I’m filled with admiration for people who can write anywhere. Those who pen perfect prose while seated in a (pre-pandemic) crowded coffee shop, on a train or a bus, at the library whilst watching patrons come and go. Even before Covid, I spent most of my time writing at home because I get distracted too easily. I can’t write with music playing unless it’s quiet, and even then it must be of the instrumental variety or I focus on the lyrics.

Sure, I’ve written on planes but for the past two years air travel opportunities have been sparse, and it’s an expensive way to get words on a page. I once edited a novel while waiting for one of the kids at gymnastics, taekwondo, or school, but now they’re older they can drive themselves and Mum’s Taxi Service has largely been decommissioned.

Not that I’m complaining. I’ve been very fortunate to have completed seven novels from the comfort of my home—you can’t beat the commute—and am about to embark on my eighth. But that doesn’t mean I always write in the same place, and the area I’ll find myself in depends on the stage of the manuscript.

Rough plot

This largely takes shape at our dining table with a pen, notebook, and a pack of stickies. It’s very satisfying to scrunch the latter up and throw them at the wall when things aren’t working, and there’s no lasting damage other than to my patience. And I’m closer to the cookies.

Detailed plot & initial draft

Without a doubt, this is my favorite place – the spare bedroom with its Murphy bed, tiny desk, bookshelf, family artwork, and a view of the courtyard we live on. I use my laptop in here, leave my phone downstairs, and disconnect the wi-fi. It’s incredible how much I get done, which is exactly what I need as I write my initial, barebones aka puke draft.

Edits & research

To the home office! My back’s against the window, which helps me focus to push through the dreaded first round of edits, my least favorite stage. I write on my desktop and have two screens, one for the manuscript, the other for the research rabbit holes I disappear into (thanks, Google!). I have a standing desk converter, so when I read my manuscript out loud during one of the final passes, I’m on my feet…talking to myself.

Final review

For the last pass I’m either in front of the fireplace or in the garden (depending on the season). I’ll pop my manuscript on my Kindle, keep my laptop handy, and read/edit as I go. Reading my book on a Kindle gives me a different perspective and engages another part of my editing brain.

And of course…

I have a pen and notepad next to my bed in case inspiration strikes in the middle of the night. I wasn’t always so prepared. Many years ago, I stumbled into the bathroom at 3am and scrawled something on the back of a magazine using a black kohl eyeliner. The next morning my husband held up the tatty piece of paper, eyebrows raised. It said: KILL TONY.

Good job I didn’t do that in a crowded coffee shop!

---

Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and now lives in Canada. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing. She lives with her husband and three sons and is delighted by her twenty second commute. Her 6^th novel, NEVER COMING HOME, publishes May 24, 2022. Connect on Facebook and Instagram @HannahMaryMcKinnon, and on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon. For more, visit www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com