I’m writing this blog entry at a Starbucks in Shanghai that requires a steep fee for internet usage—so forgive me for not posting in real time, but I’d rather pay for another hot chocolate than check my email. I can do that when I get home and post this (which, having traveled through space and time, is now).
There’s a certain importance to having a routine while writing. People always talk about it—training your mind to take off at a certain place, at a certain time. Having that “room of your own”, or that quiet corner in a coffee shop; or your chair in the closet (tried that once, but it was very dark), or the living room, or wherever, whenever.
I have a beautiful library to work inside, back home—but, much to my dismay, it hasn’t yet become my little word nest. I want it to be, desperately, but I think I need to rearrange the furniture. Or put screens up around my desk. Something to do with feng shui. I write well there, but sporadically. And when you’ve got deadlines like I do, consistency is the key. Even if what you’re writing is consistent crap.
Maybe I just write better outside the house. Maybe the process of walking, or taking a cab to a different location—as though I’m truly going to work, like at an office, gives me the mental transition my brain needs to fire up all engines. Maybe I need to set up a miniature walking labyrinth on the floor of my library (winding circles to reach my desk), or find some similar ritual to unlock the process. Maybe I just need to tell myself to snap out of it. ‘Cause, like, dude—crazy is, as crazy does.
I could work at the local public library. Or go to the little coffee shop at the gorgeous old hotel that’s only ten minutes away. I get lazy when I’m home. I like to stay in my pajamas. Maybe that’s my problem. I should get dressed, put on the fixings. Meet the day with mascara and tight blue jeans.
Whatever. Point is, each writer has a system and a comfort zone, and some of us are a little superstitious, some are totally no-nonsense, others are kind of neurotic—and there are those, like me, who suffer from all three, on different days. I’ve heard athletes are like that. Rituals, before each game.
I don’t even know where I’m going with this. I’m still seated at Starbucks. I write well here. I don’t write well at every Starbucks, but this is a good one, the atmosphere is homey. I’ll miss it when I stop coming to Shanghai—but all those books, or parts of books that I wrote here, will be evidence of my time in my favorite seat by the window (and all those hot chocolates I drank).
Like I said in my previous post, the end of the year is rolling around. I’ve been thinking about my process, and what I want—and need. I’ve been writing professionally for about five years. A lot has happened. I won’t speculate where I’ll be five years from now—life throws too many surprises for that—but I know my routines and the types of books I write will change.
Routines are important, but not to the point of stagnation. We never stop figuring ourselves out, or learning new ways to be in the world. Don’t hold yourself back when you feel that urge to do something different. Don’t be talked down. Follow your gut as you develop your process for living—or writing—or whatever. Training your mind and heart to grow wings isn’t just for authors. It’s a vital part of being alive.
And now I really am done babbling. Back to work.
posted by Marjorie Liu
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Hello
I am also similar like you.Some times you become lazy in work when your are at home.It happens to me sometimes but I think no place is better than home.Its good to know about Starbucks.
Posted by tisane on 12/04 at 04:13 AM
YES!!! I’ve always wanted to see a picture of this place you so lovingly refer to. (Especially as a scene from Tiger Eye was there) 
It must have good Juju. And hey, whatever works is whatever works.
Posted by Ash on 12/04 at 11:50 AM
That wasn’t babbling, that was inspiring. It was exactly what I needed to hear (or read) today and I’ll probably come back to it more than once.
Thanks.
Posted by on 12/04 at 07:24 PM
Fantastic post. Definitely agree with Rose on the inspiring bit--and the need to read/hear it
Posted by applejcks on 12/05 at 12:10 AM
Tara Taylor Quinn (mystery with some romance) came in and did a talk for our chapter last year. She said she has to have a routine, so when her husband gets up to go to work, so does she. Makeup, clothes, etc. After he leaves, she goes to McDonalds, gets her large coffee I think it was, and drives back home. They built her an office off the house at some point, and she has to physically unlock the door to go in. You can’t get to the office through the house. Exterior entrance only. And she works from 8 am to 5 pm every day, just like a job. When she’s done writing, she locks up and goes in the house. It is what works for her.
I have my comfy recliner and laptop at my side. I certainly don’t have her discipline.
Posted by on 12/05 at 12:13 PM
if that was “babbling” it was some of the best babbling i’ve read all year!
i guess i’m at that point where i need to break out of my routines and find some new ones.
or not!
Posted by on 12/05 at 12:59 PM
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles! I am deeply in love with every single piece of information you post here. Will be back often to read more updates!
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Posted by Nail art on 12/16 at 12:43 PM
I just hate some routine life. what you guys think of changing society from routine life.
Posted by document destruction on 12/18 at 03:33 AM
i can’t get to the office through the house. Exterior entrance only. And she works from 8 am to 5 pm every day, just like a job. When she’s done writing, she locks up and goes in the house. It is what works for her.
Posted by Average Whiplash compensation on 12/19 at 03:37 AM
there is nothing better then having a good routine. This definitely makes things easier in life. I always have a routine in my life.
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A great way to work with this is to figure out what the room is for and then work around the most important piece to that function.Try planning the room online before you get down to the physical moving. hillsdale dining sets
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Don’t hold yourself back when you feel that urge to do something different Training your mind and heart to grow wings
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I always write better away from the house. For me, it’s living in a small basement apartment with too much around and too much always going on upstairs and everywhere. If I could afford to write full time (which I hope to eventually achieve), I would probably be a regular in a coffee shop or book store. Now, however, since I am always exhausted after a long day working, I write on weekends mostly (long hand, often in the car… odd place, but it’s quiet and all my own space), and sometimes at night. I plan to get a Netbook eventually so I can write on nights I sing. That way, between sets I can get some work done.
Posted by Christine Church on 12/04 at 12:47 AM