It’s January and goal-making time, and most of us have determined what we want to accomplish this year with regard to our writing. It might also be time to take a look at our office or writing work space to see that it’s set up right.
By that, I mean that it is right for you. I know what I need for my office, and some things might apply to all of us, but make sure you have your space set up the way you prefer and need it. Anything that keeps you from writing should be corrected.
First, consider lighting. It’s also winter. I suffer on gray days, so I’ve put full-spectrum light bulbs in both my desk lamp and the overhead fixture. My office faces south so I usually get sunlight during some of the day, too, which keeps me working. That said, the sunlight can hit shiny materials that set up a glare when I look beyond my monitor, so my blinds are angled to minimize this. Lighting can also be a subconscious cue. When the overhead lights are on, I’m usually looking for something, or checking out my bookcases. When the desk lamp is on, it’s time to write, and my brain (and fingers) know this.
Currently I have a full office set up, including separate keyboard, large monitor, computer stand and a u-shaped desk with bookcases on two sides. Computers being so small and portable now, also consider where you’d like to work and what peripherals will help you most. You may prefer a notebook on a table in a sunroom rather than an actual office.
But do think about those peripherals. My separate keyboard has a numeric keypad which I find useful and is more ergonomic than a laptop keyboard, and with larger keys. It also on a pole that can be raised, lowered and angled. That works for me. Are you happy with your keyboard?
My monitor is a full 22 inches and excellent to compare documents side to side, particularly during the copy edit and galley stage. Or for two versions of a document. I do have a tiny 11 inch travel computer and have found comparing documents on that difficult. Are you happy with your monitor?
I have my most used research books in hard copy and within reach, since if I look on the internet for a quick answer I can be distracted. I also have an engagement calendar where I write down my progress at my elbow. At a glance I can see how much I’ve written during the week and if I’ve made my daily goals. These help me.
What are you sitting in? I recently met with a friend who has a reclining chair with a tray that I lusted after, one that cradles her bad back. I tend to use a covered exercise ball. And make sure you have the room to stop and stretch in between (I hope) bouts of inspiration.
Consider the tidiness of your office. Do you look in and cringe at how sterile the place is? Or shudder at the stacks of stuff on your desk that you think you should take care of before you write? You are the best judge of the ambiance of clutter you like, but make sure it isn’t keeping you away from your workspace. And, I admit, that’s why I wanted to write this article. I do have a stack of papers – okay, two stacks – that are bothering me right now. Time to clean them up and get going on meeting my deadlines.
May you create your perfect space for writing and find pleasure in your craft every day.
Robin
My writing room is a mess: piles of paper that need to be filed, a stack that needs shredding, and a bunch of paper that needs to be recycled as soon as I get around to moving it downstairs and into the recycle bin. Maybe if I remove that one table that invites me to cover it with clutter….
Because I love nature, my chair is placed next to the window. My home is surrounded by forest and wildflowers. The occasional glance outside is a must. The monitor is out of the way of the window avoiding reflections. I keep an iPad on the desk for Dictionary and Thesaurus so that I don’t have to reduce the screen to access the internet. Within reach is a tall bookshelf housing reference books. Against the outside wall between two windows stands a hunt table where I sit to write by hand, making notes, etc. In front of the next window is a comfy chair with ottoman where I read. Opposite the hunt table at the entrance to the room is a small, family heirloom desk with a dedicated laptop for banking–paying bills. The walls, painted a pale yellow, reflect my years of nature photography. The butterflies, bees and birds enrich my soul. To compliment the overall atmosphere are three large Kong cushions for my dogs. I mean, no one can write properly without their beloved pets to keep them company.
Great post. Robin!. It’s the clutter that kills me and i’ve got a lot of it now. A good reminder that I need to tackle it right away. Another thing I’ve been putting off is re-adjusting my desk chair. Now’s the time, thanks to you!
Carol
Thanks all! Yes, my window looks out on my neighbor’s house, but the sun is lovely. Cats come and go, and as long as they don’t put their claws in my butt, I am fine with them!