Walter Benjamin ,a personal hero of mine, apparently used to write in Jazz cafes enveloped in people and music. Such was his focus and powers of concentration he could effectively insulate himself from his surroundings whilst at the same time be energised by them.
My preferred place to write is, somewhat oddly, in the food courts of busy shopping centres. I have come to the conclusion that my dream writing location is in fact the departure lounge of airports but it is a bit of a trek to my local airport so the next best thing is the mall that’s only down the road. Now you might be thinking he’s mad. After all who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to a cacophony of sounds including easy listening muzak, public announcements and the wailing of shopped out kids? It’s a good question. I have found that the lighting though harsh and multi-sourced is pretty good and the food court in particular is very stimulating for all kinds of reasons.
You can imagine there is food being consumed all around me by people of all kinds. The sight of people eating is very relaxing and the sense of smell in particular is stimulated thus stimulating a very old part of the brain. The sense of vision is also stimulated. There is usually a free supply of iced water and I bring a Starbucks beaker with me to be refilled several times. Fortunately the toilet is usually nearby.
No-one seems to care about me writing here and largely ignores me. Those that do not ignore me seem to interested in me as a foreigner or appear to live in the shopping centre. I have had some very odd and often amusing conversations with people that would never have occurred had I been at home on the kitchen table.
So if you would like to write a comment please tell me where you like to write and why. Thanks to all those who have already taken time to comment and share. We know you all do it but where and why?
I like to write in coffee houses that allow smoking so that two of my favorite vices are in abundant supply. Come to think of it, I also like to write in bars that allow smoking for the same reason.
In a coffee house, I prefer writing at night: the dark outside diminishes the number of extraneous distractions and, quite often, I’ll find my attention turning to the people nearby. I’ve discovered some excellent snippets of conversation or character sketches there. In bars, I prefer writing during the day when there are fewer people. Those who are drinking in a bar during daylight hours tend to have some pretty interesting quirks to observe, and that’s usually sufficient to spark my creativity.
Interesting. Are we talking Amsterdam coffee houses?
Regards
David
Comment by Venomous Kate — 12, May 2007 @ 2:13 pm
A lot of noise is only a distraction if you let it be. It’s great that you found a place that works for you.
I used to like to write in the shower, but it didn’t work out too well when I turned the water on, now I like to write in my living room hunched over the laptop on the coffee table. I know I had a good session when I have a tough time straightening up my back.
Great site! I’ll be back.
I knew someone who had a little table and book shelf set up in their toilet. It is as you say whatever works for you. Mind that back! I find that if I can reach the point where I can shut out my surroundings through concentration but still be aware of what’s going on then I have reached a pretty productive state.
Regards
David
Comment by linusmann — 12, May 2007 @ 5:59 pm
I like to write when I’m alone at home, or in a small café. But one of these days I spent two or three hours studying in a mall and it was so productive… In spite of the noisy surroundings!
Yes I find it very productive too. I think that we are somehow conditioned to think that quietness and solitude are best for concentration but I think the opposite works better for me.
Regards
David Raho
Comment by Llyra — 12, May 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Do you write on a laptop?
Yes I sometimes write on a laptop but also use a notebook
Thanks
David Raho
Comment by trollfighter — 12, May 2007 @ 6:17 pm
Your blog is great!
Do you want a link to your blog from my Blogroll?
You can get it listed by checking out Blog Potato’s Blogroll.
Do you want to trade Technorati favorite links? I’ll add you to Blog Potato’s Technorati favorites, if you add Blog Potato.
This will help our blogs get ranked higher.
Yes good idea
Comment by Blog Potato — 12, May 2007 @ 7:31 pm
First off, nice blog. Unfortunately, I work with a desktop, and I write up my posts and entries from this area in my house.
However, if I did have a laptop, my ideal work area would be outside on my porch, late at night, where there would be quietness all-around, and just the noise of crickets croaking.
Hi
Sounds wonderful. Just a minor technical point for reference crickets chirrup and I think it is frogs and toads doing the croaking but otherwise a very pleasant image. Make sure you install a proper weatherproof power supply. Watch thaose pesky mosquitos though. I love the idea of a large porch with a hammock sitting outside playing my guitar. Great stuff.
Regards
David
Comment by Troy — 12, May 2007 @ 8:25 pm
I find that I do not have the opportunity to be creative as often as I used to. However, I have found that I am productive most in solitude or in extrememely crowded and buzzing places.
One of my two favorite writings was written sitting on my front patio all alone during an absolute deluge of a rainstorm… and my second was composed during a long unexpected layover in Dallas Love Field airport. Accordingly, the first was an observation of nature and the second of human nature.
I suppose the only commonality between the two is the drone of sound that becomes a white noise when you are at your best.
Always find time to be creative. Sometimes we are too busy consuming to think about producing but both are equally important. I think you are right. I would love to read those writings sometime.
Regards
David Raho
Comment by traciemichelle — 12, May 2007 @ 11:35 pm
Everywhere. i find i purchase my handbags with the specific intent of being about to cart around a spiral notebook and my various writing implements, just in case i feel the need to jot something down. i write at my desk, at work, during lunch, here at home, as i am doing now. i write in restaurants, at bars, and sitting on the bleachers at endless soccer/football/basketball games.
i just…write.
elise
Hi Elise
Yes I always carry something around just in case (and a pen of course). However, what I have found is the moment you forget to bring it that is when inspiration strikes.
By the way you have inspired me to write a short story called ‘The Man Behind the Words’.
Thanks
David Raho
Comment by MangledTulip — 13, May 2007 @ 12:37 am
Hello — my first visit to your blog and making a comment already.
I prefer someplace where people are — I find that it is invigorating to be around others, and being able to write, at the same time to enjoy some people watching. When I lived in the USA (just moved back home to Australia after 8 years in the USA), my favourite place was a local hippy coffee place called the Blue Moose. I worked a night shift job and so had some time during the day to head down there for a coffee and reading/writing. I wrote a lot of things there, some to the various blogs, others in the form of emails, and still more in the form of papers for my Masters program.
That said, one of my most memorable posts to my blog was one night under the stars when my dog was sick, so rather than having to go outside with her every 5 minutes, we camped out under the stars with her — it was an amazing experience, aside from the mosquitoes. I’ll always remember that — sitting with my MacBook and a light plugged into my usb port, blogging under the stars.
Happy blogging!
Cheers
Kim Austin
You are very welcome. That sounds absolutely wonderful Kim. It is moments like that that are truly memorable and special. Thanks for sharing that it has made my day. Beautiful image. May the wave you surf be a good one.
David Raho
Comment by ausurfer — 13, May 2007 @ 12:45 am
Hello David,
This is an interesting thing to think about! Inspiration strikes me no matter where I am, and sometimes I make a quick note, but the real writing happens at home on the computer. I also get inspired when reading weblogs, and then I’m of course already at the computer, so I fire up my word processor and start writing right away if I want to.
Another thing I like to do is making music using grooveboxes. Some time ago I found I wanted to go out with the beautiful weather, not stay inside all day, but making music meant being inside. I ended up buying an MPC500, a groovebox running on batteries, and making beats in the park
It’s quite different from making beats at home, but very interesting and inspiring.
Now this writing of yours makes me aware I could do the same when it comes to writing. I always find the busy city center of the next town very inspiring. Maybe I’ll take a notebook or my PDA and go there sometime with the purpose to write. I wonder what the result will be
Thanks for the comment Jo’el. It’s good to experiment. Every city I visit I get a different kind of buzz from it. Many musicians I have known have not started producing their best work until they found the right combination of studio, technician and producer (sometimes they have to keep on looking). I have been playing with a similar gadget called the Zoom PS04 that is a pocket recording studio.
Yes go forth and write wherever you may be.
Good luck
David Raho
Comment by Jo'el — 13, May 2007 @ 4:38 am
David,
You said: “By the way you have inspired me to write a short story called ‘The Man Behind the Words’”
First, thank you…i shall preen and envision myself a muse with pretty, diaphonous robes and alabaster skin. Second…i’m dying of curiousity about the story.
elise
Thanks. Almost speechless with imaginative overload. The story has only just begun………………
Comment by MangledTulip — 13, May 2007 @ 9:49 am
I love your blog, too.
Your blog has been added to the Blog Potato Blogroll.
A link to Blog Potato in your blogroll would be appreciated.
Tell other bloggers about the Blog Potato Blogroll.
Do you wanna trade Technorati Favorite Links? You add me and then I’ll add you.
Hi I have added you to both May the traffic be with you.
Regards
David Raho
Comment by Blog Potato — 13, May 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Before the cities I’ve lived in passed public smoking bans, a booth in a restaurant (most often Denny’s) was my home-away-from-home, and where I did most of my writing.
Since then, I stay at home. Most of my writing is done in the mornings at my desk on my laptop, though I spend probably an equal amount of time “sketching” in the garage with a notebook and a cigarette. If my landlord allowed smoking in the house, I’d probably never get off this thing…
I wonder what will happen to coffee shops in Amsterdam once banning becomes more widespread?
Comment by mcory1 — 13, May 2007 @ 1:56 pm
My best thoughts come to me when I am travelling – I carry a notebook and pen for that.
Travelling is a great time to write. Thanks for your comment
Regards
David Raho
Comment by Nicola — 13, May 2007 @ 7:04 pm
More about having something to say than about where I do the writing. What I mean is… if I am compelled to write, I MUST write and it can and should happen for me where ever I am at the time I have the NEED… anywhere. Like sneezing when I get black pepper up my nose, I write because I HAVE to. On napkins in bars, on the back of my grocery list while grocery shopping at Publix, in my ratty notebook while waiting on the dentist, on my laptop in my home library surrounded by books and art… like now.
Like your blog. Will be back. anitamorrell.wordpress.com and dailyart.wordpress.com
Sounds good Anita. I had a friend who used to write their ideas on their shirt when inspiration struck and I heard Martin Luther King jr used to write his ideas on prison toilet paper (the hard shiny stuff) if he had nothing else available.
Regards
David Raho
Comment by anitamorrell — 14, May 2007 @ 9:42 am
I write at home mostly. When I go out to the bookstore or a cafe, I usually just take notes. I write on whatever piece of paper or paper-like product I can find, aside from things that don’t belong to me.
Many thanks you reminded me of something that happened some time ago. I had a friend who was enjoying a light meal in his local hangout and had forgotten to bring his usual writing kit with him. Anxious not to lose the idea he quickly borrowed a pen from one of his companions and made some notes on what he assumed was a paper table cloth. A short while later the manager approached him and after a somewhat embarassing discussion he was allowed to borrow the table cloth and promised to return it cleaned.
That author is now published with a couple of films based on his work including the novel outlined on that tablecloth. I am guessing that had it been preserved it would now be worth considerably more than the laundry bill.
Kindest regards
David Raho
Comment by writersgroupblog — 16, May 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Here’s where I write David http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobleckridge/460048723/
but I also carry a notebook and write on my daily commute http://heroesnotzombies.wordpress.com/2007/04/15/creative-space-commuting/
Great blog, by the way. Just found you but already enjoying your writing
Bob
Many thanks Bob.
Be seeing you
David Raho
Comment by bobleckridge — 16, May 2007 @ 5:36 pm
I like to write in the train.
Knowing that I’m moving to a destination.
Keeps me motivated.
Comment by MJ — 18, June 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Hey…wow! I just googled ‘where do you like to write’ and your blog popped up! Its really interesting…I love writing. Though I have written in food courts ( mostly so I can catch interesting conversations and write them down) my favorite places to write would be in a dark corner at Starbucks, and my own little writing room which consists of a coffee maker, kettle, varieties of coffee and tea, stacks of books which I have given up on organizing, one poor inadequate bookshelf, 2 extra comfy chairs, and a soon-to-come desk. I like to have soundtracks on, but I can’t let myself listen to music with words or I will literally drop my pencil and well…just listen.
Sometimes I’ll go into restaurants or coffee shops, so I can study people around me and find some quirky characters. Great blog!
Thanks JC. I love to go out and about too. I think Starbucks ought to do a little more for aspiring writers facility wise. I like the sound of your writing room-very cozy. Pop bye anytime for a browse. You may like to have a look at my read anyway round poem ‘Lost One Night’ as it was written on the back of a Starbucks napkin. Regards David Raho
Comment by JC — 29, August 2008 @ 12:12 pm