I’m on my way to New York to watch my daughter’s chorus perform at Carnegie Hall. So I’m writing this post from 38,000 feet. I figured it would be a good use of my flight time. I usually write in my office with all my writerly things around me. It puts me in the mood. However, I haven’t been able to spend much time in my office because of my travel schedule. It creates a writing dilemma.
My first inclination is not to write. That’s what I did in February and most of March. But then I’d have to deal with the loathing thing writers do to themselves when they don’t write. So the question becomes how do you get the work done on the go?
Here are three suggestions to keep writing when you’re away from your regular routine.
1. Go low tech. Take along a notebook and a pen. Last week, I took a fresh notebook to the beach. I spent every morning sittting on my balcony writing. The new scenario inspired me. Writing in the notebook freed up my need to control the writing. I started a new piece that surprised me.
2. Use your smart phone. For some this is a no-brainer. For others writing on those little devices is less than appealing. However, there are some great journaling apps. I like NoteMaster and MyJournal. Write down quick ideas or write when the opportunity presents itself. It isn’t ideal, but it’s better than losing your flow.
3. Revise. Print pages of your work to take with you. Being away from the computer gives you time to think. Record your thoughts on the page so that when you return to your office you’ll be further along in the process.
I’m not suggesting this will be your best work, but it keeps you writing.
