Welcome to my own little Magic Nutshell! In the spirit of supreme writerly laziness, this is a repost from a few months ago. But my writing space is still there, in real life.
There is a huge variety of spaces where writers get their work done. I think the most important thing is that we do have a place comfortable enough, and free enough from distractions, that we can fall into the groove of our stories for a productive stretch of time.
My own writing space is a teeny tiny nook off my living room.
This architectural oddity in my living room has the feel of an old-school library carol. I have just enough space for my computer, stereo, files, relevant books, and paper and pens. Nothing can distract me here... except, of course, the internet with all its enticing blogs and Wiki pages.
I've filled the space with (almost) nothing except items that are relevant to my current work. I've got my history books, mythologies, collections of fairy tales and medieval folklore, holy books with pre-Crusades Christian texts, books of spells and black magic, ancient pagan poetry, a mini reference library, and, of course, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel.
What does your writing space look like? Do you even write at home, or do you do some of your best work (as I do) in places outside the home, like cafes or libraries?
There is a huge variety of spaces where writers get their work done. I think the most important thing is that we do have a place comfortable enough, and free enough from distractions, that we can fall into the groove of our stories for a productive stretch of time.
My own writing space is a teeny tiny nook off my living room.
This architectural oddity in my living room has the feel of an old-school library carol. I have just enough space for my computer, stereo, files, relevant books, and paper and pens. Nothing can distract me here... except, of course, the internet with all its enticing blogs and Wiki pages.
I've filled the space with (almost) nothing except items that are relevant to my current work. I've got my history books, mythologies, collections of fairy tales and medieval folklore, holy books with pre-Crusades Christian texts, books of spells and black magic, ancient pagan poetry, a mini reference library, and, of course, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel.
What does your writing space look like? Do you even write at home, or do you do some of your best work (as I do) in places outside the home, like cafes or libraries?
Your writing space is adorable! I love it! Mine is an entire room, with a humongous desk I put together all on my own. I'll have to clean it up and take a couple pictures!
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Genie! I love seeing other people's writing spaces. Awhile ago, Scott Bailey in Lit Lab tried to collect people's writing space photos. It was great to see where other people work.
ReplyDeleteYour space is way cooler than mine. I used to write in my closet. (Totally serious) Now, I usually just write on my bed. I once read in a writing how-to book that we as writers should have a "uniform," some article of clothing that gets us in the mood for writing work. We wear special clothes to our day jobs, why not for the other one too?
ReplyDeleteCool blog! :)
aww i love that!! it's so nice to have a small space dedicated to something so dear to your heart. i have my desk and everything, but i need to work on making my little nook a lot cooler.
ReplyDeletehehe
thanks for sharing!!
KM: A writing uniform?? Hey, whatever works! NaNoWriMo suggests wearing one silly thing, like a hat or accessory, for "writing time." I'm thinking that putting on something like a Genius Helmet would not only get you in the mood but signal to other household members that you're not to be distracted. LOL! Off I go to make myself an apparatus with old TV rabbit ears...
ReplyDeleteVery fun! Thanks for sharing this. I write on my couch in the living room, in my bed, or at my computer desk in a corner of the living. Sometimes at the kitchen table. I live in a tiny space with a kid. There's no way I get to write in peace. Just doesn't happen, so I improvise every day and squeeze in what I can.
ReplyDeleteI love your cozy cave. Limiting distractions helps! Thanks for your critique of my YA novel yesterday. I appreciate your help.
ReplyDeleteMy writing space is an actual closet, believe it or not. I didn't want to have to share space with any other family member and happily moved in. So what if I have to stand on my chair to reach my printer on the shelf above?? (I had an outlet put in the closet for the printer, a lamp, and a little fan).
ReplyDeleteI also write away from home. Just got back from Starbucks.
Oh, I love your cozy little nutshell! I wish mine were tucked away like that :) Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteHuzzah!
ReplyDeleteI love your writing space! I posted about mine as well, but, like you, I do most of my writing away from my desk
ReplyDeleteLovely writing space! It seems so peaceful and functional.
ReplyDeleteI love your space -- and the idea that you feel like you're in a library study carol is so cool and appealing to me. I always worked best in one of those! Thanks for sharing. And, you have gorgeous hair. Had to mention that!
ReplyDeleteI show my space today on my blog One Significant Moment at a Time. Stop over!
I love writing spaces that are tucked in tight--very good for focus!
ReplyDeleteAlso, what I can see of your living room looks beautiful!
I love your nook! It's so cozy and lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice space! Cozy, and your pictures make it look warm and inviting.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be so isolated. I'm with you in that respect. I have trouble writing if there's a window or a room or a view in front of me.
- Eric
It's a nice space, but I think I would feel claustrophobic. lol
ReplyDeleteI really like your space, but you'd have to put a window in there for me to be comfortable enough to work in it - I have claustrophobia issues.
ReplyDeleteI'll just have to make myself comfortable in your living room. :-D
You're belly dancing?!! You're my hero! Ever since I saw I Dream of Jeannie when I was little, I've wanted to learn. Love your nook. It's perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicole! :) I was having a good hair day.
ReplyDeleteSummer, Lydia, and Eric: I think so too, that small spaces are good for focus, especially living with two boys--I mean, grown men, who are always doing bizarre and distracting things.
But, Nevets and CRW: I can see how it would drive some people nuts. Some people are comforted by being in a contained, restricted space, while others panic. Some people (like me) work best with danz-metal music on, while others prefer peaceful quiet. You gotta find what works for you.
Words Crafter: Yeah, I fool around with belly dancing. It's a great workout! And it's always a good time to learn. I started out using www.bellydanceboulevard.com. I find the instructional video series to be very helpful for beginners. And even better, it's free and you don't have to sign up for anything to watch.
Looks like a great space! I love those little nooks, and I can't think of a better use for it.
ReplyDeleteI love your cozy nook!! :) And your living room is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI also love that you belly dance.
I love your little nook! I too write in a corner of the living room. I will have to snap a picture when I get home tonight and join in the fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's the cutest little nook! I feel like I would be so focused there. I love the carol feel :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful architectural oddity! It does remind me of a little study carol. How cute! :D
ReplyDeleteLove the little corner of the living room! I think it's great to have a cosy place to write which is free from distractions.
ReplyDeleteI've just posted my blogfest entry too, and am now having lots of fun hopping from blog to blog!
Cute space! And now I'm following you, because I see you do belly dance and I do (a little), too!
ReplyDeleteHOLY COMMENTS, Batman! Everyone wants to weigh in on this post. I have to say I got excited looking at your writing space. I think I'll shamelessly post my writing space, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's great how you've actually created a little cozy nook right in the corner. Like a mini safe-house for your ideas.
I really like the feel of your writing space, it's cute, cozy and has everything you need! It is really, really awesome!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to know what my writing space looks like, it's up on my blog!
i'm totally jealous of your nook! I want a nook!
ReplyDeleteNice cubby! So cozy, it appeals to my inner rabbit.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely cozy writing space. Lovely nook!
ReplyDeleteMy writing space is in a separate bedroom now my office. However, I share the space with every paper every member of the household decides to deposit on my desk. Result. One big mess. I will get it cleaned off one of these days.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Oh it's adorable!!! It almost looks so serene!!! I love your writing space!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Your living room is beautiful,too. Off to explore your blog...
ReplyDelete