••• The International Writers Magazine - 24 Years on-line - Writing Matters

The Importance of Having a Dedicated Writing Space • Indiana Lee It doesn’t matter if you write for a living or you stay up late composing epic fan fiction into the small hours of the night. If you feel that overwhelming urge to write on a regular basis, you’re a writer. It’s as simple as that. Image Source: Pexels

However, just because you naturally love to write or you have a degree in journalism doesn’t mean you’re going to compose something beautifully compelling every time you touch a pen or sit down at your computer. The environment in which you write can make a huge difference in both the quality and quantity of your compositions.

Here are a few of the most important reasons that you really should have a dedicated space for your writing endeavors.

Why a Dedicated Writing Space Matters

A writing “space” is a bit of a nebulous concept. After all, writers have always craved different environments and settings. Sometimes it’s a formal office. Other times it’s from bed or even a closet. In addition, a writing space is often different from a thinking or editing space.

Regardless of the specifics, though, having an area that is the area where you write is essential for multiple reasons:

1. A dedicated writing space provides a well-known environment that can help you feel comfortable and at ease.
2. A dedicated writing space can often provide isolation and protection from interruptions.
3. A dedicated writing space allows you to distance yourself from other areas of your life that can be distracting.
4. A dedicated writing space can be personalized, both visually and audibly, to suit your unique writing preferences.
5. A dedicated writing space can be tailored to spark creativity in your own unique ways.

From creativity to avoiding distractions, personalization to intense focus, there are many reasons to dedicate a specific environment to your writing. Now, it’s important to realize that just because you have an area specifically set up for writing doesn’t mean you have to be in it every time you compose.

On the contrary, if your space feels too creatively dry or overused (and it will at times), it’s a good idea to shake things up. Go outside. Head over to a local coffee shop. Write in the living room, in your car, or hanging upside down from a tree branch.

The point is, having a dedicated writing space doesn’t mean you’re trapped into only writing there. However, it provides a steady, predictable spot that you can retreat to every time your current environment isn’t cooperating.

How to Create the Perfect Writing Space

The importance of a dedicated space in which to write is fairly easy to establish. However, actually setting one up is another matter altogether. If you’re thinking of finally creating a space just for writing, here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Find Your Space

Of course, you can’t set up a space if you don’t know where it is. Start your adventure by finding a suitable spot within your home. This can be anything from a spare room or office to a cleared-out closet or even a corner of your bedroom.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even remodel an area of your home to meet your needs in the most specific manner possible. If you want to remodel but you’re concerned about the price tag that comes with so many home improvement projects, you may still be able to do a minor remodel by utilizing used materials, renting tools, and finding other ways to save money throughout the process.

While a remodel is nice, it won’t work for most. If you’re limited on options, that’s okay. The specific size or space doesn’t matter as much as the simple fact that you’re actually dedicating an area of your living space as holy writing ground. This creates boundaries and makes it easier to maintain a sense of work-life balance.

Think About Comfort and Productivity

Once you have your space chosen, it’s time to set it up. It’s wise to start by addressing two things: comfort and productivity.

Comfort should take into consideration things like a desk and chair with good ergonomics, quality lighting, and the temperature of the space. Self-care is important if you want to stay productive, and this starts with the basic comfort of your space.

Productivity is also a critical concern, as you don’t want your space to hold you up. Some productivity measures overlap with comfort, such as getting a good desk and chair. In addition, a productive workspace should include things like warm and natural lighting, greenery, and plenty of storage and organization.

Decorate in Your Style

Once you have the bones of your space set up, it’s time to decorate. This is where your own personality comes in. A few decoration tips to consider include:

1. Considering the atmosphere, such as your use of mood lighting or aromatherapy.
2. Colors, both on the walls and via pictures and desk decor, that spark your interest.
3. Creative and inspirational items that get your mind get moving, stir your emotions, and help you stay on track.

The way you decorate your space will make a huge difference in whether you actually want to write in it.

Set Up a Cleaning Schedule

Choosing an area and setting things up are the major activities that go into creating a dedicated writing space for yourself. However, if you don’t take the time to optimize that space on a regular basis, it can eventually become more of a writing albatross around your neck rather than a truly productive asylum from the rest of your busy life.

That’s why, once you’re set up, you also need to take steps to stay organized. Decluttering your writing space can make it more attractive, reduce stress, and help you stay focused. This is the same reason that basic activities like organization and minimizing distractions are crucial aspects of successfully setting up your own workspace as well.

Thriving in Your Own Space

If you love to write, it’s important that you do your best to facilitate that passion whenever possible. Having a dedicated writing space can be an effective tool in your writing toolkit. It provides a safe haven for your writing and enables you to stay focused and productive even when the rest of your life isn’t cooperating.

So review the suggestions above, choose an area, and start setting up your own dedicated writing space now. You’ll be glad you did so the first time you sit down to write something in your new writing environment.

© Indiana Lee 2.19.21
indianaleewrites.contently.com

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