Where I Write: Adam Gallardo

I'm a stay-at-home dad who is also trying to be a writer. Where and when do I write? The short answer to this is, “Wherever and whenever I can.” But, to be honest, there are three main places and times that I write.

My family lives in a small house. Tiny. It's a little over 800 square feet, so there's nothing like an office for me. Instead, my desk is crammed into a corner right next to the TV cabinet. It's a little camped and poorly-lit, but I don't really care. If I'm writing well, none of that stuff matters. One advantage is that most of my books are right around the corner so it only takes a moment to look something up.

I only write at home once both of my boys are asleep and I've completed any tasks my wife can think up for me to do – usually around 10 p.m. or so. I estimate that I only do about 30-35% of my writing here.

For a little less than an hour a day (during the work week) I write here. My wife works right next door to this coffee shop (Ike Box in downtown Salem for the curious). Every work day I bring my youngest son to her so she can nurse him. I get anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour to write. This shop has wifi, pretty good coffee and a couple of areas that are tucked away from the main dining room. On the downside, it also has a piano that people occasionally insist on playing. Time here accounts for 10-15% of my writing.

I work part-time as a projectionist at a locally owned independent theater. This job has actually been a God-send in terms of productivity. My duties for the cinema account for about forty-five minutes out of every two-to two-and-a-half hours. Once my duties are fulfilled, it's down time. Most folks read, play cards, waste time. I write. On Wednesdays and Fridays, I usually get around three hours to write. Saturdays I get four-and-a-half to five hours. On top of this, there's wifi, and all the free soda, coffee and snacks I can eat. I used to go crazy with this, but now hardly eat any candy, cookies, or popcorn.

I wrote at least half of my novel here. I wrote and even greater proportion of my new comic in this lobby, in addition to short stories, essays, blog entries, etc. I feel like I'm being paid to write. It reminds me of Raymond Carver talking about what a great job being a janitor was for him. He'd finish his duties in a couple of hours and spend the rest of his shift pounding away on his portable typewriter. Undemanding jobs are like the new patronage system.

It might seem like it would be difficult to write without a set schedule or location, but I've spent the last few years of my life de-ritualizing my writing routine. Though, to be honest, I wouldn't mind a bit more stability in my schedule. Perhaps as I gain some success in publishing, then time will free up. I wonder if I'll look back on these days with fondness...


Adam Gallardo writes comics. Star Wars: Infinities -- Return of the Jedi, 100 Girls and Gear School. http://adamgallardo.blogspot.com/