Favorite Places to Write

By Lynn McPherson

The other day I was struck by the fact that the desk I bought two years ago has never been used for writing—its intended purpose. Although handy for keeping my writing tools organized—pens, notebooks, and post-it notes, I’ve yet to sit at it and write a word. Instead, most mornings I’ve chosen to settle into my kitchen table, with a cup of coffee, and start my day my looking out onto the wooded area behind my home while cracking open my laptop. Later on, I often head out to the nearby café, brimming with life and chatter, to soak in the energy. The desk, facing a wall in the corner of my bedroom, has yet to seem appealing.

I’ve come to realize that I like two things when I write. First, a view. It doesn’t need to be the sunrise over the horizon or the Eiffel Tower (although If I could choose anywhere, that would certainly be first). But the large bay window, with the sun shining down on the trees, or the clouds moving in for another rainy day, is a much better option than a boring beige wall. I also enjoy being surrounded by daily life and movement. The birds, squirrels, and deer are an endless source of interest behind my home. Often, even better, are the tidbits of conversations to be overheard at the busy coffee shop between friends or colleagues as they go about a hectic day.

Some writers find a lot of movement distracting—and prefer a quiet place to focus—but I find life inspiring.

How about you? Where do you like to work? Do you need a quiet place to concentrate or a busy atmosphere teeming with life?

Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has two books out: The Girls' Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder.  

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