The environment in which you work as a writer can have a very direct
impact on how you work. When you write, you need to focus. Writing at home,
where you feel safe and comfortable, should be ideal in many respects. But at home there are usually external distractions,
such as the phone ringing, and those we allow ourselves to be side-tracked by,
such as checking emails and web surfing, if we have internet access. Or simply
busying ourselves with housework and little jobs that need doing.
Recently, I experienced working on my netbook in Caffe Nero for almost 3
hours, along with other writers, as part for a Nanowrimo Write-in. This was surprisingly productive for me and
something I plan to try again. My netbook doesn’t connect to the internet (a
major distraction) and there are no phones ringing. (Mobile is tucked into my bag). The coffee grinder can be very loud but that
just becomes background noise and helps you feel part of the world around you.
Today I sat in the car with my lappie running off the battery while my
partner was at the osteopaths. I had an
hour to work and it was a great environment, apart from sun glare on the laptop
screen. I was really focussed, but still
felt connected to the outside world.
Which kind of environment do you find the most productive?
