Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Blog Chain - The Inner Sanctum


I'm back for this round of the blog chain! My internet troubles and writing whatnot has kept me away but Bonnie's question this round came at just the right time!



Is there a place you like to write that's extra special? Have you carved out a writing niche? Is there a certain time of day (or night) when the words fall into place, and your brain is focused on nothing but writing?

I live in a tiny house. Like, just over a thousand square feet. There's no such thing as privacy, and my writing space consists of a kitchen table that my husband wishes we'd actually eat at once in a while. During the school year, I get the house all to myself four days a week. Friday through Sunday... well that's another story. But even when I do have the house to myself, real life sort of seeps through. There's the laundry, the phone, the dogs who want in and out, in and out. So even though it's just me and laptop, it's really not.

Adaptability is key for my writing. Pandora and headphones are all I really need to shut out real life. And when my husband travels to conferences, I often tag along. Hotel writing is one of my favs! Nothing but me, and a quiet room with no distractions. In the summer, I flee to my family's cabin by the lake. No internet, no phone, and a view to die for. Just last weekend I holed up by the fireplace and cranked out four-thousand words.

But those solitary moments are few and far between. I've learned how to channel my muse despite the distractions of every day life. I sort of like my little kitchen table in my tiny house. But I'm not gonna lie... I dream of building an addition with a nice little office. Sound-proof!

Where do you go for a little peace and quiet? Is there a special place where inspiration flows? Check out Kate's post before mine and Sandra's tomorrow for the inside scoop on their inner sanctums!

13 comments:

Michelle H. said...

So true about adaptability! And hotel writing sounds awesome. I feel like just getting a room there once in a while just to write.

Stephanie said...

I'm lucky to have a cabin to escape to, too. No internet makes a world of difference in productivity!!

Kathryn Hupp-Harris said...

I wish I had Pandora on the computer I write on. I'd never have the discipline to avoid other cyber distractions though.

Cole Gibsen said...

I totally understand! We just moved from our 900 sq. ft. house with three dogs, three cats, bub, and the hubs - at times, we were literally on top of each other.

Unknown said...

I wrote my first MS in my 950 sq. ft. house. It sucked. But I have to say, I love the colors of your kitchen. I agree with you that headphones are a Godsend for blocking out the distractions.

Christine Fonseca said...

HA! I know Pandora is MY key to writing!!!

Eric said...

I haven't heard of Pandora, but I guess I'll have to check that out. I am so jealous of all your escape places. A cabin? Man, I'd kill for somethng like that. But though your house is small, you seem to be making it work. Nice post :)

Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

My favorite is when noone is home and I take the laptop to my bed. I am planning on taking some hotel overnights a couple times a year. Have never done that before and think I will really like it.

Margie Gelbwasser said...

I love writing in hotels too and a log cabin sounds terrific!!

Anonymous said...

Pandora and headphones--you're singing my tune!!!

WritingNut said...

I actually don't have a special place to write YEt!! I love your kitchen! :)

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Ahhh... a soundproof office, now that is a brilliant idea!

B.J. Anderson said...

Sorry I'm so late to comment! I absolutely LOVE hotel writing. There's nothing quite like being somewhere new and having no responsibilities like laundry, dishes, yard work, etc. And I think to be a writer, you definitely have to be adaptable. Great post!