Location, Location, Location

Tip Of The Day — Day 5

This is part of a series of daily tips for writers which is published to share ideas and suggestions on our craft. Everyone will have different advice on how to write, so the tip below is just a personal selection which I hope you will find useful, and do share any of your own in the comments. I hope you find it useful.

We all have our happy place where we feel most comfortable writing, so this is quite an individual thing. It can be our living room or study, a busy café, on a beach, in a library, on a cliff top, on the bus or a train, or on a remote island. What matters is what works for you.

Of course, we may not always have an ideal choice if time for writing must be squeezed into snatched minutes in a busy day. But it is worth trying to get the location right — as the old saying goes, prior planning prevents poor performance.

One of the great things about writing is that it is a craft that can in theory be practised anywhere, so make the most of finding places that inspire you. An amazing view may be helpful if you can find somewhere suitable. If you can actually be there, try having a photo, or you could even access a webcam at your favourite location!

Setting the scene

We may want complete silence, away from any distractions, while some people can still manage to concentrate on writing in a busy environment. Headphones can help cut out unwanted distractions, or to add music as a catalyst to boost mood. Sometimes it helps to have a playlist that matches the mood you want to achieve or to inspire you. Also think about lighting, a comfortable temperature, and anything else which will optimise the setting.

These days most writers probably use an online dictionary or thesaurus, or reference book of quotations, but if you are old school it can help to have the physical book to hand in case you need it. Similarly, you may have a favourite notebook in which to jot down ideas, or do this online.

Some writers like to have a pet around though they can be a distraction! If you are in a home you shared with others it is worth making sure they respect your need for space in which you can concentrate. Supportive friends and family can be a real help; equally shared space can be a real distraction, especially young children who may demand attention, or a partner reminding of the chores you should be doing rather than spending far too long on Medium!

Rocket fuel

Caffeine and high-energy snacks may help fuel the creative flow of words, though again this is down to individual preference.

Collaboration

Sometimes writing is a team effort, for example, if you want to brainstorm and bounce ideas around with others. This is how many newspapers come up with ideas for stories, or those clever headlines that we remember involving puns or playing with words. Of course these days the team doesn’t have to be physically in the same room, so a call on Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams can get people together without the need to travel.

I hope you found this article useful, and do share any tips of your own in the comments.

Previous tips:

Day 1- The Notebook

Day 2 — Mind your language — learning new words

Day 3 –Quotations

Day 4 — Dictionary and thesaurus