13 Cozy Places to Write... Physically and Mentally 📖

Let's explore this a little differently.

And I might sound a little poetic and storytelling in this post - because now I'm vibing to music in my cozy-zone while writing <3

Isn't that the whole point?

1. In a Library

Probably the most popular place to write - because it truly works.

Surrounded by books, surrounded by authors who pushed themselves to write this physical bundle of pages.

I've did some curious-Googling over the years, looking up specific authors of the books I've recently read to see how long it took them to write this masterpiece and when they start.

Stephanie Meyer began writing Twilight at age twenty nine, after seeing a vampire-love story scene in a dream. Now it's a five book series that became films. It was her first book that took her three months to write.

Sarah J Maas began writing Throne of Glass when she was only sixteen, spending ten years working on it. Now she has a three book fantasy series that ties within each other (A Court of Thorn and Roses and Crescent City).

J.K Rowling had the idea for Harry Potter on a train at thirty years old, mapping out the world. Six years later she published it, now becoming the most popular fantasy series ever and selling merch in every friggin' store.

Brandon Sanderson started writing in college, twelve novels, all of them rejected by publishers. After he got Elantris published he continued to work on famous high-fantsy novels such as Mistborn and finishing Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, now a high-rated Netflix series.

All of these stories inspired me, teaching me that it's never too late to write a novel.

And I love being around others studying, reading, tapping on their laptops. It shows that I'm not the only one who truley wishes to work.

We attend a writing group every Wednesday in the library, meeting all kinds of writers and talk about each others work. It's such a great place to gather and meet other creative people :)

Look out for flyers and poster for events in your local library that you may be interested in, and follow Facebook pages.

2. In Your Decked-Out Creative Space

God, I can't get enough scrolling through Pinterest and watching people on YouTube decorate their spaces!!! I find myself very comfy, very inspired and motivated when I work in my very own space. Surrounded by my adorable Pop Funko figures, fantasy-themed decor, artwork and posters, books with beautiful covers, and dreamy string lights. Plushies keep me company, picking and choosing one to place on my lap to squeeze during my pauses. Sub-woofer making the music rumble. Having other activities nearby, such as my books, to skim through for inspiration.

Every day, I wish I can work from home so I can have more time in my little office <3

It's so important for creators to have their own creative space apart from their work-space. They're in total control of everything, personalizing their space however they wish. Working in a home office allows writers to be away from distractions, they have access to their own resources, and feel at ease and focused in a familiar, comfortable environment.

In essence, a well-designed home office is not just a physical space; it's a sanctuary where writers and artists can unlock their creativity, enjoy uninterrupted focus, and embark on a journey of self-expression with a sense of comfort and empowerment.

Deck. Out. That. Office.

3. In a Coffee Shop

Just the smell of coffee alone lifts my spirits.

Though in order to stay and not freeload, I usually go for a small hot mocha, AKA choccy milk with a kick!

That being said, once upon a time in community college, before the doors opened at seven AM, I studied for my exams at the coffee shop down the street. I wasn't a coffee drinker at the time so I didn't order anything.

I got asked to leave - and I left in tears. I have never been kicked out of ANYWHERE before.

Yeah... might not be a happy start to this post but it's something to think about, and I never dare test other coffee shops in Michigan if they were like this too.

But now that I'm an adult I drink caffeine. Not every day though - I'm no addict. And thanks to my acid reflux condition, I have to take gentle sips of coffee and energy drinks every thirty minutes or so, giving me PLENTY of time to stay. (Muhaha.)

Anyways, yes, I love love love writing in coffee shops. I love "existing" with everyone else.

Couples on coffee dates, students work on their projects, getting lost in music in their headphones, writing in their journals, reading a book or a newspaper.

Everyone in a coffee shop has a story. And I love writing my stories in a coffee shop.

My absolute favorite part too about coffee shops is the music - whether that be in the speakers or live acoustic on stage. It's just... the vibe.

Take a walk around your local town and visit every coffee shop to see which one gives you the most comfort.

4. At a College Campus

Even if I'm done with the full five-year journey and not planning to throw more tuition money anytime soon, I still love visiting beautiful college campuses.

I feel more inspired hanging out in the common places where other students eat, study, and chat. Similar to a coffee shop, everyone has a story here. I guess you can say I'm a little creeper in the corner with my headphones and laptop, checking out everyone.

We recently ventured the the nearby campus so I can get inspired for my story. Absolutely beautiful campus with fireplaces, cozy seating areas, patios, and even hammocks overlooking a pond. It's going to be one of the regular spots I write at when my schedule opens

I found myself drawn, almost wanting to go back to school so I can be around the clean, beautiful campus, and have the opportunity to kick it with other students and network. But I learned you don't need to be a student to do that. Some school clubs accept you even if you aren't properly enrolled; as long as you want to learn!

Give it a try - visit your nearest campus and explore - check out each building, posters advertising events, clubs, and organizations, and examine how you feel at a school again.

5. Under a Tree

Obviously, you have to do this one with an actual pen and book...

Writing under a tree on a laptop doesn't just look right but it doesn't feel right.

If I want to be connected to nature, I need to limit artificial light and the urge to poke around on Pinterest and Facebook.

Bring some snacks, a blanket to sit on so you won't stain your butt, a cozy hoodie, maybe a plushie to squeeze or keep you company, and your journal - then you'll be set for this reviving moment.

Touch grass yo. Be with nature. Listen to the birds chirping, the leaves rustling from the wind, the children laughing across the playground, the cars whooshing down the road.

And that leads to writing...

6. In Silence

Sure, music is great, but living in the pure moment with no sort of technology or wires attached to you will make you feel reconnected with yourself, your thoughts, and your surroundings.

I feel we've gotten ultimately dependent on our phones and technology. Sometimes its good to have a break. Yeah, go full indigenous for a couple of hours and see how it treats you!

Explore your mind in silence.

I understand, some people don't want to be "alone with their thoughts." But that's not always a bad thing. Silence provides a space for internal reflection. Writers can delve into their thoughts and ideas without external noise, facilitating a more introspective and contemplative writing experience.

In summary, writing in silence provides a conducive setting for heightened concentration, internal reflection, and creative exploration. It offers writers the opportunity to engage with their thoughts and emotions on a much deeper level, ultimately leading to more thoughtful and impactful writing.

Get to know yourself ;)

7. On a Round Table

Might sound weird, but it's a personal preference.

When I look for a place to sit, I keep an eye out for round surfaces. For some reason, I feel comfortable with no sharp edges of a basic square table. Maybe it's because it curves towards me, allowing me to perch my elbows and even giving me the option to work on an angle.

When I went to art-school my seat of choice was a particular round table in the corner of one of the labs. Next an outlet, facing the room aware of my surroundings. It was cozy. I had plenty of space for my sketchbook, mouse, and snacks. It was my office away from home.

Now in our new apartment, we got a total steal of free furniture, including a beautiful round glass table. So I pretty much recreated that scene from school but in my own home - this time facing the patio window and getting sunlight!

Try it out - I'd like to hear your thoughts on how you feel sitting in a spot like that... because yes I do feel a little weirdly specific with this one.

8. In a Bean Bag

Writers... if you don't have a beanbag in your home go to every local salvation army right now and get one. It's the s**t.

And it's where I'm writing a majority of this blog post right now 😂

Place it in the coziest corner of your favorite space in your home, get a couple of pillows to prop yourself, curl up in that baby and you'll just feel like a cozy smart cat.

My boyfriend managed to find an adult-sized blue bean bag at our nearby salv-al and it's my comfort spot after a hard day at work with a couple of blankets and plushies watching Netflix. Or write on my laptop and journal!

I feel like this bean bag is one of my absolute favorite places ever. It hugs me in every corner, and almost every position I lay in is comfortable.

It's truly magical.

Especially writing...

9. While High

Well, that took a turn 🙈

But in all serious, if you are of age and feeling stuck on inspiration, smoke a little weed, grab your journal or laptop, find your comfy spot (preferably at home, please), and just write.

My mind finds itself VERY inspired - wild, yet patient with all the spiraling thoughts that's going on up in my head.

When I first tried edibles, I kept a journal nearby and documented my trippy experience, reading the next day and laughing at the random stuff my high-ass wrote. It also helped me calculate my tolerance, and recognize my changing behaviors the more I do it. And no, I don't do it every day, every week. I'm 100% aware how edibles can make me feel... thanks to these journals.

Each experience is a little different depending on how much I take, yet all the same as my mind spirals with so many thoughts I want to share. So why not just vomit these thoughts on paper?

When I feel stuck on my story, writing in the first person, I smoke a little weed. In result, my writing gets a little more personal, creative, and almost poetic. I pay more attention to the structure of words, and I even get hyped on the metaphors I use like if it's a sick part of a song.

Of course... this especially helped me writing my characters when they're stoned in the story.

Keep a note on your limit - 20 mg is mine, I never went higher (no pun intended). But most importantly, find a comfortable environment, preferably your own home. Smoke responsibly.

10. With Music

I can't express enough how much music just fills the void in general.

Growing up with a D.J dad and brother, life was so musical, the floors shook from the bass until ten at night and most holidays we brought out the turntables to. My mind was constantly living in a music video, especially staring out the car window, daydreaming about anime fight scenes and adventures.

At home, I HAVE to have music playing in the background when I chill in my office. It still makes me daydream. And it makes me dance.

Music helps me visualize certain scenes in my stories; fighting, dancing, humorous, anything. Actually, a lot of my scenes are rooted from certain songs. I do my best to keep them in.... but sometimes I have to sacrifice them out :(

(Boy I dream of my stories becoming a Netflix series!)

Listening to music also helps me get the vibe of the characters I'm writing as - I create playlists for each of them, becoming them.

Music videos are also great to have play in the background - I have a playlist of my favorites with fascinating visual storytelling to get me inspired.

Honestly, with good music, I can just sit there for hours playing a movie in my head and be totally entertained... That's just me.

Listen to different genres of music and see how it affects your writing.

How rock and metal makes you write faster, think epic. How lo-fi makes you write poetic, creating effective metaphors, personifications, and similes. How hip-hop makes you improve on your comedy bits or craft a particular scene.

Some types of music work, some doesn't - so try it out and see for yourself.

11. When your Sad

Release those thoughts.

I find it when you're in the moment of feeling sad you just find the right words.

Not sure if anyone else relates, but when I feel anxious and depressed, my throat almost locks up tight as if I'm restricted from speaking to anyone. That it just wants me to shut up and be sad.

Well f**k you I'm writing about it.

And it helps so much. (Exhale breath here.)

Once you write that one thought that causes the tears break through your eyes, then you know you hit a spot - a thick vine to the root of your problems. The way you express your feelings, such as feeling heavy weights on your chest, feeling suffocated from attention, wanting to cry rivers - you become creative, mixing up interesting and exaggerated visuals with your emotions.

I can't express enough how much I recommend journaling for EVERYONE Most of us don't have anyone to talk to; can't afford a therapist, nervous to vent to a friend who may or may not care, or understand. You wouldn't want them to feel "dumped" on either.

You are invited to feel relief with just a pen and paper. Burn it afterwards, let go of the thoughts. Or keep it.

Personally, I keep mine - to see how much my mind has changed throughout the years. What didn't change was how sensitive I am and always will be.

Thats when I knew writing was for me on the long-run.

If you ever feel depressed, doomed, down - any shades of blue - write in your journal or your phone, and you'll feel relieved having those thoughts escaped from an endless rollercoaster in your brain, parking it into words. Hey, maybe you'll come to some breakthroughs and solutions!

12. When your Pissed

Though screaming and kicking s**t might feel releasing, it's... not entirely healthy dude.

Don't hurt yourself. Thats what journals and diaries are for.

I find myself absolutely relieved to the core after I write down my feelings after feeling super pissed about something, at someone, and not knowing how to act. It helped me organize those thoughts and feelings, and physicalize them with ink on paper.

Then eventually I start being less pissed and more invested into the writing. The structure. The words. The metaphors. The imagery. They become graphic.

They become so fucking METAL.

Wanting to scream fire.

Wanting to rip my skin apart, shedding like a snake.

Wanting to scrape my nails across the glass table, inviting shards into my skin.

I'm not even pissed right now but these were some of the feelings that went through my mind when I become absolutely livid.

Angry writing rants definitely helps with writing my story too, creating relatable characters - if anyone else relates.

When I get stuck on a part, I read on back to old journals of these wild emotions and thoughts, and implement them however I can, putting pieces of me in my work. Because these are human emotions, and I want my characters to be human.

Explore some metal lyrics and think about how these songwriters must have felt. Were they pissed in the moment writing this song? Or were they reflecting back to so-often emotions?

13. When your in Bliss

Of course, write about the happy things :)

Life is beautiful. Happiness is beautiful. Explore the things that you feel grateful for, the people who mean a lot to you, the good things that happened in your day. Compliment YOU.

Acknowledging positive things in writing is one of the best things you can do for yourself to benefit your mental health.

I'm sure most of you don't want to grow up miserable and cranky. And if you do... that's a little toxic. Don't let your mind constantly fall into a gross green pool of slush that sears your skin. Let it float in the clear relaxing waters. Dive in and swim around, explore your happy thoughts.

Ramble on about the cute boy/ girl who made you laugh and made butterflies flutter in your stomach. Ramble on about how an absolute G your brother is having your back, your boyfriend surprising you with Thai food after a long day, your homies for taking you out clubbing dancing like goofs and getting shitfaced, your co-worker for getting you a Christmas gift because they appreciate all you do for them.

It feels fucking good - so brag about it :)

Conclusion

All in all, find your cozy-zone.

Whether that be writing with your favorite music, in serene silence, or around the gentle hum and scribbles of others, there are a myriad ways to immerse yourself in the perfect ambiance, igniting the spark to craft captivating stories or unleash a cascade of thoughts.

Writing is a beautiful hobby and I encourage more people to start getting into the ritual, as writing anything is helpful not only for your mental health but adds the spark to your creativity, kindling your memory, and molding your personal development.

For me, the tippy taps of keys on a laptop form the symphony of my thoughts and stories. (Plus, I type fast!) Yet, the timeless allure of a pen dancing across the pages of a journal remains an eternal embrace of comfort—a sentiment that never loses its tender touch. So, venture into the world of words, find your haven, and let the enchantment of writing weave its spell on your soul.