I also take the laptop with me when I travel. And while the non-fiction writer may have reams of research material to deal with, we can usually accommodate our extras in a small notebook or set of index cards that travel quite easily. At the very least, be sure you have your notebooks, pens, computer, disks whatever materials you need at hand. Don t let yourself waste fifteen minutes each time you start to write just looking for the essentials. I m often asked whether I outline my books first or just start writing.
Some authors write detailed outlines of fifty pages or more.
Some do none at all. I do a very general outline consisting of five or six handwritten pages in a notebook. In it, I lay out the story as it will unfold, with roughly a paragraph equaling each chapter. Having this at my side as I write the story helps keep me on track and prevents writer s block. Of course, characters are sometimes known to take on a life of their own and do whatever they please, so you can be flexible while adhering to your basic outline.