Monday, January 31, 2011

A Change of Scene

by Grace Bridges


It's amazing what a change of scene can do for a writer's tired brain. I've just been away for a couple of weeks' summer break, and have found myself refreshed for the tasks ahead.

My inspiration comes from the sea. But I can see that from my desk at home, too. So what's the difference? I think it has become very difficult to write at home because of multiple distractions inherent in living someplace.

I can't rush off and take a trip every time my writing suffers, though! I began to consider what steps I might take to eliminate distractions at home. Here are a couple of things that are working quite well for me at the moment:

  • No desk. That's right, just set the laptop on the lap it was built for (on a lap tray so you don't get hot legs from the fan), and sit on a chair in the middle of the room. I even found an armless one to be best, because that means the only place for my hands to be is on the keyboard. Instant increased productivity.
  • Failing that, the desk must be clear of clutter at all times. No to-do lists, no bills to be paid, no books to read, no munchies. Nothing. And don't give in to the temptation to put anything there. I have now reserved a place for things that need my attention - far away behind me on the other side of the room where they can't interrupt me.
  • Long walks. An hour or two a day does wonders for perking up the imagination, to say nothing of the health benefits.
In these small ways I try to change the scene even when I spend most of my life in my bedroom office. Let's make this a life worth living. Let's kill procrastination and reach those goals we've set ourselves, by removing all obstacles - even if one of those is the familiar home we sit in and the detritus of decades on this planet.

What can you do to change your scene today?

5 comments:

  1. Like you I find going for a walk or a run can do wonders to get writer's block moving along.

    It used to also be a nice long bath but alas I no longer live in a house with one!

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  2. Procrastination! Now why did you have to use that word today, Grace? Just what I know I've been doing all morning. A great post and time I too changed my "scene" and left this office as other commitments are calling. Thank you for some challenging thoughts.

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  3. Grace, That makes me think of early days of my writing when I read an article recommending somewhat frequent breaks away from the typewriter. (Yes, typewriter.) I just smiled. I had a baby. I got frequent breaks changing diapers. Now i have to be appreciative when my husband, whose office is also at home, comes in and suggests that we have a cup of tea or go for a walk. Soon it will be gardening time again--no better change of pace than that.

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  4. It is reassuring to hear what works for other writers. Definitely agree with you re going for a walk, preferably before writing. I also prefer to start writing in the morning - the theory being that by nightfall the brain will be tired and ready for shut down and enable me get some sleep! Good luck with your writing. J

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  5. I also find the laptop works for me. I often take it outside and sit on the stoep, and prop it on my lap (yes, on a tray). Even though I can see people walking by and occasionally get interrupted there's something about the change of location that helps me to get creative.

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