Where You Should—and Shouldn’t—Go To Write
I am a lucky freelancer—I have my own home office and no kids (well, at least not yet) to worry about. And my job means I don’t have to sit in my office, day after day, until I can’t stand it anymore. I get to go out and meet interesting people to interview and take photos. However, not everyone can work this way.
Some of you don’t have a home office, or any office, to work in. You have to work wherever you can, be it the couch, the kitchen table, or in the basement. Finding a quiet space can be difficult if you have a family. And not having anyone to bounce ideas off of can be maddening, too.
That’s why I liked this article posted on Men With Pens about the best—and worst—places to write.
If you have to get out of the house due to cabin fever, loud teenagers, or you just need a new environment to spark creativity, there are places where you should and should not go.
Where NOT to Write
Coffee Shops
We’ve written about coffee shops before on FreelanceSwich. In December, April Borbon wrote a post about why working at the library is better than at a coffee shop. Here are some of her reasons why coffee shops are the pits:
- Wi-Fi isn’t always free
- There’s pressure to order something
- Too many interruptions
- It’s too easy to be social at a coffee shop
There are so many distractions at a coffee shop, that it may be hard for you to get any actual writing done.
What, exactly, about a coffee shop screams productive environment? People are moving in and out constantly. There are usually many others occupying seats and tables. During busy times, you might not even be able to find a seat. —MenWithPens
Seek out a coffee shop when you need a break from work, instead of a place to try to actually get anything done. See heading to a coffee shop for a tasty beverage as a treat for getting stuff done. It’s a great place to meet friends, or make new ones, and focus on something un-work related, like listening to a new audio book or sketching in your journal.
Other Peoples’ Homes
Unless your friends, significant other, or family members work from home, they don’t get what you do. Sure, they may be able to provide you with a quiet place to get some work done, but they may also ask you for favors—like switching over the laundry from the washer to the dryer, cutting up vegetables for dinner, or picking up their kid from piano practice.
And you don’t want to feel obligated to do these small chores for these well-meaning people, because they are, after all, sheltering you for a certain amount of time. But it’s counterproductive to your workday. Better to find a neutral zone where no one can call you with a quick little request that can throw you out of your zone.
The Park
As springtime temperatures have you itching to be outside, it might seem tempting to find a place that has Wi-Fi and hunker down. Good luck.
If you thought coffee shops were distracting, parks are doubly, maybe triply so. You know how people in offices lament their daytime imprisonment when it’s nice outside? That’s probably healthy. They’re at work for a reason, after all. —MenWithPens
And good luck getting comfortable working on the grass. Unless you are a yogi with great vision, finding a comfortable sitting position where you can actually see your computer screen is incredibly difficult.
Where TO Write
The Library
Sigh…the library. One of my favorite places in the entire world. Not only is it gloriously quiet, there are librarians there that can help you find out any sort of information you could possibly need.
It’s also free—and unless you are in a designated area, you probably can’t drink or eat anything. And if you’re looking for a distraction-free zone, the library is your best bet. Sit yourself into a work cubby or find a comfy chair and turn it to face a stack of books. Nothing to see here!
Colleges and Universities
A university, especially during the summer when the students aren’t around, is a great place to write. Oftentimes, the union is open during the summer to serve food and beverages to staff members, and there aren’t a lot of people around to bother you. It’s pretty easy during summer break to find yourself a corner and tuck yourself into it for a few hours of uninterrupted work time.
Hotels
If you really need to get away and get work done, and you have the money to spend, try a hotel room. But don’t get one that’s too swanky. You don’t want to be tempted with a Jacuzzi-style tub or HBO.
A hotel room can be a considerable cost, but if you’ve exhausted other means, it might be worth it. You can close the shades, lock the door, and get right down to work knowing no one will bother you.
Do you have any other ideas of great places to write? We’d love to hear them!
Photo credit: Some rights reserved by xilius.
Leave a Comment
I agree and disagree with the library. It’s a misnomer that ALL libraries are quiet and that ALL librarians are helpful. Here’s my story…
When I moved to Arizona from Ohio in 2007 I discovered that Arizona’s library system is citywide, whereas Ohio is countywide.
I applied up for library cards for Chandler (where I lived) and Mesa (down the street from me). The librarians in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona enforce ‘the quiet rule.’ They have no problem telling people they have to be quiet. If patrons don’t listen, they’re asked to leave. Plus, the librarians are friendlier and don’t mind helping you.
On the other hand, the libraries in Parma, Ohio are a different story. They’re noisy, and the librarians aren’t helpful. Most of them get upset when you interrupt their work.
I rarely go to the library when I used to go all of the time. However, my mom and sister do and will allow me to check out books under their library cards. But they get upset with the lack of customer service and selection of books.
Moral of the story … not all library systems and librarians are the same.
Well, i’d agree with most of it – although Friends’ home are quite common for me… you just have to be picky on which friend to ask…
Also, (i don’t know about the US, but in Europe), most of the big cities have coworking spaces, that you can use for a day or half a day, for a few euros.
They provide desk and internet and coffee, and a very nice work environment. Also, they often have socializing areas where you get to meet fellow coworkers, who are most of the time, freelancers too.
The good thing is that no one will bother you when you work, and coworking spirit will have people not minding looking after your stuff if you go out for a smoke, a sandwich or a phonecall.
I can’t seem to find significant downsides to this type of work environment.
Coworking spaces are great! Everyone there knows everyone else is there to work. I hope these spaces become more prevalent in the U.S. for us busy freelancers.
From the article: “What, exactly, about a coffee shop screams productive environment?”
My thoughts exactly. *If* you can find a seat and *if* the music’s not too loud/annoying and *if* the WiFi doesn’t require a paid subscription and *if* you don’t *have* to buy anything… It might be a nice place to get work done.
And I thought I was the only one who had problems working at the park.
There are lots of parks where I live, but either at home or a (quiet) library are the only places I’m actually going to get anything done.
I have a different perspective entirely. For many, the frenetic energy of the coffee shop is precisely why we prefer to write there over the comatose atmosphere of a library, or places of quiet solitude. The buzzing is something a writer can channel and feed off. The inspiration you can draw from strangers interacting with each other can be unique and invaluable. For some, the internet is far more distracting than strangers milling about and the absence of free wifi can be a productivity boon rather than a distraction.
Oh, and there’s coffee.
Thanks for your comment about coffee shops Mark. Needless to say, I’m of your school of thought. They work for me.
Sam Title
Chief Executive Cofficer
TheCoffice.biz
Twitter.com/TheCoffice
Facebook.com/TheCoffice
Depending on your area, you might also check the coworking options around you. Some may be noisy, some may be quiet, most or all should have pay-by-the-day options and a good way to try them out for a week or so without much cost. More expensive than a library or college/university student union, but less than a hotel room (and without the odd feeling of repeatedly getting rooms during the day at cheap hotels in the vicinity of your home).
Also, when considering colleges don’t forget to include community colleges. Facilities are likely to vary widely, but there are likely to be community colleges around in all but the most rural areas (for carefully chosen values of “around”).
How about a bar?
Of course, depending on the place, ie no sports (unless you’re a sports writer), but preferably a relatively distraction free environment, no tvs and usually better music.
Some Advantages:
-Good for late afternoon if sunny out (versus coffee that is).
-You can have 2 without getting all jittery.
-Get a short piece done or some progress, reward yourself with a little cheers.
-Could be more inspirational, more interesting characters or environments to work from.
Disadvantages:
-Beer/Drinks cost more than coffee (although this could be arguable depending on the more extravagant coffee ordered).
-Could be too many distractions. Probably the case in 60-90% of places available, but, the more mellow places do exist and afternoons are usually not crowded by default, as no sports or other entertainment has yet started.
-Could easily get nothing done. End up having an interesting conversation, next thing you know it’s time to go. Never exactly a sure thing, such as a library.
While in the US, this is maybe not so realistic. In Europe, without so many roads and cars in city/town squares, the cafe’s have a ton more space to work with, the outdoors, so a little better fit. That said, most cities anywhere do have a few places that are accommodating, just have to search a bit more sometimes,
.
This debate reminds of the Mac vs. PC debate…or even the one about the Big Mac vs. the Quarter Pounder. (Coke vs. Pepsi anyone?)
So I’m always fascinated by blogs and articles and op. ed. pieces that almost always seem to provide absolute perspectives on the best and worst places to do work – whether you’re a writer, a coder, a lawyer or any other professional. (<~ Incidentally, this is also being discussed amongst employers and employees with regards to telecommuting.)
While I do believe it’s important to examine all options – ideally by reading opinions expressed in places like Freelance Switch – it’s as important to recognize that your work environment is a very personal decision. It could be as important as choosing where you want to live.
I respect Melanie’s views on where she does her best work; she’s certainly done enough of it to be able to express an informed opinion here. I’d like to remind readers about one of the greatest things about being a freelance anything – the ability to choose where you work.
As someone who hunkers down in coffee shops the majority of the week (and sometimes weekends and holidays), I have no problems focusing with a lousy background soundtrack or the occasional interruption. It works for me. It has its drawbacks too. So I would never recommend it as an option if you couldn't do your best work there. I'm pretty sure I've said this already — Your location choice should be made based on what works for you; unless of course your freelance contract stipulates otherwise.
Despite what it says in my signature below, my reason for writing this comment isn’t to poke holes, discredit or support ANY of the locations listed above – I could do all of that. I want to let all readers know that I would support ANY decision you made about where you chose to do your best work – because it’s what…ahem…works for you.
(Also, BECAUSE of what it says in my signature below, I would happily recommend ways to do your best work in a coffee shop and/or how to make the coffee shop culture/environment work for you – it is possible…if that’s your thing.)
Good luck choosing a great spot to do your best work.
Sam Title
Chief Executive Cofficer
TheCoffice.biz
Twitter.com/TheCoffice
Facebook.com/TheCoffice
CHOICE is one of the best things about freelancing. And what works for one person will drive someone else crazy. Thanks for the comments here—it’s always nice to hear perspectives from other freelancers.
You know, as much as I’d love to take issue with this absolutist nature when it comes to how we should all work, it appears that it isn’t Melanie I actually have an issue with. I wish I could be more surprised that this article is nearly word-for-word identical to the Men With Pens piece that inspired it, but it’s all too common.
As a creative freelancer and a writer, I take extreme pride in doing original, thought provoking work that puts something of value out into the world. I get paid to do this. This post, and many others here, is flat out plagiarism, and takes meaning (and money) from the work of the original authors.
Melanie, do your own work. You’re giving the rest of us a bad name.
I agree with all your points. Choosing the right location to write is just as important as what you’re writing about because the location can affect motivation, word choice, overall tone and even how critically you edit and proofread.
Although, a con of a university setting is the same as the coffee shop — lack of WiFi. Both the community college and the major university in town require current student credentials to logon to their network.
The university just recently offered AT&T Hotspot access, but only for actual hotspot subscribers (e.g. those with AT&T Internet access at home and can usually roam at most AT&T spots have to cough up cash like everyone else).
Outside the summer, of course, it’s more crowded than most coffee shops.