A change is as good as a rest
The creative benefits of writing somewhere new
Today I’m writing from the Society of Authors offices in Bedford Row, London. Every Friday this month they’ve opened a coworking area for the day, available to members for only £5 (a bargain when it includes wifi, coffee, tea and biscuits!). I was keen to come and try it out for the day because I’m struggling through a first draft at the moment and I know that a change of scenery can help renew my focus. So here I am for the day, hoping to add at least 3000 words to my work in progress. I know that sitting at my (perfectly good) desk at home will allow me to keep moving forward slowly, but I just need a bit of a kickstart. Writing in new places is something that works for me - here are a few that I find productive:
Coffee shops - for me, specifically Caffé Neros
I love a Caffé Nero but you need to find what works for you. For me, a CN works because there’s always free, reliable wifi. I like their coffee (whether you like the coffee can be a dealbreaker when finding *your* coffee shop - it’s one of the reasons I don’t use Starbucks unless abroad and there’s no other clear option). I feel guilty when I take up space for too long in a coffee shop but lots of CNs have a large shared table and their staff never give dirty looks or even care much if you’re there for hours (I never stay more than 2). In fact, I used to write in one central London CN where it seemed half the people sitting hadn’t even bothered to buy a single coffee. I also saw some interesting business deals going down in there…
Libraries and public spaces
I love a library and I’m very lucky to live in an area where libraries are being funded and treated like the community treasures that they are. I enjoy my local library as much as I do going to the British Library and I love that both feel well-used, busy and integral to the city. Equally, I often go to the National Theatre on the Southbank which weirdly has a similar vibe. There’s wifi and lots of tables and seating where groups of students gather. You can see lots of people writing and being creative and you can grab a coffee from downstairs (and wine from the bars if you’re there of an evening).
Trains
This is very specific to when I’m travelling but I am strangely very productive when writing on trains. Perhaps it’s the fact that the wifi is almost always terrible… What else are you going to do with those hours? Staring out of the window at the changing scenery helps with the creativity.
Writing retreat
A writing retreat can mean many things. You might have just one day, or a whole week. I consider today a writing retreat because I don’t intend to do anything but write and perhaps take a stroll out to grab lunch. I know authors who book a cheap hotel for a few nights to finish a novel or a draft (Premier Inns are really good for this!). In November I’m looking forward to going away to Spain with a group of writer friends. The group dynamic helps when you really just want to have a whinge about whatever aspect of your work in progress you’re struggling with! I’ve also written loads on Arvon retreats, especially at their Clockhouse retreat in Shropshire. The beauty of a purpose-built retreat is the luxury of time to write without other stuff getting in the way. Cost is of course a factor, but if you can afford it, having a few days away where you don’t have to think about food shopping or preparation, have tea and coffee on hand, and basically have no excuse for procrastination, is worth it.
Do you have any other recommendations for places to write?