One of the best things with writing is that you can write from anywhere, at any time. Sometimes, as tonight, I work with my writing projects after midnight, able to 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, sometimes on the bed (it’s more comfy!), and 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… it all 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. I mean, I used to. Now when I’ve finally gotten over my coffee addiction I’ll drink hot chocolate, juice or smoothie.
When the inspiration hits or a new idea pops into my head, I take notes wherever I am and whatever the time is. It 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 favourite though. It’s something about the atmosphere — so many people at the same place, going to all these different destinations across the world. In airports, I also love to eavesdrop on conversations. Don’t tell anyone I wrote that.
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 obviously generate distinct feelings that affect how I write.
Almost forgot 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 just perfect.
Working in different environments gives you new perspectives and ideas. Guess that’s one of the reasons I love traveling. If I could choose any place where I’d like to write for a few hours, it would be on a boat with the ocean in front of me.
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urbachbl
2 years ago
I’m a college writer and I just recently created a travel blog and I absolutely love your blog and this post especially, because it inspires me to write wherever I may be. Also I LOVE your posts about Sweden, it’s my fav country!
Erica Johansson
2 years ago
Thank you, I’m glad you like it!
So, what is your travel blog? You never entered your website address.
Wendy
2 years ago
Hi Erica,
I’m a note taker also. But ideas often seem to come to me in the shower when I am waking up or just before I fall asleep.
Erica Johansson
2 years ago
Wendy,
I have to say I recognize myself in that “getting ideas just before falling asleep situation”.
One time I had been lying in bed for like ten minutes, I was soo tired and about to fall asleep any minute when I got this new writing idea. So I just sat up again and took notes for about 20 minutes. I knew that if I didn’t write it down, I’d probably not remember it the next day.