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So yesterday I tried writing in public for the first time, attempting to write in Barnes and Noble and, upon realizing I needed to pay for internet there, moved locals to the local Panera cafe where the wi-fi was complimentary. I was a little wary of the results I might get from working in public, let alone a lunch joint, but I have to say I was overall pleased with what I was able to accomplish.
There were some obnoxious aspects of it, like how everytime I needed to go to the bathroom I was afraid I would return to see all my belongings stolen, and how this one old man insisted on sitting next to me on the bench so close that he was almost ontop of me (not necessary!).
Oh yea, and the tool who set up directly across from me with his laptop. Looking like a Ryan Atwood wannabe (that was for all you O.C. fans out there), he set up so he was facing me over his screen (akwardness number 1), and proceeded to 1) watch youtube videos at full volume and laugh out loud, 2) make ridiculously exaggerated facial expressions at whatever he was reading on his screen, and 3) sigh loudly at various intervals, and 4) make hand gestures in reaction to what he was reading that were so ridiculously over the top, you kind of got the impression he wanted someone to come over and ask him what he was looking at.
Did he forget he was in public, or just have no sense of how to behave in public? The answer, friends, is a mystery.
But despite the distractions and creepy old men, it was a pretty good deal for only the price of a cup of tea. Over the 4 hours I was there – 1:30 to 5:30 – I was able to accomplish the following:
- write 2 demand studios article (something I’ve been ignoring for many moons)
- research and contact blogs/blog masters who have similar or complimentary themes to The Life Uncommon
- prepare several poems and an essay for magazine submission
- network on a few forums
- watch thursday’s episode of “The Office” online (what, I need a break too!)
Which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it actually was. So I was pleased with the day’s results, and enjoyed the change of scenary. It may become a new weekly thing, who knows?
I also spent some time yesterday organizing what to do with the four stories I have had brewing in the back of my mind and partially written out: one I am going to finish as a young adult adventure story, one I am going to turn into a short story, one I will need to do research for as it is going to be historical fiction, and one will be an illustrated children’s book.
So that felt very productive as well!
Here’s to your Uncommon Life,
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to hear it worked well!
When I was writing my Thesis last year, I found that writing in public could be very helpful at times. I had a couple of theories as to why it worked like that. The first was that when I’m trying to put an idea into words, there’s always times when I get distracted trying to think of something. Being in public provides me with a lot of short-term distractions that almost never turn into multiple-hour distractions. The second is simply that the change of scenery got me thinking in different ways, and allowed me to organize my thoughts on passages that were giving me trouble.
I’m still not sure exactly what it was that made it work so well, but it’s interesting to hear that it worked well for you, too!
Thanks for the comment, Paul – it is good to know my reaction wasn’t out of left field. I def. think the change of scene/perception had a lot to do with it. Sometimes the best way to think differently about things is to get up and physically move.
Good for you! I tried to write in public once but get so distracted with the noise. however i got few very interesting ideas just from watching people. So i think i should try again.
I blog at work since at home my kids make it almost impossible. I couldn’t write in public if my life depended on it.
funny things do happen , being a coffee addict i used to spend hours in a cafe, most of the time I people watch with my friends….because I don’t know for some reason , maybe it’s the caffeine, people do act kinda corky…
I also tend to look for free wife cafe/location to get inspired!
I love the change of scenery compare to sitting in my office.
I often find myself writing in public, However I always try and find a quiet corner in a not too busy coffee shop, preferably with my back to the wall so that passers-by do not try and read over my shoulder! Does that happen to you too?
it’s just impossible for me to write in public, not even during office breaks when co-workers are not around. i easily get distracted.
This reminds me of when Harlan Ellison used to write in various public venues and the reactions he got.
I write in all kinds of places; inspiration, unfortunately, doesn’t always come at convenient times so I’ve learned to carry scratch paper and a pen with me. I’ve gotten some funny looks when I ran out of paper and wrote on my arm, but oh, well.
Nice blog!
Nice post. I use a sleepy little local coffee shop when I need a change of scenery. I only pay for my cup of coffee and get a code for a full day of wi-fi. There are some interesting “distractions,” but I’ve made some friends that way too.
Andrea
I always do my work in public. For some reason the ambient noises of people and the room make me concentrate better. That old guy that sat next to sounds creepy. Very strange.
I like to blog in public sometimes. I agree on your opinion of Barnes and Noble charging and Starbucks does too. Panera is a much better atmosphere and they have food. I prefer my local coffee shop over all others. it’s kind of like Cheers everybody know my name.
During my out of office work I usually update my boss on my reports while sipping coffee at starbucks. That was before they stated charging for the Internet connection.
I don’t mind working in public. You can always peel your eyes of the computer screen and look for something amusing when you get bored with looking at numbers.
I’m with gypsy kid. I grew up in coffee shops so for me writing in public is more natural. If there is no background noise I get nothing done.
My favorite coffeehouse close to Microsoft does NOT have wi-fi. Isn’t that weird!
Absolutely! I am much more productive when in public, especially if I know my time is limited. This is one of the big reasons I want to move to a major city after graduating college. I prefer an energetic public place, it makes me feel like I have to be doing something important.
I’m sitting in Panera at this very moment. I love working from here, but I’ve found that my productivity all depends on the time of day I’m here. Usually from around 9 am to 11 am and 2 to 4 you can almost hear the crickets. I get a lot done then, and then goof off during the meal hours.
Love the blog! Keep up the good work!