Author Martin Amis smartly put his writing room in his garden...away from the house, where he can still hear his kids play, and where he's allowed to smoke.

Currently I’m trapped in an over-priced apartment in downtown Austin, but that will change beginning January 1, 2010 (when my lease expires).

Assuming I’m still living in Austin, Texas, I look forward to finding an affordable duplex…or something with lots of windows and less people.  Living here, I’m reminded why I’ve always hated apartment complexes: people and their horrible habits. People that don’t pick up after their dog. People not correctly disposing of their garbage. People being loud. People, people, people.

A recent article in Lifehacker reminded me that there are more fortunate souls in the world working in much more calm and friendly environments.

I’m picturing – and looking for – a garage apartment that overlooks green spaces. Perhaps something like author Martin Amis’ workspace…but with two rooms.

Check out this article from LifeHacker which shows the work spaces of some very industrious and intelligent people.

If you are digging the new STAR TREK film, or if you are a fan of Lost and its co-creator J.J. Abrams, check out his TED lecture wherein he explains how mystery is one of the most important motivating mechanisms in his storytelling.

Abrams falls into fast-talking director mode as he postulates on the inner-workings of LOST being one gi-normous mystery (What is the island? What is the smoke monster? What is Jacob?).  The inciting incident of STAR WARS…wherein R2D2 begins to play the hologram to Luke…sets up a mystery. JAWS and ALIEN – since the audience never gets a good look at the monster – propel their stories based on mystery.

All writers and members of the creative culturatti will want to view this short lecture.

Thanks to my buddy Eric Melin for pointing me (and now you) in the direction of this lecture.