places I loved to write during college and grad school. And I realized part of what made those special spots so special was actually the time, not the place. Before kids, before owning a home, before a huge chunk of my brain was always elsewhere! It makes me think I might need to try to recapture some of that feeling by going away for a mini retreat where I'm not responsible for anything or anyone else but myself and my writing!

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This is so beautiful -- what a powerful realization!

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I wish it wasn't true but honestly my bed. It kills my back and cramps my legs and still I prefer it to any other spot. It makes me feel like I'm indulging myself by writing, like it's not work at all.

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I also write on a bed, but my lap desk (with mouse) makes it work.

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Ok, I will have to investigate the lap desk!

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Sounds like maybe you just need to invest in a few excellent pillows or a lap desk..????

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My office, which contains my great-aunt's secretary desk and a second-hand roll-top desk that is gigantic. That space is my Room of One's Own, and I feel very lucky to have it. (Still working on the fifty pounds a year!)

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My step father had that kind of roll top desk -- it was built like a TANK. There's something very soothing about that.

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Roll-top desks are incredible! They hold stories of their own.

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My porch or outside at a cafe when the weather is nice.

I used to go to a writing co-working space that I LOVED. It was underutilized and felt a little like my own (uncluttered) office. I'd work at different desks for different projects. I miss it!

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What happened to it?

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The person running it decided it wasn't working for them anymore. There are other options near me, but none quite fit the bill at the moment.

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Ugh I hate when that happens to something you've found that you love!

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my desk. it's set up just the way i want it!

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A park bench, outside, anywhere, in good weather. Those things were made for writing.

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Do you write in a notebook on the bench? Or a computer?

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Notebooks. My computer is for at home, typing up final drafts.

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My spot is my sofa with my laptop in my lap. I want to change that, though. I have a gorgeous screened in porch and a gorgeous backyard. There are many incredibly cool coffee shops in my town. I’m thinking a place outdoors might be a nice change.

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That's what I imagined for the bench -- sweet!

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My office, which I have renamed "my studio." Doesn't that sound better? I also like to write on the patio, at the library, at a coffee shop, and the lake;... If I am inspired, I will pull my car over, park, and write.

Then, there is non-writing - writing, where I am figuring things out or dreaming of the oddest things. This happens in the shower when I am eating, waiting at the gas station, or walking for exercise.

Last, there is non-conscious writing when I am sleeping. I kid you not. There have been times when I have woken up in the morning and gone into my "studio" to write, and I have written down my ideas.

Joel

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On the train - on my commute to and from work. I pay for 1st class, not that I need anything special, but it's quiet (primarily serious business people being serious) and there is a little more space. It feels both luxurious and productive ;-).

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I have a big desk with a triple monitor setup, a comfy adjustable chair, and a good sound system. I don't write there.

I write pretty much anywhere else. The desk is for my day job, creating computer software, and when I finish the work day (or before I start it) I want to be as far from that desk as possible.

So I go to coffee shops, libraries, even a local grocery store. It works for me.

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You write in the grocery store? I want to hear about this!

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It's not as strange as it sounds. It's a little organic grocery store that has a hot food buffet and a seating area to enjoy it in. It's not high in atmosphere but it's close to home, never too crowded, and has surprisingly good coffee!

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Ahh sounds lovely!

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My bedroom, specifically sitting on my bed, laptop literally on my lap, lol. I use my desk for my copywriting and content business during the day so it's someplace different. The hope is that it will progam my "creative" brain to come out and play...

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Am thinking it might be a good idea to change things at some point, but we'll see.

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At the moment, it’s either on a comfy chair in my bedroom with my journal on my lap facing my backyard laden with bird of paradise flowers, magnolias and hibiscus bushes, and surrounded by stately palms; or at the computer in the den. Depending on my mood!

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During a meeting

Ideas are fleeting

By the sea

Just leave me be

On a small screen

I’ll make a scene

On a train

Words remain

On a chair-

I’ll write anywhere.

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