Different desks

In recent weeks, I've returned to my habit of switching desks and locations in order to work. It's one of the advantages of writing that I can pop myself anywhere be it a library, cafe, train station or a waiting room and still write - you can't say that about all jobs! In recent years, due to 'lockdown' and then poor health, I've got used to being at home and simply working in different rooms to gain the same vibe and a slight change of scenery, but it hasn't been the same.

What I've missed from my regular desk jaunts around town is the background hum of noisy, lively humans, spotting their gestures and interactions, the overheard conversations and pleasantries of baristas/librarians/receptionists while I sit working. I've missed the unexpected conversations from passers-by who are curious about what I'm doing. Their spark of interest, intrigue and follow-on conversations about their favourite books. For some, their realisation that they haven't read a book in a while - which is mentioned a lot! 

I tend to opt for a quiet table on which to write, away from the foot-fall traffic and park for several hours with my laptop, notebooks and a coffee. I quite like the company of a student or two, especially at this time of year, as they've got their nose in a text book and rarely stir more than I do. I like overhearing the discussions of hobby or interest groups who meet at particular locations on certain days - their lively discussions can weave in all directions sparking thoughts and ideas for me.

It might seem a ridiculous way to work but after several hours sitting in my writing room, with the same four walls and decor surrounding me, switching to 'another office' does reawakens the creative spirit. I know from experience, that if I'd stayed where I was at home, I wouldn't have been as productive by starting a new scene or chapter. So, any day that I'm flagging, seem too tired to write, my mind is drifting - I decamp elsewhere and begin again. As a result, I've been known to work at home, in a library and two coffee shops in one day!

I even enjoy seeing the natural rhythm of the space I'm in: the frantic opening routine, the lunch time rush, the mob of teenagers after school and the quiet drift towards closing time - it's comforting that locations each have their unique 'clocks' by which they live and breathe.

I tend to switch and rotate my locations, sometimes posting photographs of where I've been working on social media, though given the world we live in it tends to be at the end of my sessions - as I'm just leaving. Some establishments have spotted my social media posts and used them to encourage others to work/read/study in the space provided.