I genuinely think I would be like this, IF I had a proper office. I think it speaks to the importance of being comfortable in whatever space you create!
I'm right there with you Debbie 😊 I find myself struck with inspiration at different times of the day and I just have to sit and find the space to scribble it down, jot it down, or get it typed. I'm just sad sometimes the best inspiration happens when I'm driving LOL. Just keep writing 😇
I don’t have an office either, but I set up a small desk in my bedroom. It’s tucked away inside a nook, and I put up some art prints on the wall for inspiration. The desk is so small that I’m only able to use a notebook and pen to scribble my story drafts in. When I want to type up what I’ve written, I use my laptop table and sit in the living room. I watch YouTube on my tv (at this time of year, I like the cozy ambience videos with a crackling fireplace). I can’t write in silence either -- I need soft instrumental music or the sound of rain. I’m still trying to find a writing routine that works best for me. That’s what I’ll be aiming for next year -- having set times and daily rituals to support my creativity.
Your newsletter is wonderful by the way, I’m finding it both helpful and enjoyable 😊 Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you so much, that is just the nicest thing to hear! I am so enjoying posting here, and it feels amazing to be connecting with people so organically.
I love your ideas, I am absolutely with you with my goals for next year, I think to take my writing to the next level a writing routine would be wonderful! We'll have to check back in with each other!
Glad I am not the only one who can't write in silence, YouTube is just fantastic for it's ambient background music with lovely backdrops - I love all the newly released Christmassy ones!
Sounds good, I will be more likely to follow through on a writing routine if I have someone to chat about it with! Do you have any YouTube channel recommendations? I love New Bliss and Calmed by Nature, but I’m always looking for more great ambience channels 😄
I loved the journey in your description of your ideal writing space. Sounds like you've got something to work toward.
My ideal would be a loft in an A-frame cabin in the woods. With a fire crackling in the fireplace and snow covering the ground outside. OR on the front porch of a lakefront cottage.
My "real" writing space is a one-bedroom condo with my laptop on my dining room table because that's the only place for it lol. But sometimes I stretch out on my chaise part of my couch right beside the window.
I just dropped a link into my favourite cosy coffee shop setting on YouTube below.. YouTube should then start doing it's think and recommending you similar videos... the gentle jazz is just lovely.
It is lovely to have that 'perfect' writing space in your mind, as a goal or source of inspiration or just as a place your mind can go to when writing (even if your set up is a little different!!!).
My mom plays these YouTube videos from morning to evening in her house!! 😁😁 She loves the coffee shop vibe all day long. I've never thought about playing them at home, probably because unlike you, I need to write in silence.
Dining room table for me. Like you, I need music, I can't write in silence. But I also can't write to anything with lyrics (or at least lyrics in English). So plenty of Radio 3. And coffee.
Do you use notebooks too or just laptop/computer ? I absolutely feel the same about lyrics, which is why the YouTube jazz coffee shop vibes have been so lovely. Gentle and relaxing.
Laptop exclusively, although I do have a notebook which I keep handy if I'm travelling, in case anything occurs to me. I write so little by hand now that my handwriting is appalling, and it wasn't great to start with.
Interestingly, for the kind of writing I do, I don't always need my instrumental music to be relaxing. I'll often go for something abrasive or discordant, depending on the atmosphere I'm creating for a particular piece. But always instrumental or, at a push, in a language I don't understand, although weirdly that can still be a distraction.
Ooh, I don't know that. I've tried some writing apps/software, but I get so caught up in the functionality that I end up forgetting to write. I've never been a planner, every one of my books I've started with the first sentence and written straight through to the end, seeing where it goes and reacting on the fly to my own ideas. I occasionally keep track of the odd details, but I'm not one of these authors who has a wall full of post-its or flowcharts on my laptop...
I love this!! Having a dedicated space for my creative writing has been a game changer this year. Writing creatively away from my day job office space has helped me to pursue with greater fluidity the whispers & wanderings of my mind and all its tangled thoughts.
The silly thing is we became a home of 2 humans & 2 dogs rattling around our 4 bedroom home at the start of 2022 & it took me about 18 months to realise I had spaces to create a writing nook! 🙃
Awwww this makes me happy. It's almost like creating a physical space also creates a mental space for writing ... So glad you spread your wings and found yourself a writing nook. Thank you for sharing 🙏
That's amazing. It's easy to underestimate the importance of a writing space that speaks to you on a deeper level ... Though I've been struck by how most of this can be achieved through your mindset and openness to dive in and trust your instincts.
I really love this! I do not have a designated writing space nor do I have space in my little Brooklyn apartment. Recently when I was meditating, I thought about creating a little writing/artist altar with some of my favorite books, inspiring quotes and maybe even a print out of a few nice comments I’ve gotten recently — something to remind me of my why and to remind me that I am not alone! I often do the best work when I am able to move around my apartment or into different environments so I think it would be nice to have something to anchor me.
That's such a great idea ... I think it's important even in a small space to create something that speaks to you on a deeper level ... Like you said it will act as an anchor. I like just the simple act of lighting a candle when I'm ready to write too . Thank you for sharing 🙏
Oh my gosh, I feel like I have so much to say on this topic right now! Thanks so much for writing this and sharing. I've been feeling a little frustrated lately about my writing space. Since my baby was born, I've had to change my whole flow, and that has unfortunately meant never working at my actual desk. I bought a temporary, cheap desk on wheels that I take around with me (but mostly keep at the couch), and I write while my baby is on my lap, breastfeeding or napping. I'm doing this right now, in fact. It feels informal and scattered sometimes to work this way, but it is the one way I can ensure I keep writing during this time. I, too, put on YouTube with coffee shop jazz, and right now, it's holiday-themed ones--that does help make it feel more festive! I miss my actual desk, but I also have to remind myself that this is just a season of my life, and I'm doing what I can to make sure my writing practice stays alive in the midst of my big life changes.
I am so glad this helped, I started writing this piece after getting more than a little envious of others and their idyllic writing desks and spaces so I totally relate. BUT - I realised as I wrote, that it is the act of doing, and creating a space around you that works and feels good for you that matters! I couldn't agree more about YouTube and I am loving the festive, wintery scenes... coffee shop, steamy cups of coffee, fire roaring, and outside the snow falling with gentle jazz playing, if that doesn't help you escape into a beautiful creative head space I don't know what will!!!!
I did have my own office, decorated in dark blues, photographs, and a view of the garden, but I have had to forsake it for a while due to renovations! I'll be back in it sometime soon. For me, having notebooks and computer together, a candle too... No music though, I'm noise sensitive and I find it too intrusive. Being able to look out the window is my thing; it helps me think, inspires and relaxed me, all in one shot.
Your office sounds lovely ... Hope you can get back in there soon. But you are right, even just having a window to lose yourself for a little can be such a powerful dose of inspiration when you need it. Thank you for sharing. I love you hear about people's spaces and writing routines and rituals. 🙏
I have a lovely writing space but then I end up on the sofa and don’t use the space that I created 🙈
I genuinely think I would be like this, IF I had a proper office. I think it speaks to the importance of being comfortable in whatever space you create!
I also used “needing a space” to procrastinate x I couldn’t possibly write until I have a perfect writing desk xx
Absolutely, same !!!
I'm right there with you Debbie 😊 I find myself struck with inspiration at different times of the day and I just have to sit and find the space to scribble it down, jot it down, or get it typed. I'm just sad sometimes the best inspiration happens when I'm driving LOL. Just keep writing 😇
I've taken to grabbing my phone and speaking into the voice recorder if I'm out in the car !
I don’t have an office either, but I set up a small desk in my bedroom. It’s tucked away inside a nook, and I put up some art prints on the wall for inspiration. The desk is so small that I’m only able to use a notebook and pen to scribble my story drafts in. When I want to type up what I’ve written, I use my laptop table and sit in the living room. I watch YouTube on my tv (at this time of year, I like the cozy ambience videos with a crackling fireplace). I can’t write in silence either -- I need soft instrumental music or the sound of rain. I’m still trying to find a writing routine that works best for me. That’s what I’ll be aiming for next year -- having set times and daily rituals to support my creativity.
Your newsletter is wonderful by the way, I’m finding it both helpful and enjoyable 😊 Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you so much, that is just the nicest thing to hear! I am so enjoying posting here, and it feels amazing to be connecting with people so organically.
I love your ideas, I am absolutely with you with my goals for next year, I think to take my writing to the next level a writing routine would be wonderful! We'll have to check back in with each other!
Glad I am not the only one who can't write in silence, YouTube is just fantastic for it's ambient background music with lovely backdrops - I love all the newly released Christmassy ones!
Sounds good, I will be more likely to follow through on a writing routine if I have someone to chat about it with! Do you have any YouTube channel recommendations? I love New Bliss and Calmed by Nature, but I’m always looking for more great ambience channels 😄
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHcj3REfLc0
This is my favourite Christmas coffee shop vibe! And then YouTube will do it's magic and start recommending lots of similar videos. Enjoy!
Thanks so much, will put it on today while I’m in the living room!
I loved the journey in your description of your ideal writing space. Sounds like you've got something to work toward.
My ideal would be a loft in an A-frame cabin in the woods. With a fire crackling in the fireplace and snow covering the ground outside. OR on the front porch of a lakefront cottage.
My "real" writing space is a one-bedroom condo with my laptop on my dining room table because that's the only place for it lol. But sometimes I stretch out on my chaise part of my couch right beside the window.
I just dropped a link into my favourite cosy coffee shop setting on YouTube below.. YouTube should then start doing it's think and recommending you similar videos... the gentle jazz is just lovely.
It is lovely to have that 'perfect' writing space in your mind, as a goal or source of inspiration or just as a place your mind can go to when writing (even if your set up is a little different!!!).
My mom plays these YouTube videos from morning to evening in her house!! 😁😁 She loves the coffee shop vibe all day long. I've never thought about playing them at home, probably because unlike you, I need to write in silence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHcj3REfLc0
Dining room table for me. Like you, I need music, I can't write in silence. But I also can't write to anything with lyrics (or at least lyrics in English). So plenty of Radio 3. And coffee.
Do you use notebooks too or just laptop/computer ? I absolutely feel the same about lyrics, which is why the YouTube jazz coffee shop vibes have been so lovely. Gentle and relaxing.
Laptop exclusively, although I do have a notebook which I keep handy if I'm travelling, in case anything occurs to me. I write so little by hand now that my handwriting is appalling, and it wasn't great to start with.
Interestingly, for the kind of writing I do, I don't always need my instrumental music to be relaxing. I'll often go for something abrasive or discordant, depending on the atmosphere I'm creating for a particular piece. But always instrumental or, at a push, in a language I don't understand, although weirdly that can still be a distraction.
Setting the scene... I like that!
I'm a hybrid between laptop and notebooks. I use notion a lot too!
Ooh, I don't know that. I've tried some writing apps/software, but I get so caught up in the functionality that I end up forgetting to write. I've never been a planner, every one of my books I've started with the first sentence and written straight through to the end, seeing where it goes and reacting on the fly to my own ideas. I occasionally keep track of the odd details, but I'm not one of these authors who has a wall full of post-its or flowcharts on my laptop...
That's amazing... I think that shows a real natural ability and a good memory!!!!
Or laziness and a substandard work ethic, one of the two 😏
I dream of having a writing desk, or even a whole writing room or shed! But currently I seem to do most of my writing from my sofa 😂😅 one day 🤞
Oh same!!! It's lovely to dream ... One day as you say 🙏✨
I love this!! Having a dedicated space for my creative writing has been a game changer this year. Writing creatively away from my day job office space has helped me to pursue with greater fluidity the whispers & wanderings of my mind and all its tangled thoughts.
The silly thing is we became a home of 2 humans & 2 dogs rattling around our 4 bedroom home at the start of 2022 & it took me about 18 months to realise I had spaces to create a writing nook! 🙃
Awwww this makes me happy. It's almost like creating a physical space also creates a mental space for writing ... So glad you spread your wings and found yourself a writing nook. Thank you for sharing 🙏
This is beautiful Emily. Sounds cozy, creatively inspiring, and perfectly imperfect. 😇
Thank you ! Definitely perfectly imperfect... I love that !!!!
I am slightly obsessed about creating the ultimate writing space! I even bought a domain once called 'roomtowrite' - I keep buying old typewriters.
That's amazing. It's easy to underestimate the importance of a writing space that speaks to you on a deeper level ... Though I've been struck by how most of this can be achieved through your mindset and openness to dive in and trust your instincts.
I really love this! I do not have a designated writing space nor do I have space in my little Brooklyn apartment. Recently when I was meditating, I thought about creating a little writing/artist altar with some of my favorite books, inspiring quotes and maybe even a print out of a few nice comments I’ve gotten recently — something to remind me of my why and to remind me that I am not alone! I often do the best work when I am able to move around my apartment or into different environments so I think it would be nice to have something to anchor me.
That's such a great idea ... I think it's important even in a small space to create something that speaks to you on a deeper level ... Like you said it will act as an anchor. I like just the simple act of lighting a candle when I'm ready to write too . Thank you for sharing 🙏
Yes! Always a cozy beverage, a candle, and a nice playlist :)
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you so much 🙏
Oh my gosh, I feel like I have so much to say on this topic right now! Thanks so much for writing this and sharing. I've been feeling a little frustrated lately about my writing space. Since my baby was born, I've had to change my whole flow, and that has unfortunately meant never working at my actual desk. I bought a temporary, cheap desk on wheels that I take around with me (but mostly keep at the couch), and I write while my baby is on my lap, breastfeeding or napping. I'm doing this right now, in fact. It feels informal and scattered sometimes to work this way, but it is the one way I can ensure I keep writing during this time. I, too, put on YouTube with coffee shop jazz, and right now, it's holiday-themed ones--that does help make it feel more festive! I miss my actual desk, but I also have to remind myself that this is just a season of my life, and I'm doing what I can to make sure my writing practice stays alive in the midst of my big life changes.
P.S. I LOVE Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert!!
I am so glad this helped, I started writing this piece after getting more than a little envious of others and their idyllic writing desks and spaces so I totally relate. BUT - I realised as I wrote, that it is the act of doing, and creating a space around you that works and feels good for you that matters! I couldn't agree more about YouTube and I am loving the festive, wintery scenes... coffee shop, steamy cups of coffee, fire roaring, and outside the snow falling with gentle jazz playing, if that doesn't help you escape into a beautiful creative head space I don't know what will!!!!
I did have my own office, decorated in dark blues, photographs, and a view of the garden, but I have had to forsake it for a while due to renovations! I'll be back in it sometime soon. For me, having notebooks and computer together, a candle too... No music though, I'm noise sensitive and I find it too intrusive. Being able to look out the window is my thing; it helps me think, inspires and relaxed me, all in one shot.
Your office sounds lovely ... Hope you can get back in there soon. But you are right, even just having a window to lose yourself for a little can be such a powerful dose of inspiration when you need it. Thank you for sharing. I love you hear about people's spaces and writing routines and rituals. 🙏