Hayley Vornholt

[Quick note: Yes, I know it was only yesterday that I said I'd be taking a break from this blog for a little while, but what can I say? I'm addicted.]

Many writers, I suspect, dream of the perfect “writing spot.” I know I have–though admittedly the vision changes depending on my mood. Some days I imagine a gorgeous mahogany desk with plenty of room to spread out my notebooks and scrap paper (and all of those fun little office supplies I seem to collect), while other times it’s a shady spot under tree (ideally one without any knobby roots to dig into my butt), while still other times it’s a bustling coffee shop where I’m surrounded by people and energy and potential inspiration.

I’ve spoken on here before of my attempts to mix up the places I write, and on the whole it’s been a very successful experiment for me.  Here’s quick rundown of what I’ve tried so far:

The Standing Desk

Standing desks are pretty trendy these days, and–fortunately–they’re pretty easy to recreate at home.

I definitely find that working from a standing position improves my focus and productivity. I’ve also been thinking a lot about my health and fitness level recently (as both could use some improvement), and usually it’s the small, consistent efforts–like standing instead of sitting whenever possible–that make a huge difference down the line.

Pros: Better for my body. Better focus and productivity than usual.

Cons: More physically draining. On days when I’m tired, it’s harder to motivate myself to use it.

Various Spots Around The House

Sometimes I don’t have the time/money/energy to venture far from home, but I still want to change things up a little. I’ll write in my bed, in the kitchen, on the landing, on The World’s Most Uncomfortable Couch–wherever I feel like that day. Sometimes just moving to a different room seems to boost my writing mojo. Sometimes I feel like I need to sit at a table to keep focused, while other times I prefer to work from the floor. I find that I’m less productive if I allow myself to get too comfortable (like when I’m sitting on my bed, for example), but on the other hand, I can only manage so much time on The World’s Most Uncomfortable Couch. I think the key, for me, is to pay attention to my productivity and focus and be willing to move spots mid-writing session if needed.

Pros: Lots of flexibility. Easy to find another spot if I’m having issues with noise, comfort level, focus, etc.

Cons: It’s easier to get distracted when I’m at home. It’s also easier to get too comfortable and decide to watch TV/nap/etc instead of writing. I find that I’m significantly less productive when I’m at home than when I’m out of the house.

The Coffee Shop

Caffeine! Sugar!

I find that I tend to get more done if I don’t allow myself to take a break between the Day Job and my evening writing session. So instead of, say, going straight home from work, showering, changing, eating dinner (basically everything I do to “wind down” for the day) and then trying to write, I sometimes push myself to stop somewhere on the commute home and squeeze in some wordage. Coffee shops are my usual go-to spot because a) chugging a little caffeine before a writing session never seems to hurt (though I stick to tea myself), and b) I find the “white noise” of the establishment very conducive to general productivity. Plus, there’s always the potential that you’ll overhear some juicy conversation that might provide a little inspiration for your work.

Pros: I tend to have more energy when I’m outside of the house. Also: caffeine! White noise! Potential inspiration!

Cons: Can get expensive if you’re going often. Sometimes the noise is a little too much (or you’ve chosen a table next to a screaming baby or something). Depending on where you live and what time you visit the shop, it might also be difficult to find a seat.

The Library

The less-expensive (er, free), quieter alternative to the coffee shop. Plus, you’re surrounded by books! Inspiration and research are right at your fingertips. And it may just be the libraries where I live, but I’ve found that the internet can be really spotty when I’m on my own computer, which means less potential for distraction. I’ve been meeting up with writing buddy about once a week at a local library, and I’ve managed to knock out 1,000 words every time.

Pros: Outside of the house. Free. Quiet. BOOKS EVERYWHERE.

Cons: Sometimes it’s a little too quiet for my tastes (I work better with white noise). Also, libraries tend to close fairly early, so I can’t just camp out there all evening.

The Writing Retreat

Ah, the retreat. If I had the opportunity, I’d take regular excursions to secluded places and devote entire days to writing. As it is, I can only afford the occasional mini-break, but in my (admittedly limited) experience with writing retreats, I’d call them a HIGHLY successful way to get things done. On my trip last week (to the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia), I managed to crank out more than 8,000 words and finish my draft.

The view from the cabin.

Plus, if you take the retreat with other writers, you have a built-in brainstorming/encouragement team.

Writing circle!

(And just in case you’re wondering about the raccoon in the last shot, that’s Maurice, the taxidermied wonder. He was part of the cabin’s decor.)

Some people call me Maurice…

Pros: LOTS of writing time. You’re away from your normal day-to-day distractions. If you choose to go with writing friends, you can keep each other on track.

Cons: This isn’t a cheap option, that’s for sure. And sometimes you can’t just take off for a weekend.

The Takeaway From All This?

I don’t really have a “perfect” writing spot and I don’t think I ever will. For some people, routine is key to productivity: sitting in the same spot, drinking the same tea, putting on the same song gets them in the right “headspace” to write. For me, though, changing when and how I write has an energizing effect, and my productivity tends to soar.

Where do you guys normally write? Do you have a regular spot? Do you prefer to switch things up? Any tips for productivity or focus?

Tags: creativity, inspiration, new things, tips & tricks, writing