Where do you write? How do you find the time?

davyjose

I've always struggled to make time to write, and since my son was born (6 months ago), my writing is limited solely to lunch-breaks, quiet moments in work, when the boss isn't looking. The point to note, is it's always a few snatched moments, always in work. This needs to change, or I might as well uninstall MS Word from my laptop, and stop pretending I'll be/am a writer.

What do you guys do? Do you put aside a few hours a day, do you flip open the laptop whenever the mood takes, or do you treat it like a job, with a weekly schedule?
Do you write at home with the kids running around downstairs, or the TV muttering away in the next room, do you find a quiet café to while away the hours, or hit the library?

My plan, as of next week, is to hit the library for a few hours in the morning, twice a week, maybe thrice (I work a 12 hour day, so I get a 3 day weekend). I'm hoping this will create for me an environment where I can really get a serious amount of words on the page for the first time in years, really. I've never treated my writing with this level of application before, and I'm looking forward to see what the pros of this are.

So is the library a place conducive to writing, I assume so, but maybe they wouldn't appreciate a grown man noodling away in there for a few hours a day? I don't fancy the watchful eye on me. Would a small café be better (hell, if it worked for JK Rowling... )?

pickarooney

I've two small kids and the only times I get to write are at lunchtime and slow periods at work, but it's very hard to concentrate with all the noise and distractions. Sometimes, when everyone is asleep, I manage to get something done between midnight and 1, although it wouldn't be my most productive hour of the day.

I imagine a library would be a perfect place to write (I haven't been in a library in about 5 years I think) and can't imagine why anyone would object to someone writing there.

Mr E

The only writing I've done in recent times was for the 3 competitions in this forum (I've 600 words done for Cinderella so far). I do intend to try some pieces outside of the constraints of the competitions, but all in good time. I do my writing between 9pm and 11pm when I get a free window (assuming I'm not too tired after work).

davyjose

pickarooney wrote: »

I imagine a library would be a perfect place to write (I haven't been in a library in about 5 years I think) and can't imagine why anyone would object to someone writing there.

I figured as much, but you never know. The library it is so. Yeah I spoke to the missus and she's basically given me leave of absence a couple of mornings a week to get some writing done, which is great. It's my only real hobby/passion/interest and my days of nights out on the town are a thing of the past.

I'm lazy not the greatest self-motivator in the world, and when I do have time to myself, I always find something to watch on TV, or browse online, so setting up an actually schedule, and going-to-work, is really my only option these days, especially when I've such little personal free time.

EileenG

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I'm going to write, so when I sit down, it's all ready to flow onto the page (okay, psion). I normally go to a cafe and give myself an hour to write. It doesn't matter if it's noisy, none of the noise has to do with me, so it doesn't break my concentration.

I find it very hard to write at home, I keep seeing things which need doing, especially when I hit a knotty bit.

Libraries are fine, but there's a bit of a temptation to start looking up details, and then get lost in someone else's book.

davyjose

EileenG wrote: »

I find it very hard to write at home, I keep seeing things which need doing, especially when I hit a knotty bit.

Libraries are fine, but there's a bit of a temptation to start looking up details, and then get lost in someone else's book.

TBH, I am in two minds about the library. I'd like to write in a cafe, but I have this feeling that into my third hour, I'd be outstaying my welcome.

I too find it very hard to write at home. It was hard enough when I lived alone, harder when I lived just with the OH, and now impossible with the baby (it's a small enough place, tbh).

I'll play around with it and see where I'm most comfortable.

Right now, I'm happy that I've decided to take the bull by the horns with regards to my writing, and maybe I can start to get some real work done. So it's all good.

wordchat

U.S. author James Patterson (pulp/mystery) had a day job as advert. copywriter. He wrote a little as he was having morning coffee before dashing off to work. That's why his chapters are so short.

Also, Hemingway once advised to always leave a thought left unfinished so you have somewhere to pick up the next time you get to your writing project.

Good luck. I am trying to write a book too. This one I will finish!

ToasterSparks

I usually write in my bedroom, usually later in the evenings when it's quiet. I'm lucky in that I'm one of the unemployed masses of grads, so loads of free time! I've loads of ideas in my head, and these competitions are really good at forcing me to start writing and put fingers to keyboard. I needed a good kick up the a$$.

I'd find the temptation to people-watch in public places too appealing. It's why I never studied in the college library - always someone to talk to or always people to watch around you. I think a familiar environment works best to stop your senses going on overdrive at the things all around you.

af_thefragile

I used to most days before going to bed. Just a page or so.
But lately I can't even seem to find the time to do that...

So now I just store it all in my head and plan to vomit it out over the summer!!

davyjose

af_thefragile wrote: »

I used to most days before going to bed. Just a page or so.
But lately I can't even seem to find the time to do that...

So now I just store it all in my head and plan to vomit it out over the summer!!

I store a lot in my head as well. i find it's my notebook a lot of the time. It's not very reliable though, and tends to detract from the habit of actually writing (not to mention send me into daydream mode), but yeah', I do the same.

pickarooney

I used to do that but found my head would deny all knowledge of the brilliant plotlines from the previous evening when questioned, so I often end up with 16 different post-its and corners of envelopes with illegibly-scrawled ideas stashed in my back pockets.

af_thefragile

pickarooney wrote: »

I used to do that but found my head would deny all knowledge of the brilliant plotlines from the previous evening when questioned, so I often end up with 16 different post-its and corners of envelopes with illegibly-scrawled ideas stashed in my back pockets.

Surprisingly I do seem to manage to remember almost all the details of the plots lines I come up with while sitting in the bus on the way to college or sitting on the toilet seat!

Its like I get inspired by a one line idea first like for example one I got started with "I'm selling my troubles to strangers". Then I take that line and build a plot around it visualising it all at the same time. Pretty vividly. Once I've got a basic plot idea/concept, over the days I add and remove more details, plots, sub-plots etc until I end up with a few core themes that dictate the story. Once I've got that, I package it all into a corner of my mind and move on till the time comes when I can get down to put it all into words.

But I do have to say you do lose the habit of writing because of that. Which is exactly what's happened to me lately. Firstly because of my college, I don't get much time to write and when I do, I'm not really in "the zone" and have also lost the habit/practice of writing, I find it pretty difficult to transfer my thoughts into words.

Though this summer I've decided all I'm gonna focus on is completing the book. Got 3 good months to sit at my desk and just write!! That's gonna be my top priority. I've got all the plots and characters sussed out in my head. Just gotta lay it down linearly and fill it up with words!

af_thefragile

EileenG wrote: »

Libraries are fine, but there's a bit of a temptation to start looking up details, and then get lost in someone else's book.

When I was in school, most of the writing I used to do was in the school library. It was like the quiet environment helped me focus and there weren't many distractions around. Didn't used to carry a laptop around back then. I used to write almost everyday and that was the last time I was good at writing stories.

Now I just end up wasting too much time on the internet than I do reading books or writing bits for my novel... Not very good!! Need to take a hiatus from the internet over the summer so that I can get back to the books!

EileenG

The internet is fatal for writers. I work on a stand-alone Psion, and if I absolutely need to know something, I look it up via my phone.

Right now, I have a choice between polishing my MS, or playing 5-in-a-row. Gee, I wonder which will win?

pog it

I like the idea of writing in a cafe where you can do your own thing and be in a crowd, but when I think of my favourite coffeeshops even I just wouldn't be at ease writing in them. Whereas in Berlin, Paris, etc. you feel way more comfortable cause there is a café culture going on, people are less watchy watchy, and are reading books, reading papers, or just minding their own business mostly..

Does anyone here manage to do any creative writing in coffeeshops here?

EileenG

People are watchy? Not that I've noticed. Any self service cafe will leave you alone to write for hours at a time.

pog it

What's a self service cafe?

Yeah I do find a difference between being in coffee shops here and abroad but it's just my own experience.

EileenG

pog it wrote: »

What's a self service cafe?

Anywhere that you go up to the counter and get your own coffee, as opposed to a cafe where a waiter brings it to your table.

I find that's one big difference here and abroad. Over there, most of the cafes have waiters, and they get a bit antsy if you spend too long at a table drinking a single cup of expresso. Here, you can sit for hours and no-one cares.

pog it

EileenG wrote: »

Anywhere that you go up to the counter and get your own coffee, as opposed to a cafe where a waiter brings it to your table.

I find that's one big difference here and abroad. Over there, most of the cafes have waiters, and they get a bit antsy if you spend too long at a table drinking a single cup of expresso. Here, you can sit for hours and no-one cares.

Ah that's interesting, I hadn't thought of that as self service. I was thinking you meant the places where you can help yourself to a free refill of something.

I need to find the right sort of cafe probably. The couple I go to, I've often spent an hour there, but any longer and I'd be paranoid myself. Think I need to find a bigger and busier place.

LC2010HIS

wow
never knew this section existed!!!:eek::D
Im a writer! lol
sorry, but im making this my homepage now haha
i write at the kitchen table im so original

EileenG

I would write there too, but I keep getting distracted by the appalling state of the kitchen, and the thought that Judge Judy might be saying something interesting.

LC2010HIS

EileenG wrote: »

I would write there too, but I keep getting distracted by the appalling state of the kitchen, and the thought that Judge Judy might be saying something interesting.

i set a playlist for my story and put the earphones in and get going. Im determined to get finished this summer !!

af_thefragile

^I like your dedication and enthusiasm... If only I was as dedicated at finishing my stories... Curse the lazy bum!!

Bob Z

do you carry a notebook for ideas around with you?

EileenG

I carry one, then can't find it, and scribble on a bit of paper instead.

But in general, I find that the good ideas stick even if you don't write them down. Once it has struck, it's so obvious you can't understand why you didn't see it immediately.

af_thefragile

EileenG wrote: »

I carry one, then can't find it, and scribble on a bit of paper instead.

But in general, I find that the good ideas stick even if you don't write them down. Once it has struck, it's so obvious you can't understand why you didn't see it immediately.

This is very true with me as well.
Every time I get a good new idea for a plot/subplot it just sticks in my head and I can recall it whenever. It just sorta adds to the string of thoughts that make up the particular story I'm working on.

S+G

Hi!

Dublin-based writer here. I haven't been long in the game myself but in the last year I've had a couple of short stories published and never looked back since.

My question is does any one know of any good venues to write in? Quiet cafes, decent libraries, etc.

I have tried a number of libraries around the north side of the city and all of them have been a bit poor in quality really.

Thanks!

Simon

pickarooney

Merged with a similar thread from a few months back.

EileenG

I write quite a lot in Sweet Mocha in Swords. Nice quiet cafe with good lighting for a laptop. But honestly, I can write anywhere, McDonalds will do as long as I'm on my own. I can tune out other people's children.

pog it

EileenG wrote: »

I write quite a lot in Sweet Mocha in Swords. Nice quiet cafe with good lighting for a laptop. But honestly, I can write anywhere, McDonalds will do as long as I'm on my own. I can tune out other people's children.

No way could I write in McDonalds, the place itself would kill the chance of any magic happening for me. I've given up trying to write in cafes here, quiet or not. I just can't concentrate in them.

EileenG

Never try working in a newsroom then. It's either get used to working in noise, or don't write. You really need silence?

pog it

EileenG wrote: »

Never try working in a newsroom then. It's either get used to working in noise, or don't write. You really need silence?

It's not the silence thing, with McDonalds the problem is the atmosphere! It's just a sterilised place, I only go there the odd time to binge eat on a meal. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great you can write anywhere, but it's not going to be everyone's style.

I've never worked in a newsroom but that is a different type of writing.

EileenG

Personally, I love McDonalds, and eavesdrop like mad. Today I listened in to three guys planning to commit a crime to get put back into prison, one of them needed to go to rehab, one wanted to study, and one wanted to get away from his mother-in-law who had moved into his house.

Bob Z

EileenG wrote: »

Personally, I love McDonalds, and eavesdrop like mad. Today I listened in to three guys planning to commit a crime to get put back into prison, one of them needed to go to rehab, one wanted to study, and one wanted to get away from his mother-in-law who had moved into his house.

2 of those guys are crazy bastards

pog it

EileenG wrote: »

Personally, I love McDonalds, and eavesdrop like mad. Today I listened in to three guys planning to commit a crime to get put back into prison, one of them needed to go to rehab, one wanted to study, and one wanted to get away from his mother-in-law who had moved into his house.

Yep as bad as I feel when I do it, eavesdropping can at least be done almost anywhere I just can't write everywhere. That's more what my post was about. Like I said McDonalds is just not a place for writing for me.

EileenG

Bob Z wrote: »

2 of those guys are crazy bastards

From what they said, all of them had crap lives.

ahayzer42

I don't really tend to have any specific places where I can or can't write. I usually do most of my writing in my study at home and have plenty of time because I'm an Arts Graduate in a decidedly non-artsy economic climate. (ie - unemployed)

Sometimes I can write with music on, more times I can't. Used to try writing in the library in college but was always self conscious (or paranoid) about people looking over my shoulder and seeing what I was doing so I stopped that.

Not too long ago, my house suffered an electricity cut for two days and I found that I wrote loads on paper over those two days so I guess it's just sporadic for me at the moment - haven't got any set routine.

cobsie

In most circumstances, I write online. I use Google Docs, so that I can write on any computer, anywhere, that is connected to the internet. That way, I don't have to have my laptop with me, I can take advantage of lulls in work, or downtime at a friend's house, and of course can write at home in the evening, or in a cafe etc...

I like Google Docs because I have access to all my edits, drafts and snippets all the time and I'm always working on the most current version of a story.

I could never by write hand any more! I type a million times faster and tend to edit my writing contemporaneously, which is the way I like to write.

It wouldn't work for everyone, but I find it a great tool.

The Mad Hatter

I've found that habit doesn't work for me. What I need is somewhere new, or at least somewhere I haven't written in for a while. This varies from my kitchen between eleven at night to three in the morning to a cafe from nine am to the train (three hours of dead time) to the beach. What seems to be important is that I haven't written anywhere like that recently. I don't know why. Generally I prefer it if there's no music, but other noises I can ignore quite easily.

As for computer vs notebook, I like both, again, at different times. I'll write on whatever feels most comfortable at the time. I haven't found any great variance in quality writing on one or the other.

cobsie

it's all about 'found time' really, isn't it? I think many of us, parents especially, learn to focus on the time we have, regardless of the setting, because we are ACUTELY aware that there ain't any other time gonna present itself! This is it - write now, amid the ironing, the scattered jigsaws and plastic Iggle-Piggles, or forget about being a writer.

(can I get an a-men?!)

And as if by magic, the Internet serves up a case study to illustrate my point: Alice Munro - recent winner of the International Booker, and Canada's front runner for a Nobel, whose first collection was heralded by "Housewife Finds Time to Write"

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2001/12/bringing-life-to-life/3056/

"As a young author taking care of three small children, Munro learned to write in the slivers of time she had, churning out stories during children's nap times, in between feedings, as dinners baked in the oven."

Hope for us all, Boardees!

pickarooney

cobsie wrote: »

it's all about 'found time' really, isn't it? I think many of us, parents especially, learn to focus on the time we have, regardless of the setting, because we are ACUTELY aware that there ain't any other time gonna present itself! This is it - write now, amid the ironing, the scattered jigsaws and plastic Iggle-Piggles, or forget about being a writer.

(can I get an a-men?!)

halle-feckin-lujah!

The worst thing about this is that as soon as you do get a quiet moment you realise there are 50 things you want to do which will take that little bit less effort than writing. I usually find I write in three steps - the idea that comes when in the shower, on the bike or otherwise unable to get to a computer/notebook, then the hastily scribbled transcription of same, followed by the careful typing up, the 'what the hell does that say/was I thinking?' and the in-line editing.

The Mad Hatter

cobsie wrote: »

it's all about 'found time' really, isn't it? I think many of us, parents especially, learn to focus on the time we have, regardless of the setting, because we are ACUTELY aware that there ain't any other time gonna present itself! This is it - write now, amid the ironing, the scattered jigsaws and plastic Iggle-Piggles, or forget about being a writer.

(can I get an a-men?!)

And as if by magic, the Internet serves up a case study to illustrate my point: Alice Munro - recent winner of the International Booker, and Canada's front runner for a Nobel, whose first collection was heralded by "Housewife Finds Time to Write"

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2001/12/bringing-life-to-life/3056/

"As a young author taking care of three small children, Munro learned to write in the slivers of time she had, churning out stories during children's nap times, in between feedings, as dinners baked in the oven."

Hope for us all, Boardees!

Well I know that after Toni Morrison had kids, she started waking up in the wee hours of the morning to write while they were still asleep.

EileenG

I do know I've mastered the fine art of typing while breastfeeding. If you are ever in that situation, buy a sling, they are a life saver.

pickarooney

EileenG wrote: »

I do know I've mastered the fine art of typing while breastfeeding. If you are ever in that situation, buy a sling, they are a life saver.

I've not quite mastered typing while spoon-feeding and am on my fourth keyboard in 12 months

EileenG

pickarooney wrote: »

I've not quite mastered typing while spoon-feeding and am on my fourth keyboard in 12 months

Well, no, you need a hand to operate a spoon, but not to operate breasts.