As I’ve spent more time writing at the Central Austin Library on weekends, I’ve also established “my spot”.
If you know me, you know I love assigned seats, and the same seats, and familiar places, and all of that jazz that means you have a routine and a sense of ownership in your environment.
There’s a corner on the fifth floor of the library with two chairs a window, otherwise surrounded by stacks of nonfiction, that is perfect for me. It has an outlet to plug in my laptop and a small table for my Diet Coke. I always shift the chair so I look directly out at the street below. I’ve now spent four or five long writing sessions in this corner, which has always been unclaimed. I think the key is coming before noon on a Saturday.
I love hanging out at the library for a few weekend hours. It affords me a sense of focus I know I wouldn’t get at home, or even in a coffee shop. Libraries are quiet, for one, and it’s so easy to feel joy (and feel inspired to write) when surrounded by books.
No stealing now. It’s a big library. I’m sure you can find your own little corner. This one’s mine.
With Love,
Natalie