I have a few favourite, non-office writing spots.
In the winter I’m a big fan of my own livingroom. On a sunny day, I move my chair so that I can sit in the sunshine and feel its warmth while I write. It’s the reason we’ve had two houses in a row that face south. When it’s dark or gloomy, I hunker by the gas fire. My tools are pencil and paper or my Neo. I have a laptop, but I prefer writing tools without distractions like email, Facebook, Twitter, Free Cell, the internet–you get the idea. The music in my ear buds is classical.
I’m also a fan of writing in coffee shops. I often head to Starbucks at the beginning of a project or when I have no ideas or inspiration. I don’t leave until I have a story. I can’t give credit to any creative jolts from the coffee, because I only drink decaf, but I do wonder about the efficacy of their oatmeal bars and molasses cookies.
In the summer I love to write outside before everyone else wakes up. Me, a cup of tea, a journal and birdsong. I know that there’s traffic noise from a not-so-distant highway, but warm breezes, sunshine and the calls of cardinals, crows, and song sparrows push the noise far into the background. No music required here. I’m eagerly awaiting these days. As I write this at 7:30 in the morning, everything is covered in a white blanket of frost and the cyclist on the path behind my house just went by in winter jacket and toque. I guess I’ll have to wait a bit longer.
Do you have a favourite place to write? A favourite time? What kind of music plays in your ear buds?
Here in the south of France, I will often be found at a cafe. The small village cafe is magical and inspiration is everywhere I go here.
And may your muse have a permanent place at your table!
I definitely like to write outside if I can. I find there is so much “scope for the imagination” outside. As for music, I tend to listen to instrumental – a mix of world music and movie soundtracks.
We’ve been spoiled with unusually warm weather for March, so I’ve been outside a lot. A real treat!