How To Build Your Writing Space
By: Tammi Brownlee
Tags: Advice, Writing, Life, Hacks, Productivity

How To Build Your Writing Space

Helpful tips to create a workplace which allows you to create

Photo by Georgie Cobbs on Unsplash

We have all heard that you need to make your workspace a place where your mind can do its fabulous duty of writing. But what makes a workplace that way. Below you will find ideas that have worked for me, along with the ideas I have tried which didn’t work for me, but could work for you.

Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever tickles your fancy.

Have a separate space

One of the biggest things you need to have is a separate space to perform your writing. Don’t sit in the living room if someone else is in there, the same with the kitchen or bedroom. The distraction level will go through the roof and you won't get much done.

An office would be preferable, but not many of have that luxury of a spare room with a door. Just find a quiet space to write. You will want to ensure you don’t place your desk or computer in front of a window. Watching the cars and people walk by will distract you. Pull the blind or curtains, or steer clear of windows.

Keep organized

As a master of disorganization I know what it is like to have a messy desk. Find a place for everything to go, whether it be in the drawers of a desk, a filing cabinet or a bookshelf. The only things that should be on your desk are the computer, keyboard, mouse, a lamp, a notebook, a pen and your drink.

Always have a drink with you, it will deter you from getting up to grab something when thirsty. A snack is also good to have, we all get the munchies once in a while.

Your notebook and pen will be useful as this is where you keep your notes on ideas and story plots. If you outline, something I don’t do, then this is where your outline will be. Always have a notebook with you to write down your ideas wherever you are.

Put down your cell phone

When preparing to sit down and write, it is imperative you avoid any and all distractions. Treat this as you would a job, most jobs have rules against using your cell phone during working hours. Use this rule to your own advantage. Put it on vibrate or silent.

A little trick I do is put it on the charger in another room, on vibrate. I tell my family the hours I work and if they need me to send a quick email, but only if it’s an emergency. Writers need as few distractions as possible. Especially if you are a fiction writer who is creating a world in a your story.

Shut the door

Try to find a space where the door can be shut. If you have animals this can be useful, you don’t need your cats to have a fight right behind your chair. The shut door means they can’t come in. This is also true for dogs, as much as they want love, you need to concentrate on what you are doing, writing.

I find that when I shut the door, I can become more focused because the distractions of the rest of the house are filtered through the door. I am lucky enough where I have an extra room we call the office. It is my own work area, free from distractions. When I shut the door everyone knows not to bother me as I work on my next creation.

Tiny nuts and bolts

When you sit down to write decide how long you want to write for. I have a timer on my computer which I set for the amount of time I want to work. Usually I work well past the time, but it gives me an idea of how much time I am giving myself as a minimum. Anything over that is gravy on the potatoes.

It was once recommended to me to have some soft music in the background. I did try this, but it created more of a distraction for me. Some say the music inspires their writing and while I didn’t find this to be the case for me, I can understand why it would be for someone else.

Some have suggested going outside to write, I have tried this also and while I can see how the inspiration can happen by viewing the scenery, I found I couldn’t actually write a full piece, however, I was able to write a bunch of notes that I used later to write a fabulous piece of fiction.

Final thoughts

In the end only you can determine what works and what doesn’t. Distractions are everywhere, especially in this age of technology. But strong discipline and a desire to create something magical with words can make all the difference in the world.

Find your place of quiet and solitude and write to your heart's content.