Posted on October 10, 2019 at 11:49 AM by Guest Author

Learn how to create a dedicated writing space that will make the writing process much easier and more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Why You Need a Dedicated Writing Space

Any individual who works from home should have an area set up specifically for their job. 

Why?

Because it helps keep one’s personal and professional life separate, making it easier to remain productive. 

And guess what? The same holds true for authors — perhaps even more so. 

Writing is a challenge, and in order to transfer the ideas in your mind to paper (or screen), you need a place that allows you to concentrate on your passion project without interruption. 

You need …

  • Consistency

  • Focus

  • Inspiration

Fortunately, these are all things you can get when you work in a dedicated writing space. 

By crafting your book in a writing space you’ve set up for that very purpose, you can eliminate distractions, bolster creativity, and keep to a regular schedule

In short, you can increase your chances of success.

The key is to construct a space that fits your needs. After all, it’s not an optimal work environment unless you want to be there and feel encouraged to write once you are.  

So, here are some tips to keep in mind as you transform an area of your home into a dedicated writing space…

Tips to Create the Perfect Writing Space

A brief note: As mentioned previously, your writing space should fit your needs. It should be personal, unique, and comfortable. 

Your space will likely differ from that of another author—as it should. That’s why the following tips should serve as general guidelines that you can adapt accordingly. 

Now, let’s get started…  

1) Select the Right Spot.

This may be easier said than done, especially if you don’t have a lot of extra room in your home.

However, it’s important that you carve out an area in which you engage in only one activity — writing.

Ideally, you would turn an existing office or guest room into your writing space, but if no such place is available, simply choose another spot. 

For example…

  • An empty closet

  • An unused corner of your bedroom

  • A space under your staircase

Ultimately, the size of your work area is less important than the location — as long as you’re not too cramped.

The goal is to choose a spot that is relatively quiet and free from distractions. 

Fun fact: Virginia Woolf’s writing space was a converted toolshed in her garden. 

2) Furnish It for Comfort.

If you’re truly committed to crafting your book, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in your writing space. That means it needs to be comfortable.

Consider investing in an adjustable desk so you can change positions throughout the day. Or, put in a high-top table and make a habit of switching between sitting and standing periodically.

If you want to get in your exercise while writing, you could also look into purchasing a treadmill desk. 

As for your chair, look around for an ergonomic option that provides back support and won’t cause discomfort after long periods of sitting.   

3) Cut Down on Clutter.

A cluttered writing space makes it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. It also causes stress, which can have a negative impact on your work. 

As you create your space, think of ways you can keep things neat and cut down on clutter. 

  • Use storage containers to organize all of your documents and writing utensils.

  • Clean your space and discard all trash regularly. 

  • Remove anything from your desk that doesn’t foster creativity and productivity.

Additionally, your writing space should not contain anything that could draw your attention away from your work, such as a TV.

A bit of advice from Stephen King: A serious writer needs to turn inward toward their imagination, and that means the TV must go. 

4) Use Proper Lighting.

A number of studies have shown that light has a tremendous effect on physical and mental well-being, as well as productivity.

That’s why you need to have the right lighting in your writing space. 

Natural light is best, so if you can, set up your desk near a window and adjust it to ensure there’s no glare on your computer screen. 

Of course, there’s a chance that you’ll have to build your writing space in an area without windows. In that case, aim to use LED bulbs in your fixtures. 

Finally, keep in mind that you should adjust your lighting for daytime and nighttime work.

Though blue light has been found to increase alertness and focus, it can also cause eyestrain and difficulty sleeping.

If you do a lot of writing at night, try to turn off lights an hour or two before bed. Further, you can look into putting a filter on your computer screen or purchasing glasses that block out blue light.   

5) Feel Free to Decorate.

Just because your writing space should be free of clutter doesn’t mean it can’t have personality. The place where you work on your book should be a reflection of you as a person and an author. 

Don’t be afraid to decorate your space in a way that makes you happy.

Consider…

  • Putting up quotes from those you admire

  • Adding a few plants

  • Hanging pictures and posters

  • Painting in your favorite colors

Your space is, first and foremost, a work area. But it should be one that you want to visit every day. 

6) Label It a Work-Only Zone.

It’s a message that bears repeating: Your writing space should be used only for that purpose. 

When you’re in that spot, you should be focused on crafting your book — nothing else. 

So, if you want to watch TV, take a break, or do some chores, you can certainly do so. Just leave the room so it remains a work-only zone.

Further, ask others in your household to respect your writing space and understand that when you’re in it, you’re working. 

7) Revamp It as Needed.

If your once ideal writing space has become a place you dread to go, change it up! There’s no rule that says your work area has to remain the same. 

In fact, you should revamp it if you no longer feel inspired or productive. 

Every once in a while, look around and ask yourself if the space is still supporting your efforts to produce the best work possible.

If not, make some alterations until you’re satisfied. 

How to Adjust When You’re Writing Away from Home

Though you’ll likely have only one actual writing space, chances are it won’t be the only place you write. 

Inspiration can strike at any time, so it’s best to be prepared.

And while attempting to duplicate your space in a coffee shop, hotel room, or library is an impossible task, you can still do a few things to ensure your writing session is a productive one.

For example…

  • Find a spot near an outlet so you can plug in your computer.

  • Sit near a window to get the benefits of natural light.

  • Use noise-canceling headphones to prevent distractions. 

  • Have a notebook and pen on hand to jot down ideas.

You may not be able to complete as many chapters as you would in your dedicated writing space, but you can still get a fair amount of work done if you learn to adapt. 

Takeaway

Though there are undoubtedly a number of places you’ll end up writing in, you should make sure you have a place in your home specifically for crafting your book. 

It may not seem like it, but your writing space can have a significant impact on what and how much you write.

So, take the time to build it to your personal preference and needs.

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Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Writing advice

Comments
Of more importance than an uncluttered work space or room is an uncluttered mind. Aim for that, and the cluttered room will take care of itself. If clutter inhibits you, maybe you shouldn't be a writer. Nothing should interfere with a real writer's work, not even clutter. I once met a writer tapping away at his laptop on a train. I asked him if the comings and goings and the chatter, of a railway carriage interfered with his writing, he said something like 'If it interferes with my writing, then what I'm writing is not grabbing me, so it's probably no good.' These are not his actual words, but that is the gist of what he said. Now that is true, surely?
James Gracie | 6/7/21 at 9:11 AM
I don't think there is an 'ideal writing space'. Each writer is different, and their workrooms, spaces or offices reflect the differences. I, for instance, work best in a clutter. I can't help it - I just do). A lean, clean, minimalist room would freeze by creative juices. I need to be surrounded on all four sides with stuff to do with my writing. It's an organized clutter, and I know where everything is, but it's still a clutter. I have shelves on all four sides crammed with books, box files, piles of printing paper and notebooks, used and unused.. I also have two chests of drawers crammed with pens, pencils, ink cartridges, paper clips,, glue pens,, and all the other stuff i just can't do without. My idea workroom is based on Ray Bradbury's workroom (there's a YouTube clip that shows it). I also know a good number of writers,and their workrooms, and some are a mess of notepads, photographs leaning on the books on the bookshelves,, open reference books scattered around, piles of papers on the floor, and stuff like that. But from these workrooms come wonderful writing which i envy.. I would say, tailor your workspace to your own tastes so that you are comfortable in it. A sparse desk is not always conducive to great writing.
James Gracie | 6/4/21 at 5:54 AM
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