In summer, on the patio or in the basement where it's cool. I almost have to be someplace with a door I can close, because one of my cats thinks a lap is to sit on, never mind if there's a computer on it. I used to outline pretty extensively. Now I don't outline until I get stuck. These days, a basic idea for a situation can get me started.
Characters seem to walk in as needed and plot elements obligingly unfold.
I'm twenty pages into the new Hilda right now, and don't have the slightest idea who the villain is, or even why the murder happened. It scares me, but so far it feels okay. Click here for ordering information. Conferences and workshops are great, and I heartily recommend them. As I mentioned before, Of Dark and Stormy Nights, is a great one.