I asked a variation of this question in the early days on the blog, back in 2007 when it was written on a typewriter and sent around via telegraph. And, well, the immense variation in writing habits fascinates me, plus we have lots of new faces. So I thought I’d go back to this one:
Where do you write?
Not necessarily the city and state/country, although that would be nice too, but where specifically is your favorite writing spot?
Heather says
Starbucks, every day. Drop the kid off at preschool, go to Starbucks, drink and write, pick the kid up from preschool. Kills two birds with one stone: caffeine addiction and writing addiction both satisfied.
Grapeshot/Odette says
My desk in the home office with my IPOD and my favorite “stuff,” like books, paintings, an old microsoft, things that are easy on the eyes. In the Boston, MA area. And on trains, planes and busses should that be necessary or if I’m inspired.
Two cats hang out, one often in front of the keyboard where her paw sometimes touches the mouse pointer. My research is within reach, and I am most productive here.
TecZ aka Dalton C Teczon - Writer says
I used to write on my breaks at work, (we were allowed to take breaks at our desk cubicles which were fairly well enclosed).
Now I write in the comfort of my ‘research lab’ aka ‘home office’ in Eastern Idaho. My main computer sits on my desk awaiting the press of the button that brings it to life. My Yamaha keyboard sits quietly next to it, surrounded by stacks of technology magazines, computer games, various books on a wide range of subjects and an assortment of rough drafts stuffed in milk crate shelves. Behind me, my bulletin board, hanging tightly onto partially bent nails, is filled with various ideas, notes to self and funny quotes to make myself laugh.
It’s usually quiet here except when my fluffy fur balls, of which I have ten, decide to get into a fighting match. Then it’s hiss, growl, hiss, bang, me dashing out of the room at top speed to prevent bloodshed and the scattering into all directions of seemingly innocent cats. And finally, myself left wondering and yelling, “Okay, who was it?” (Like they’re going to answer? Oh, brother)! Then a slow, confused trudge back into the ‘research lab’ as I shake off the annoyance and remember how much I love them. Once back, I plop back down on my pillow laden chair and continue writing.
Lucinda says
Where do you write? What is your favorite writing spot?
“Writing is not as much of where my fingers run across my laptop keyboard as it is a state of mind.
While working at a mindless job (factory work), I create scenes, chapters and characters, even talk with my characters or they with me. I call it ‘active meditation’ and it is much like driving, raking, or mowing the grass for some.
Boxes of scribble notes, brainstorming, and ideas hide under my bed collecting dust and cobwebs. (no room for evil boogy man under there) These boxes have been known to take up residence in the high shelves of my closet, too. Inside these musty old boxes are scraps of paper, receipts, napkins from various restaurants, and envelopes each with an idea or beginning of something that grows inside my laptop.
Pen and paper are never far from where I can write something down when an idea hatches. I have even written in my sleep and woke to find my handwriting was better when I was asleep than awake.
Writing is accomplished on my laptop most often because my penmanship became hieroglyphic after college and computers. But my favorite SPOT to write anything is at my oak roll-top desk. The view outside my window has no romantic appeal, nor does my tiny low-rent apartment, but…inside my imagination, I can be anyone and anywhere at the speed of thought.”
Lucy
Brigid says
I used to sit on the couch with my headphones plugged into my laptop, writing with loud raucous music while my husband watched reality tv. (I think I watched an entire season of Survivor without hearing a word of it.)
But then I got pregnant, and my belly got in the way of my laptop. Ever since then, I sit at a desk, but I must (MUST) have a cup of coffee to write.
Azimuth says
Hi, Nathan. I write in the cracks of the day — during coffee break, on my lunch hour, and after work, when I’ve fed the kiddies and done my other motherly and wifely duties. I write at my desk on my laptop, sometimes in complete silence and sometimes with music playing. I am surrounded by talismans and images that relate to my WIP — pictures of the setting, of landmarks that may be important, and of my characters (in one story, I used Derek Jacobi for my character when he was an older man). On the weekends, I get long stretches at a time to indulge. I get up at dawn and work for several hours in the early morning silence.
Heidi the Hick says
-corner of the couch by the bay window
-big hideous/gorgeous old green and yellow velour armchair
-on the deck
-in bed
I will never own a desktop computer.
plus I always carry a little notebook in my purse with about five pens so I can write down a sudden burst of inspiration!
Kathleen Noud says
I dream about a day in the future when I will have my own little study to work in full of my books and movie posters and nick-nacks.
But right now its whenever I can that has a power plug for my laptop – local library, my bedroom, at work. If it’s during the day, I need somewhere sunny or with a big open window but that could be an Aussie thing.
Kimmy says
Ok, so, I guess I am the quirky one! I write on my floor, with my trusty pen and paper in hand. The movie “Ella Enchanted” can be heard throughout the house, blaring on the television. I don’t really know why, I think it’s because I write YA fairytales, who knows, but for some reason, that movie inspires me to write. I can be stuck, in a rut, with writer’s block from you know where, as soon as that movie comes on, bang, I’m writing again. lol.
Crimogenic says
In bed surrounded by my blanket, which says something about the freezing temperature of the state I live in.
Jen C says
Shannon said…
I always write first on paper, and generally at home in my bed, or out and about in my car… My revisions are half and half on paper and on computer, but major revisions and new ideas always come up on paper and not on a computer screen.
I used to write with pen on paper, but I hit a point where I thought I was just creating more work for myself having to transcribe it all onto a computer, so I forced myself to learn to write directly onto my laptop.
I sometimes miss writing by hand, because I feel it’s more personal. However, I type 80wpm, so I can type a heck of a lot faster than I can write by hand!
T.Wolfe says
I write at work at 2am when the t.v. shows get boring and at work trainings. I also write at home and in the car (when I am stuck at red lights).
Adam Heine says
My favorite? Any place with food, air conditioning, and a comfortable seat/desk arrangement.
My actual? Anywhere I can get, up to and including my bed, the desk in the family room (lost behind all the toddler toys), and my daughter’s desk while she’s at school.
Linda says
Every morning, in what was the living room but which now houses the piano, bookshelves, and the kids’ craft cart. There, in the bay window is MY desk, an old cherry piece from a dear friend, now deceased, who gave it to me when she moved into a nursing home. When day breaks, which it does about half-way through my ‘session’, redbuds face me, and I often see deer and bluebirds.
It is my favorite moment of the day. Peace, Linda
Marilyn Peake says
Moments ago, I finished witing the first draft of my new sci fi novel. Speaking of where we write … Now that I’m finally looking away from my computer and looking around, I wanna know: Who sprinkled pixie dust all over my furniture??
Marilyn Peake says
Jen C said:
“I used to write with pen on paper, but I hit a point where I thought I was just creating more work for myself having to transcribe it all onto a computer, so I forced myself to learn to write directly onto my laptop.”
Me, too. I thought I’d never learn to write creatively on the computer, but now I write best that way.
Jil says
I have my own big desk, covered in notes, books, more notes and my laptop. I usually have a picture of my novel’s location (always a place i’ve loved) and, stuck on the wall, Einstein’s words on a bookmark, “Imagination is more important that knowledge”. There is also a unicorn.I love unicorns.
The room opens onto a breezeway so my dog can wander in and out, and hopefully no one else. I look out at a hummingbird friend and trees when I need a rest. A friendly place for all my characters to, hopefully, thrive.
Laurie says
I have an L-shaped sofa that is a perfect “office.” I sit with my laptop on my lap and any papers that I need are right next to me on the adjoining wing.
I work in that space day and night. During the day, I’m a journalist, and I work on my first novel at night.
The “well-lit cafe” just didn’t work for me. The one time I tried it, I found myself looking up every time the door opened.
Jil says
I have my own big desk, covered in notes, books, more notes and my laptop. I usually have a picture of my novel’s location (always a place i’ve loved) and, stuck on the wall, Einstein’s words on a bookmark, “Imagination is more important that knowledge”. There is also a unicorn.I love unicorns.
The room opens onto a breezeway so my dog can wander in and out, and hopefully no one else. I look out at a hummingbird friend and trees when I need a rest. A friendly place for all my characters to, hopefully, thrive.
Shannon Ryan says
I do my best writing in a coffee shop at lunchtime. Something about trying to ignore the other customers, the blenders, the foam jets makes me focus just right.
If the weather is nice, though, I like to sit on my deck with a glass of wine and my laptop.
Sarah Goodner says
I usually write at my desk or on my back porch. Occasionally at the local coffee house.
I am currently working on a ghost story, though, and to really get in the mood, I have to change location. There is a beautifully kept graveyard down the street from my apartment, so lately, that has been where the spirits move me.
Fire_eyes007 says
I write at work. My job is mindless and boring (darkroom tech at x-ray clinic) and I find my mind races with ideas and dialogue while I whirl around the darkroom or bring in patients.
The annoying thing is when I get a really good paragraph going, and I have to stop scribbling it down and actually do my job.
A good trick I’ve found is to print out a chapter and then read and edit it during the quiet moments at work.
Jannette Johnson says
I write at my fifteen year old desk that’s warped due to the weight of my monitor and printer. I have a really uncomfortable chair who’s cusions are loosing their fluffiness sooner than I would have hoped, therefore I have created a a writing mantra to help me when I write;
“ineedalaptopineedalaptopineedalaptop….”
Melanie Avila says
Chiming in from Zihuatanejo, Mexico. 🙂
I don’t have a laptop so I write/type at my desk. I wrote my first draft by hand and took that notebook EVERYWHERE. I’m really hoping for an Alphasmart or laptop in my future.
Jason Crawford says
For really no reason, other than that’s where the computer desk is, I write in our sunroom.
Basically, i just need a quiet lonely place where I can think.
Cass says
Before my girls go to bed: With my laptop, on my couch. I like to use a breakfast tray and turn it upside down.Set it on top of a pill in my lap and viola. Instant poratable desk.
After my girls go to bed:
Take the portable desk up to my room and then write until I fall asleep.
SS – I see Mt Rainier every day on the way to work, but don’t get to look at her majesty all day. Lucky you.
Lynn F.C. says
At home, in a sun room on the side of the house on my glass desk where I have my laptop set up. On the road, which is once a month, anywhere I can open up my laptop and not be bothered by anyone. I just purchased my new iBook last April and still wonder how I did everything long-hand, but I did even though I had a great desktop.
Where, is not as important as on what, so if I don’t have a laptop available, a lined pad of any kind is fine is where I scribble my thoughts.
litenup_rach says
definitely sitting in bed with my laptop, french doors open and breathin’ in the jasmine-ivy on the lattice deck.
if its really late at night – into the wee hours – tv’s usually on with sound muted just in case something interesting pops up.
HeygateLive says
In the mornings I like to write in cafes – Starbucks, depending on the location, has the best combination of anonymity, space, and distraction. But anywhere away from cell phones will do – people talking on cell phones really kills my concentration.
In the evenings I write either in a library, or most often at home. Anywhere quiet, with a bit of ambience.
Scott says
Being a freelancer, I have a home office–my Schreibwinkel. It’s small, but comfortable, with lots of tunes. It’s usually quiet enough when I need it to be, or I can crank up the music when that’s useful. I have a great view of the Wasatch mountains–if I turn and twist enough. It’s not my dream writing space, but it works for me.
I also have a laptop that I use when I want to write somewhere else, like in the bedroom or away from home.
I prefer to write at home rather than away, so I have all my stuff–notes, research materials, etc.
Mystery Robin says
With my netbook, wherever I can – sofa, in the car waiting to pick up my daughter, Starbucks, sitting on the stepstool in the bathroom…
Jil says
I have my own big desk, covered in notes, books, more notes and my laptop. I usually have a picture of my novel’s location (always a place i’ve loved) and, stuck on the wall, Einstein’s words on a bookmark, “Imagination is more important that knowledge”. There is also a unicorn.I love unicorns.
The room opens onto a breezeway so my dog can wander in and out, and hopefully no one else. I look out at a hummingbird friend and trees, when I need a rest. A friendly place for all my characters to, hopefully, thrive.
Tom Bradley Jr. says
Any quiet place with my PC (sometimes even at work…but only during lulls or lunch, honest) and, depending on my mood, a nice, cold, frosty adult beverage made with barley and hops. Except at work. Not good there.
D. Michael Olive says
I have a home office that looks out on my landscaped back yard. My desk chair is comfy and my desk is just the right height to avoid strain while I type. I’m surrounded by my favorite books as well as writing references and of course, printouts of Nathan’s most instructional blogs which I store in my files.
Rachel says
I write at my desk at home, on the second floor of our house. I look out onto hills and a big, brilliant blue, Aussie sky, which can be a little too distracting.
But when I’m busy, and writing time it tight, I haul the laptop with me and write whenever the chance arises – in the fifteen minutes before the kids get out of school, while I’m waiting for my daughter’s dance class to finish, during the boys’ loong cricket matches that make the movement of continents seem positively speedy … I get some odd looks, but meh.
AravisGirl says
I’ve written on my bed for years. I’ve learned to write at a desk too, since we only have a desktop pc
V L Smith says
The majority of my writing is completed on my computer in my home office surrounded by my two cats and my dog. Although creatures are an inspiration, people are a distraction so I prefer to write when no one’s at home.
sdavidnowlin says
I can write anyplace I have a table to put my laptop down, but I find that I’m usually most productive in a bookstore cafe. When I try to write at home, I have to battle the ever-present call of web surfing and tv, and though there are distractions in public places as well, to be sure, they don’t tug at my attention the way my entertainment addictions do. Also, there is inspiration often to be found in people-watching and one should never discount the benefits of the venti iced chai latte. Finally, in a book store, if I have a question I can’t easily answer with a quick google query, I can often troll through the isles and find a book on exactly what I’m looking for.
Endless Secrets says
Honestly, its kind of weird but I write on the bus everyday on my way to work, i dont exactly know why, I did it once and it became a habit.
I actually ride the bus now when I have writers block, and it almost instantly evaporates.
But in the summer I would definately rather write at the beach under a huge umbrella with a margarita!
Endless Secrets says
Haha, i forgot to mention that i live in a small town in Canada so the buses are usually empty and the scenery is amazing. I don’t think id be able to think on a crouded bus in the city…
Michael Pickett says
I’d like to say something romantic like in the shade of a giant sycamore tree, but really it’s wherever I can. Usually that’s at my desk in my room. There are few distractions and it’s convenient.
Matilda McCloud says
I write at work–it’s not ideal, but that’s when I’m at my most creative. I work in books, and my little office space is crammed with books, and when I’m not writing, I’m looking at page proofs…then I come home and write on the family computer, and read more books, and go to the library and pick out even more books…ahhh!!!
Ryan Hunter - Writer says
If I say I write at my desk, until my head drops in fatigue and produced seven lines of Ks before I jerk awake, am I being to boring?
I also enjoy writing on my deck, but would enjoy the view more if it didn’t face my neighbor’s doorway.
terryd says
Sometimes I write in the country
Sometimes I write in the town
Sometimes I get me a notion
To jump in the river and drown.
Kate H says
I write, usually, in my bedroom, at an antique secretary desk that I inherited from a great aunt. It gives me a sense of connection to my family and my past. This only works when no one else is home and awake. I also can write outdoors, in coffee shops, in libraries, in airports . . . any place that no one is demanding anything of me. And there is no obnoxious music playing.
CNU says
I’ll premise this with a warning that this answer is cheesy and cliche:
I write in my soul. It’s a location without a location. See why I warned people…
As far as painting- I painted in back alleys on cinderblock benches with an audience of hobo’s watching. (No joke.*) One was mentally disturbed and said he was having some religious experience while there. A grown man crying with joy. You can’t buy that experience. Strange days, but cool.
TMI huh?
Welllll…… you asked.
Lucy says
Nathan, I think your last contest has produced more blog traffic. I don’t remember seeing 350+ comments to a post, at least not in a while. Wow! 🙂
I officially write in my home office, and actually get most of my work done there, but if I have ideas coming, I will write anywhere that I can support a piece of paper (paper including napkins, tissues, bank envelopes, receipts, disposable plates, etc.) Maybe that could be the next question for blog readers: what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used in place of actual paper?
PurpleClover says
Scott-
No prob. I actually remembered the post you were referring to in your first comment. You had suggested music pieces for writing. I thought Wow, I wish I could listen to music and write well.But to me it was as confusing as those that have trouble walking while chewing gum. 🙂
I think at the time you had this eye ball that stared at you and looked around. It really tripped me out.
Michelle says
It's funny because I used to love to write around other people like in Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, but now I find that the most productive work is done for me at my desk, with no noise (not even music), and with the rest of the family either asleep or out. The quiet allows me to have uninterrupted concentration on what I'm writing. It also allows me the freedom to read my work outloud to test the dialogue to ensure it feels and sounds natural and that the words of the story flow properly.
I also like to have either a cup of tea, cup of decaf coffee, or a cup of ice next to me as I write.
Madison says
On my computer?
Seriously though, in my room, cuddled up on the bed, with maybe a cat playing with the mouse. 🙂