Setting up shop outside has helped me get things written.
I recently discovered something I’m digging.
Writing outside.
Several years ago, I purchased a new laptop. The idea of the laptop was that it would be used for writing. I had a desktop and didn’t want the laptop to be my go-to computer. But I wanted something portable so I could go write somewhere other than with an electrical outlet.
Of course, at that time, I had grandeur thoughts of writing a few books. I still have those thoughts and ideas, but they are slower now. I realized that there are many other things I need to know for writing a book, especially if it’s fiction. There needs to be a good plot.
See, I can write blog posts. And I can write for media, such as newspapers or magazines. But to captivate an audience for so long isn’t always easy. I am still working on some ideas I’ve had. And I’m in the process of working on one or two real-life books. But it will take time.
Still, I’ve noticed with my blogging that things don’t always come easy to me. It used to be that I’d have an idea, write about it and then post it. Done. Planning ahead for blog posts wasn’t something I worried about. It seemed when I got into a flow, I had endless ideas.
A funny thing happened on the way to the blogosphere…
First, the desktop wasn’t working so great. So, instead of getting it fixed right away, I used it as my go-to computer. Even after my computer got fixed, I didn’t switch back right away. So the laptop as a writing tool didn’t go as fully planned.
Then, of course, with real life and everything else, it didn’t seem to matter. I blogged/wrote when I could. I didn’t always worry about posting and such.
Over the past year or so, I really have gotten back into the blogging thing. I try and do it on a regular basis. I’ve also added a second blog (for disc golf, but at least there are other writers for that!) so coming up with topics and things to write about has become paramount. I need to plan the best I can.
One thing I’ve noticed, however, is I often get blocked with my writing when it comes to sitting in front of a computer and tapping away. It’s not for any particular reason, other than being in the same place all the time sometimes makes it difficult to concentrate.
The spot on our local square where I go write is peaceful and you can do some people watching or just stare out.
I recently decided to change that up and use my laptop for what I purchased it for – to write. Though the battery isn’t as strong as it once was, it will hold a charge for a couple of hours, which is more than enough time for me to bang out a few blog posts for future use.
What I truly like is the serenity of being able to visit one of several local parks, take out the laptop, find a picnic table and just tap away and write. I have my trusty notebook with me so I can utilize ideas and just write.
And with not hooking into any WiFi spots, I don’t have the internet to interrupt me when I am writing.
The best part is there are a few parks with picnic tables. So if one has a bunch of people milling around or sitting where I want to be, I can check out one of the others. If all parks are full, it just means I wasn’t meant to write that night and I can just go wander about looking for a spot to take photos.
It’s a win-win.
The best part of it is being in a situation where if your mind wanders a little, you can look around and absorb what is happening. People go about their daily lives or play with their kids in the park. Or, seeing two people ride their horses down Main Street. In one of the parks, it’s the peacefulness of nature around you with many birds chirping.
There’s the smell wafting of a nearby barbecue. Cars drive by quite often and you can wonder if they are heading somewhere of importance or wandering around aimlessly. People walk by with ice cream cones or walking their dogs.
It’s really a writer’s dream.
I try and do this a few times a week. It gives me the chance to get ahead in my writing – both for this blog and the disc golf one.
And it gives me the chance to be outside, which is a bonus all by itself.
What about all of you other bloggers? Do you just sit at home and write? Do you go elsewhere? Or have that “one spot” where you can really get in a groove? I’ll be interested to see what others do!
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!