Have Laptop, Will Travel - And Write.

Kris Fletcher

One of the things I like best about writing is what a portable career it is. For example, this blog post is coming to you from the hallway of my church, where I am holed up while my daughter is in the sanctuary having a voice lesson. It got me thinking about some of the many and varied places I have carried my writing with me over the years. Care to travel down memory lane with me?

• My office, of course. We've owned three houses over my writing time and I've been lucky enough to claim an office in each one. In fact, when we were house-hunting last year, the list of requirements was pretty simple: same schools for my girls, at least three bedrooms, and an office for me.
• School concerts. Don't fret - I don't work during the concert itself. But before the music begins? Fair game. Transition time between groups? That works, too. 
• Waiting rooms. Oh yeah. And exam rooms, while waiting for the good doc to appear. 
• Hotel rooms, both solo (when racing to meet a deadline) or with the family. Of course, that writing is usually done in the bathroom while everyone else is still asleep :-)
• Outside. The glider, the Adirondack chairs, the picnic table, the playground - they have all seen
  
  their share of action.  The car. Not as much as you would expect, given the amount of traveling we do, but the thing is, taking time to write means that I have to let my husband drive. Can you say, watch the control freak totally lose it?
• Libraries, coffee shops, cafes. Come on. I think those are practically required. 
• Planes. Again, not as much as you would expect, but since I'm usually traveling with at least one child, most flights have been spent keeping kids amused (and making sure they don't spend the entire flight ringing the call button). But they are getting older, and unlike my husband's driving, they are constantly getting better.
• Writing retreats. These are the best. Good friends, no distractions, abundant snacks.Does it get any better?
  

And let's not forget the many times inspiration and plot points have hit in the least expected places - the shower, the grocery store, in the middle of a sermon, during school performances, while cooking dinner - basically, anywhere and everywhere. My family has grown accustomed to having me stop them in the middle of something while I frantically jot a note on paper or dictate a memo into my phone. Sometimes they're not even embarrassed.

I've written on three continents, in at least seven countries, and in more cities than I can count. No matter where the road leads, it seems there's always a story - either one I bring with me or one I find there. Definitely one of the best perks of this gig.