All writers need their own sacred space where their thoughts come forth onto paper each writing session. If not for this specific area of the home, these thoughts would be lost and the world would be at a disadvantage. Furthermore, what you consider your writing space may not be the ideal place for someone else. The ideal writing space is where a writer can block out all the surrounding sounds, focus on their eternal peace of mind and be at one with their writing. Where is your writing space?
If you currently don’t have a set writing location, let’s try to fix this. First, try to consider the quietest place you can go to focus on your writing. This may be a beautiful enclosed sun room, out on your deck or even at the library. It’s yours. It’s where you go each time you need to write something new, where there is not any noise or just enough noise to keep focused. If you choose a place with mild noise, consider listening to classical music which will ease the mind and allow thoughts to come more clearly.
If you chose a writing area in your home, then it’s time to get organized. Arrange all your reference books on the bookshelf in an efficient way. Purchase desk organizers for pens, papers and any lingering office supplies. This will allow you the most room on your desktop to stretch out and organize your computer, notebook or papers. Or, if you’re not the type to write at a desk, such as I, then you will want to keep these items close by within walking distance.
Another factor of a motivational writing area is to consider the furniture in the room. The chair with the broken spring coil is not going to get your muse in the mood. Instead, it’s going to make you uncomfortable and give you writer’s block. Consider a large recliner with a foot rest where you can sit in a comfortable position. If you have your beverage of choice nearby, this might help you focus on your article or piece of writing as well.
Furthermore, you want to control the temperature in your writing area. You don’t want to be in a chilly basement when it’s the middle of winter, nor do you want to be a house without air conditioning in the summer. Find a temperature that suits you well and keeps your brain focused on your assignment. If you’re the type that loves to bury under blankets in the winter, such as I, turn the heat down so you’ll save money and not fall asleep.
Likewise, if you have the opportunity to choose the time of which you write, try to keep a set schedule. If you work during the day, try to write in the morning or early evening. This would be the ideal time when you might be most alert. Some individuals might wait until their families are in bed to write or when the neighborhood has quieted for the evening. This set time should be repeated each time you write. This way, inspiration is more likely to arise in your writing.
A white board or bulletin board might be a useful tool to have in your motivational area. For the best results in your writing, put this where you will always see it. Anything is fair game for this area — quotes that speak to you, Bible verses that move you, pictures and so on. The possibilities are endless for this part of your room. If you chose a white board, you might do a list of goals. For example, you could write short-term goals for the week — maybe 8 articles. Just make sure you reach you reach your goal.
In addition, consider the colors of your room. Darker colors are less inviting, block new ideas and make the room seem smaller. You may feel more cramped, even if it’s a more spacious room. Instead, consider lighter colors which invite the muse and creativity to bring new ideas. The room will seem brighter and larger. Even in a small room, you’re going to feel less cramped because the feeling has a warm feel to it. In contrast, however, you really need to consider what genre of writing you’re writing. If it’s a horror novel, you might want that darker room or a walk-in closet. If it’s poetry or romance, you’re going to want a bright, sunny room.
Finally, put notes of encouragement not only on your computer monitor, but all around the room. These can be famous quotes from writers or feedback you have received on a piece of writing. If you want to want to get crafty, buy colored cardboard stock paper and write the bits of inspiration in conversation bubbles. These are meant to create sparks for you to start writing. Put them by where you write and, if necessary, put them around your residence. It’s meant to keep you creative, and your muse will thank you for it.