This is my beautiful new chair:
Now it might not seem like a bit deal, but very quickly, it became glaringly apparent that sitting on the floor, slouched on the couch, standing at the breakfast bar or sitting at a table that comes up to my collarbones is NOT conducive to brilliant creativity. This chair with magical raising and lowering capabilities has become the height (pun intended!) of writing sophistication.
The environment in which you create is incredibly important! And don’t let anyone ever tell you different.
Here’s an excerpt from my guide, How to Fit Writing into Your Already Jam-Packed Day: 21 Tips for Writers to Take Control of Their Time from the section on creating your writing space:
Create your writing space.
If you chronically procrastinate or feel less than inspired when you sit down to write, it’s quite likely your work area and surfaces have grown a little out of control. In fact, you may even have developed “blind spots” about chaos.
Resist the urge to tell yourself you “work best in chaos.” Instead, take some time out to re-organize your physical space.
When starting on a full-scale writing space overhaul, decide what to prioritize by answering the following questions:
What am I always looking for on my desk?
What never gets done? Why?
What do I always forget or lose? (like your idea file)
What do I need at hand, so I can grab it without getting up?
What can be put in my “reference” section, across the room?
What can be kicked out of my space altogether?
What would make my space feel like a rewarding place to write in? (like fresh flowers every week or a framed inspiring quote)
What do I need in my space that I don’t have? (like a more comfortable chair, a Thesaurus, a lamp, a map, your favourite mug)
Don’t get so carried away with this that it becomes your pet procrastination strategy – but do take some time to create your dream writing space. (For a bit of inspiration, I’ve got gorgeous dream writing spaces on Pinterest.)
