Being a writer is a beautiful job. It’s creative, fun, and challenging. It also comes with all the perks of working from home or any other place you find inspirational. You can take your work anywhere with you and live as a digital nomad if you choose so. But not all is so light and breezy. Writing and editing jobs typically come with deadlines. And they can be a major cause of stress. Therefore, you will benefit from a space where you can focus and let your creative juices flow unobstructed. That can only be achieved in a good environment. Since most people do a considerable portion of their writing at home, you are probably one of them. Therefore, it’s worth exploring a few ideas on how to set up a productive and inspiring writing space.
Decide where the dedicated space for writing will be
Creating a productive and inspiring writing space is like setting up a home office. However, a writing nook can be more relaxing and creatively decorated. If you are starting with your writing career and are thinking of types of blogs you can try out, one thing is sure – a dedicated writing space will help you come up with ideas for your content and bring them to life.
The first thing you need to do is find a dedicated space for your writing area. It can be anything from a separate room to a corner of your kitchen island or even a secluded table in your favorite coffee shop. It would probably be best to try out each area to see which one works best. Then, think about the perfect conditions that will help you get into the writing mood. Do you like to work surrounded by others? Should they also be working, so you feel more motivated? Or is complete silence your preferred mode?
Let’s be honest. While you may like to be among people and chatter, coffee cup clunking, and keyboard clicking, writing sometimes requires peace. How often have you begun crafting a perfect metaphor when a sudden unidentified sound broke your train of thought, and you immediately forgot where you were going with it? Thus, it might be wise to pick a space that has a door that, when closed, clearly signals you are in the middle of work.
Nevertheless, whichever space you choose, the important thing is that you know it’s dedicated to your writing and that it’s what you plan to do there. That is the first step to achieving productivity.
Make your writing nook comfortable
Writing and self-editing mean a lot of sitting, so it’s in your best interest to make the space you are in comfortable. Consider investing in an ergonomic chair that will support your back well. Your keyboard should be at an adequate height, so you don’t have to keep your hands in an unnatural position, straining your shoulders and neck. Investing in a good mousepad is also advisable, so your hand can rest comfortably on it when you use the mouse.
You will also need to think about the lighting. It would be best to have a lot of daylight to help you concentrate and keep you awake. On the other hand, if you prefer writing at night, add sufficient artificial lighting. Here, you will also have to choose the type of lights carefully. Steer clear of fluorescent lights because they strain your eyes, and make sure you have enough light fixtures so that dim lighting doesn’t make you drowsy.
Finally, adjust the room temperature. Since you won’t be moving a lot, you can start feeling cold quickly.
Clutter is the enemy
Nothing is as distracting as clutter. You can close the door, choose the corner of your home with the least foot traffic, have complete silence, and still be all but productive.
When you set up a productive and inspiring writing space, you can decorate but don’t go overboard. A few photos of your family, some inspirational quotes, and all the necessities you need for writing are enough. Also, keep the desk you work on tidy. Even if you think you don’t care about the mess, your brain subconsciously cares—a lot. In the background, it’s thinking about a chore that hasn’t been done without you realizing it. It can even contribute to writer burnout. So, with a portion of your mind somewhere else, how many words fewer do you think you wrote?
To help you keep your writing nook organized, install enough storage and shelving solutions.
Limit other distractions
People walking around you are a distraction. Clutter lurking from the corner of your desk where you pushed everything when you sat down to write also threatens productivity. But do you know who your worst enemy is? You are.
Yes, the new episode of your latest favorite series has just come out. Social media are calling. And your focus is feeble. So, turn off your phone; the TV has no place in this area anyway, and the noise-canceling headphones have been waiting in the drawer for months. Now is the time to put them to good use. If you like, you can listen to some music. But make sure it’s ambient – lyrics can take your mind someplace else.
Add a plant
Just looking at a plant or being surrounded by a few pots of flowers can reduce your stress levels and increase creativity. So add some to your office. It doesn’t have to be anything too demanding to look after. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can get a cactus or hanging air plants. All they need is a few sprinkles of water every now and then, and that’s it.
You’ve set up a productive and inspiring writing space; now get to work
Once you set up a productive and inspiring writing space, you will love spending time there. You will realize that you don’t have to make yourself sit down and start working. You will enjoy your time in your peaceful writing nook, and that will reflect in your writing.
About the Author: Anna Mason is a content writer at linkdepartment.com. She loves her work and enjoys every minute she spends in the office she designed in her home. She is a mother of two, and she spends every free minute outside with her kids.
