It’s interesting, but one of the little things I try to do is to do SOMETHING with my writing every day. Ideally, that means actual writing, but it can mean other things. It might mean working with a visual artist to improve the flourishes and section breaks. It may mean scouting for new locations to write (more about this later). It may mean reading a newly finished chapter to my wife. Some days, it may only mean writing a single paragraph, something that may only take ten minutes. However, every day’s work adds up.
There are days, like today, when I’m able to go to a spot that is quiet, safe, and comfortable and get some real, solid writing done. For me, there’s a rather popular bread company (with awesome cinnamon bagels) near where I work. A feature of this location not common to all of them – I know because I’ve checked a few – is that they have a “party room” in the back. Now, this space is configured, usually, just as extra seating, but it’s in the back, quiet, and it even has power.
It’s a fair observation that the commercial world isn’t that kind to writers, at least to those who’d like relative quiet, a comfortable place to sit and type, without fear of being harassed or asked to move along. I’ve found some hotel lobbies to be decent, but those are frequently noisier than I would like. Comfortable and don’t mind you being there, but lots of chatting and comings and goings. Sometimes, I’ll scout a hotel or resort and found that there is no chance it can be used. (That was yesterday.) Sometimes, a tried-and-true location goes south; they suddenly decide to play loud music in their dining area. The time feels wasted, and to some extent it is, but good spot for writing is well worth it when you can find it.
If you like to write, then it’s a struggle to find good places. If you’ve found one, be grateful, especially if they serve good bagels.
JTL
PS: Chapter 18 of “Beyond” is done, and I have a good plan moving forward. Loving it! 🙂