Space

[katiefoolery]

Please let me introduce you all to my new workspace, viz:

Yes, it is a) outside, b) sharing space with a spade and broom, and c) awesome. And that lovely little EeePC there answers the question of whether I switched my laptop for a netbook quite nicely. I haven't regretted that for a minute - it's even been inadvertently useful for my vlogging, due to its possessing a (completely rubbish) webcam. My intention was to buy an Acer Aspire One... but the ten inch screen of the EeePC kept calling to me, telling me how... big it was.

Well, ten inches is big when compared with eight point nine...

What innuendo?

I like being outside. I like having my own space. I like being able to sit there in that incredibly ugly yet unbelievably comfortable chair and think.

Oh, and write, maybe.

And I definitely like the bit where I receive an excellent wireless signal from my router. That's important.

I feel as though I can write out there - as though I have enough space to be creative. It's a different story inside, where I'm sharing space with noise and televisions and people. Which I don't really mind, per se, but that environment doesn't seem to be very conducive to creativity. Sometimes, I wish I were able to write anywhere, but it turns out I can be incredibly picky about my surroundings.

So, before I go off to work on my next vlog, I'm going to ask you all a question: Can you write anywhere? Do you have a place where your writing just seems to flow effortlessly? Conversely, are there places where you just can't write, no matter how hard you try?

Yes, one question in three parts.

brb, vlogging

:D

Comments

[everydayjoy.livejournal.com]

Ah, that whole scene looks absolutely delicious! I think I could write there, too.

To answer your question(s): I can't write if there are other words around me. If there are songs, if there is conversation, if the television is on. I also can't write if someone is reading over my shoulder. Having said that, however, I *can* write in busy public places where there are conversations happening and music playing -- so long as none of it is meant for me.

Another exception to the rule is if I'm writing LiveJournal posts. In that case, I like to have the TV on for company -- for some bizarre reason.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It really is lovely! Drop by any time you feel like it - I have an identical chair inside you could sprawl out comfortably in. :D

I used to be like you with music and writing - I could have instrumental music playing while I was writing, but the minute there were words in my ears, it distracted me terribly. Lately, I've overcome that a bit, due to needing to have something going to block out the TV or other extraneous sounds, but it can still be distracting at times. I find I want to pay attention to the song - as though it's rude to listen to music as a background thing.

Your exception is fascinating, though. I wonder why things like that help for LJ when they hinder at other times? Very intriguing.

[the-kaytinator.livejournal.com]

It's not the size of your screen, Bunne... It's how you use it.

All: We could have said that, but we were too classy.

Kayt: Touche.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Well, someone had to say it. Everyone thanks you for ensuring it wasn't them. :D

[frohike.livejournal.com]

I know I do.

[moonlitpromise.livejournal.com]

I wish it was warm enough outside for me to have a workspace out there. I love your notebook. The chair looks hideous but comfy, so who cares.

I can write in bed when it's about 2am-4am because that's when my creative sparks. Yes, it sparks while I am trying to sleep and then I'm like, "must...write down... ideaaaa... bleghfefhewnfkj. " haha. I'm better at typing it all out, because it's easier to go back and correct something, or just get rid of the whole thing. And I can type and type and type for a long time unlike when I'm writing out my chapters. I can't write when people are around. I try, but I get nervous that they will look and make fun of me. Even if the person is like 10 feet away, I just feel weird.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah - it's a truly hideous chair. The colour, for a start... But sooooo comfortable. You can arrange yourself however you like and it's incredibly cosy. And my netbook is lovely. It does everything I want it to and it can go wherever I want it to, pretty much.

There's something about the very early morning and creativity. I've lost track of the number of times I haven't been able to sleep because a story was plaguing me. And they just don't go away until you get up and write them.

I feel weird when people are around and I'm writing, too. I'm never sure why - maybe it's because I feel very exposed when I'm writing. Or as though I'm doing something stupid and they'll point it out. That's why I like my new writing space - because no-one can sneak up on me and I'm pretty much guaranteed my solitude, should I want it.

[paragraphs.livejournal.com]

I love to write at Barnes and Noble, but prefer being at home with my puppies. I tried writing at the living room table, but that is too uncomfortable after awhile. Music--love it blaring in my ears, but like tonight, wasn't in the mood for that, so sat in my bedroom, pups on the bed with me, and wrote over 2k with only them and the general hubbub of the house in the background.

If my daughter is watching House, I have a hard time ignoring it. Tonight though she had a lot of reading to do for one of her classes, so she read in the living room, my son's upstairs plugged into WoW, and I in my bedroom with the dogs...time to time daughter would come in and yack about something, but for some reason tonight it didn't bother me. Had the best writing night in a long time. Maybe, though, because I finally just gave in and switched to a different book, in my favorite genre to write.

One thing I have to have though is a clean environment. I can't seem to relax unless the kitchen is clean, and my room is too. I love your writing space. It is sweet!

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Oh yes - I definitely like my space to be nice and clean, too. So that broom behind my chair is put to good use keeping everything nice and tidy.

I haven't tried writing anywhere else, really, although I want to. There are a lot of really nice cafés in my area, so I'm thinking of checking those out and seeing how they work as writing venues. It helps that I have a super-portable netbook to take with me now. :D

I love the idea of you writing while your puppies keep you company. :D

[http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/]

I've found that I can write almost anywhere as long as I have music and nobody else is around, and writer's block is no longer visiting me, and...

On the flip side, I suppose I would have lots of trouble writing in the shower. :)

I love your writing space!!

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

I suppose you could always write in the condensation on the shower screen. Sure, it's not permanent, but it's a solution of sorts.

It's very handy to be able to write anywhere! I guess your music helps drown out all the potential distractions and lets you focus on your writing.

[http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/]

The condensation! Hadn't thought of that. :)

You know, it's funny, but even when I am in a house all by my lonesome, I still have to have music going. I don't get a whole lot done without it. My headphones have become a must-have item in my writer's toolbox!

[frohike.livejournal.com]

I used to do maths in the condensation...

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

All I ever did was teach myself to write left-handed. It doesn't really translate to using a pen, though.

[frohike.livejournal.com]

Oh and I practised my signature with various surnames that belonged to choice individuals. Is that more or less lame than the maths I wonder?

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It's hard to call. I think the maths one was a little quirkier.

[erinmacha.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately I can't write anywhere at any time. :( If the TV is on, if there is stuff going on I just can't focus - let alone the worry about what people might see if they happen to peek over my shoulder. (My husband knows what I write - it doesn't settle my muses any if he's in the room.)

That being said, if I have a scene I just HAVE to write and stuff is going on in the livingroom I am able to take a pencil and note book and go hand write. :P I've found it's useful at times.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

I always try to keep a notebook and pen on hand, after one nasty occasion when I absolutely HAD to write down an idea and didn't have any way to do so.

TV is so distracting! Even if I'm not watching it. Even if I'm listening to music through my headphones to block the TV out! It's very frustrating. And I definitely share the looking-over-my-shoulder thing. I just can't stand it, no matter what I'm writing.

Do you have conveniently illegible handwriting that will disguise whatever you've written? That often helps.

[erinmacha.livejournal.com]

Actually I have my own form or short hand. Someone could figure it out - if they really, really wanted to, but they'd have to sit down with my notebook - more than just peeking over my shoulder would give them.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's very convenient! There are few words I write that end up looking more like a cipher or something, but that's about it. Developing my own form of short-hand sounds like hard work to me. :D

[silverwerecat.livejournal.com]

No workspace is complete without the cat that goes with it. :p

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Hehe! I believe my cat was sitting under the table at the time. She likes to hang about with me when I'm sitting in my chair. :D

[silverwerecat.livejournal.com]

You're lucky. Mine want to sit on me. Or on the laptop. Or chewing on any cord they can get to. *sigh*

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

Pickle used to be terribly jealous of my laptop - she'd always try to sit on it or evict it from my lap. When I'm outside, she just tends to lie lazily on the floor next to my chair.

[mistressmarilyn.livejournal.com]

So nice . . .

(yay WiMax, which I'm about to purchase, so I can make EVERYWHERE in Portland my workspace)

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It's vey cosy. :D

I have mobile broadband as well, I just haven't gone to the effort of setting it up on my new computer yet. But once I have, it will be splendid!

[theemdash]

I love your space. And I find that I write better in certain environments, too.

FOR EXAMPLE, I got to a writing group at a coffee shop and even though we're supposed to be writing, I rarely do anything that is actually writing. KL and I discuss The Steampunk sometimes, but mostly I dick around online and try to get online responsibilities finished so that when I'm in a better environment, I can get real work done.

During the day, I like my dining table best because I can sit up straight and have a table.

If my back is sore, it's over to the couch with a foot stool and lots of pillows.

If it's 2am, then I'm probably in bed on my stomach, with my blanket over my head and my chin practically level with the keyboard.

I mostly write at home, but I wish I could venture forth more.

. . . Actually, maybe I can since my battery now actually lasts 4 hours. \o/

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It's such a nice space, mostly because it really feels like mine.

I don't think I'd be very good at writing en masse, honestly. It would probably feel a bit weird. Or so I imagine. You never know, maybe it would be perfect for me. When it comes to beta-ing, I actually do best when I'm online with my writer at the same time, even though we're not actually saying much to each other. So... maybe company would work. Hmm...

Batteries with staying power are made of awesome! My netbook lasts around 5-6 hours. I still can't quite believe that, but it really does.

[frohike.livejournal.com]

a) I am not entirely convinced that is a spade and not a shovel
b) Cannot write anywhere. Cannot write much unless I am alone. Because I use pen/paper I have comfort issues when writing (I think I hunch over books whereas one tends to sit up when typing).
c) Can you link me to the vlog of Bunne? Polite refusal on the grounds that RL Bunne is exclusive viewing is acceptable.
d) It is very hot. 30° at 1am is uncalled for.
e) What is your word count for GYWO if I may enquire? Mine is Very Very Small.
f) I meant to tell you before that your failboat icon is awesome.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

a) Ah, but I always call a spade a spade. :D

b) I like to be alone when I write, too. I don't know why - it's just better that way. Bonus points if I can actually closet myself away somehow.

c) But of course! I'm not exclusive. :D I'm doing the Wednesday vlogs on the channel here (http://www.youtube.com/user/fivedotnerds). Later on, I'll be linking directly to my latest vlog.

d) It was pretty similar down here, although I don't mind the heat too much.

e) It's lamentably low, but there's no point hiding it (especially since I mention it in my vlog...) - at this point, it's only 506 because I keep distracting myself. Does that make you feel better about yours at all? :)

f) Thank-you!

[frohike.livejournal.com]

a) lol

c) I watched them all. Awesome dalek btw.

e) mine's lower than that. 459. I just can't seem to allow myself to write badly enough to meet the goals.

hehehe... ace.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

I loves my dalek. :D flippyfrog made one for each of the main LorFers.

But your word count isn't zero - that's the main thing! I'm thinking the trick is to look at it as just writing, not as writing for GYWO. GYWO's just the support net if you fall. It's a pretty good support net, too.

[frohike.livejournal.com]

Also it would help if I had a designated writing space, both in locale and in schedule.
Also I'm a master procrastinator.

[naelany.livejournal.com]

Love the chair, it looks uber comfy!

Heh, I'm not a writer, so I don't think I can really answer your question ^_~

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It really is comfortable. :D

[naelany.livejournal.com]

Perfect place to snuggle up and read, me thinks ^_~

LOL I just noticed the little blurp under your calendar. Love it ^_^

[joyinthedance.livejournal.com]

I'm jealous of your summer weather, and your big brown comfy chair. I could fall asleep in that chair like right now.

A lot of people I know need music or conversation to write, but I actually prefer silence. I absolutely cannot write at a normal table or desk for more than 15 minutes, because I need to be in a place where I can fold my legs under me how I like. For instance, that comfy brown chair. It looks perfect for me to curl up in and write. I don't do too well outside, though. The changes in lighting distract me for some reason.

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

I've definitely thought about falling asleep in it once or twice, believe me. It's great for reading in, too.

Silence works for me, too, but I'm OK with being at a desk. That's probably because I turned to computers for storywriting pretty much the second I realised my handwriting was no good. And that typing goes much more quickly. The idea of curling up in a chair and handwriting something is very appealing, though.

[stefeny.livejournal.com]

I'm envious of your space! I love being outside to write, but i have outside space, so i have to head down to the park. Don't you find the comfy seat distracting? I'd just go to sleep in it ...

[katiefoolery.livejournal.com]

It would be sooooo easy to fall asleep in that chair, but I manage to resist the temptation somehow. Maybe the comfort of it allows me to focus on the writing? I'm not sure.

I think it would be quite interesting to write in a park. Does it work for you? Do you find it's a productive place (as well as a nice one) to be?