Create your Writing Space

Hello Everyone,

Today I thought we might discuss the Writing Space.

Writers all have this common, a space that they like the most or have created to write in where they are most comfortable and get their best writing done.
Sometimes it is on the bed in the spare room, other times it's the home office. But what makes this space the best for our writing time?

Writing spaces are personal to everyone, but there are factors to consider that make them best for you.
So here is a list of  things that I believe you should consider when you select and/or create your personal writing space.

1. Personal Space 

Do you require alone time when writing? Or are you ok sharing space? This is a big consideration when selecting a writing space. I know that I prefer to be alone when writing so sitting at a cafe with people all around me is not a space I am comfortable writing in. However there are writers who find that hustle bustle environment perfect for writing in.

I have attempted to write in cafe and tend to end up people watching for character inspiration, my home is definitely my preferred writing location. I have my office for when I need super focus, my living room for my late night let's do this sessions and also my backyard for afternoons where I feel like getting a little sun.

2. Distractions

This partially relates to point 1, but it also means audio visual distractions as well. Do you write with music? If you do, can it contain lyrics or do you end up just typing the lyrics? Or do you prefer the quiet? Personally I cannot, at all, focus in complete silence. Even at my day job I listen to music or
podcasts while working. So it isn't a great surprise that I have a speaker or headphones in my writing space. I tend to alter what I am listening to depending on what sort of scene I am writing. Though I do like utilizing theatrical soundtracks for the more dramatic, or action focused scenes so that I can have that parallel in my writing.

3. Work Space 

These days most of us utilize our laptops or desk top computers as our main writing tools, so your work space is normally catered around that main tool. I like to move about sometimes and having a laptop is perfect for me. To the point where I never bothered to look into purchasing a desk top. I have my space set in my office to use the laptop, and a lap desk for days that I don't want to stay in the office, or evenings where I want to write in the living room.

Comfort is king as you won't be able to focus on your writing if you aren't comfortable. If you like working at a desk ensure that it is at a comfortable height so you aren't slouched over, slouching will cause back and neck issues that will lead to many other problems not just momentary discomfort. Ensure that your chair matches the height you are comfortable at and matches the desk, is padded or not as to your preference and is  comfortable to sit on for longer periods of time.

If, like me, you often write away from a desk or table then I seriously suggest investing in lap desk. There are a few different types, I currently have a padded lap desk that lays directly over the legs, I would like to get a second that is on legs and elevated off of my own lap.

4. Storage 

I like a lot of shelves and cupboard space in my office because I prefer to brainstorm in my notebooks, and so I need to keep those nearby whilst writing. But I also don't want to clutter my work space (I tend to do this and am currently attempting to break this habit). I like to research into multiple topics that I think will be required for the first draft writing. During the first draft I will make notes along the way of what I believe needs to looked into further or added in on the second round. I have folders of compiled research and multiple tabs open when writing all of the time.

I also enjoy being surrounded by my books whilst writing, it's part of that end goal visualization that one day my book will on those shelves as a published book. My office is also generally referred to as a library by my family as it is lined in shelves and cabinets holding all of my books. (I am a proud book hoarder, because it is not hoarding if it's books)

5. Refreshments 

There is nothing more annoying than being on a roll with writing your scene, reaching for your drink and realizing it's empty. Or spilling your drink...*Panic Mode save the writing!* I like to set a a section of my work desk aside to hold my refreshments, and I either bring a super large glass or a glass and pitcher of my drink so that I don't have to move once I start my session. In this section I will have a tray or barrier so that any condensation or spillage will not leak across to my notebooks or research print offs.



What do you require in your writing space? 
Are you a cafe writer or do you prefer your own space? 
Is music part of your writing routine? 

Let me know in the comments below!

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