Writing spaces are a big deal among authors. Even though
it’s a big deal, some writing spaces aren’t as glamorous or romantic as
non-writers may think. For some, it’s the end of a kitchen table, a corner in a
laundry room or a chair in a bedroom (my current writing space). For other’s
it’s a dedicated home office. These places are important because they can
greatly determine how productive an author is.
But no matter how wonderful the space, a writer may have a
back-up writing space, aka somewhere other than home. This can be as equally
important as a home writing space. Sometimes, you just have to get away from
the piles of laundry and children and phone calls. You need a place to escape
it all…or at least most of it.
With this in mind, I decided to compile a list of my
favorite writing getaways.
3. The public library. This is a last resort for me. There
never seems to be enough outlets available when I go there. Also, their hours don’t always work for my
schedule. But I must admit, I love being among books when I’m writing. It’s
inspires me. My two favorite writing libraries are the Joint Base Andrews and
the Prince George’s County Public Library Accokeek branch. The Joint Base
Andrews library is very quiet and normally I have my pick of outlets. The
Accokeek Branch has a wall of windows where the tables are which provide a
wonderful view of outside.
2. Borders. WAAAAAAA! I’m so sad that Borders closed. I used to
go and pick a spot near the café and write for four hours easy. I loved the
fact that I could have a cup of tea and a scone, something I can’t do in the
library. And going always provided opportunity to browse for new books. The
free WiFi was an added bonus. I don’t know if I’ll ever find somewhere to
replace Borders. Heartbroken.
Drum roll please…
My number one writing spot: a church’s sanctuary. Okay, I
know that this seems like an odd number one, but I discovered this gem of a
place a few years ago. I was working at a church and my children attended the
church’s academy across the street. The children had to be at school by 8:25am
but I didn’t have to be at my desk until 9:00am. So I would sit in the back of
the sanctuary, put on my headphones and write. That short thirty-minute or so
of writing was more productive than a two-hour stint at Borders.
No, I couldn’t have a cup of tea in there, there was no WiFi
and the only books around were Bibles left from Sunday service, but that didn’t
matter. There was something about being in a hallowed place that made me feel
connected to the One who gave me the gift of writing.
What are your favorite writing getaways?
1 comment:
I am so with you about Borders being gone. I mourned for a while after it closed. I still really miss it. :(
The other day I was sitting in church thinking how awesome and inspiring it would be to just sit alone in the quiet of the sanctuary and write. You've inspired me to do it.
I usually write at the library or in my home office. Our library has a coffee shop and you are allowed to bring in your beverage. Heaven!
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