It’s funny how a disruption to your routine can have such a huge impact. I can’t use my regular computer (a long story involving my dog, staples, and a staircase) so I’m working in a different place, on a different keyboard, with a few essential files on a memory stick. At first, I felt a bit lost. I read blogs, I surfed, I cursed the different computer, while writing down the names of files I needed to access and/or print at my main computer (a home network sounds good about now).
But once I got into my writing, none of that stuff mattered. It was all about my story. I really love it when stories just unfold as you write them. I’m going more slowly than I did for my last story, rewriting small sections as I go along, using my outline as a guide, and I’m really pleased with my progress, even if I'm not as far along as I want to be.
With this change to my routine, I’m not as distracted by the other "stuff" on my computer, because I don't have it on this one. Or maybe my brain is thinking differently because of the change of place. They say you can keep your brain sharp by trying new things. Hmm. Maybe I’ll have to change up my writing routine more often.
I have good luck writing on a laptop I don't usually use for the reason you mentioned. There's nothing else to do on it! But I sure do curse the absence of a good mouse.
ReplyDeleteKate, I'm writing on a laptop too - we got a wireless mouse though, which works pretty well.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely super idea. Changing locations is a perfect strategy for getting the story out. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteChanging locations is a great idea! Good luck with all the craziness and your draft.
ReplyDeleteI love how stories unfold as you write, too. I hope to get a laptop, because one of the things I'd like to try is writing in different locations. Then again, some people praise the routine of your "writing place" because it signals you that now is writing time. Yeah, but if it also says surfing time and solitaire time and all that, the signals are pretty mixed. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have stairs so I avoid that issue. And I keep my stapler out of reach from my dogs. Balancing it all day on my head gives me something to do, but if my dogs run into me then I too will have a dog/stapler story ;)
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