Writing from the Place: TEN REASONS TO WRITE OUTSIDE

It seems that as writers we spend lots of time inside, hunched over in front of a computer, sucking in the air conditioning. It's lonely inside. It's dark. It's recycled air.

We here at THE PLACE (being Me, K. A. Holt, Jessica Lee Anderson, E. Kristin Anderson, Madeline Smoot, Mari Mancusi, Stephanie Pellegrin, Kayla Olson, and new members Bethany Hegedus & Jenny Moss) want to offer an alternative. See we've started something new. THE PLACE has indoor seating, and THE PLACE has outdoor seating.

We give you:

TEN REASONS TO WRITE OUTSIDE


1) Sunshine cures rejection depression.
Proven fact.
Writing with friends cures rejection depression, too.
Proven fact.




2) The smell of cigarette smokes brings out your inner Hemingway.
And if it gets to be too much, you can play musical chairs.



3) The dogs roaming around the place make you laugh.
Not to mention you can pick them up and get a quick snuggle.


4) The more overheard conversations, the better your dialogue will be.
And trust us when we tell you THE PLACE is filled with interesting conversations. It defines "Keep Austin Weird."



5) Crazy artwork provides new story ideas.
So do decapitated statues and fountains of boys peeing. This all goes into the ambiance category.


6) Two for one - getting a tan and getting word count done
But do remember your sunscreen if you plan to sit in direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight helps keep the vampires away.


7) Having table service encourages Butt-in-chair writing.
Yes, table service. Outside you get waited on!


8) Exercise provided by chasing papers blowing in wind.
Also by walking the further distance to the bathrooms. It's all good.


9) PJ Hoover will buy you a cookie if it rains
This isn't really true, but it's something I had to convince E. Kristin Anderson of before she would come outside. Maybe I'll make cookies next time and bring them.


10) Writing outside allows more people to fit in the writing group.
There are no confining walls. There is freedom to sit other places besides booths and chairs.


So what are you waiting for? Grab your computer, paper, or notebook and head outside!