When you’re looking for a local place to write, you might just say that you could go to the coffee shop. After all, they’re easy to find and most are set up for writers to spend hours on end there.
But sometimes you want to get a change of scenery and explore something different. Changing locations can help you when you get writer’s block or it could give you some new inspiration.
So if you find yourself looking for a new or unexpected place to write during Camp NaNo, here are seven other local spots you can venture.
Local Spots:
- Libraries
- Bookstores
- Hotels
- Friend’s house
- Nature spots
- Malls
- Aquarium, zoo, museums, historical sites, local attractions
Most libraries have tables and chairs that you can work in. Some have computers that you can use if you’re a cardholder. Some even have power if you opt to bring a laptop. Libraries are quiet and most people won’t try to bother you while you write. Most you can have access to wifi as you work. Best of all, they’re free to work at.
Bookstores
Bookstores are a lot like libraries. Most of them are pretty quiet. Some smaller local ones will even encourage writers to come and write there. But if you decide to work there, consider buying a book or a new notebook to let the owners know you appreciate them letting you write there.
Hotel & Resorts
Hotels and local resorts have lobbies that you can write in, free of charge. Some you can sit at the pool or on a patio to write. Most have outlets that you can use. They aren’t always the quietest, but they can provide a lot of inspiration. Most resorts have unique lobbies and some are even theme based, which works well if you are writing a specific genre and want inspiration from there.
Your Friend’s House
If you have any writer friends, you can join forces and rotate who’s house you’re holding a writing group at. Writer friends provide the added benefit of being able to bounce ideas off of while you work.
For non-writing friends’ houses, you still get a change of scenery. You can also use them to bounce ideas off of. Non-writer friends provide a perspective from a less invested standpoint.
Writing at a friend’s house is free and you’ll have a place to plug in. To be a good house guest, I suggest bringing some sort of host/hostess gift, like food or snacks or their favorite Starbucks drink, to thank them for letting you use their house as a writing hang out.
Nature Spots
If you are going old school with your writing with paper and pen or have a battery that will last a really long time, you can retreat into nature at your local park; if you live close to any beaches, rivers, or lakes; or botanical gardens. Most large cities have botanical gardens that can be relatively cheap to go to and they provide an unexpected quiet haven from the city life.
Malls
Malls have many areas to write and people watch for inspiration, providing that you can tune out the noise. Many malls have food court and benches or other seating around the mall that you could work at. With the increase in smartphone charging stations, there are also outlets that you are able to plug in to work. You don’t have to spend any money to hang out in the mall and many have free wifi.
Aquarium, Zoos, Museums, Historical Sites, Local Attractions
Most of these have some sort of fee to get in, but they provide a unique spot to write at. Some of these are noisier than others and most don’t have free wifi. If you are looking for a specific inspiration, this might be the spot for it. A lot of these have spots you can hang out at and some even have open hours when you can get in for free, especially the smaller local museums that are looking to attract attention.
Some Things to Keep in Mind for the Places Without Power
Anywhere you have to drive to, you’re running against the clock on for your time to write. Unless you go somewhere that is open all night, eventually they will close and you will have to leave. That means you have to manage your time wisely. Go there with a plan in mind. You want to add x amount of words to your piece, x number of pages or scenes, or accomplish x.If you’re working on a laptop or tablet, you’ll have your battery to compete with. For writers on a tablet, I highly recommend buying an affordable portable power bank. Just check that it will supply enough power for your tablet.
Of course, this problem is eliminated when you write by hand. Dig out your favorite notebook and pens and work old school for the day. This has the added benefit of no computer to get lost in the maze of research that all writers seem to fall into.
Do you have a favorite local place you go to write? Have you ever written in any of these places? Let us know by commenting below and make sure to subscribe so you can get the latest posts.
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