And Your Favorite Place to Write Is?
Great writers possess extraordinary discipline and well-developed, positive habits that fuel their writing.
As part of this discipline and set of habits, most writers gravitate toward a special place to craft their words. Sometimes, it isn’t just one spot, but several. Heck, maybe it’s wherever their muse strikes them.
My point is you should be thinking about where you’re stringing your words together.
It carries importance. More than you think.
It inspires. Nurtures. Provides focus. Grants freedom. And so much more.
I’m certain the places we choose to write in grab hold of us in all sorts of different ways. This got me thinking…
Upload a Photo of Your Favorite Writing Spot
So where do you write and what does this place mean to you?
Upload a photo or photos of your favorite spot or spots to an image sharing site like Flickr or Picasa and include a short one to two sentence caption about what it means to you or why you like writing there.
Then post the link in the comment section of this post. And don’t forget to invite your writing friends to do the same.
My Writing Spot
I’ll get us started. You see mine above. I love this space mostly because of the photography hanging right in front of me. It’s a shot by Henri Silberman called Poet’s Walk.
It reminds me that writing is a journey, and often a long, hard road, but one worth following.
I can’t wait to see and read about your favorite writing spot!
David A. Kennedy is a web producer, journalist and writer with a master’s degree in interactive media from Elon University. Nothing enthralls him more than a good story, so he writes, hoping to enthrall others. You can read more of his work at his website and blog. He can be found on Twitter @DavidAKennedy.
Funny, I blogged about this same topic yesterday! http://www.nancyshohetwest.com/lifes-a-streak-run.php and scroll to Mar. 2. My main point was that it’s good to go with variety, especially if you are trying to implement a new habit. Having one spot in which you love to write is ideal, but I think it’s good for one’s writing to vary the setting also.
Great post, Nancy. That’s exactly why I was thinking spots because I know some people might need that variety. Their combination of spots might be their SPOT. And in the end, you have to go with what works for you.
This is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately! Having had the luxury of what I like to refer to as a Writing Oom and now not having one, due to living in an extremely small shared house, I’ve been surprised at how it’s affected my writing discipline. I thought that not having a writing space would affect me, and while I won’t deny that it’s been hard, I’ve found that if I want to write, I will find space to. That being said, I’m moving house soon and a Writing Oom is one of my priorities! Here’s a pic of my usual writing space: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldarbee/4222092437/in/set-72157619814281738/
Deb, very cool space. It looks like a good writer’s space (cat included!). :)
I admire that you’re having the urge to write, even though a regular space may not be available. I’m kind of jealous because I’ve found I need a regular space. Hence, the space in my office that I’ve carved out…
Hello!
Found you through @MelissaWrites. Love your post and website!
I was an ES principal for 14 years. Needless to say my writing consisted of short memos, weekly bulletins, and a few scattered letters of recommendation, here and there.
As a result, my writing suffered. Became a consultant and then got laid off…So now, in the meantime, I have been trying to get my writing game back. Started a blog, but find it hard to come up with topics at times…or feel foolish, like a lesser than author, in relation to my edu peers, trying to write it.
Really think for newbie writers, like me, that fave spot is critical. If I’m going to get back in the game…this is an excellent place to start!
BTW my spot looks very similar to your pic. :)
David;
Thanks for posting. I appreciate your ideas. Keep on writing and share with your readers.
I like to write in long-hand. Maybe in a study room/reading room/library. However, I receive my best ideas when I am playing sports or walking in the outdoors or engaging in activities which require blood, sweat and tears–as the saying goes. I seldom write at any one place, though.
One caveat: I have to capture a thought, otherwise risk losing it forever. Immediately, the flash of inspiration must be written-down. So, I just sit down. Even if I have to sit in the sand on an oceanic beach or right in the middle of a park. No wonder I am still stuck in a limbo..cheers.
Archan, I am built much the same way.
My best ideas come when I least expect them to. I’ve learned to carry a notebook for just such occasions. I wrote about it on my blog: http://davidakennedy.com/the-most-important-non-digital-tool-for-any-creative/
I used to write free-hand as we. In fact, I still write poetry and lyrics this way, but most everything else gets written via computer.
There’s something more organic and real about actually writing. That’s the advantage of a notebook – it’s portable and you can create a writing spot anywhere.
Great post!
Back in college I worked at the local movie theater – one screen, one auditorium, open lobby at the back. From the concession stand I could watch the film. I would often jot down some of my best ideas on the back of some extra folded schedules of upcoming features we would pass out at the end of the evening. This is where some of my best writing was done.
Now, out of college and only dabbling in writing, I still use folded up sheets of paper, the same folds as those old schedules, to take notes from my muse. Something about that folded rectangle draws me back into that place of creativity.
As far as a favorite physical space to write: since the movie theater is now gone and I have moved on in life, I am still searching for that sacred place of maximum creativity.
I think that’s so cool, Eric.
When I was in high school, I wrote all my journalism stories out longhand before typing them on the computer. It took me a few years before I was really used to crafting words on the computer, and I mentioned above, I still write poetry on paper…
Some habits never die.
I write all over the house, at the bookshop and in the park. My favorite and most productive place to write is in the bedroom. I was trying to figure out why I like the bedroom so much. It’s not that functional. I’m sitting in my bed with a lapdesk with a netbook. I fluff the pillows and sit back with the tv on mute. So why is it so creative to write here? I think it’s because I marinate my ideas here. I lay awake thinking about my stories, my characters and sometimes I dream up the scenes.
I always write in the same spot I do everything else. Reading your post, for the first time, I’m wondering if I set up a spot away from my usual surroundings, I might get more work done. I’ve been struggling with not being as productive with my writing as I’d like to be. Maybe this will be the key, getting myself away from the same spot I sit to do everything else. Maybe having one place that is different will help me focus and keep me from being distracted.
Thank you!
Here is where the magic happens. haha! I am a very neat person but for some reason, I absolutely cannot keep my desk clean! I kept it exactly the way it is so *maybe* it’ll shame me into cleaning it up. :-) I’m right next to double windows overlooking the backyard and right in front of me is the massive wine cork bulletin board that took me 6 months to make! It holds some notes, my schedule and lots of pictures. To my left are some bookshelves that are overflowing and begging for some relief. Oh…and I have my fish tank :-) http://www.twitpic.com/16l81n
Sounds like your pretty comfortable there as well, and that makes a difference.
I don’t think I could write without a window nearby. It lets light in, and the ideas. :)
I write on the subway.
Some of my best work has been written while I’ve traveled underground on the Toronto subway system. I’m not sure why, but since I was a teenager it’s been a place where my creativity flows.
Sometimes what I have written is connected to the people I watch moving in and out of the train cars. At other times, it’s been the perfect place to complete a poem that may have started as a single line circling in my head.
PhotoPoetics, I think you’re onto something with the people. I’d imagine writing in that type of space gives you a lot of energy – with all the people moving about.