I don't like sitting at a desk, I prefer comfortable reclining patio or lawn chairs. I think it's because of all those moments when I have to stop and think between words, it helps my creative process to be in a relaxed posture.

Funny you should mention this subject, as I just yesterday posted episode 13 of my Typewriter Video series to You Tube, about lap-typing.

I agree with you about needing quiet. Music can be a distraction, although non-vocal, instrumental stuff like jazz is tolerable while writing. It's mainly vocals that are bothersome to me, as my brain will inevitably try to process the words being sung into some meaning, using up whatever little mental horsepower I have needlessly.

~Joe

igotztowrite wrote:

I'm curious ... 
1) Where do you like to write?
2) Do you listen to music or any background sound?
3) Do you like to write during the day or evening?

1) Where there is a typewriter available
2) Sometimes
3) When there is a typewriter available
 
 

Are we talking about where you like to write using a typewriter? Because when it comes to using a fountain pen and paper, it's a completely different animal.

1. Mostly at my desk, or during the summer, at the patio table in my backyard. A more formal setting with proper typing ergonomics puts my mind and body in work mode and is far more productive than trying to type in a position or a place that becomes increasingly uncomfortable with every typed page.

2. Silence works for me, but I prefer music that is moody or otherwise powerful enough to create an emotional response. In my case that can be anything from Beethoven's Op. 80 Choral Fantasie to Dead Flag Blues by Godspeed You Black Emperor.

3. I'm far more productive in the evening, and work best during late night, early morning hours. There are far fewer distractions then, and I have far more energy to draw from. I can work during the day, previous jobs forced me to, but it's more difficult to me as it feels like I'm forcing creativity rather than just letting it flow naturally.

Uwe, you are correct.  I was responding within a few minutes of waking up.  Not a good idea. 

So, for number 1:  writing with a typewriter:  Standards: in the kitchen, either on the kitchen table, counter or a desk.  Portables/Ultraportables:  on my lap, on the coffee table or any of the surfaces mentioned for the standards.  

2) I like soundtracks, environmental music, and on occasion, some 80's music.

3)  If I wrote during the daytime (on a weekend or vacation), I would wake up a cat who would then be sticking his nose or a paw into my typewriter (while I'm using it).   So, during the rest of the time, it would be in the evening.

I have several places where I like to write:  My bedside desk; my dining room table; outside at a park at a picnic table.  I like listening to big band, jazz, some old classic country/western, anything with a beat, oldies from the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's.  Time of day doesn't matter--just whenever the mood strikes me, or if I got a new "toy," my fingers begin to itch and I gotta scratch 'em on an old keyboard somewhere.