Writers' Spaces — Where do you get writing done?

There's a great story in today's New York Times about the the writer Roxana Robinson, and how she leaves her well-appointed office to sit in a sparse spare bedroom in order to really get writing done:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/realestate/12habi.html?8dpc

Yesterday at brunch, four of us — three writers and an artist — were talking about our various methods, tics and needs that must be accommodated in order to get our brains to cooperate and the words to come. Music, no music. The time of day. The type of room and its brightness and configuration... We sounded like insane people.

Personally, I like a small room, with my computer up close to the wall, essentially making me a horse with blinders — when I was writing my book, I pushed my desk into a small walk-in closet, which worked out perfectly. Sometimes music helps, but it must be in a language I don't understand, or else songs I know so well that I don't focus on the lyrics.

What's your trick or favorite spot? What do you do to make the words come?

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Gomley on March 15, 2012 at 11:11am

I just finished my first novel and most of it was written on the back patio overlooking the foothills. I would write from 6am to 6pm. Then we moved and the new home was conducive to writing. However, there is a park w/i walking distance so I finished the first draft at the park.

I cannot write on my laptop, other than editing/rewriting. The first draft always has to be written in a notebook with a blue pen. But my greatest ideas have come to me when I have been outside.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Maisto on March 16, 2012 at 5:35am

My writing process is so detached from the outside world -- I'm so jealous, Lisa! And congrats on finishing!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Gomley on March 16, 2012 at 8:38am

Michelle,

Thanks for the congrats! I just entered it into a contest for unpublished writers with no agent. Everything I have two or more of is crossed. LOL

I meant to say in my post that where we are living now is NOT conducive to writing. But the park is quiet, for the most part. The only issue is people come there with their dogs. However, it was very cool the one day. A couple had brought their two Golden's there and one of them came up to say hi. The owner came up, apologizing for the dog, and while I shared an english muffin with the dogs we chatted about writing. Turns out, she is a YA author who has published multiple books! I have started reading one of them and they are great. It always fuels me when I talk to other writers, no matter the genre. Especially when I find out they have been published. I wrote more that day than I had in a week.

It's funny...you mentioned that you need to be shut away. I was laughing when I read that you pushed your desk into a closet. My claustrophobia would not do well with that. However, you sometimes write with music and that is the one thing I cannot do. I wish I could. I love reading about people that write with music that matches the genre of whatever they are writing at the time. I think that would be so cool.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer White on March 16, 2012 at 5:14am

Great topic! I am actually going to read through all the other responses for inspiration because I am yet to find that spot that works well for me. I have a small one bedroom apartment and no desk so the options are somewhat limited. It's hard to feel productive with your laptop on the couch though so I have to figure something out. I do know I need to put my iphone out of arms reach!

Jenny

www.openingthedoorblog.blogspot.com

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Gomley on March 16, 2012 at 8:42am

Jennifer,

Have you ever tried writing outside? I read somewhere that nature helps fuel the imagination. If you have a quiet park you should see if that works for you. The only problem I find is that it is work to get into the "groove" in the colder months. Good luck finding the right place.

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Permalink Reply by Ankhseojhal on March 19, 2012 at 7:55am

Writting come often with my moods. I like to be alone, no one around to peep and criticize before it gets published. It doed not matter either iy id my bedroom, my study or my lawn. I like tranquility, music is acceptable if it is soft and without lyrics.

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Permalink Reply by Ankhseojhal on March 19, 2012 at 8:03am

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Vine on March 24, 2012 at 2:44am

As I use a laptop it doesn't really matter as long as it is quiet with no distractions. Most of my writing gets done early morning before my teenage daughter wakes up!

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Permalink Reply by Jo Michaels on July 10, 2012 at 10:28am

Thanks for sharing that wonderful article. I wish I had a room full of books to look at while I write and a thick door that locked but I hide in the garage with no phones and no air conditioning because it's blissfully quiet.

I write at the same time each day to help the creative essence. When I flow, I have a difficult time shutting down even if I'm very hot.