Monday, 11 May 2015

Where I write (sometimes) - Motorway Service Stations

A lot of people rave about Tebay Motorway Services in Cumbria, which, to be fair are pretty good. 

I also like Killington Lake Service Station which is a little further down just south of J38.
It’s a bit close to home for me to use very much but if I’m en route to Kendal and early for an appointment I will stop there for a coffee. 


Look at the view! No, not him! That isn't me, by the way, nor do I know who he is. I found the picture on Google Images so presumably he knows he’s there for the world to see.

I like writing in motorway service stations for several reasons

They are impersonal. Once you've bought your coffee and sit down, no-one bothers you.

- If you choose the right one, the views are stunning – but not too distracting.

- The background noise is a fairly constant hum unless you consciously choose to tune in to it. If you’re stuck, you can listen to conversation at other tables to get ideas.

- If you’re stuck for a description of a character, you can see someone who fits the profile and write a description of him/her. Studying someone without them knowing can be quite tricky so be careful with that one. It’s good for spotting some really telling details.

- The building itself might be like somewhere you’re writing about. In the novel I am currently working on, He’ll be watching, I used the interior of Tebay Services as a description of a cafeteria on a university campus.

- If you’re using a laptop, you can find a plug to keep it charged up.

One downside I have found:

In the winter it gets a little cold with the outside doors constantly opening and shutting (but fingerless gloves are a wonderful invention).


If you see me, come and say hello. I’ll be ready for a break.

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