The changing writing workspace

Finding a place to write - a constantly changing problem which I wrote about in http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/a-place-to-write.html

In 2012 I was favouring laptop on lap on sofa - not good for my back. 

November 2012

Although there is a desk in the living room where the TV is, at times I needed to get away to a different room to be quiet and concentrate, so I rolled the chair into the junk room and stuck my lappie on a small fold up table. That worked to some extent at the time.

July 2014

But sitting down for any length of time is bad for the back and every other body part, so in 2015 I began to experiment with a standing desk.  Having researched ebay and seen how much they cost I improvised my own with a plastic stool on the desk and this became my favoured way of working.  Last year, however, after major surgery, I needed to sit again so the stool went and I sat at the desk once more but making sure (trying, anyway) to take plenty of breaks. 

June 2015

But I am restless again, seeking a new method - one that involves plenty of breaks, but in a clutter free space and a separate room. My very old laptop had to be pensioned off and I have a new, smaller and lighter lappie, easier to carry around, and one which can run off the battery (my old one only worked when plugged into the mains).

Editing in cafes works for now - printing off 300 words of a short story draft then writing in longhand to expand and revise.  Then back to laptop to update.  Then more edits. I enjoy editing.  I just have to find a working method for actually getting new words on the screen.  Without compromising my back and eyes.  Little and often, I suppose.  

Any suggestions for productive and comfortable working methods very welcome!

For the journey

Today I'm over at Creatabot again.  I love writing posts for this excellent e-zine.

Here's a taste...

So many great stories are about literal or spiritual journeys, in which the protagonist is changed by the process, whether she has experienced incredible dramatic adventures or pursued more reflective contemplation.  Journeys seem to be a recurrent theme in my writing.  More than 20 years ago, the first novel I had published, Wild Horse Island, was about a horse taken from.....

Click here to read the full article
http://creatabot.co.uk/2012/12/09/for-the-journey-by-jane-ayres/

London Writers' Cafe

Continuing the recent theme of cafes, I thought I would mention the London Writers' Cafe. My positive experience with the nanowrimo write-in has led me to explore more opportunities .  

The London Writers'cafe is described as "a group for fiction writers to read their work and get constructive feedback in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We welcome all creative writers seeking information, advice and encouragement on their writing projects. Most of our members are working on short stories, novels, poems, or scripts."

So if you want to find out more go to  

http://www.meetup.com/londonwriterscafe/

Writing environments and distractions

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?