We have another theme week for you: writing spaces. Where we write, and what it means.
Here’s my space:
My office is a second bedroom in the house. I do most of my writing at a desk, working on a desktop computer with a rather small flat screen. The desk is full of chaos, because my brain is a bit “out of sight, out of mind,” and if I don’t want to forget about something — story outline, bills that need paying — I have to keep it right there where I can see it. I know how to find everything, honest! Stuff I want to keep out of the way, but still visible, I pin to the bulletin board. My goal lists and project lists go there.
I put a lot of fun things in my office — I like having it be a warm and happy place, so that I like spending time there. Lily the dog usually naps under the desk, which is lovely. And my life-size cardboard Thor is quite the inspiration to me, I must say.
For a stretch of time a few years ago, I wrote a bunch on my laptop, spread out on the sofa. I finished a couple of novels this way, because sitting at my desk was a drag and I had to change location to get things done. Then I invested in a much better office chair — and I haven’t left my desk since. That was a great lesson for me: good, comfortable equipment, can make a huge difference. Uncomfortable equipment makes me fidgety, and I won’t get work done. So, invest in the good stuff, keeping in mind that what works for someone else may not work for me.
Lately, I’ve been trying to shake things up a little, to make working on the road easier and more productive. I’ve done a bunch of traveling over the last three years, and I’ve learned that it really cuts into my output. I’d like to change this, if I can. I’m not fond of carrying a laptop with me, and I usually don’t — it’s the issue of comfort, again. The laptop, while it has its uses, drives me bonkers, so I usually leave it at home. This year, I’m going to try something else: I got an iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard to go with it. The keyboard is the size of a standard laptop keyboard, and works great. (I never had a problem with the laptop keyboard, it was lugging the damn thing around that I didn’t like.) I found a word-processing app that’s compatible with Word, which is what I usually use. So far, I’ve found that this setup is much more portable than a laptop. I don’t have to take it out of my bag to go through airport security. I can set it up on my lap without feeling the need to move to a desk or table. I even brought it to a coffee shop once.
Writing space and location is another one of those variables that really does make a difference, and it behooves us to experiment to find the arrangement that makes us the most comfortable and productive.
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I, too, am going the iPad and keyboard route, especially as I’m about to embark on a year of lots of travel and I’m inheriting a bigger laptop.
Love Thor!
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Thank you for opening the door on your writing place.
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Your office looks rather similar to mine! Of course, plenty of my stuff ends up on the floor, pushed off by the ever-so-helpful kitties who think my desk is the warmest and coziest place in the house to nap.
I’ve also been wondering about the portability and usefulness of an iPad+keyboard option to remain productive on the road. Are you using iWork apps (specifically the iOS version of Pages) for your writing? I hope you’ll keep us apprised as to your experience with this combo.
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I’m using DocsToGo. It’s not ideal, but for getting raw words on the page it works just fine. I can transfer files and read other people’s manuscripts with it as well, so it’s versatile.
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It looks better than mine actually. My desk is more cluttered I hate so say, and because I hate to see things on the floor, it just keeps piling up on the desk. Strangely enough, it’s the only room in the house like that. Believe it or not, I hate clutter (except on my desk, obviously).
Recently however, I was in the mood to sit in my recliner. I decided to get comfortable with my laptop. I was hooked and havent used the office desk since. I’m writing this reply from my recliner.
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I just cleaned the floor! I piled a bunch of stuff there when I moved in over the summer and finally cleaned up the last of it.
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You’re one up on me, Carrie, because I can’t get myself to go back to the desk.
My excuse right now (may not work for anybody else but hey, it works for me!) is that it’s winter and i’m saving money on the electric bill by not using this room at all.
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That blue wall is a great color blue, and goes great with that brown desk. I bet it makes the room seem spacious and calm. Were you a decorator in a previous life?
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I replaced my laptop with an iPad and bluetooth keyboard last year as well. I love it. I’e also considered using the keyboard with my iPod touch when I really want to limit my space. It works too, but then everything gets transferred tot he desktop to be edited.
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I actually have used it with my iPod touch — it was quite thrilling that I could work with so little space. I see me using the setup when I want to travel *really* light!
Previously, I’ve brought a pen and notebook when I was writing on the road. I just never seem to get much done that way. I end up scribbling and brainstorming rather than racking up word count.
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I was thinking of using my ipad instead of a laptop and now I’m even more curious about it. I noticed you use Word and that the ipad application you use will save in that format.
I’ve own Microsoft Works. Since I’m not published I’ve had a hard time justifying the cost of Word. I mean even the student edition of office is 150 bucks (for the DvD version not digital DL).
Would you say its worth purchasing Word now (and not worry about the conversion issues when sending to a publisher) or wait?
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It’s been 10 years or so since I used Works, but I seem to recall that you can save files in more universal formats like .rtf, which is compatible with most software and accepted by most publishers I know of. I’d do a little research into what formats Works reads and converts into before getting Word — Works is a pretty flexible program in itself (at least, it used to be). DocsToGo might read Works files — you might check.
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Unfortunately it’s only for Word documents. Also which keyboard did you purchase? There are quite a few out there. One other complication is my iPad is a first gen, makes it hard to sometimes to get accessories.
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It’s a Logitech. They’re kind of pricey, no matter which one you pick.
I keep thinking there’s got to be an app that’s compatible with Works. There are so many out there!
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I broke down and purchased Word, or more specifically Office Home and Student. I figured it would last me a very long time and I would end up getting my monies worth. Not to install it and start learning the in’s and out’s of the program.