Do You Have A Writing Corner? Check Out These Tips
5 Writing Space Decor Ideas
You know that writers write, but did you know your writing spaces matter significantly?
Are you a freelance writer trying to make a living from your craft or do you write just because it fulfils a creative need and brings you joy? No matter what your reason for writing is, having a space or corner for your daily writing is the way to build home for your pen power.
Authors like writing spaces that resemble their personal styles, suit their writing preferences and provide inspiration. But going through popular decor magazines or Pinterest boards dedicated to the 'ultimate writing spaces' might leave you more confused than ever. Also, you might not have a huge budget or a lot of space in your home to dedicate to your writing! However, to focus on your skill, it is important to have a writing space to call your own, no matter how small.
Given the limitations as well as your desire to create a writing space for yourself, some simple rules of thumb can go a long way in helping you achieve it.
Listing 5 such important tips for you:
Create a thought provoking ambience: Is your chair comfortable? Do you have fresh air flowing around your desk? Is the lighting strong enough? Natural lighting helps you relax and concentrate when you’re writing for hours at a time. Writing while staring at the nature is the best stimuli to boost your thought process and derive inspiration from. If you can select a writing space where you can write in natural light for most of the day, it can work wonders for your mood, helping you to write better. Having a healthy, fresh workspace will keep your energy levels up and encourage you to write more frequently and with greater enthusiasm.
2. Keep it neat and tidy: Finding a calm, inviting, and stimulating workspace does not mean that you have to have a fancy desk or a pretty view of the mountains or sea. Your writing space doesn’t need to be too big, just spacious enough to hold your favourite writing tools, books, and souvenirs if any. Keep non-writing clutter away. Don’t let your workspace become a dumping ground for things that do not contribute in any way to your writing.
3. Restrict distractions: Choose a place to write that helps you to stay focused on your work for sufficient amounts of time. Keep non-work gadgets like the television, i-pads, mobile phone etc at a safe distance away from your writing space. These can prove to be major distractions while writing.
4. Create a conducive environment/mood: Having the right ambience is crucial. The right music can help you get in the “write” mode. And pleasant scents from oils or candles can help you boost your productivity. For example, the scent of lemon essential oil promotes concentration and has a calming effect. Other aromas that help you relax and inspire creativity include lavender, cinnamon, and last but not the least, chocolate.
5. Label it a WORK-ONLY zone: It cannot be emphasised enough that your writing space should be used only for that purpose. When you are in that area, you should be focused on spending your energies on writing, writing and only writing. You might want to watch TV, take a break, or do some chores, which is very normal. But make sure to get up and leave that space so it remains a work-only zone.
Your workspace is special. You need to ensure it is comfortable and inviting. Remember, you will be spending most of your time sitting down in the room or in that space to work. So, getting creative and designing your writing space in a way that you will be encouraged to write will help you write not only better, but also cheerily.
Anecdote:
Like many writers, George Bernard Shaw preferred to work in solitude. His writing space consisted of a white painted desk, a wicker chair and a typewriter. He had this to say about his writing space - "People bother me. I came here to hide from them."