Places I Have Written (Ranked)
Not all writing spots are created equal.
Here is a silly little something that has been living in my drafts because, frankly, I’m on a big edit deadline and much as I want to play on Substack I know that I should be WORKING.
To that end, here is a list of some of the places I have written over the years ranked and reviewed:
On the sofa while the family dog sits on your lap: +1,000, she was a very good dog
The back patio when the sun is shining and the neighbor’s cat is sitting next to me: +100, there is a cat present. No further notes
Next to the pool with friends at a writing conference: +75, mojitos for everyone!
At a writing retreat with same friends: +75, solidarity
Reclining on the sofa, pretending to be a serious person as I make up stories while The Gentleman does Very Important Things for work: +50, I love my job1
The London Library, a venerated members’ library that was founding by, among other people, Charles Dickens: +20, it is difficult to come up with excuses not to write when a photograph of Virginia Wolfe stares at you whenever you get up to go the loo
Random coffee shops in LA, NYC, London, and other assorted cities: +15, I like the background noise of coffee shops plus coffee is easy to procure in a coffee shop, hence the appeal
Random libraries in LA, NYC, London, and other assorted cities: +10, social shame enforces the need to write while on deadline
Bed (when it is cold outside): +10, burrow for warmth
My desk: 0, this is baseline neutral because it is where I write pretty much every day
At the dining room table: -5, carpal tunnel hurts
Bed (when it is not cold outside): -10, I am just being lazy
The 4/5/6 Train in New York City: -20, I was always on my way to work when this occurred and therefore tired and slightly resentful
In the back of a van winding along Spanish mountain roads: -25, I cannot recommend this as it is car sickness-inducing even when you are not a person who gets sick in cars
In the back of a car winding along B roads through the English countryside: -50 see above point with additional deductions for lack of holiday spirit
Under a desk at my day job at approximately 2 a.m. during a snow storm: -1000 because A) I was at work and B) everyone else had wine
This is not helpful.
Preorder Sale
Just a quick note to also say that Barnes & Noble is doing its 25% off preorders sale for members right now. (Ending today!) Both books in my Evelyne Redfern mystery series are currently on preorder:
the paperback of A Traitor in Whitehall (Evelyne Redfern #1) which is out September 10, 2024
the hardcover of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park (Evelyne Redfern #2) which is out October 1, 2024
You must be a Barnes & Noble rewards or premium member to get the 25% preorder discount on either of these books. (It’s free to sign up here.) Once you’re signed in to your membership, all you have to do is add them to your cart and check out as usual!
*In fairness, so does he.