Where and When I Write

One of the best things with writing is you can write from anywhere, at any time. Sometimes, as tonight, I work with my projects after midnight and can write more effectively than during any other time of the day. For some reason the words flow easier for me at night.

At home I normally work at my desk and sometimes on the bed (more comfy!). In the summer I love sitting outside on the balcony, in the garden, in a nearby park, or at a nice open-air café in town. Usually it’s easier to write while listening to music — soul, hiphop, pop, rock, jazz, classical.  Depends on my mood.

During the cold autumn and winter months, I often bring my laptop to some cosy café — write for hours, sipping on a cappuccino, hot chocolate, juice or a smoothie.

When the inspiration hits or a new idea pops into my head, I take notes wherever I am and whatever the time is. This often happens at airport lounges, while waiting at the gate, on flights, at train stations, on the bus, or while sitting in the back seat of a car. Airports are my favorite — something about the atmosphere; so many people at the same place, going to all these different destinations across the world.

I also love to write in hotel rooms. Each room has its own special character and creates different emotions. Sitting in a small room without any windows at a budget hotel in Bloomsbury, looking out over Hyde Park from a Park Lane hotel, or listening to opera at Blakes generate distinct feelings that affect how I write.

And, of course, the beach. A sunny day on the beach is a great time to get some writing done. And since my favorite sound is the sound of the ocean, that’s perfect.

Working in different environments gives you new perspectives and ideas. One of the reasons I love traveling. If I could choose any place to spend a few hours writing, it would be on a boat with the ocean in front of me.