I’ve been thinking about what writing place best fits my “writer’s mood”. There’s something I can relate to school children studying for exams: sometimes my own room makes me too drowsy to work properly. The absolute silence may be perfect for some, but I will be put into a “slacking mood”.
So, I went to some places on weekends- trying out, experimenting- and get some movements for my sleeping legs too. After all, my job in the library is too sedentary.
Table of Contents
Indoor Writing Place
Despite not wanting pure silence, indoor spaces are my preference. The environment is more stable, that is- you don’t have to worry about the weather or passersby staring at you (“What is that dude sitting in the middle of the street?”). I’m easy to feel self-conscious- as Terrance likes to point out.
1. The Coffee Shop
Ah, the classic writer’s environment- or the stereotypical. This place is practically made for people to sit in front of their laptops for hours on end. It’s probably because of the free wi-fi, the place often is packed with students and young workers tapping away.
Though these days the crowd is lessened, this is not my favourite writing place yet. Sometimes, I feel bad that my laptop filled a large portion of the table surface (which is… aesthetically small). What delicate remains of the table corner are served to hold the coffee cup. Many times in an hour, one has to watch over the cup cautiously, in case it gets knocked over.
2. The Classroom or Lecture Hall (while the class is still going)
When I was a student, the ramblings of lectures would lull me to drowsiness. Now, ironically, with the idea that I have no business in this class, I feel giddy sitting among the students. Since most people have their laptops out, it’s quite easy to blend in. After that, the voices, the tapping noises on keyboards, and the hushed chatter all become white noise in the background.
What is this sadistic feeling to see everyone else around me is studying while I’m writing stories? Ah, schadenfreude.
At the end of the day- though- I can’t speak for every university. Maybe the one you go to has stricter policies about sit-ins.
3. The Library
Please believe me when I say I don’t slack off during work to write stories!
For some reason, I’m drawn to places that have other people working around me. Despite my preference for quiet places, absolute silence or solitude are too unnerving. The occasional flipping sounds of pages, pencil scribbling, and muted footsteps are the good “middle-ground”.
Sometimes I can even get a book from the literature section for reference. I just need to be careful not to get too drawn in and forget about my own writings!
Outdoor Writing Place
If you are more adventurous than me, perhaps you will be interested in outdoor places for your writing sessions. I tried a few areas:
1. On the Grass, in the Park
There was a hilly public park in the district I live in. Whenever weekends arrive, children visit with their families. The park is a nice place for flying saucers (or camera drones if you’re savvy enough). I don’t think I’d have the audacity to do it if nobody else is sitting around as well- might garner unwanted attention.
At that time, I sat to draw instead of write.
The only thing you need to be careful of is the small insects that might hop onto your notebook.
I accidentally committed murder on a cricket…
2. At the Station, Not Really Commuting
If you can write on buses and trains, I have to congratulate you.
There are so many things you can do when you’re waiting to get to your destination. Sadly, I get motion sick extremely easily. A minute or two of looking down- and nausea will kick in.
So I wrote on one of the seats on the platform. Ten minutes is not that long of a time. But it’s enough to draft some ideas for future references.
3. Finding Inspiration through an Aimless Walk
I’ve heard some quotes before… what was it again?
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche
Why? How so? I thought for a while. And I guess some artist friends would have the same experience: Some good creative works are conceived when you are not concentrating on them.
The same thing happens whenever I’m stuck at writing a chapter. Taking a walk instead of thinking about it helps immensely- for some mysterious reasons.
“Incubation Periods” is when you leave conscious problem-solving alone for a period of time. During your “rest”, you give your brain an opportunity to forget about the old, incorrect solutions and give way for new perspectives. After that, people tend to get hit by the “eureka moments”, also known as the “incubation effects”.
That feeling when you found a “good place”
There isn’t really a “best” writing place for everyone. If you’ve read other articles, they will tell you the same. Though I can speak of the common elements for my “good writing place”. See if you agree?
1. The World Passes by and You are the Observer
Whether it’s the lecture hall or the park, people around me are all doing their own thing. I’m neither involved in their work, nor are they involved in my writings. But this “unintended” company provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Moreover, sometimes I imagine what their daily lives are going on, and what kind of story they have- by the look of their faces and gestures.
2. No Distractions, just a Little Pressure
Distractions are everywhere in this day and age- doesn’t matter where you go. I find that solitude is more distracting than having company- is that I’m more liking to bring out my phone and swipe when nobody’s looking.
But- if I see other people around, be them hard-working students or chatting passersby- I’m subconsciously influenced by them. “They’re enjoying their day! I should too!”
Conclusion
Ah, but this is a topic with no need to think too hard on. It’s similar to thinking about what clothes to wear when going on a date. At the end of the day, it’s part of the little details. If not too atrocious, there are no big consequences.
What other places can you think of?
