Writing on the Go

I love to travel! I enjoy the planning, the happy anticipation—and the dead time that’s so conducive to writing. I pack to take advantage of all of it. Here are some of the ways I make time for new scenes and chapters when I travel.

Small laptop. Mine’s a Mac Pro 13-inch screen. You can get smaller, of course. I saw downright cute computers at Sam’s Club, about the size of the old Alpha One word processors.

8½ x 11 spiral notebook. I use one for each novel I write. It has scene plans, notes about plot, character names, etc. Others use software. I like mine in hard copy for these times:

• not enough time to get settled into software
• a quick thought I want to record, in a place I can find it later
• riding in the car to airport – reviewing what scenes I need, then avoiding motion sickness, just staring at the scenery going by, thinking, finding ideas.

Kindle. For when I just need to read and lose myself in others’ good writing. I also use my Kindle to make notes on my WIP, or when I’m in the editing mode of a completed novel. I’ve not found the Kindle to be useful for fresh writing, though.

Preparation for a successful writing session. To get the most out of my dead time, I plan ahead on what I’ll write. I record it in that easy-to-access spiral notebook. If it’s a scene I need, I block out characters onstage, setting notes, conflict opportunities, etc. so I have some structure to begin with. Interruptions are frequent while traveling, so this gets me into instant focus to take full advantage of small pockets of time.

Characterization notes. Those long TSA lines are fabulous for making note of facial shapes, mannerisms, dialogue. I keep a small, easy-to-reach 4 x 5 notebook in my purse to capture those gems. I note body types, and I especially enjoy seeing what children clutch to their hearts as they board the plane.

Ear buds. If my flight neighbors are too rowdy or talkative, I may let them know that I’m working and pop in my ear buds. I have been fortunate to have always been seated next to understanding neighbors.

iPhone. I find my iPhone’s note-taking app very useful. If I’m falling asleep, or if I get a significant idea during a dream or in the alpha state, I write a note, short enough that I don’t wake up fully, yet long enough to understand what the heck I thought was so brilliant at the time.

Portfolio for carry-on convenience. For my portable desk, I bring a three-pocket black leather portfolio that’s easy to slide under the seat. Mine has a long strap for over the shoulder for across-the-body use, which frees my arms when fumbling for my IDs and boarding passes. I store my Mac in the middle of the portfolio and my Kindle in one of the sides. There’s room for charger cords, my spiral notebook, a mechanical pencil or two and a pen. On the plane, I put the portfolio in my soft carry-on so I qualify for just one courtesy bag, and I don’t put more than the essentials in my carry-on—meds, swimsuit, just enough to get by.

The stiffness of the portfolio makes it easy to access and store my materials and protects the computer, papers and cords.

What with having to arrive two hours before the flight and the flight itself, it’s almost a whole day’s worth of opportunities for a great writing session.  What do you find helpful for writing when you travel?