As a writer I often talk about (and generally feel) that place is an important aspect of the writing headspace. After spending the last 16 days in Seattle and moving through three different hotels/VRBO’s I found that place is a more important construct than previously imagined, but in some ways a virtual construct as well.
Have Laptop, Will Travel
The first thing you need to understand about the writing environment is the tools. I’m a laptop person now. In earlier days I was a typewriter guy or a notebook guy. I wrote out my first major manuscript by hand, and the second on an electronic typewriter the likes of which I, fortunately, never saw again. That second manuscript–the first one that was a complete novel vs. a short and cute novella about an Elf named Horace Treefellow was burned to char in the compactor room of the apartment building where I lived. It was placed there by my mother. Nothing more need be said on that topic. I lost another near complete manuscript to a busted laptop following an unfortunate holiday incident involving champagne. I lost another laptop to the back wheels of my car, because I was stupid. All of that being said, I believe the laptop is the critical part of my writing space and the ‘cloud’ is a huge part of that. I can write anywhere on the laptop and upload it for safekeeping.
That Man’s Headspace
Keeping a head about yourself when you are writing basically boils down to being in a space where you feel comfortable. For me that is either out in public where I am able to people watch and become part of the scenery or in my personally cultivated office, generally alone so I don’t risk getting into conversations with the people I love and finding that to be an all too welcome distraction. I do best at coffee shops when out on the road. I do pretty good at restaurants, but I feel bad about taking a table for that extended period of time, so generally limit myself to an hour at the restaurant and two tops at the coffee spot. For me 3-5 hours is really good for writing time. 3 is a legit minimum for any serious progress, so these outdoor and mobile spots mean a lower quality of writing.
Verdict?
I believe the best writers location is the one you cultivate yourself and return to the way you would an old blanket. My office is that for me. I believe the best sort of outdoor spot is one you can people watch, draw power, and feel good and safe about squatting in for your personal length of writing time. I’ve struggled to find that over the years and I am still searching.