My Ideal Writing Space
November 14th, 2004- W. Faulkner
Look! That guy is staring at that interracial couple with a grimace. That kid keeps getting up from his seat and bringing back random books to his Mom. That girl who looks like she's barely out of college just smiled at me.
There's a wealth of stories in this cafe. Good people-watching places offer a plethora of opportunities like this.
My idea writing space would be here. Surrounded by interesting people with interesting lives. All of whom are strangers to me in reality, but cohorts and co-writers in my mind. I need only close my eyes to experience their fictional lives and wacky adventures.
There's soft music in the background. Sometimes its Norah Jones, other times its Nickelback. Either way, it provides a great soundtrack to my writing. Everything needs a soundtrack.
A silky mist is rising from the hot tea. I'd sip it but I don't want to burn my lip raw. On a dark chilly day like this, hot tea is the ideal remedy. Its counterpart, iced tea, is ideal for hot sunny days.
There's one thing missing though: a Writing Buddy. I've had a few over the years, friends who've also had a penchant for writing and craving for company. For some, writing is a solitary exercise. For me, it's a social event to share with good friends.
Perhaps it's the dynamic exchange of ideas or the stimulating oddball conversations that can only be had with caffeine. Or perhaps it's just the company, the friendly face across the table. A great substitute is a Reading Buddy, a friend who enjoys a good book and coffee. Both, for me, are as helpful as hot or iced tea.
A bookstore cafe is especially nice. If the idea juices aren't gushing, then there are a plethora of books to get the tide back up. Over in the Writing section are tomes on style, direction, tips, quotations, and even ideas. It's a virtual writing workshop, a writing coach without the smelly tobacco and mood swings.
In fact, my Virtual Writing Coach, in the form of Jack Heffron's "The Writer's Idea Book," gave me the jumpstart for this ramble.
Prompt: Fantasy time. Describe your ideal writing space. Fill it in to the last detail. Perch yourself on a balcony overlooking the Pacific. Snuggle yourself next to a fire in a richly paneled study. When you finish the description, read it with an eye towards patterns and details. Do you prefer an open place? Light or dark colors? A sense of freedom or safety? Again, no right answers here.
I didn't follow his prompt to the letter, but it was enough to inspire this ramble. My preferences are apparent: a busy, social place for people-watching and conversation with friends. It's the interaction with people that I crave, direct or indirect, visual or verbal, real or imaginary. Everyone has a different ideal writing space; this is mine.
Where is your ideal writing space?
