One of my favourite things about writing is just how portable it is. From scrawling in a notebook while waiting for an appointment, to typing on your laptop on a train, writing can happen pretty much anywhere. I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly taken advantage of the portable nature of writing more than once. Today I thought it might be fun to talk about some of the place I’ve written in that aren’t at my desk. Comment below and let me know what one of the most unusual places you’ve ever written in is!
Cafes
I feel like most writers have written in a cafe at some point. For me, there’s something about being in a different location, tucked away in a corner with my book and the vague chatter of strangers, none of whom know me, or care about what I’m doing, that creates the perfect atmosphere for me to write in. Plus of course, there’s always the fact that cafes come stocked with coffee, and sometimes even free wi-fi that make them the perfect workplace away from home.
Cars
I am unfortunate enough to get easily motion-sick, so writing in a moving vehicle is always a bit of a risk. Nevertheless, there is nothing like sitting in a car on a long drive to somewhere and getting in a bit of solid writing while I’m at it. No one’s talking to me, and the noise of the engine is like soothing white noise in the background. Plus, without the lure of the internet, there’s very little on my laptop to actually distract me, which is a huge bonus.
Trains
In the same vein, I’ve also written on trains more than once. This isn’t nearly as comfortable or as distraction-less as a car, due to the fact that I am a nervous train traveller and tend to spent far more time worrying about which station I need to change trains at rather than concentrating on writing. But a few stolen minutes of writing is a few minutes I might not have otherwise have, and I’m definitely all for taking advantage of downtime on the train to sneak a few extra words in.
Stationary Cars
This is one of my favourite places to write, if we’re being honest. I’ve had a lot of times where I’m just sitting in the car, waiting for someone to come out of a lesson, or to meet me somewhere, and let me tell you, cars make for a surprisingly good office. There’s a decent amount of space to spread out in. It’s quiet. There are few distractions. In fact, usually there’s nothing for me to do but write. I have written so many words while sitting in the car I feel like i should be making a point of doing this more regularly.
Holiday Houses/Motels
The whole point of going on holiday is to get away from your work and ordinary routines for a while. But then again, the peace and quiet of holidays is so conducive to creativity sometimes. More than once I’ve taken my writing on the road with me to a holiday, and writing in the quiet time before the rest of my family wakes up is so enjoyable. I feel like it takes a lot of the stress and worry out of writing, and I can just sit somewhere new and enjoy exploring my book, even when editing.
Parks
I’m actually not the biggest fan of writing outside. The sun glares on my screen, making it difficult to see, picnic tables are never the right height for comfortable typing, and I’m usually too hot, or too cold, or afraid that someone is looking over my shoulder. Nevertheless, I have definitely taken my writing on the road and hung out in a park or two to get a few extra words in. After all, when opportunities present themselves, I’d be a fool to pass them up.
In The Doctor/Dentist
Sitting in the waiting room is one of the most frustrating things ever, especially with the fact that my doctors and dentists are always running late. However, I have found it to be an excellent opportunity to sneak in a few extra words, usually written on my phone out of desperation, although I have planned ahead and brought a notebook on some occasions. I don’t know what people thing when they seem me scribbling away, but at least I’m making good use of my extra time, right?
Turns out, most places can be used for writing if you’re desperate enough, or if you plan ahead right. Personally, writing in a stationery car and in cafes are my two favourite places, but I’ve certainly done an awful lot of writing in some slightly more unusual places too. But I would love to hear from here. Where is the strangest place you’ve ever written? If you aren’t writing in your usual place, where do you like to go to write? Are there any places outside of your own home that you feel particularly creative in? Let’s chat in the comments down below!
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Want more from me? Check out my debut novel ‘The Crystal Tree’, a YA fantasy adventure about sisters, magic, and sacrifices.
“Couldn’t put it down! The Crystal Tree transported me into a magical world. The main characters became fellow travelers and friends. Can’t wait for the next book.” Venisa
