In my mind, I have an image of the perfect place to write. I’m in a cabin in the woods at a desk facing an open window with a view of snow covered mountains. Pots of hot tea magically appear with the occasional cookie. The strong wifi signal attaches me to a massive cable providing an instantaneous internet connection. My springer, Jazz, lies at my feet.
Do you have a favorite writing spot?
The image above is fantasy. In reality, I find I need to change up the game often. So you’ll find me in the den, or the back room of the house, in one of many Seattle coffee shops, on a plane or train with my trusty laptop. I like noise and silence, activity and stillness.
I have a friend who writes in one particular coffee shop, drinking a specific caffeinated beverage while munching on chocolate. If the stars don’t align, the writing doesn’t flow. Others like to be surrounded with images and music connected to their current work in progress.
When do you like to write?
For some authors, the decision about when to write has nothing to do with ‘like’. If you have a job, kids, other responsibilities, the writing happens when you make the time. I know one author who gets up around 4:30 to write for two hours before work. Another takes every Sunday and a few minutes on weekday evenings. I’ve made some choices so writing is my full time gig. Five days a week, I’m focused on my writing and the business of writing (which can take up more time than the writing if you’re not careful) for 5-6 hours.
What technology do you use to write?
Does anyone use a pen and paper anymore? I’ve got an Apple Air. Everything I do is digital. But recently I was mulling over a rather complicated plot line and 
found myself using a pad of paper and a fountain pen. Yes, a fountain pen. I needed to step back from the woods, see the forest, create a more visual image of the plot line. There was something about those old tools without instant spell check or a delete button that slowed things down. As the ink flowed, I had time to ponder. As I revised I left a trail of lined out text, mind maps and doodles—the detritus of my creative process. 99.99% of my work is and will continue to be on the laptop, but it’s nice to change things up, get the energy to flow in new and old ways.
Don’t you love writing?
Richard Hacker is the author of
CHAIN REACTION
DIRTY WATER
TOXIC RELATIONSHIP
Available Now from Champagne Books or your favorite digital bookseller
Web & Blog: www.richardhacker.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RWHacker
Twitter: @Richard_Hacker
