Screenwriting vs the Dogs!

Distractions are everywhere.  Today is no exception.

I am sitting here trying to scrib off some lines for a spec script I am working on, and for one reason or another, the dogs are barking.  Maybe they hear something outside, or maybe they just want to annoy me.  Either way, I am not getting much done.

Whereas your house or your office is normally the best place to find raised levels of production, sometimes distractions are just too frequent.  Barking dogs, the phone ringing, your grandmother talking about 1947, and the  TV shows that you would normally never watch are suddenly  masterpieces that you can’t miss.  Sometimes, you just need to get out of the office space you have built, and become part of a public office.  There are so many choices out there however and it may be difficult to choose one.

When choosing a place to write, you may try and find a location that provides a comfortable surrounding and a quiet workspace.  Sometimes however, noisy places provide just as much comfort. I have found several locations to fit the mold.  Here’s a list of three  places that I find less distracting and more inviting:

1. THE PARK:  If you have a park in the neighborhood where few kids frequent, this is a great spot to be creative.  Soak in the air and glance at the nature that surrounds you.  If in NYC, Central park is inspiring, besides its abundance of patrons, dogs, and kids.  Any park that is situated along a river is pleasantly inviting for a creative experience.  These outdoor areas offer the sounds of nature, and can provide you with  change of scenery and fresh air.  However, if you don’t have a battery that will last long on your laptop, and you aren’t the type to write by hand, I suggest-
2. A COFFEE HOUSE: Preferably a lesser known or local cafe versus the corporate chain.  I find that  the customers that  frequent such places are more likely to be the writer types.  Surrounding yourself with this type of character is beneficial to the comfort factor that encourages production and creativity; and I do find  establishments that encourage the arts and are locally owned to be more compassionate to an easily distracted soul like myself .  Locally owned businesses are like freelance writers; they are the underdogs in the overall scheme of the things and therefore I feel more at home in their environment!  A coffee house in general however, will provide you with a place to plug in your computer, a hot beverage, a pastry, and artistic surrounds, but if you find any coffee house to be distracting, why not try out-
3. THE MALL: I know what you are thinking here; no distractions at the mall?  But the truth is that there is so much going on at the mall at all times, that its easy to just sort of assimilate into the crowd and do your own thing. That’s not all!  There are also so many different types of people at the mall, that I can’t help but feel that this is a great space for finding inspiration for characters and ideas for dialogue.  Trust me,I have utilized things I have overheard at the mall for several of my half-written gems!  You may not like the mall, but you can’t overlook its scenery.  Plus, if you need a piece of pizza, some yogurt, or a useless accessory for your phone, you can find all of these things under one roof.  And, you may even score some free wi-fi along with ample amounts of benches and AC outlets.!

There are many many more places I could name, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling.  If you can recommend another one that’s off the radar, or just want to comment about my rants about local business, please leave a comment.  See you outside!

>the dayscribber<