With one child graduating from university, the second from high school, a husband retiring, and a writer who can work from anywhere, the stars aligned this spring to free up our schedules for a family gap year. Twelve months to escape the daily grind and explore new places, together. It’s as rare an opportunity as they come.
It’s also a rare dilemma for a writer. On a normal one or two-week vacation, I would leave the laptop behind and live in the moment with my family. Experiences first, writing later. That’s not practical as a digital nomad. Is it possible to stay committed to writing goals, balancing productivity with a robust family experience? Here’s how I write when I’m away from home.
Before We Leave
Set Realistic Goals
Whenever we travel, I try to bear in mind that my writing output will not be as high as usual. Still, I set goals in order to stay focused and motivated.
My highest writing priority is always to document our experiences in a daily journal. I write about the places we visit, the people we meet, and the (mis)adventures we have. Those entries are my future memoir pieces in the making.
Journaling is also good practice for adding depth and authenticity to my writing generally. Recording the noteworthy moments while dropping out the boring bits of the day like toothbrushing and door opening and sighing is good for any narrative.
Beyond the journal, I keep up with regular writing commitments. During the coming year, that entails monthly articles for two newsletters, and a weekly travel update for interested parties. Nothing motivates me quite like a looming deadline. As for long-term projects like my novel-length memoir, I will measure progress by tracking word, outline, scene, and chapter goals.
Optimize the Gear
I’ve tried a number of writing methods when I’m away from home. My ancient, five-pound laptop quickly proved too great a burden. Carrying your life on your back, or rolling it in your suitcase, means that every extra ounce matters.
The lightest weight solution for writing is the mobile phone. However, slow, fat fingers and trouble reading small print proved an impossible method for me. A small, foldable bluetooth keyboard made it easier, but I never resolved the font size to my satisfaction.
My ultimate solution was to upgrade my laptop to a lighter model, weighing in at 3 ½ pounds. There is still an element of clunkiness due to the necessity of a surge-protected adapter for foreign plugs, but the lightweight laptop is the most streamlined option for me.
And for those times when the battery is low, my failsafe is pen and paper. A single-subject notebook is compact, nearly weightless, and requires no electric charge. The spiral spine means that it lays flat when writing. Sometimes old school is best.
I’m also certain to pack wireless, noise-canceling earbuds and download a binaural beat playlist to enhance concentration.
On the Road
Write in the Margins
Traveling is not conducive to regular writing hours. I don’t expect to sit down every day at 11 am like I would at home. To take best advantage of an adaptable and flexible schedule, I look to the waiting periods between adventures—at airports, and on planes, trains, and buses–and, as every writer-parent knows, to that precious hour before everyone gets up or after everyone has gone to bed.
Go For a Sprint
Rather than aiming for long writing sessions, I set shorter, more manageable time limits. Even twenty minutes of focused writing can be productive. Short, consistent efforts are more sustainable and less intrusive on family time. They are also more convenient for sneaking in a writing session during waking, active hours. Some mornings, I volunteer to get the coffee and pastry. In the cafe, I put the phone timer on and blast out a paragraph before anyone notices I’m missing.
Look for the Quiet Places
On the rare occasion that I find myself with a few hours alone, I find it productive to seek out a local cafe, library, or park where I can write comfortably. It feels as though I’m still exploring the new location and it gets me out of our accommodation.
To Stay Consistent
Maintain a Connection with Other Writers
I belong to a strong community of talented writers. We share our progress and encourage one another. Maintaining those connections despite time zone differences is important to maintaining discipline and motivation. Thankfully, there’s WhatsApp and Zoom to stay in touch with the writing world.
Make a Game of It
For those times when I’m uninspired to write, I still take the opportunity to work on my craft.
On a recent visit to Universal Studios, I sat at a table in the poolside bar to enjoy the balmy weather. I’d finished my sprints, but couldn’t muster the concentration to dig into my memoir. There was too much activity. So I opted to make a writing game of people watching.
I made a list of characteristics to observe: clothing, quirks, physical features. For each category, I decided to fill in five details, scanning the crowd until someone caught my eye–a neon yellow mesh dress, a guy who bounced on the balls of his feet with each step, a man with a very low forehead and a colorful butterfly tattooed across his neck. When constructing a character next, I’ll have a ready-made list of mix-and-match details at hand. It’s fun to imagine how the interior lives of characters might manifest on the outside.
When I Don’t Meet My Own Expectations
It’s almost impossible not to wallow in self recrimination until I remember to:
- 1. Accept Imperfection
Understand that writing sessions will not be as frequent or perfect as I’d like. The important thing is to keep the habit alive.
- 2. Celebrate Small Wins
Maintaining a writing routine during any extended time away from home is a challenge. Planning ahead, flexibility, and a bit of creativity help to continue writing effectively without compromising the experience. Did I touch pen to paper today? Win. Did I rework a paragraph, a sentence? Win. Above all, I try to embrace the journey, both in travels and in writing.
Every word written is a step forward.
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