Writing spaces

I know that I’ve talked about the places where we write, idealized versions perhaps, but the places where we write are important. My writing space is pretty much anywhere there is internet connection so I can access my files. I’ve written in my car. I wrote this paragraph waiting in my car for my Weight Watchers location to open. This is not what I’m talking about, today.

Today, I want to talk about my regular writing spaces. Yes, I said places. I have two main ones. The main one is in my bedroom. I have a desk in there where I can sit comfortably and write. That space has a desktop computer with two monitors because it is often useful to have that second monitor to spot check my facts, which can be very important. I would love to tell you that it’s a spacious, uncluttered place, but it isn’t. It’s cluttered and messy. It’s how I seem to live – in a happy clutter. That’s me. Your favorite space will be what works the best for you.

I said before that I have two monitors on my computer. I can do research on one and work on the other. The thing is, I have to be careful that the research doesn’t take over. It’s better to close all internet browsers between research sessions. That’s where scrivener shines. You can copy the contents of web pages – be mindful of the copyright laws – in to your scrivener notes section where they can be visible but close the browser so that it isn’t luring you into the time suck that is Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and other social sites. I will include wikipedia in that as well. One click often leads to another. Remember, you are working, not socializing. Checking facts is one thing, spending hours surfing the internet is another.

For me, having two monitors makes it easy to write. I only use one at a time, of course, but if I can look at one monitor and write, while holding information on the other so that I can glance at it, it’s much easier to write. Then there is the whole desk thing. I have a laptop stand in my living room, but it isn’t convenient. It’s too high for me to type comfortably — there’s that word again, comfort. Comfort is key. You can’t really write if you are not comfortable. Anyplace where you are comfortable is a good place to write. If you are comfortable, the words should flow easily. If you are comfortable, you can lose yourself in your writing.

Working on a tablet makes it easier to ignore such time sucks. If yours supports split screens, turn it off. So, find yourself a comfortable space to write. Sit down and just do it.

About pebblepup

I am not one who is comfortable talking about myself but here goes. I enjoy writing, family history, and reading. I decided to do this blog because I wanted to try something new. I decided to make it a weekly blog because I wasn't sure that I could keep up with a daily one, and monthly seemed like I was writing a magazine. I think I did ok with my choices. You'll notice that there are not a lot of graphics on my site. That's because there are graphics plastered everywhere on the Internet and those sites sometimes take forever to load. This blog is a place where you can kick back, relax and be ready to be amused. At least I hope I willbamuse you. This blog is on a variety of subjects from my ficitional cat agency, the FFL, which is monthly, to instructional blogs to editorials, which are my opinions only. I admit that I don't know everything and could be wrong -- I frequently am. Now, stop reading about me and read what I have to say!