A recent post about how where you live can influence your writing by Lyndsay Wheble over at 'Tolstoy is my Cat' really struck a chord with me.
You can read it here : http://tolstoyismycat.blogspot.com/2011/06/literary-locations-will-your-work.html
I constantly think and grumble to myself that if I lived in a thriving big city my writing (or maybe more accurately my motivation for writing) would be so much stronger. Living in a rural/seaside town in Devon in the South West of England is the reason I have not written several outstanding novels. It is not because I never make myself sit down and write, it is because my writing conditions are wrong. This is completely ridiculous.
My writing conditions may never be better. Here's why:
1) I live by myself in a little flat (and I mean little). I can write whenever I want day or night and it doesn't get in anyones way. No people or children as distractions. No one to interrupt. I could ignore the phone easily if I wanted to.
2) My boyfriend lives hours away and we don't even get to each other every weekend therefore I have lots of 'time filling' to do when I am trying not to miss him (apologies if the soppyness of that makes you queasy).
3) I recently got wireless internet (I know, I know, everyone else has had this for ages) so I can actually move around and write. Although my flat is tiny this does open up the option of writing in bed. Hooray!
4) I technically do not work full time so there is an afternoon a week I could come home and write. Except I stay at work and do some work so my weekends are free. I could write in these free weekends if I actually MAKE myself sit down.
5) I am a teacher and therefore get lots of holiday time. Perfect for writing.
See, perfect conditions really. I need to stop my excuses and write. Bring on ROW 80!!
Thanks for using my link Em, I'm flattered!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, it's so easy to think of reasons why you can't get it done; it's that much harder to ask yourself why you're not getting it done when you have so many resources at hand. Realising it is definitely the first step though (not that my novel's done or anything:), so good luck!
Sounds like you have a writing plan and that is something you definitely need. Here's good luck and happy stories ahead to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting me use it Lyndsay! It just hit home as I constantly dream of sitting in cafes in metropolitan places to write when really my simple little flat will do just fine!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of happy stories! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
ReplyDeleteHi Em! I'm a fellow Round 3 for ROW80. :) As a stay-at-home Mom you'd think I have all the time in the world to write? LOL. But no, I have to schedule #wordmongering sessions (30 minutes writing, post word count to Twitter, 30 minutes off doing something else like cleaning or eating). I often write on the weekends, too because that is when my husband can corral our 2-year-old.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend is getting my pre-travel documents ready, finishing my first manuscript. There will be fireworks, one way or another. And wine. Lots of wine.
Writing with a 2-year-old around must be near impossible! I am hoping ROW80 gives me the boost I need. Just being nosey....where are you travelling too?
ReplyDeleteMust be very exciting to be finishing your manuscript, I hope you have a successful and wine filled weekend! Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you in round 3!