Today is my 3rd slice for the March Slice of Life Challenge.

Writing is a discipline. It takes focus and attention. I’ve set up a lovely office with lots of space to write, pens, notebooks, and my computer. I even copied Cynthia Lord and put up twinkle lights! 

I live alone…well ok, I live with my dog Bella. I have an organized space, I have supplies, I have quiet and yet, there are times when I need to leave to write.

Sundays afternoons are my time to write away from my home. I’ve found some great places, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites…

1. Wegmans. That’s a grocery store that’s a few miles from my home. There’s an upstairs with seating and a food court. I’ll grab lunch and find a quiet spot and settle in. (If I can’t find a quiet spot, I follow Kate Messner’s advice and listen for good lines to include in my writing.)

2. Panera. I prefer Panera during quieter times, but I can walk to Panera from where I live, so it’s convenient. My favorite indulgence is the creamy and decadent macaroni & cheese. I feel like it really makes my writing better. 

3. The bench by the fountains. In the warmer weather, I love to grab my notebook and sit on the bench by three giant fountains. There’s a main road in front of the fountains, so it isn’t silent…but the water is soothing and I love sitting there. 

4. Exploring new places and writing. On Saturdays in the spring and summer, I love getting into my car and driving to a place I’ve never been with my trusty notebook and maybe my iPad. Some of my best writing spots have included Annapolis, MD and Shepherdstown, WV and Great Falls Park in Virginia. Even a rest stop on route 81 on my way to the Green Valley Book Fair worked for me last spring!

New places bring new life to my writing. Where do you like to write? 

P.S. I wish I had pictures of these places…I’ll be sure to start taking pictures to record these places.