Back home I had a couple of spots where I always used to write. It was consistent and I wrote my Made in Yorkshire books over the course of a couple of years. Now all that’s changed.
As you know, I’m travelling the world, which you can read more about on my other blog.
But one thing that has changed is that I rarely write in the same place/position twice. It’s impossible for me to do that since I’m moving around so quickly. Lately I’ve been thinking about my writing style.
Does my writing environment alter my style?
Definitive Yes or No
In short, I can’t say for sure yet because I’ve yet to send a completed book to my editor. Only she will know whether anything has changed. I’m getting close to half way through my first book written entirely on the road, so I’ll know for sure then.
I think one thing that has changed is my ability to plan. These days I can’t carry around a notebook and paper because quite frankly I’d lose it. I have to write things into my phone now.
You might not think this is so much of a problem, but when you’re making the change for the first time it does present difficulties in adapting.
I find myself making it up as I go along a lot more than I did before.
Distractions and Productivity
One area that has suffered is productivity. I’m sad to say that I have had to scale back my efforts somewhat. It’s simply a matter of balancing seeing what the world has to offer, socialisation, and actual work. So on some days I’m unable to write much at all.


The writing spot on the cliffs

For example, yesterday I edited some of my latest book whilst on a cliff in Mariehamn on the Aland Islands, in Finland. This was tranquil and there was nobody anywhere near me. It was a great place to get some work done.
On the other hand, I’ve also worked in an empty hostel before, and this was another fantastic place to work. But when there are lots of people around the job becomes far more difficult. There are distractions, and I don’t say that in a bad way.
Getting Ahead of Myself
I’m happy that I managed to get well ahead of myself before I started this trip. I feel I would struggle to make my release dates if I hadn’t.
There’s a good chance I will have to scale back my releases in future, but with any luck this won’t be for a long time yet.
How many of you have tried to juggle travelling and writing?
Until next time…
James Farner