Friday, November 9, 2018

A Drippy, Dreary Day & This Writer’s Joy


The first half of my title sort of says it all about the weather. I’m not complaining. This is perfect for cozy writing time, hence the joy. To be honest, though, there is no imperfect weather for me to write except in the case of an active local tornado season.

Back when we lost power from a hurricane blowing through the Midwest one autumn I wrote with pen and paper. These days I have the option of using my offline AlphaSmart3000, a unit once no doubt used in a library or school (there is a number written on the bottom, I presume so a teacher or librarian could keep track of their devices). That brings me to a question.
 
Distraction Free!
Should I set aside the laptop, brave the rain, and take my AlphaSmart someplace bright and cheerful where I can people watch?

-

26 comments:

  1. Can you write and people watch too? I would need the quiet. You're most talented if you can do both.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People watching helps inspire me. ~grin~ And I listen to all sorts of music for the same reason. Heavy metal can really make the words fly. Heh... Thanks for the kind word.

      Delete
  2. I'm with Sandee. Either people watch OR write. I guess you can get character ideas by the characters you see as you watch though.
    I'd rather stay in when it's drippy and dreary, cuddled in a warm throw and fuzzy socks!
    You've mentioned the Alphasmart before. Do you like it, or does it bother you to only see a few lines at a time? I like seeing a whole page to work with!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate an interesting view when thinking where the story is headed. I like the Alphasmart a lot if I'm tempted to edit. Those few lines keep me focused. Thanks for the kind words and interest, my dear.

      Delete
  3. I meant to ask... why wouldn't you just take your laptop? What are the benefits of the other over the laptop for offline use? Do the batteries last longer? Or, can you just replace them and keep using it? It's a cute little thing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the ongoing interest. The Alphasmart prevents me from temptation to get on social media (like now... Heh...) The AA batteries lasted several years, actually! I was amazed. My laptop replacement battery holds a good charge, but takes more time to set up, as well, especially if I want to use my bluetooth keyboard ( ithas a more ergonomic shape).

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Hehehehe... I went and had a pleasant, productive time.

      Delete
  5. Well, do you need to get out? I know sometimes a change of scenery helps. But sometimes you need the quiet of home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I did need to get out. There are local writing events all over, just about every day of NaNoWriMo, but I write better without folks wanting to talk to me. ~grin~ God love them, some of my friends just end up chatting. Today I've got some inspirational angst ridden music playing as I cranked out story. Thanks for the kind word.

      Delete
  6. What did you end up doing? Did you go out or write at home? Sometimes, I go to the library and write there. It's a nice change of pace and fairly easy to concentrate, at least until school gets out and the place is mobbed with kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did go, and am glad for it. The darkness outside was banished by the colorful store and I enjoyed idle moments looking down at people while considering the story line. Libraries are a good option. But mobbed by kids? ~shudders~ Heh... Be well!

      Delete
  7. Interesting to see, Darla, that you use a device that allows you to only type. I use a laptop. But try my best to be focussed on writing.
    Well, I don't necessarily need a quiet place to write. Unless the distraction is too overwhelming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The right distraction can be good. ~grin~ Be well and Happy Writing!

      Delete
  8. Okay...no clue what is going on since I commented on this post but it is not there....probably one of my DUH moments. Anyway, I for one would probably just stayed there in the house and did what I wanted to do and not brave the rain. So what did you do? haha...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I went out, and am glad for it. :)

      Delete
    2. Good for you.....proud of you. Like I said, I would have probably stayed in! haha

      Delete
    3. in reply to your comment on the blog....I try to stay on the go, I try to stay busy and I am losing that battle as the yrs go by. But I am so proud of you for going out on that rainy day and writing in public...yet i am not sure how you do that. I get distracted way to easy, I am a people watcher also. But with being in pain all the time it is usually hard to focus and stay concentrated so writing in public would be a joke for me! No telling how my story would read.....it would be all over the place.

      Delete
  9. I would think it magnificent, if you were to go somewhere to write, where casual passersby might observe you.

    I'm just sayin'...

    ReplyDelete
  10. I had no idea what an AlphaSmart was and had to look it up! I work from home which, like you, I find problematic at times as my family have no concept about "working from home" and are a devil to get rid of!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd never heard of this tool until a few years ago. ~grin~ Be well!

      Delete

Hope you enjoyed stopping by and please drop a line. I love comments.

Any and all will be published upon approval. Thanks!