Have you ever thought you had everything you needed to write the perfect article or story? You have the perfect topic to write on, you have the topic brainstormed and outlined, but you can not seem to stay focus for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Changing your surroundings may be the answer to solving your writer's block.

At the Office

If you have not tried it yet, look into getting some writing done at your office/job. There are several times during the day, breaks and lunch hours, that you can devote a few minutes to working on a writing assignment. Instead of spending time at the water cooler, you can make better use of your free time at work by writing.

Just like feeling sleepy when you are relaxing in your bedroom or feeling hungry in the presence of food, being at the office gives most people a feeling of being productive and ready to work.

During your breaks, close your office door, turn down the phone ringer, and start writing. Sitting at your desk, with no distractions, you will be surprised at how focused and alert you will be. Besides, why should all of your most productive hours of the day be spent making someone else rich?

On the Beach

Whenever you have some free time to devote to writing, instead of sitting at your kitchen table, try heading out to the beach. For me, there is something about the sounds of the breaking waves and the wind blowing that gives me a relaxing feeling.

There are plenty of distractions at the beach, but these are not the kinds of distractions that will bother you while writing. There is a difference between a loud television and kids climbing on your back at home and watching ships sail by, seagulls fly above and airplanes head toward its destination all while lying on a white sand beach.

Get started by taking a bottle of sun block, a refreshing drink, and then find a nice quiet spot where you can focus.

Local Public Library

The Public Library is a great place to write because it is full of free resources and people are usually forced to be quiet. The library is no longer a "building with books." Today, libraries are equipped with the latest technologies. Card holders have access to computers, electronic catalogs, and other multimedia equipment.

Also, by being in a library, you will have, at your figure tips, volumes and volumes of books and periodicals to use at your leisure. Finding a source for your work will literally be only a few steps away.