Shawndra Holmberg, CPO-CD
Get Ready to Go Mobile
Playing off the last Organized Pen newsletter, Planning for What If, let’s talk about what you might need to set up your “traveling” space.
At some point, you will likely want to get some writing in, but you’ll need to be mobile. It could be you’re visiting family, taking a vacation, or traveling for business. Maybe you write best in a café. Possibly you have to be out and about, but you still want to get your writing done today. Or you need to work in a new location for a while because you have contractors in your home, banging away, putting in flooring and giving you a whole new kitchen (at least that’s what I’m planning for right now).
What will you need to be mobile?
Is your primary writing device mobile?
Is it charged?
If not, what can you use instead?
Is that charged?
Do you need additional equipment?
Lap desk
Mobile keyboard or mouse
Computer glasses
Headset
Your playlist on your phone
Will you need Wi-Fi?
Is Wi-Fi available where you’re going or will you need to bring your own?
Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android
Are your files in the cloud so you can access them anywhere?
Are they on your device or available “offline” in case you don’t have Wi-Fi or cellular access?
Lessons Learned
When I needed to take my writing and my business 100% on the road for a time, I learned a lot (sometimes the hard way).
Double check you have the charging cord you need. Sometimes you can buy one easily and sometimes you can’t.
Try out your back-up plan for apps and software BEFORE you go mobile and forget your charging cord. The difference between the software on your computer and your phone or tablet app can be dramatic.
Update your device and check file access BEFORE you go.
Check your contract with your phone carrier. Even if you had hotspot access last month, it doesn’t mean it’s still part of your package this month; they may have updated the plans.
A sturdy lap desk can help balance your laptop and tablet when you’re writing from a sofa, a chair, or a car.
Make a checklist of items you need to take with you. Then CHECK it! 😉
So… what do you need to take your writing mobile?
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entice, enticing engrossing, spellbinding, arresting, enchanting, captivating, hypnotic, gripping, enthralling, mesmerizing, alluring, beguiling, magnetic tempting
~ Thesaurus of the Senses author, Linda Hart