Where Do You Write?

Where we write is as important as how we write since our writing space can affect how we feel emotionally, mentally, even physically. Having a dedicated space to write has made such a difference in how I feel about sitting down to work every day. 

For years, I didn’t think much about my writing space. I sat at an old desk, in a chair that wasn’t meant for someone with a bad back, and I was rarely comfortable since at five-foot-one I’m only slightly more than hobbit-sized. My old desk was cluttered because I love to color and art journal and my supplies were scattered everywhere, leaving no room to work.

A few years ago, I found a desk, which is really a table, at IKEA, along with handy-dandy white shelves. I found tin cups at Target, a discount department store, and they were $1 each. The cups are perfect for holding my pens, pencils, highlighters, and coloring supplies so they are off the surface of my desk. I like seeing my supplies displayed. They remind me that I’m a creative person.

I also have a sturdy chair with a seat pad that helps my posture and a padded roll beneath my feet (as I said: hobbit-sized). While they don’t look like much, the seat pad and the padded roll make a big difference, especially since sitting for long periods isn’t easy for me. 

Going For an Aesthetic

When I became interested in the academia aesthetic, I added a few bits and bobs to my desk, including the boxes on the bottom shelf that look like old books, the typewriter-looking pencil holder, the bust of David, and my white quill from the Charles Dickens Museum in London. Yes, that is a TARDIS pen next to it, but it’s my desk and I can put what I want there. My style is more Light Academia since my desk is white, the shelves are white, and my walls are off-white. I also have LED candles on my desk because my cat Poppy likes to sit here while I work. 

I bought the short shelf below from Amazon to put my computer on because I have a pinched nerve in my back and looking down becomes painful quickly. For me, it makes a huge difference looking up at the screen. I liked the keyboard because it looks and sounds like a typewriter. 

Here’s everything on my desk. It looks pleasing, at least it does to me, and it’s a space where I enjoy spending time, especially when I’m knee-deep in a new project as I am now. 

A Nice Writing Space Doesn’t Require Money

A desk doesn’t have to be aethetic, at least not in the sense of having a certain theme as mine does, but it should be somewhere you enjoy working.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, or even any money, decorating your desk. I bought the bust of David, but otherwise I used items I already had. The coloring supplies I already had, along with the tin cups from Target. The typewriter pen holder was in my classroom, but I brought it home for my desk. 

Take what you love, whatever makes you feel creative, and add it to your writing space. I’ve seen people stack their desks with favorite books they had around the house. One important factor is to keep whatever you need for writing close to hand. I keep my commonplace book for my WIP on my desk so I don’t have to search for it after I sit down to work. If I’m researching and need to take notes, I can easily grab a pencil. 

Many writers enjoy working in bookstores, coffee shops, or libraries because they like being out and about. I write at home because I’m too distracted anywhere else, so for me it’s important to have a space where I enjoy spending time.

You Can Have More Than One Writing Space

Occasionally, on days when my neck or back are being nuisances, I’ll sit in my recliner and work on my laptop. The recliner is big and sturdy, and though I’m looking down it can be easier on my body. It’s difficult to concentrate when you’re hurting. I can see my desk from the recliner, so I still get the Light Academia vibes, and I’m sitting beside one of my bookshelves, which is always a good thing. I’m next to the window in my recliner, and I’m a big fan of natural light for working. As I’m writing this, I can see the pretty tree outside, the blue sky, and the green plants on my patio. 

Having a special space that serves as my creative sanctuary is important for my writing process. This is where I can let my imagination run wild. In 2024, I published two books in one year for the first time, and I believe that having a special space for writing helped me feel more professional and productive. When I sit at my desk, or with my laptop, I know that procrastination is over and it’s time to get to work.