Creating Your Perfect Writing Nook
Greetings and salutations Scribblers!
Alright, lets get focused on today’s topic, which is creating a dedicated work space for your writing. As always, there is not one place to write a book or one way to write–what matters is that you follow your heart and do what works for you!
Having a dedicated writing space may not seem like a priority for most writers. Many consider it a bonus if they have someplace dedicated to their craft, but don’t see the benefits it might provide. The connection between where you write and your ability to focus is sometimes overlooked. But there is a direct connection between your environment and your creative output. Part of it is muscle memory–you train your body and mind to access your creativity when you’re in a certain place. Another factor to consider is how it cuts down on distractions.
When I first started writing, I wrote from my couch. For nearly two years, I would sit on the couch, the same place I would nap and watch TV. Which made it tough to not fall asleep while I was writing, my body was definitely trying to figure out what we were supposed to be doing when I would sit down. It also killed my back. Then I moved to my kitchen table. This was better, but my kitchen table is also where I put EVERYTHING when I come into the house, so it was constantly cluttered and I didn’t have enough room. Then I moved to my finished attic for about six months. I loved it, but it was also upstairs and I hated having to carry my laptop and tea and snacks up the stairs… Finally I invested in a desk and a fancy desk chair and the way it altered my productivity and my eagerness to write was amazing.
I have a large table so I can spread out all my materials, references, binders, allows for cats to nap near my computer, easy access writing reference books and favorite books, space for Bellamy to hang out with me. Natural light, moving to the biggest room of my house because it’s that important to me.
This is my ideal space. I want to sprawl. I hate feeling cramped. There are times when this space gets cluttered and I have to come in and get it organized and cleaned up, but working here has given me and my brain some dedicated space. You have to find what works best for you. I know so many people who have small desks and they love it. Not for me though!
I have dreams of one day having a whole detached office space for my writing that’s big enough for me to have some friends over. It’ll be cozy and bright and have the best wifi! So, even though I have a great space right now, I’m always looking for how it could evolve and become even more amazing and cater to my needs.
No matter what you want your space to look like, I have two big tips for you.
One: Keep it decluttered!
There is a mental weight that comes with visual clutter and it will keep pushing into your thoughts and distracting you which is going to interrupt your creativity. You may need to dedicate a chunk of time every week to getting this done. I can normally tidy up in 15 to 20 minutes and I try to keep it that way as I go, which means clearing out my tea cups and snack plates because I do partake of a lot of snacks when I write. No matter what, find your strategy to keeping your writing space decluttered and tidy. This small commitment has the potential to make a huge difference in your creative output.
Tip number Two: Optimize Your Sensory Experience
Whatever this looks like for you, do it. I love natural light, I want windows and to never have to use my overhead lights. Some people prefer dark rooms with a lighted keyboard. This also goes for the noise level you work best in. Do you need to put on noise cancelling headphones? A Playlist? I have my focus zone playlist and when I put it on, my brain locks in and I find it way easier to get into my flow state. It’s a matter of trial and error, you just need to keep trying things and keeping track of how it affected your creativity and ability to work.
You may want to burn a specific candle when you write or maybe you love the clickety clack of a typewriter style keyboard. Figure out what brings you joy and incorporate it into your space. Once you have some ideas, experiment and see what works best. Once you have your space planned out, then you can start adding in some personal touches. Maybe a vision board for your manuscript or, if you’re like me, your quarterly planning board to help you stay on track.
The power you harness when you provide yourself a dedicated writing space is incredible. You’re going to see your productivity increase and if you have a partner or roommates or even kids, you can discuss with them the importance of letting you focus when you’re at your desk.
As always, your mileage may vary! I’d love to hear about your writing set up or any hacks you use to keep things decluttered and keep you space sacred for writing! Drop a comment below
Consisting of five sections, this course will include strategies for revising characters, plot, pacing, and worlding building. It also includes resources for copyediting and for gaining insight into your manuscripts theme and purpose
