The Author’s Progress: The “Remote Office” Anywhere
- debener
- May 8
- 3 min read
By Dirk Ebener - May 8, 2026
My travel journal and laptop are open, and for the next few hours, this coffee shop becomes my creative space. I’ve found a quiet spot near Nanjing Road in Shanghai, a peaceful break from the busy shopping street just outside. Working remotely here takes real focus, with the city’s energy always close by. Enjoy reading "The Author’s Progress: The “Remote Office” Anywhere."
Over the years, my “mobile office” routine has taken on new shapes. I was once the author hunched over a tray table, wringing every word I could from a long-haul flight in a cramped cabin.
Now, I let flights become my pause button—a chance to step away from the keyboard and tune in to the world around me. Instead of wrestling with sentences at 30,000 feet, I fill the hours with podcasts and industry news, letting the drone of the engines blur into the background as I absorb fresh perspectives on publishing. But as soon as the plane lands, my creativity comes back. I go from taking in information to wanting to write again as soon as I’m back on the ground.
I’m drawn to local coffee shops, tea houses, and lately, hotel lobbies or quiet gardens like this one. There’s something about the gentle noise of a lobby—the sound of glasses, the movement of guests—that helps me focus. In a busy city like Shanghai, finding a peaceful garden feels special. It matches the temporary feeling of the stories I want to write.
There’s no set formula for finding a creative spot. I don’t use apps or lists; I just trust my gut. The atmosphere matters most. When I walk in, I look for that spark—does the light feel right? Does the room have a good energy for working?
Some mornings, I write on a hotel balcony and listen to the city wake up. Other days, I write on a train, letting the movement and passing scenery shape my writing. In a city that’s always busy, finding a quiet moment isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
In a tea house, I pick a corner where I can see the door and watch people come in. Each new person could inspire a character. These little details keep my writing grounded in real life. I don’t need total silence—I work with the background noise.
Finding the right place to write is important for me. If the mood isn’t right, my writing suffers. But when sunlight hits the table and the background noise is just right, I can focus. In those moments, I’m not just passing by—I’m an author, fully present in my own remote office.
Author's Tip: "The perfect writing spot needs three things: a good view, reliable Wi-Fi, and a steady supply of local pastries.
If I don’t have a view, my imagination feels stuck. Without Wi-Fi, I can’t do my research. And if I skip the local pastry, like a mooncake or egg tart, I miss out on the flavors that inspire my best writing.
Dirk Ebener is a global traveler, food storyteller, and founder of Food Blogger Journey, and the author of Travel That Makes Sense. With more than four decades of personal and professional travel across Europe, Asia, and beyond, he focuses on meaningful journeys shaped by food, culture, and human connection. Dirk is the author of the forthcoming book Travel That Makes Sense, where he encourages travelers to slow down, travel thoughtfully, and bring home stories that last.
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