Sunday, October 31, 2010

Lazy Blogfest

Today, I'm taking part in Summer's Lazy Blogfest. Check out the other entrants!

Basically, you're supposed to post about your writing space, preferably using a photo. Unfortunately, I was too lazy to actually take a picture of the space that I write in. Of course, I can describe to you where I write: I have this lovely golden couch in my living room, where I take my old black laptop and move around, trying to stay warm and comfortable. I scooch all over until an indent forms in the cushion...then I switch sides and find a new spot to move around.

However, there's also this: I don't think at the computer. My writing space is bigger than one might imagine...I find myself thinking about the whole process, and that involves plotting, fleshing out details, working out issues with characters and uncovering issues to bare in front of them. And for that, I find, just walking, preferably on a walking path or in a park, is just what I need. That becomes my thinking space, and heck, would probably be my writing space if it weren't for the fact that I can't see the screen of my laptop in the glare of the sunlight. (I'd write it out, but I just can't do that to myself. Besides, I apparently never learned how to correctly hold a pencil, so it's far more stressing on my hand than it might be, otherwise. Yep. I'm that talented. I still confuse the big and small hands on the clock, from time to time, too.

Back to my thinking space. I find that especially along this one pathway I take to work, my story changes--I walk through some pine trees. The trees are huge, and I am small, and I just realize things about my characters and their lives that I don't know if I would, otherwise. Of course, sometimes you almost get hit by cars if you wander around thinking of your book, your head in the clouds, you might have a few issues, so you want to watch that.

So, take part in the Lazy Blogfest! And that's about all I have to say right now.

Edit to add: Don't forget to sign up for my Blogfest: Retold, on Nov. 16!

19 comments:

Summer Frey said...

Aw, I like that! You're right--there's more to the process than just pounding out the words. I know I do a lot of my thinking in the gym and in the shower, but no pics of those... :)


Thanks for participating!

Unknown said...

I love long walks with my characters and stories. There's something inspiring about being alone with them, outdoors. Thanks for sharing!!

I show my space today on my blog One Significant Moment at a Time. Stop over!

The Words Crafter said...

I think about my stories and characters all the time. And practically everywhere. Like you, I quite often take my laptop all over the house, especially when I'm getting stumped or uncomfortable.

Loved the parts about holding a pencil and the hands on a clock, btw!

Lola Sharp said...

Walking is definitely a great place to think things through.

Lydia Kang said...

I agree, I don't do all my thinking at the computer. It's not possible for me to always get inspired that way!

Katie Anderson said...

Your big gold sofa sounds lovely!

C R Ward said...

Going for a walk can be a terrific source of inspiration. In the summer time I'll take my lap top outside and write on the deck.

Jean Michelle Miernik said...

Hmmm, good point about thinking space vs. writing space.

LOL Summer, I do my story thinking in the shower too! I don't know why, but things just occur to me in there. Maybe it's because it's the only place where I'm not thinking about something else.

Melissa said...

You are so right. There is way more to the process of writing then just putting words on the page. If you take that into consideration then I do a lot of writing in the car, on the bus, on walks and as I'm trying to sleep.

I struggle to write with my hands as well. I much prefer typing.

Denise Covey said...

I missed pics, but you had some good points. We'd never write if we weren't in our imagination most of the time and that is hard to capture without an MRI!

Jennifer Hoffine said...

That's a good point. Lots of ideas come to me when I first wake up, when I'm driving and when sitting at playgrounds. Hmmm...all the world my office. A nice thought. Thanks for sharing!

C. N. Nevets said...

Pssssshhh. If you're walking, I don't think it counts as lazy. ;)

Meredith said...

I love brainstorming on walks! I always do my best thinking then :) But your couch sounds lovely, too!

Brenda Drake said...

"I scooch all over until an indent forms in the cushion ..." That is too funny! Love it! I also, walk when I need to plot or figure a character out. Or inspiration hits when I'm showering and can't use a pen to jot down notes. Great post! :D

J.C. Martin said...

*LOL* You truly embraced the lazy spirit of this blogfest by not bothering with a photo! :) Sounds like a nice little path you walk there. Wish I had somewhere inspirational to go to for ideas. I do however have a notebook to scribble random ideas that pop into my head!

Liza said...

I am a firm believer that walks open our mind. Reading your post this morning made me add "Take a walk" to my to do list today.

Lisa Galek said...

I use the car ride to and from work as my thinking space, but a walk would be much nicer!

Thanks for sharing!

Luna said...

Great post! You shared your space perfectly with your words. :)

Happy writing!\

Eric W. Trant said...

Ah, you trumped all of us! We as writers should have first thought of ~writing~ our workspace, not taking a dang picture.


- Eric