Where are the Best Places to Write?
Many authors struggle to write from home, simply because it’s filled with distractions. You may find yourself getting up every 30 minutes to let the dogs out, stopping to do laundry, cooking, or performing other “household activities.”
When you spend your time doing these activities, however, you won’t have the time to write. This is why it’s a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone to write in a different location.
One of my personal favorite places to write is the beach. The soothing sound of the ocean waves breaking in the background paired with the brilliant appearance of sandy-white shores offers a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for writing.
Who knows, this unique atmosphere may spark new ideas or topics as well. Of course, there are some downsides to writing at the beach, including the potential for sand to get on your work, as well as the possibility for bad weather rolling over the horizon. If you are worried about the weather, though, you can always bring an umbrella for backup.
According to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), there are 6,624 state parks in the U.S. If you can’t seem to find a peaceful area in your home to write, try packing up your stuff and heading to the nearest park. Parks offer a quaint, relaxing environment that will allow you to focus strictly on writing. Depending on which park you visit, you may come across other authors who are there for the very same purpose. The fresh air can be stimulating as well, giving you a clear head.
We can’t talk about places to write without mentioning the library. The golden rule of libraries is to remain quiet, making it the ideal location for writing. You can post up at a table and begin churning out chapter after chapter. And because you are in a library, you should have no problem finding reference materials to use in your book. Most libraries today even offer free WiFi, meaning you can also use the Internet while you are there.
If you are feeling adventurous, pack up your stuff and head out into the woods on a day hike. The Appalachian Trail offers more than 2,000 miles of hiking, some of which goes through forests, over mountains, and through creeks. While I don’t recommend attempting the full 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trial, there are plenty of small “day hike” trials found within. Simply go on a day hike, find a comfortable area, and start writing.
Last but not least, bring your writing material on the next flight you book. Whether it’s a short 1-hour or a longer 8-hour flight, you can make the time pass by doing something productive. You’re stuck in a seat anyway! Consider noise-cancelling headphones so you can drown out talkative neighbors and in-flight entertainment distractions.
Where do you prefer to write? Let us know in the comments section below!
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