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Every day, WordPress emails me one writing prompt. Today’s writing prompt is:
The Space You Write
Here’s a hot take: you can write almost anywhere, anytime, whenever you want! So long as I have some sort of seat and table, I’m happy to call it a writing spot, so instead of telling you where I do most of my writing (read Day Five’s Everyday Inspiration for more about my desk set-ups), here are some thoughts on my four favourite places to write.
4. A Train Journey of Perfect Length
I’ll admit that a train isn’t the most ideal writing position, especially on New Years Day, feeling a little too fresh and raw as people pile into the delayed train that’s missing a carriage. There are, however, happy moments of serendipity when the train is not only quiet, but you bag an elusive table seat with a plug and without anyone else around. What else is there to do on a two-to-three-hour train ride but let the creative juices flow?
The livestock-filled fields and glistening grey city-scapes whizz passed the window, providing plenty of inspiration. Take a moment to recline in your somewhat stained, tastelessly-patterned seat. Who knows? Maybe you’ll treat yourself to an over-priced instant coffee and Pickled Onion Monster Munch?
3. A Sunny Day In a Garden
It’s much easier to write and work at home. The wifi is relatively secure, the kitchen is a stone’s throw away, and, if the weather allows, a shady spot in the garden is always a treat. Crack open a cold squash or lemonade, and appreciate your quiet corner of the world. Something about the open-air breeze declutters your mind and soul. I try to take breaks from work outside to shake off the fog of an intense focus session.
Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a green space of their own to work. I’ve recently tried my hand at keeping houseplants with extremely varying results; a few healthy leaves in your workspace keeps it looking fresh and clean. An airy park, beer-garden, or outside eatery can do you the world of good. Speaking of which…
2. A Coffee Shop With Good Coffee And Maybe Some Nice Snack Options
In these dark times, these precious places have been out of reach. Even now, many are closing early for understandable reasons. I have a couple of favourites around my hometown, including Sensory & Rye and my go-to lunch venue No 10’s Tearoom. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit both recently.
I like watching the people come and go, sharing a drink and a gossip with their chosen coffee companions. My stay in these wonderful habitats can be lengthened via a lunch order, although I have to be careful not to over-caffeinated myself and leave the place a jittery, unfocused mess.
1. A Private Library Room
I’ve had pretty bad luck with memberships recently. After becoming exasperated by the high prices of my local cinema, I picked up an Odeon Limitless Card at the end of February; I haven’t had much use for it yet. I also joined my local library and was pleasantly surprised by their workspace facilities and bookshelves.
Libraries take me back to my university days, where my friends and I would stalk the building, hunting the ultimate prize: an empty room. Finding our prey, we’d regroup as a pack and converge on our newfound oasis. I have fond memories of all-nighters, Morrisons meal deals, and whiteboard shenanigans, despite my bleary-eyed early-morning roamings. The faint light of sunrise and battalion of cleaners would signify another day was upon me… and that I really needed to write that conclusion.
What’s the fun of university without those few close-calls, eh?
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