Every writer has a process and that process includes a preferred environment in which to write. Some can sit at their laptop amid absolute chaos (a busy coffee shop, squabbling offspring, loud coworkers), block out everything, and the words flow from their fingertips like magic. For them, the noise is more ambient than distracting and actually increases their productivity.

Me, I like—no, need—peace and quiet. I’m the dog who spies a squirrel, the least little movement will take me out of my story and send me on a wild chase in the opposite direction. If I’m sitting in Starbucks and hear a couple talking at the table next to me, instead of writing, I’ll listen to them and invent a story of their lives. I’m here to tell you, it wreaks havoc on my word count.

For a lot of years, ever since my kids grew up and moved away, finding peace and quiet hasn’t been a problem. I have a great home office that I’ve arranged and decorated for maximum productivity. I was also alone five days a week and able to accomplish a lot. When my husband was around, I’d muddle through, deflecting his constant interruptions as best I could (he’s as bad as any three-year-old poking my shoulder and chanting, “Mom, Mom, Mom.”).

All that changed a couple months ago when he retired early—three years early! Suddenly, I found myself in serious trouble, unable to write like I was used to. With three deadlines looming. I became stressed, irritable, frustrated, and not very pleasant to be around.

Long story short (yes, pun intended), I came up with a plan that is helping. My local library is usually crowded and not particularly quiet. But I discovered they have private study rooms I can reserve for up to two hours. These are wonderful! I get so much done in those two hours because I know my time is limited and I need to make the most of it. I also purchased a pair of Blutooth earbuds. If I listen to music (jazz is my favorite for writing), I’m less distracted by what’s going on around me. These also work well if I sit in a secluded corner of the not-very-busy independent coffee shop I sometimes frequent out of desperation—i.e., husband is very talkative that day. Lastly, the assistant facility where my mom lives has several quiet and cozy reading nooks. I visit her twice a week, so sometimes I go early, find an available nook, and dash off a few pages.

No, none of these solutions compare to my much loved home-office. But they are helping and, as a result, I’m less stressed, irritable, and frustrated. With luck, I may even make my three deadlines!

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