A Writer’s Workspace

Do writers need their own workspace? The great thing about being a writer is you can write just about anywhere with a notebook and pen or a laptop. At the same time, it’s important to have a special corner or cubby in your home where you can’t wait to sit down and get to work. We did some shifting of rooms in our 1914 house and I finally have a space that’s mine, all mine— a 12′ x 10′ bedroom near the back of our house. We repainted it a lovely pale cocoa and put in new carpeting. Then the fun began.

I wanted the room to be lively and inspiring, as well as comfortable, calming and cozy — not to much to ask, right? The light is beautiful in this room, but the view isn’t the best. Cafe curtains allow me to see the sky and treetops, while blocking the boring sight of the house next door. I found a contemporary botanical print to make the curtains, and ordered a matching teal blue bookshelf from Target that I assembled myself.  

Surrounding myself with some of my favorite things was the best part. On the bookshelf, a hand-painted granite elephant from India  reminds me of one of my mentors, Margo LaGatutta, and her Seven Magic Elephants of Creativity. The rocks on the shelf were painted my daughter when she was little– they represent our family. I just love their smiles.

On the top of the shelf unit, Darth Vader stands guard. It belonged to my eldest son, who died in 2011. I like to think he’s looking after me. Next to Vader is a fun painting by my artist son, who also helped pick the room colors.

I made a deliberate choice not to have internet access on the old PC I use for writing. I never have to worry about it crashing because of a virus from a download or email. No internet also means there is no distraction from email or Facebook. I admit I often keep my laptop on a little nearby table if I need to do research, but I can also shut it down, which allows me to concentrate on  writing. On the hutch of my  desk are the books I read when I was earning my MFA. They remind me of the hard work I’ve devoted to my craft. 

A vintage butterfly chair that my husband inherited from his mom is a great place to sit and read, and a sheepskin that my late father brought back from New Zealand makes it super soft. I’ve ordered a few prints for the walls, I have a big bulletin board yet to fill, and the room needs a few pops of color, but it feels nearly complete.

Wherever you do your creative work, I think it’s vital to carve out a workspace to make your very own, don’t you? Fill it with objects that give you energy, inspiration, or peace. It is an essential secret to success in both your personal and professional life. Besides that, you deserve it.