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Over the life of my writing blog, I’ve spent a post or two advising on the importance of being organized and having a routine. One of the concepts that I try and hammer home is that a writer needs their very own space with a “Do Not Disturb” sign. I’ve always felt that a dedicated writer’s space is crucial to eliminating distraction – a primary excuse to not write.

Usually, I try and follow my own advice. Sometimes that keeps me out of trouble and sometimes it gives me a great big push down the wrong path. That’s how it goes and I’m ok with that. As far as having a writing space, I’m fortunate enough to have a very supportive household so a small room downstairs was set aside and I set up shop. Actually, it worked great. Then, a couple of months ago the computer started to die a slow death. Forever boot times, scary system messages and the like all went into my decision to get a new computer.

Nothing could be more hip and trendy than a laptop, right? Unless of course it was a Mac laptop, but that’s a story for another time. I took my new laptop home, lovingly set it up with the right folders and put all of the pictures and documents from the old computer onto the shiny new laptop. (I’m still trying to figure out how to get my FF bookmarks and email archives over.)

In addition to the geeky, techy me being excited about having a new ride, I was excited to be able to take my muse out of the writing room and into the free world. Oh, just think of it. I could write a post while catching a soccer match. I could sit out on the deck drinking my morning coffee while going through my email. I could go hang out at the trendy coffee shop in the village and look ultra-hip and all artsy. Could it get any better than this?

As it turns out, yes it does get better than that. My straying into mobile madness has taught me a lesson or two, and learning life lessons is the best stuff around.

• The Good – It has been so nice to be out in the world a bit. I’ve spent more time with the family (while still writing) and sometimes I’m inspired by the new scenery out the window. I have been able to take the laptop to a client meeting or two, and it was quite helpful to do so.
• The Bad – The quantity of my writing has suffered. Being out in the world has increased my exposure to distraction. Since I am also out of my element, I don’t feel as settled and focused as I was in the writing space. Finally, I don’t have ready access to my reference materials should the need arise.

Perhaps this is just a transition time. I’m thinking that is the case. I’m hoping to settle into a routine that will combine the best attributes of both scenarios.

How about you?  Have you gone from a desktop to a mobile computer?  What was your experience?  Did it affect your writing?

Posted by George

from Freelance Writing

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