I’ve been reviewing different places to get your writing done, and I’ve been extremely surprised at the results. The common places you might expect to be conducive to writing—like the library—were absolute failures when I gave them a go. A bounce place that my daughter likes to attend, though it has free Wi-Fi, seemed like a dubious try; it turned out to be one of the best places to write I’ve ever tried! So I’ve learned, through trial and error (and plenty of fun, too), to never judge a writing venue by its face value.
Another recent pleasant surprise for me is our local bowling alley. My daughter gets free coupons via kidsbowlfree.com, and we, in turn, purchased a full summer pass for $25 so we could bowl with her all summer for one low price, too. Though it sounds rather commercially, it’s actually a great deal, and we pretty much got our money’s worth early last month. We go at least once a week, so I decided to bring along my laptop this week.
You might think it would be uncomfortable and loud, but in reality it’s actually a very comfortable place to work. Our bowling alley is smoke-free, which is very important to me and my allergies. It’s lighting is low, except over the lanes themselves, so it’s pretty much easy on the eyes while you work. The seating is comfortable and the tables are exactly where I need them—to the point that they are actually a better fit with my laptop than my own desk at home.
I am certain that not every bowling alley would work for every author. We have a closer bowling alley to us, after all, that is super smoky and noisy, and I really hate going there. But as far as this bowling alley, I give it two thumbs’ up as far as a good writing place, even though some of the cons might make other people think twice:
PROS:
· Great lighting!
· Great seating and a place for your laptop
· Cheap food and drinks a walk away
· Easy occupation for the rest of the family (It’s pretty easy to keep them busy while you work)
· Decent music (sometimes they play pop, which I could take or leave; other days they play classic rock)
· Comfortable temperature in the heat—I have air conditioners blowing right on me at the moment
CONS:
· No place to plug in!
· No Wi-Fi! This could be a deal killer for some. I usually compile my topics before I write, though, so I’m usually okay writing without Internet access—at least, for a few hours. You could also use your own Internet access, of course.
· Your hands sort of get oily even if you don’t touch a ball; I haven’t figured this one out just yet. Maybe it’s the high-fives from my five-year-old…
· No ringing phones or other constant interruptions (the main reason I am writing here not once but twice this week!)