It’s possible to write anywhere. Famous written works were written in a range of locations — from New York taverns to French prisons. However, some environments are undoubtedly more conducive to creativity. Your characteristics and preferences can also make one place better than the other when you want to feel focused or inspired. You may crave the solitude of rural life or the hustle and bustle of the city. You could desire a cozy nook, a mobile van with access to nature, or a quirky loft space. Whether you want to go out for an afternoon to write, travel for weeks at a time, or even make a permanent move, you can create your ideal writer space by going somewhere that jives with your personality, taste, and goals.
How Changing Your Environment Fuels Creativity
Switching things up can train your brain to think differently. This is important when you’re either writing from a differing perspective or if you want to see a topic from a different point of view. You could even gain all new ideas from changing your scenery. In general, changing your environment can enhance your writing by giving you:
- A feeling of freedom;
- An avenue to break free from writer’s block;
- Distractions that demand creative problem-solving;
- An elevated, or just affected, mood;
- Exposure to varying cultures;
- Novel surroundings that lead to unique ideas.
All that to say, unconventional workspaces don’t automatically equal enhanced creativity. Rather than just looking for something new and different, you should strive to find an environment best suited to your specific needs and work style. You can travel somewhere to find inspiration, but you may not be able to work if it’s crowded and you find it difficult to write unless you have peace. You can certainly go to these exciting places, but be realistic about your schedule and where you plan to do the bulk of your writing.
Considerations for Moving as a Writer
If you find yourself constantly searching for inspiration in spaces instead of your own home, you can always move your home base. This may involve moving somewhere in the mountains where it may be more secluded or perhaps a city that has a lot of museums you can peruse when you’re not writing. If you choose to relocate and move somewhere new, make sure you’re prepared. Otherwise, you may be too distracted and stressed about the move, itself, to be inspired to write. When thinking of moving to create your ideal writer space, consider:
- Budget;
- Climate;
- Local amenities and attractions;
- Travel and accommodations;
- Timeline.
If you find a place you desire to move to and it is within your budget, you can start planning your move. Just remember to pin down exactly why you’re making this change for your writing career. If you’re moving to get a fresh perspective, for example, moving a long distance for a short period could work for you. On the other hand, you may feel more comfortable in a different city and want to make a permanent move. If that’s the case, be sure to visit your new location before making the big move to see if it feels right. Another option is to travel frequently and work on the road.
Choosing a Nomadic Lifestyle
Seeking new horizons can mean desiring to travel around to more than just one place. If that’s the case for you, you might want to consider a brief or extended stint living in an RV. This can give you the option of switching your location whenever you please, especially if one isn’t conducive to creativity for you anymore. Living as a digital nomad can offer you:
- Flexibility;
- Cost savings;
- A minimalist lifestyle;
- Closeness to nature;
- A sense of community.
You can connect with other nomad writers online or at RV camps to share your journey and bond over trials and successes. Just remember that you will be working with limited space and will need to equip your van or RV with a source of reliable internet if you have to submit any of your work on the road. If you want to write without internet access, this can give you a great opportunity to unplug.
Making Any Space Conducive to Productive Writing
Whether you choose to buy a home, rent an apartment, or travel around in an RV, you can design your very own writing sanctuary within those walls. Before making a big decision like moving, it’s helpful to visualize what you want your daily life to look like in that new space. Think about what you need to do your best work. Some examples of space considerations include:
- Quiet, soundproof space;
- Bustling background noise;
- Seasonal changes, like calming rain or sunny days for walks;
- Natural lighting;
- Enough room for your preferred desk;
- Comfortable seating.
Whatever your style, you can find decor to fill up your new space with inspiring pieces. If you find you still need a change-up in your new writing space, you can always pop over to a new-to-you coffee shop or library for a change of pace. Just remember that you are in control of your surroundings, and you can find the right environment to put magic onto the page.
Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.
