It’s my belief that every writer not only should have a special place to write but requires, and certainly deserves, a special place to write. A place set aside solely for writing, a place where creativity thrives.
Since every writer is different and has a specific way of approaching their work-in-progress, each writer’s space will be unique. Your writing space or environment should represent you. It should be an area where you feel refreshed so that you’re ready to write. It should have at least three of the following things.
One must is comfort. How will you sit and write if you are not comfortable? If you choose to sit at a desk or café table, find a chair that feels good to your back and backside. Nothing like a sore back or bottom to stifle your creativity.
I confess, sometimes I’m a bed writer. Hey, I did not say bed wetter. I said bed writer. The inspiration to write can strike at anytime, including in the middle of the night. So, I reach over and grab my laptop and write. I’ve discovered, though, writing in bed can also trigger a back and/or neck ache. So I purchased a stiff and sturdy back pillow. It’s great and extremely comfortable. I don’t have a Snuggie yet, but during cool/cold nights a Snuggie or something like it probably isn’t a bad idea. Keep those shoulders warm and relaxed.
A second thing one might consider is inspiration. Encarta Dictionary defines inspiration as stimulation to do creative work. So depending on who you are and what puts you in the flow of the creative, inspiration can be a million different things. I’ve heard a lot of writers find music inspirational as they write. Others enjoy writing outside in a park or garden. One thing that inspires me is walking. I’ve found that a brief walk sets me in motion for writing. Often while I’m walking I noticing nature--the colors of the foliage, the sounds at every turn, the shapes of the clouds. Some may think that colors, sounds, and shapes pretty much stay the same, but as the time of day changes or the seasons change, it’s amazing how much everything around us changes. The heated, muffled breezes of summer sound very different than the ice driven howl of the wind in winter. Therefore, following a walk, I’m pumped for writing, especially those descriptive scenes that can be a challenge.
I also have a passion for candles. Above one of my writing desks, a candelabra is attached to the wall. There are three small wells for candles and depending on my mood, I alternate scents. Vanilla is my favorite scent. It calms me, adding stability to my writing process.
Privacy is a third consideration. Writers need a place that’s all their own. Yes, it may be difficult to create such a space with little ones under feet or big ones, too, such as significant others or siblings or parents. But just like showering requires a closed door, often writing will, too. When we’re preparing our work for presentation and publication, concentration and limited interruption is vital to the success of our work.
Until next time, write well,
Mata
