Writing is one of the few professions or hobbies that we can do pretty much anywhere. Helped by modern technology, writers have so many more options and locations at their disposal than to simply sit at a desk with a pen and notepad.
Working at a desk is fine, of course, but there’s no need to limit yourself to a fixed workstation, and you may find that your surrounding leaves you short of inspiration and focus. Many writers have been known to prefer somewhere else to put pen to paper. Here are some ideas:
1. On a train
Provided you can get a seat, and have a laptop, tablet or even smartphone with plenty of battery charge left, a long train journey is the perfect place to work on your writing.
It’s an excellent way to pass the time on a long journey where there may be little else to do, and the trip itself could give you inspiration. Many writers say they get more ideas when on the move, and it’s possible that something you see out of the window could flick a switch and give your writing a new direction.
A technique some writers use for character development is to look around them on trains and buses and try to imagine a history for the people you’re seeing. You might see someone who looks tired, confident, content, restless or apprehensive. Try to imagine why they are acting in this way. Obviously, we’re not advising you to hassle your fellow passengers, so make sure you’re doing this in a subtle and non-invasive way!
2. In a shed
You might think of a shed as an old decaying hut at the bottom of a garden, full of bits of wood, old tools and other bits and pieces of little value that their owner can’t bear to bin. For famous children’s author Ronald Dahl, however, it was where characters like the BFG, Willy Wonka and Fantastic Mr. Fox came to life.
Dahl’s Writing Hut in his Buckinghamshire garden certainly served him well until his death in 1990. Ironically, given that his books still bring delight to kids all over the world, he worked there mainly so that he wouldn’t be distracted by his children.
3. In bed
Writing automatically makes us think of being in a seated position, but a surprising number of authors have been known to put their work together while lying down.
From William Wordsworth to Truman Capote, several penmen have preferred the comfort of their beds to the formality of the writing desk. For these guys, going to work often meant staying in bed, which doesn’t sound a bad way to make a living!
However and wherever you write, make sure you have the skills to get your words noticed and published online. Take advantage of the discounted prices currently available on our Freelance Writing for Business and Business Blogging for Beginners diploma courses.
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