Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
Where do you like to write?
Joanna Young has me envious, but you could join her too… She’s running a writing workshop in sunny Sardinia on the Mediterranean in October. Check it all out at Absorbing Writing.
Bob Younce wrote at Meryl.net about freelance writing myths
freelance writing consists entirely of days on the beach sipping margaritas and writing for half an hour on your laptop.. I wonder if this is what non writers think freelancers do.
I’m playing writing fairy godmother today, and making your perfect writing location happen for you. We know you love to write, but where have you always wanted to write?
DISCUSSION STARTERS
- If money was no object (think of it as taking the Writers Cafe on tour) -
- Where would you most like to write - anywhere in the world?
- Maybe you’d like to tell us about the most interesting, inspiring, humorous. terrible, perfect writing place you’ve written in.
- Is there a famous writer (past or present) who you’d like to hang out with?
I could certainly be tempted by Joanna’s workshop in Sardinia. Also, I’ve always wanted to take a few months off to write in Ireland. I fell in love with the place a few years ago. I still need to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells.
Of course, it would need to be somewhere with high speed unlimited internet access… preferably wireless. A view and a fireplace would be nice too. I want it all!
And outside the house, for me places with history and ambience are places I love to write. I’ve visited the Writers Bar at Singapore’s famed Raffles hotel a few times (We’ve even held a Writers Cafe there), and can just imagine Somerset Maughan and Rudyard Kipling writing there…. also the Inklings Bar in Oxford.. where Tolkien and CS Lewis used to meet. I’d love to hang out with Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. That would be a hoot.
Other places that “speak” words and writing to me are some of the old libraries like the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library and the British Museum reading room (Check out the photo - even a virtual visit is worth it). I visited the oldest lending library in the US at Newport, Rhode Island and sat in the reading room there, soaking up the atmosphere and history.
My current favorite writing spot is my verandah (deck) looking out onto subtropical rainforest and listening to birds. I have the same view from my office window, but there’s nothing like breathing in the fresh air.
How about you?
Remember it’s all expenses paid courtesy of the Writers Cafe. Indulge yourself 
As always, any other writing, blogging or business topic or question can be thrown into the mix. Share a link to something useful for writers if you like, and help yourself to the delicious Writers Cafe feast. Waiters are on hand, so just sit back, relax and enjoy!
My favorite photo of myself is writing in the British Museum Library. I didn’t spend any time in the exhibits because I loved sitting in that round room so much!
Travelinoma’s last blog post..Housekeeping Tips?
Hi Yvonne
I keep meaning to pop by and I’m pleased I’ve finally done it.
have to say I don’t entirely disagree with the myth about freelance writers spending their time on the beach.
In Sardinia, I head down to the beach by my house most days and sit with my laptop under the shade palm treee looking out to sea. If it’s early morning, I watch the fishermen in their rowing boats laden with seafood caught during the night. If it’s midday, I watch windsurfers and sailors gliding across the water. And if it’s the evening, I watch the seagulls staking the beach as their own.
I spend more than 30 minutes writing and I don’t sip margheritas but ice-cold water or a frothy cappuccino.
There’s no place that inspires my writing quite like Sardinia in the summertime.
Emma Bird’s last blog post..Why I love summer in Sardinia
Hi Yvonne
Thanks for mentioning the writing workshops, much appreciated.
I smiled at Bob’s description of the fantasy writing life because often times that seems to be the writing life that Emma *is* living. She often writes on the beach, walks on the beach for inspiration, swims in the sea having business meetings at the same time, explores hidden caves that boost her creativity… and so on.
She’s helped to shift my own limiting beliefs about what’s possible. We make choices about things that suit us and reflect our values - where we live, how we work, where we write - but there aren’t too many absolutes unless we chose to make them so
(She also reminds me often that it’s not all idyllic - there are lots of things like creepy crawlies, high summer temperatures and lack of a bath that would rule it out as a permanent residence for me!)
Where I probably write best and most is the west coast of Scotland. Similar to your desire to go to Ireland maybe. I love the rain, wildness, wind, bright sunshine, dramatic changes of light, vista of hills and water, expanse of sky… It gets my words flowing all right. One of the reasons I’m planning on moving there. It’s definitely not for the weather!
I’ll pop back later in the weekend to see what other wonderful places you’re all thinking of going…
Joanna
Joanna Young’s last blog post..The Sun by Mary Oliver: One Big Powerful Question
To be honest, it makes not a whit of difference to me where I’m writing, as long as it’s quiet. Once I get into a flow, I become completely oblivious to my surroundings. If I were smart I’d carry a notebook with me more often, because pleasant surroundings do indeed inspire ideas. But I’d be just as happy writing out those ideas waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles as on the beach (with the margarita, if possible).
Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Thank You, Commenters
I’m like Brad - I get so wrapped up in what I’m doing that my surroundings disappear. I’m content in my small little office in my back yard.
Lillie Ammann’s last blog post..Flag Day in the US
Like Lillie, once I’m writing my surroundings don’t matter much. For the times when I am looking for inspiration, then I’m already in one of the best places. Most days are sunny and warm, and I can see the sea and feel the tropical breeze. It’s great for getting the creative juices flowing. Of course, today is grey and rainy, so I’m not feeling creative at all.
Like Lillie, once I’m writing my surroundings don’t matter much. For the times when I am looking for inspiration, then I’m already in one of the best places. Most days are sunny and warm, and I can see the sea and feel the tropical breeze. It’s great for getting the creative juices flowing. Of course, today is grey and rainy, so I’m not feeling creative at all.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Promotion Is Free - Traffic Widgets
I am still working full time in a clerical job, in a regular office, but write whenever I can get a chance, which is not very often unfortunately.
Along with work and writing, I am the editor for two computer user group newsletters. As editor I usually have to do quite a bit of rewrites, as most of the article contributors are not writers, more like idea presenters.
I would really like to be able to take some time and concentrate on my own writing, but that is probably a few years off, when I will be able to retire.
The surroundings do not matter much to me. When I am writing or editing, I tune everything out.
I usually do not even end up stopping in here, because I intend to, but end up getting involved and forget.
Steve’s last blog post..BPCA Minutes of the Meetings, May 2007
How cool! Always a new look when I drop by, it’s like being in Tokyo with a slow melting Sunday on cool evening. Where do I like to write? In all honesty, I have always been intrigued by Pablo Neruda whose style varied so much from being in the front lines of the war to the stormy coast of Italy. So, this is a strange thing but I would like to write from a safe place close enough to action to walk in. I like seeing the human drama, but it is difficult to just write specially when we deal with injustice. As for writers, I would love to hang with Tom Waits, Mark Leyner, and the writer of the Medina series, but his name escapes me.
Claudia’s last blog post..A Taj, Tiger and Camel, with Giga Sexy Picture
Hi,
It has been a while since I was last here. It seems that I intend to check in, but something always comes up.
It does not really matter where I write, as I tune things out. In fact, my wife gets upset, because she will be talking to me and I don’t even hear her.
I can write anywhere and as everyone has mentioned when I’m focused the world around me disappears. The places I go in my head,however rage into the forefront.
I am fond of natural light though, so always try to have that connection but honestly if the muse struck in a closet it would not matter!
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Are you a commitment phobe?
Hi TravelinOma
Welcome to the Writers Cafe. The British Museum is just gorgeous… stunning.
I hope we’ll see you at the Cafe again… the coffee is always hot and the company is good.
Hi Emma
Great to see you at the Writers Cafe. Interesting that you are able to confirm that having the beach as your office is not a freelance writing myth after all.
Sardinia sounds like the perfect place for your upcoming writing workshop with Joanna. Enjoy!
Hi Brad
Which sort of places inspire you to get started with your writing or inspire ideas for writing?
Hi Lillie
Your office sounds inspirational in itself. I’ve heard there is such a trend towards garden offices. They call it shedworking and have specialty businesses supplying garden office furniture.
Hi Joanna
Interesting that you talking about limiting beliefs and what’s possible. We think of an office as a static place, but I guess that one of the perks of a freelance writer is that we can write in a range of locations, and even take our business “on tour”.
I’m also interested in the growing trend towards co-working. Some people like to have a buzz and interaction of others around them. There are spaces where you can hire the space for the day or be a member and use it as often as you like…. all facilities on tap including internet and coffee.
You seem to have an affinity with the West Coast. I wonder how much a feeling of “belonging” or a sense of place plays in us being in a settled frame of mind for writing?
Hi Sharon
Where you lives sounds beautiful. Do you ever write outdoors? What is your perfect day for writing?
Hi Steve
I like your description of article contributors as idea presenters, if they are not professionals.
That’s a great way of putting it. What sort of writing would you like to do if you had the opportunity to do it full time?
Hi Claudia
This is fascinating.
So do you think that your writing style would change depending on your location and more importantly how you felt in the location… safe, calm, in danger, happy etc.?
What do others think?
Hi Steve
Welcome back.
It seems you get “in the zone” when writing. I find I have to finish my thought process or at least the paragraph before I can stop e.g. for a meal.
I used to work with someone who when the clock said “home time” stopped what she was typing even in mid word, let alone mid sentence.
How about you and our other Writers Cafe visitors? Can you stop mid sentence, or do you have to finish the train of thought?
Hi Karen
Natural light… yes, I love natural light too.
As a few others here have alluded to, once you are in the writing “zone” it’s more about the places in your head… interesting.
As a writer, we can also transport ourselves mentally to different places as we write. So maybe it’s only partlly about the physical space especially once we’ve started writing, and more about our focus and state of mind when when write.
I do think certain places can inspire you to write in the first place though.
What do you think? Does it make any difference for different styles of writing or different purposes?
I would love to go to one of the beautiful islands in the Philippines. I’m sure I will have a boost of inspiration when I’m writing in such a beautiful place. I envision sitting on white sands watching my son making sandcastles nearby. My hubby would probably be busying making barbecue. Oh, what a thought.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)’s last blog post..Photo Hunt :: Water
I don’t often write outdoors, Yvonne, because the sun’s too bright on the laptop screen. But writing near an open window and looking at the sky and sea is great. I write best in the mornings, and I love a sunny morning with lots of breeze coming through the window.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..What Is Your Dream For Your Writing Career?
Yvonne, Places I find inspiring … last year I was in Rome and was awestruck by the churches and Roman ruins. That sort of thing, these magnificent expressions of our hopes and dreams, gets me thinking! Beaches are wonderful too, but beautiful scenery tends to clear my head and relax me rather than inspire. So I guess I’m a little like you in that respect?
Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Thank You, Commenters
Right now, I’m writing from Panera Bread, where I head each morning as I wait for my oldest kiddo to finish football camp. I’ll be doing this until the end of July. I find it a bit hard to adjust to writing here mostly because I’m almost afraid to start anything knowing that I have to get up and leave.
My favorite place to write is up at Christie Lake in Michigan. This is the first year that I’ll have a laptop up there, so I’m actually planning to take that out on the pontoon and go park in the middle of the lake. In the past, I’ve used a spiral notebook so I’m looking forward to being able to type!
Hi Rach
Sounds lovely. I’ve heard the Philippines has some beautiful areas. Where do you recommend for our virtual writing vacation?
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
Hi Brad
I love Rome. The sense of history in Europe is something we don’t see in Australia, being a relatively “young” country in world terms (1788).
Yes, I enjoy beautiful scenery, but it does relax me and inspire me, but not necessarily to write… not then and there anyway. Maybe I need to slow down.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
Hi Karen
Next time I’m in the US, I’m heading to Panera Bread. I’ve heard so much about it, as a defacto office space, anyway. Is the food and coffee good?
I love your “just because I can” approach to taking your laptop out into the middle of the lake in a boat. Great stuff!
What is the most unusual outdoors place where we could write and still get internet coverage?
You’ve heard of extreme ironing, haven’t you? Maybe extreme laptops is a new craze we could invent. What do you think? Any suggestions?
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
I can’t vouch for the coffee, as I’m not a coffee drinker, but the food is wonderful. In fact, I’m diving into an Asian Chicken Salad and it’s only nine in the morning.
Extreme Laptops– now there’s an idea for a blog post/contest!
Hi Karen
Asian Chicken Salad… yum!
You read my mind about the Extreme Laptops… watch for it in an upcoming post… maybe even a Writers Cafe.
Enjoy your salad (and your laptop)!
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
If I am going to be someplace else other than my home office, then I don’t want to be writing — I want to be exploring my surroundings. Sure, it’d be a neat experience to live in a UK or Paris flat for a few weeks and work out of there while going for walks during breaks and on weekends.
Meryl K. Evans’s last blog post..Week of June 16 Prize Winners
Sardinia. That name alone makes me envious, too. What a lovely place to blog in (on?) and about!
Hi Meryl
What a great approach. I do like the idea of a Paris flat… maybe a house swap would be a good idea with someone from another country.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe
Hi Princess
Sardinia sounds gorgeous doesn’t it… a great place for a writing workshop and a holiday all at the same time.
Yvonne Russell’s last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe - I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe