Do you ever get cabin fever? If you’re a full-time
author, I bet you get fed up with working at home and want to find other places
to write in. Here are five suggestions you might find interesting as
alternatives. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and about!
1. Libraries
This one is rather obvious. You would be surprised how
many authors and writers don’t consider going to their local library to work.
Libraries, often have desks to work at and even a passable (free) internet
connection.
Visiting these institutions can be pleasurable as their
working areas are equipped with desks, reading lamps and comfortable chairs. It
can sometimes get busy, especially if your area has students close by who are
using it to study (or flirt!). But if you get there early, or apply for a
Reader Pass, you can find your perfect, quiet working space.
2. Theatre Cafés
A lot of authors have at some time or other used various
cafés to write their masterpieces. J K Rowling wrote large parts of the Harry
Potter series in The Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh. However, many establishments are now quite
savvy (and a bit fed up) with freelancers who turn up at nine am, buy one
coffee and occupy a table for the whole day. Not so in most theatre cafés.
Many Theatre Cafés can be functional, with airy
architecture, and because can you stay there for any amount of time, you might
spot a famous actor arriving or leaving rehearsals. It also exudes artiness
with posters and works of art on its barren walls. A theatre is a useful place
for a few hours uninterrupted working.
There may also be other Café’s which offer quiet places
for writers. You need to investigate your local area. In mine of Cardiff Bay
there is Sunflower & I, a café which offers a unique experience. Having a
Bohemian style and atmosphere it is the ideal place for a writer. And it has a
16+ rule which means no children to disturb that inspirational flow.
3. Formal Gardens
This is probably not such a useful tip, especially in the
midst of winter in the UK. But, if you’re on the other side of the world, or
it’s summer where you are, then get to a garden to write when you’re fed up
with working at home. Find a shaded bench or a leafy tree to sit under, take
out your notebook or laptop and start writing.
A public garden is ideal as there’s something about the
sound of nature, be it birdsong, the gentle flow of water from a pond, or the
rustle of the wind in majestic trees that never fails to inspire. You can also
write on the decking of your home, or in your own garden. And, if you are close
to the sea, this is another special place to write.
Remember, writing places can, in themselves be
inspirational.
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
OK, so you can’t really write in a car unless it’s a huge
motor-home. However, trains and planes are absolutely the best places to get a
lot of writing done. I’m not sure why this is, but I guess it’s the lack of
distractions. For the number of minutes or hours, you are stuck in a seat with
a table in front of you not doing anything, and poor wifi (if any), it is
perfect!
5. Other People’s Homes
‘What?’ I hear your shout. Now, bear with me. We are not
suggesting you sneak into other people’s homes and settle down to write a few
words of your manuscript. No, no, no!
Imagine this. You are invited to a house party for the
weekend, but are in the middle of a manuscript. You want to go, but are
thinking of refusing the invitation.
Instead of being a party pooper, and saying, “I’d love to come for a visit, but I have to work.”
Instead say, “I’d love to come for a visit, but as I have
to work would you mind if I spend a few hours writing while I’m there?” Most
people won’t mind, honestly.
I know of one author’s friend who is keeping an early
draft of a manuscript she wrote in her house, in case (she said ‘when’ – a true
friend), the author becomes famous.
I hope I’ve given you some ideas on what to do if the
walls are closing in and you are fed up with working at home.
So, what’s your favourite place to write? I’d love to
know!
© Ann Brady 2023
