I’m sitting at my desk, preparing to work on a big writing project. I have my notes, and my laptop is ready for me to find some additional online information. But then I notice that the livestream I was listening to has fallen silent. Streaming issues? Hmm. Next, I notice that the ceiling fan above me is no longer rotating at full speed. Great. A power failure! When I look into it on my phone, I find I may not have power for hours! Is my writing/research time wasted? No. Thankfully, I have some alternatives to keep me going.

Alternate Resources

I love books. Hence, I have a decent-sized library covering all kinds of topics. I know that somewhere in my collection I probably have additional resources to look into. Right now I’m working on some Biblical research, so I can pull several books from the shelves to help with the current subject I’m covering. It is always good to have alternate sources of information than just relying on the internet. You never know when they can help out in a jam.

Alternate Tools

Because I’m not sure when power will be restored, it’s wise to conserve my laptop battery power. In the meantime, I can go back to the basics and use good ol’ pen and paper. In fact, it might be therapeutic for me to jot down notes the old fashioned way instead of typing on the keyboard. And, a pad of paper is a lot lighter to lug around than my laptop. I can grab a book, plop myself on the couch, and write out my notes without having to balance a sometimes not-so-steady computer.

What if my power failure was at night and I really needed to read? I have backup lanterns that I can set up in minutes. One day I want to purchase a backup battery system so I can work regardless of any power failure.

Alternate Sites

The power outage is local. That means if I really needed power to work, I can go to a location a little further from my home. A family member lives about a mile away, but if I go, I may spend more time chatting than working. But it is still an alternative if necessary. There is also the public library, but make sure you have a VPN if you are using their Wi-Fi. I had a teacher friend who was hacked at the library, and he was only online for a short time! If you choose another location to work via the internet, make sure your systems are safe.

It's always smart to have some emergency backup plans in place for all sorts of situations. That includes our writing. Preparing now for any type of hiccup in our projects will help you stay on track even in unexpected circumstances.

How do you work when the lights go out?

Catherine L. Osornio has written inspirational articles for a women’s ministry newsletter, over 200 leveled reader stories for a school’s reading program, fiction and nonfiction articles for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, Thunder Comes a Rumblin’, Mosquitoes Infect!, Danger on Martin Mountain, plus various work-for-hire projects.A former elementary school librarian, Catherine is passionate about sharing the love of reading. She enjoys cartooning, illustration, and reading kids’ books. Email her at CLOsornio@verizon.net or visit her at www.catherineosornio.com.

Unsplash credits in order: Vitaly Gariev, Priscilla Du Preez, Unseen Studio, and Patrick Robert Doyle.