Composing away from an instrument

[sinding]

Hello.
Can anyone be taught to write music onto manuscript without an instrument. My relative pitch is poor so if I knew the first note I wouldn't be able to relate the other notes to it. Do you have to have a special gift?
Trying to write music down beside the piano is very awkward, I either have to try and write onto the manuscript book on the music rack or resting on the keys. The results are poor and I tire of trying very quickly.
My computer is a long way from the piano and impossible to get it any closer.

[PianistSk8er]

I'm no expert on composition, but I do know that whenever I've had "great" musical ideas, it's always happened away from the piano. Trying to translate those themes into piano music is usually the hardest part, and I know I couldn't do it away from a piano, but I suppose if I had perfect pitch it wouldn't be as difficult. I would suggest to try it, and see where it takes you... Alternatively, use a desk near your piano. It can't be that hard to write down the notes.

PS