Write Place, Write Time

If you look at anything long enough, say just that wall in front of you -- it will come out of that wall.
- Anton Chekhov

Christina Oppold

“Wherever you go, there you are.”

That’s sort of my life. I think that’s sort of any writer’s life. Sure, there’s the act of writing – sitting down with a notebook (of the paper or computer variety). But in your head you are constantly noticing the world around you while simultaneously plotting and crafting.

I think best when I’m in a position least able to transfer words from brain to page. Like in the shower.  And I’m pretty sure computers fall into the same category as a hair dryer when it comes to things you shouldn’t put in the tub.

It seems I have a hard time sitting still, staying in one place. My home office is anything but; it’s actually a bag – a rather pretentious bag with a logo for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on it. I make sure that logo is facing out when I carry it. “Look at me! I’m a rocket scientist!”

Okay, not really.

I mean about the rocket scientist bit. Definitely true about making sure that logo faces out.

There’s no internet in my home. I tried to steal wifi from my neighbors, but apparently they’re rather smart and password protected their accounts. I chose not to purchase Internet access because I’m rarely home anyway. I’m also “frugal.”

When I am at home, I work on a laptop so ancient it might as well be a typewriter. Without internet at home, I can sit in quiet and capture all those words and ideas that have been spinning around my head.

But more often than not, my workspace is made of counters and tables in coffee shops.  The owner at one coffee shop knows I like the table in the back corner where he’ll let me sit for hours in companionable solitude. At another I like the window counter where I can watch all the dogs tied up out front. Sometimes they’re wearing silly sweaters and boots.

In my bag for those remote location offices is my pretty and sparkly netbook (nothing says ROCKET SCIENTIST! like glitter), a pen and moleskin, and about five flash drives.  Also, headphones. People at coffee shops talk loudly.

Where I write is Seussical – on a train, on a plane, in a box and with a fox. One must always be prepared to write wherever when they wander.

Christina is an exploiter of opportunities – an adventuress who also has a life long love of books. Often the two go hand in hand. So she blogs about her literary-inspired experiences and can be found talking nonsense on Twitter @stackedblog.

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