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Tag: writing spaces

  • 22 Places to Write When You’re Tired of Working at Home

    22 Places to Write When You’re Tired of Working at Home

    Sometimes freelancing is a little too free.

    Wearing your pajamas for days in a row and not brushing your teeth before noon can be delicious luxuries at first, but it gets old after a while.

    How can freelancers beat the “work-from-home blues?” Try getting out of the house and getting a little work done in one of these great “co-working” spaces. While they’re not all traditional places to write, each has its perks.

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    Where to write (other than your home office)

    Be prepared to work offline in some of these locations, or if you need WiFi, call ahead to make sure they have a reliable connection. And scope out a backup location if you have important phone calls scheduled — no one likes to get shushed!

    Here are some places to write you might want to try.

    1. Your local library

    Every writer loves being surrounded by endless shelves of inspiration. Libraries make great work spaces, and often have quiet study rooms or work spaces you can reserve for free, provided there are no special library events taking place. Ironically, while this is a free option, it’s one we often forget about.

    Plus, the WiFi is usually speedy, and plenty of resources (and librarians) are on hand if you come across a tricky research question.

    Typically, libraries aren’t the best places to take calls (unless you have a truly soundproof room reserved) and you’ll have to go elsewhere to drink your coffee and have your lunch. But for a few hours of productivity, libraries are a top option.

    2. Coffee shop

    Coffee shops are classic writers’ haunts for a reason. While caffeine is a great aid to churn out page after page of top-notch narrative, coffee shops also offer snacks, meals and juices to keep you full and productive.

    Scope out a table with outlet access, but be mindful of other customers and don’t overstay your welcome. If you’re there more than an hour or two, put in a second order and tip well!

    While coffee shops can get noisy, sometimes background noise is welcome after quiet days at home. Some writers even say it helps them focus!

    3. Public park

    Public parks offer space to get your nature fix and keep up with your work.

    If you go for a park, follow these tips for working outside. Consider bringing your own chair or blanket since picnic tables can be a little hard to sit at after a while.

    4. Your own porch

    Why not head outside and get some work time in right on your own porch? Be mindful of any potentially distracting neighbors who may be looking for a good chat, but otherwise porches offer great convenience.

    You can typically adjust your WiFi router so you still have service outside, and when you get hungry, thirsty or need a restroom break, all you have to do is walk back inside.

    5. Coworking space

    Co-working spaces with names like “Spark” and “Hub” are popping up all over the country, offering membership-based and pay-as-you-go options for freelancers looking to head into an office space.

    These spaces can be pricey, costing hundreds of dollars a month for a designated space, but if you’re flexible on where you sit, some are affordable. Many coworking spaces offer perks like printing, conference rooms and other amenities that can be a big draw for freelancers and small businesses.

    6. Museum

    If you love a nearby museum, consider springing for an annual membership and using the museum as your workspace from time to time.

    Sitting on a bench near inspiring paintings or soaking in the natural history on a break can offer a brain refresh and give you an opportunity to get some work done in a new setting.

    Not a member, or just visiting a new city for a few days? Call ahead or check online to see if there’s a student discount, or if the museum offers any admission-free or pay-as-you-wish days.

    7. Aquarium

    Doctors’ offices have fish tanks for a reason. Watching little fish (or big fish) make their way through a tank of water is incredibly calming.

    With a hurried freelance life, being able to work for a few hours in a calming and peaceful environment is a great way to get some work done. Pro Tip: Aim for late afternoon, after field-trip time.

    Call ahead or check online to see if there’s a student discount, or if the aquarium offers any admission-free or pay-as-you-wish days. Also, see if you can score an inexpensive annual membership if you plan on stopping by often.

    8. Shopping mall

    Head over to your local mall and whip out your laptop for a change of scenery. Find a nice bench or cushy seat or head to the food court to set up shop at a table.

    Some malls, including the Mall of America, even offer free WiFi. And when you’re ready for lunch, the food court’s nearby!

    9. Anywhere! (At least, in cities with free WiFi)

    Is free, public, city-wide WiFi a freelancer’s dream come true? Some cities, such as Perth and Paris have implemented municipal WiFi in core downtown areas.

    This means you can connect to WiFi just about anywhere within these areas, giving you the freedom to roam and stay connected or find a nice little corner bench to get a little work done without maxing out your data plan. Of course, be sure to check connectivity and be mindful of security on such a public WiFi system.

    10. Bus or train station

    Watch passengers come and go as you grab a seat in a bus or train station to catch up on some work. Many offer free WiFi, but don’t get too distracted by the top-notch people watching.

    11. Friend’s house

    A change of scenery can be refreshing, so why not head over to a fellow freelancer’s pad to work?

    Bring a treat or lunch to share and designate time for chatting and catching up when you can both take a break. Next time your friend needs a change of scenery, inviting them over to your place could help you both be a bit more productive.

    12. Botanical gardens

    Spending time in nature is proven to boost creativity. Settle into a botanical garden and get some work done while taking time to get some exercise and (literally) smell some flowers.

    If you hate cold winter weather, an indoor garden can be the perfect place to find a taste of spring.

    13. On a boat or ferry

    Head out onto the open water to work. Many cities, such as San Francisco and New York, offer commuter ferries, and some commuter-type watercraft have benches or tables.

    Washington State even offers paid WiFi service on its ferries.

    14. On a train

    Trains are one of the most romantic places to work. Amtrak even offered a writing residency, where writers could work on their creative projects while riding its trains throughout the country.

    Many Amtrak trains offer seating with tables, work space, and even outlets to keep your electronics charged as you travel.

    15. Your camper van

    Got a camper van? Equip it with a table and way to charge your devices, and you have a mobile office you can take anywhere.

    Go camping or just drive it to a local park to enjoy a comfortable and inviting mobile work space.

    16. By the pool

    While beaches are not ideal places to work — sand in your keyboard is the ultimate nuisance! — pools make much better places for working freelancers to get some sun.

    Be sure to stay far enough away from the water to dodge errant splashes, and secure your valuables if you jump in for a dip. And before you head outside, plan for dealing with the sun’s glare on your laptop.

    17. Zoo

    Dr. Seuss found a lot of his inspiration at the local zoo.

    Consider heading to your zoo to find a quiet spot to appreciate the animals, inspire your creativity and get some work done. Call ahead or check online to see if there are any admission discounts.

    18. Local universities

    Colleges and universities are set up for learning and studying, and every campus has more than a few hidden gems when it comes to work space.

    Head to the library or a quiet hall to find a bit of space to work, and you’ll often find free WiFi. Plus, it can be inspiring to be surrounded by students.

    19. International coworking spaces

    While the U.S. offers an abundance of coworking options, you can also find some great places to work overseas. Maybe this is an excuse to travel while you work!

    Hubud is just one example of a popular international coworking space. Located in Ubud, Bali, this space offers digital nomads and dreamers a place to connect and get down to business. Prices vary, but Hubud rates start at $15/day or $57 per month for 30 hours of desk time, up through $206 per month for unlimited access.

    20. A castle

    Who wouldn’t want to work in a castle? If you happen to live nearby one of the United States’ castles, from California’s Hearst Castle to Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park, head on over and see if you can get some work done.

    all ahead or check online to see if there’s an admission fee and if certain days have discounts.

    21. Your client’s office

    Face time is always good for business, so why not see if you can snag a corner of a table or an open desk in one of your client’s offices?

    Be sure to ask, and expect to focus on that company’s work while you’re there. Spending time right by a client can be a great way to keep you in the forefront of their mind the next time a big project comes up.

    22. Your “she shed” or “man cave”

    Find a little personal space in your backyard and create a “she shed” or “man cave.”

    These special retreats can be fun to design and provide a personal place for you to create. For more inspiration, check out YA novelist Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing cottage.

    And if you feel like a bigger change is needed altogether, consider moving to one of the top cities for writers.

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

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  • 9 Ways to Refresh Your Writing Space for True Inspiration

    9 Ways to Refresh Your Writing Space for True Inspiration

    While a sunlight-filled office with exotic artwork from global travels, bright flowers, and a stunning ocean view sounds like writer’s heaven, not every creative has that kind of writing space.

    But you can transform whatever space you do have into an oasis by making a few simple changes.

    Whether you write from a spare bedroom-turned-office, a corner of your bedroom or even your dining-room table, you can turn your work space into a place for creativity and inspiration.

    And you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it.

    1. Focus on natural light

    While some people prefer to work in a basement or other space without the distractions of windows, other find windows and skylights essential to creativity, productivity and overall happiness. Assess your space to make the most of whatever natural light you have. Consider positioning your desk or work space near a window or skylight to take advantage of sunlight.

    If natural light isn’t an option in your particular space, or it’s limited, some experts recommend getting a light box in the winter months to help boost mood.

    2. Consider your lighting options

    Natural sunlight is a writer’s friend, but you’ll likely also want to consider other lighting sources, especially if you work in the early morning or evening hours.

    Look into a desk lamp, a fun chandelier, or even a lava lamp. Check out these useful tips for lighting your room for maximum productivity.

    3. Make an indoor garden

    While Instagram is full of people writing from a hammock, it’s not practical for most to work outside all day, every day.

    The next best thing is bringing nature into your work space. Plants are a simple and inexpensive addition that can add a touch of nature while also helping purify the indoor air.

    When selecting plants, consider how much sunlight you have available and be realistic about how much time you’ll actually devote to caring for them.

    Attention-intensive plants (like bonsai trees) can be a good fit for people who will spend the required amount of time taking care of them, but are perhaps not the best fit for people who can barely remember to water a plant once a week.

    Whether you prefer flowers, ferns, or succulents, adding plants can cheer up your space without costing a fortune.

    4. Add a zen garden

    If keeping plants alive is a bit more than you bargained for, consider a rock or zen garden.

    While some people think it’s a bit cheesy, others think it’s a fun way to meditate for a few minutes at a time. Rake the sand, rearrange the rocks and take a few deep breaths before returning to your writing.

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    5. Add a fresh coat of paint

    Spruce up your space for the cost of a gallon of paint.

    Whether you’re just touching up an aging eggshell paint job or looking for a whole new color scheme, consider the impact different colors have on your work life. Select a color that will inspire you and help you work. Consider accent walls or even painting a mural.

    If you’re a renter who is not allowed to paint, or it’s just too much of a pain, you can find some inspiring tapestries to hang. And the great thing about tapestries is you can swap them out whenever you want.

    6. Use artwork

    Keeping inspiring objects nearby can lead to a huge boost in creativity.

    You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy art to derive the benefits. Display your kids’ fingerpainting masterpieces or scout local street fairs for unique and affordable pieces.

    Etsy is another good place to find artwork that speaks to you but isn’t too expensive.

    7. Essential oils

    If you enjoy essential oils, consider adding a diffuser to your office space and using a variety of oils depending on your needs.

    According to Entrepreneur, a few scents to consider are lemon (good for concentration and calming), lavender (eases stress and calms) and cinnamon (improves concentration and focus).

    While using scents in a shared office space can be tricky if people are sensitive to them, if you have your own space, you’re free to enjoy playing with a variety of different scents.

    8. Music

    While some work in silence, many writers prefer to crank up the tunes.

    Whether you find inspiration from Tchaikovsky, Dr. Dre, Garth Brooks or Justin Bieber, focus on having a way to listen to the music that helps with your writing.

    You don’t need a huge stereo system that shakes the walls, but consider adding a speaker or two to listen to your favorite music.

    Of course, your laptop will also work just fine. Have a playlist at the ready for when it’s time to get to work.

    9. Exercise equipment

    Getting some exercise is a great way to relax and recharge your creativity.

    Install a pull-up bar, keep a yoga mat handy or bring some dumbbells into your space.

    If you have a lot of room, consider a treadmill or other exercise machine to hop on for an impromptu brainstorm session. Or just get a good pair of running shoes and keep them in an obvious place so you can grab them and go for a jog when inspiration is fleeting.

    Whether you work from a tiny desk in your studio apartment, a custom-designed office space or even a corner of your basement, these ideas can help you make your writing space more inspiring.

    How do you transform your workspace into a place of inspiration and productivity?

  • 10 Creative Writing Spaces to Inspire Your Work

    10 Creative Writing Spaces to Inspire Your Work

    Working from home can be amazing. You don’t have to spend time commuting or waste cash on a whole wardrobe of “business casual” outfits.

    But sometimes you need the perfect space to maximize your work-from-home experience.

    Don’t just think about what kind of desk or chair you’d like. Think outside the box and consider one of these unique home office spaces to spark your creativity and mix up your routine.

    Sometimes you’ll want to escape for a break and find a new place to work, but with these awesome spaces, you may find those relocations few and far between.

    Of course, before installing or creating any of these DIY home offices, be sure to check local zoning rules and make sure these types of structures are allowed in your neighborhood. It would be a shame to build the perfect space only to have code inspectors come knocking with a violation notice.

    1. Treehouse

    Work to the sound of chirping birds from a backyard treehouse. These fun tree structures aren’t just for kids — they’re the perfect place for a writer to find a nature retreat in their own backyard.

    Numerous studies have shown that connecting with nature provides a plethora of health and wellness benefits, including reducing stress and inspiring creativity.

    2. Backyard shed

    Why store tools in your outdoor shed when you could instead turn it into an amazing office space?

    Building supply stores often sell pre-fab sheds relatively inexpensively, and it shouldn’t take long to set up your backyard Tuff Shed and turn it into a work-from-home paradise.

    With a bit of ingenuity, you can even create a functional office space hooked up to your home’s electrical system.

    3. Office Pod

    British company Office Pod offers innovative modular structures that work as offices either inside or outside of buildings. The website notes these structures can be placed in a building’s underused areas, including courtyards and other overlooked spaces.

    In addition to looking really cool, they block most noise, and can be dismantled and relocated fairly easily.

    4. Airstream

    Turn your Airstream or other trailer into a great office space you can use in your driveway or backyard or out on the road. When the weather’s nice, set up an awning and work outside right next to your Airstream.

    If your trailer has a kitchen and bathroom, all the better. When your work day is done, you can retreat back home or continue your on-the-road life in your trailer.

    5. Boat

    If you live near the open ocean or even a calm little lake, why not turn a boat into your own personalized mobile office? Work on the deck if it’s nice or retreat down below to get some serious work done.

    Eating fresh-caught fish on your lunch break is sure to beat any PB&J.

    6. Cargo container

    Shipping containers aren’t just for transporting everything from cars to coffee cups across vast oceans. Once they’ve docked, they also make unique workspaces.

    Some people are even turning them into tiny homes, but you can also transform these metal wonders into modular office spaces.

    7. She Shed

    Forget the ordinary backyard shed I already mentioned. Think drapey fabrics, soft light, and scented candles when constructing your “She Shed,” the trendy feminine answer to a man cave.

    This female-focused space trend can turn any space into a sanctuary, from a backyard shed to a spare room. It doesn’t have to literally be a shed.

    You can take the creativity further by incorporating workspace elements and using this special space to grow your business.

    8. Man cave

    Everyone’s heard of a “man cave,” but have you ever thought about working in one?

    Plaster the walls with sports memorabilia, grab a comfy work chair and turn a simple space into more than just a cave — make it a work space you love.

    9. Attic

    Climb up into your attic and you might just have one of the best work spaces around. A low, cobweb-filled attic won’t get you far, but finished attic offices are popular among many well-known writers.

    Jodi Picoult loves her finished attic office in Hanover, New Hampshire, according to the Chicago Tribune, especially since she’s able to keep all her research files and reference books in one place.

    10. Basement

    If you get distracted working in a treehouse or trailer, consider heading down into the basement and setting up a workspace down there.

    Wally Lamb, author of She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much is True prefers working in his finished basement office, according to the Chicago Tribune. He even customized it with figurines of Greek gods and a photo of Mark Twain.

    What unusual spots have you found to set up a writing space?

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