A Space of Your Own

Can you make your own space? It may be the corner of a room, a room of your own or even a shed at the bottom of the garden. I even know of one writer who goes out to his office every morning, a couple of streets away from where he lives. Someone else I know will not work in the study in their home because that so where she does the accounts for her husband’s business. The main point is, this the place you go to write. It is sacrosanct, whether it is a stolen from another room or in a separate building.

Some advise not having an internet connection available while you write – it can be too distracting. I’m not so sure. I actually quite like being able to look things up quickly and having the odd break to read an email from a friend.

I do avoid views, however. I have been distracted in one home by breathtaking views of Snowdon and the North Wales coast. It was always best when I had to pull the blind down as the sun hit the computer screen.  In another home it was the comings and goings on the street which got in the way. Nowadays, I insist on facing a blank wall in a quiet part of the house.

Have what you need around you, but avoid clutter. Have it tidy enough to feel comfortable and untidy enough to feel lived in. If you can, have a magnificent desk and keep something cheery on it: a pot of coloured pens, a bowl of glass beads or a vase of flowers. Keep favourite books close to hand.

Now visualise the article in your favourite writers’ magazine.  You are now a famous writer and are being interviewed and photographed in this space. Are you happy for your public to see it?