Butt on Train
My Four-Hour Writing Commute
The price of living where we live is a commute of about two hours in each direction, on days when I consult downtown. And yet, those days have actually become some of my most productive writing times.
To help figure out how, I’ve documented my typical schedule…
We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.
Anaïs Nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 7: 1966-1974
The Morning
Commuting Day Routine:
Wake at 5:20AM, shower, dress, kiss the girls goodbye, and be out the door by 6.
Drive to the subway terminus with a thermos of coffee and an inspiring audiobook borrowed from the library. Today’s listen was The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson, Disc 6 of 11.
Conduct a mad dash of writing or editing on the subway.
Arrive at work around 8.
Non-Commuting Routine:
Wake around 8.
Wish I had time to read.
Wish I had time to write.
The Day
Commuting Day Routine:
Work.
Non-Commuting Routine:
Procrastinate.
Facebook, Twitter, email.
News.
Errands, chores, and laundry.
YouTube.
Repeat.
Wish I had time to read.
Wish I had time to write.
The Evening
Commuting Day Routine:
Leave work.
Conduct a mad dash of writing or editing on the subway.
Drive home while consuming Disc 7 of 11—time to pick up another audiobook from the list I’ve been meaning to read!
Arrive home.
Non-Commuting Routine:
Wish I had time to read.
Wish I had time to write.
Wonder what happened to the day.
Results
After a Week of Commuting:
I’ve finished a short audiobook or a substantial portion of a longer work, absorbing several hours of learning and inspiration.
I’ve written a good half-chapter at least, or polished a rough chapter into something more presentable.
After a Week at Home:
Meh.
Writing requires you to put your butt in a chair, even when there’s no chair. Especially when there’s no chair.