I'm currently halfway through my first draft and have set myself a target of completing it by mid July - with the help of the 80k in 80 days challenge.
My problem with staying on target is, I don't have a proper writing space. I have a very narrow computer table downstairs that is not much wider than the keyboard that graces it so is hopeless for my need to spread out multiple notebooks. This computer is also shared by the family which isn't ideal if I decide creativity is kicking in as my little boy is sat using it.
I tend to use my laptop but find the best place to use it is on my bed so I can spread out all my notes. As you can imagine, this isn't an ideal working space so I've decided that if I plan on sticking to the time scales I have set myself, I need a real writing space. A space that is mine where I can put notebooks, pencils and writing magazines in proper places and I can work in relative peace.
We have a spare bedroom, but as with most spare bedrooms it is filled with "stuff". Stuff I'm sure can be found homes elsewhere, even if that new home is the bin.
I've ordered a desk from Ikea which is being delivered on Saturday. I just need to clear out our much needed (rolls eyes) worldly possessions, get myself a comfortable chair, at which point I will be all set and raring to go.
With a desk, a chair and space to work I will positively steam through the rest of this first draft. (that's the plan anyway!) And I can't wait.
Where is your writing space and what makes you more productive?
I'm like you - I don't really have one. My most productive space used to be on my landlady's couch with the cat and the mayhem of the whole house going on around me. Alas, I moved 2 years ago to somewhere peaceful - and haven't really written since - oops!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new space - I'm off to create one of my own!
Lxxx
*Sigh*...
ReplyDeleteI'm very jealous. I have a writing room of my own, complete with desk, shelves, filing cabinet... but I'm giving it up over the summer for my growing eldest child to have a room of his own... I'm moving into your world, please tell me it's not as bad as all that!
I have a tiny computer desk too. My feet are constantly kicking my printer and all that fits on the desk is a small notebook - all my other papers are spread over the floor.
ReplyDeleteWe were going to clear out the spare room for me this summer but my two daughters who have always insisted on sharing a bedroom have now decided they want their own space.
Oh well, I guess I won't miss what I never had.
I have my own desk and computer (a laptop I chose specifically for writing -- I didn't want a regular computer, because I need it to be portable). However, my desk is housed in one corner of the room that serves as an entry room and dining room. My house is very small and I don't have any extra space. I have dreams about the writing room I'll have in my next house, but for now I manage to get a lot done here.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI understand your plight completely, Rebecca, and I would be completely unable to function. I have proven that in the past. These days (our move to Malaysia three months ago), even with ample space to write and no one else in it all day long except me and the dogs, it wasn't until I actually ordered an IKEA workdesk and put it in an empty room (a luxury, I know) and said "my study" that I actually went back to working on the novel. I'm trying for the same goal as you and about the same distance along so let's wish us BOTH success. Congratulations on your new desk. Light a candle and make it your own. cyn [earlier comment deleted for a typo--grrr]
ReplyDeleteYour own room? I want one of them! :( But we have a 6 person family and a 3 bedroomed house, so it's never gonna happen! I don't need lots of notebooks, though, just the one I'm typing up from, so I have a small ikea laptop table squeezed into our tiny bedroom for my own space. Sometimes write on the bed or sofa, too. I do have my own laptop, now.
ReplyDeleteWhat I really want, when I have a spare £20k, is one of these: http://bit.ly/j9q4p3
It's funny, I have an "official" writing space, which I even call my "writing room." It's actually a small ante room to our powder room which also holds all my craft supplies and other junk. However, I never can seem to write there.
ReplyDeleteI find myself most productive on one of the ends of the family dining table, or on the living room couch.
I keep putting things back into the writing room after each session.
Maybe I need a better chair in there. A candle? How about a crystal that boosts creativity. Oh and a lamp. A bill board, and... Sorry....
I actually have a giant oak desk with hutch that I'm going to get rid of. It's too big and cumbersome and I usually sit on a chair in the livingroom with my laptop either on a pillow on my lap or I stand up with my laptop on top of my printer, which is on top of a short shelf. It's the perfect height for a standing workstation, and I enjoy being able to fluctuate between standing and sitting. The chair I had at my desk was not comfortable and I just took that to the dumpster a couple of days ago. Once I get the desk out, I will probably get a more streamlined, smaller desk one day with a very comfy chair! :-)) I'm really happy for you getting your desk all sorted. It really helps when you enjoy your workspace!
ReplyDeleteI've loved the responses to this post. Reading where people write. No matter where any of us are, it's the writing that matters. It's brilliant to see that. Thanks for talking about your space.
ReplyDeleteLaura - I can't wait for my desk to arrive! Have you created that space yet? :)
Annalisa - The bed makes quite a comfortable writing space. Good luck with the moving about, I'm sure your eldest will be very pleased with the arrangement. :)
Sarah - Your daughters will love their own space. It's just a shame it means you don't get yours. We still manage to write and blog though don't we :)
Ranae - I don't think it matter where our space is as long as we can sit and write. I just found my productivity was slowing and as I had the space, thought I'd use it. Apparently Stephen King wrote in a very tiny space.
Cynthia - It's all in the title isn't it? "The Study" I can't wait! Wishing you lots of luck as you strive to complete your work. See you at the finishing line :)
Clare- I'm lucky in that we have four beds and only two kids. I'm not sure I could cope if we were any larger! I want one of those as well!!
Mieke - It's all about finding the space that's right for us isn't it, wherever that may be. Broom cupboard, table, large conservatory, outside in the garden. It's all about the writing.
Jeannie - Thank you. I can't wait for it to be delivered. Though you've just reminded me, I need a chair to sit at now!
As a student and professional nomad, I'm resigned to being spaceless for at least another year, if not longer. Moving every few months will do that to you.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I feel it's a sort of boon- I've got the ability to sit down, close my ears to the outside world, and hammer out a couple k anywhere and any time. I wrote most of my current WIP in the dead of winter on a tiny footstool crammed against a blazing wood stove, three feet from a TV that was blaring reruns of Lost for the rest of the people in the room.
After that, I'm pretty sure I'll never need a writing space. I'd kinda like to have one, though.
I actually have a desk, with a work table, and all my reference books spread around me. I like order so having my own workspace is great for me. I sit on a balance ball. Have for three years. Talk about discipline. If I lean too far for a book, splat. So embarrassing. I write early every morning, go to my day job (from the same home office desk) and return to writing every evening for a few hundred words. I used to be a nomad, but no longer. Unless a Starbucks beckons and then I'm gone in 60 seconds.
ReplyDeleteI have an area in my room that I use specifically for writing or painting. It's my little nook, and it makes me very happy. Everyone needs a little space of their own to use as inspiration. Good luck on making yours :)
ReplyDeleteSara
@Betsy- I sit on a balance ball too! It gives me a chance to fidget without getting up from the computer, and makes me actually keep an eye on my posture. Also, the dormitory chairs are designed to make your legs fall asleep. A nice bouncy ball is much better.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like your desk, and your space! Maybe that is what I need, I'm terribly behind on the 80k challenge. I'm like you and stretch out with a laptop, but it's not ideal, and obviously isn't working too well since I'm so behind.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new space!
Now that the kids are growing up and moving out on their own, I finally have a entire room of my own to write. I've been gradually remodeling it to make it "my office," right down to repainting, new curtains, my favorite plants sprinkled throughout, etc.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you what a huge difference it has made in my writing life! I've turned the room into sort of my own personal sanctuary, so now I love to be in there. And since I'm in there, I might as well write, right? lol. I'm much less likely now to let a day go by without writing.
However, the kids & hubby now joke that someday I'm going to get myself a fridge and a hotplate to put in there, and then they'll never see me again. ;)
Thanks for every other wonderful article. Where else
ReplyDeletecould anyone get that type of information in such a perfect means of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I'm at the look for such information.
Feel free to surf my webpage currency exchange
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let you know.
The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon.
Kudos
Also visit my webpage ; link
Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It's simple, yet effective.
ReplyDeleteA lot of times it's difficult to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say you've
done a awesome job with this. In addition, the blog loads super
fast for me on Internet explorer. Exceptional Blog!
Also see my website: vidacup international
Undeniably consider that which you said. Your favourite reason
ReplyDeleteappeared to be on the net the simplest factor to take into accout of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while other folks
consider worries that they just do not realize about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also defined
out the entire thing with no need side-effects , other people could take a signal.
Will probably be again to get more. Thank you
Here is my weblog - lanautica.com
I create a comment when I like a post on a site or if I
ReplyDeletehave something to valuable to contribute to the discussion.
It's triggered by the sincerness displayed in the article I browsed. And after this article "Writing Space". I was excited enough to post a comment :-P I do have 2 questions for you if it's okay.
Could it be just me or do some of these responses come across like written by brain dead visitors?
:-P And, if you are posting on other sites, I would like
to follow you. Would you list all of all your community pages like your Facebook page,
twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
Also visit my web page : singles chat
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity
ReplyDeletein your post is just cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to
date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding
work.
Also visit my web blog - cheap dr. dre pro headphones online
I leave a leave a response each time I especially enjoy a article
ReplyDeleteon a site or I have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation.
It is caused by the passion displayed in the post I looked at.
And after this article "Writing Space". I was actually moved
enough to drop a thought :-P I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's allright. Could it be just me or do a few of these remarks come across like they are coming from brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are posting at additional social sites, I would like to keep up with you. Could you make a list every one of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?
My web page :: Effective Business Plan
I am truly delighted to glance at this webpage posts which contains
ReplyDeletelots of useful facts, thanks for providing these
information.
Here is my website ; design
It's very simple to find out any topic on web as compared to books, as I found this article at this website.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at my blog ; click the up coming internet site
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation
ReplyDeletebut I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would
never understand. It seems too complex and very broad
for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!
My web blog :: best construction company near winter garden fl
Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to start my own site soon but I'm
a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a
free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
There are so many options out there that I'm completely confused .. Any tips? Thanks a lot!
my web page :: Boating & Yachting advertising
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting
ReplyDeleteanyplace, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also create comment due
to this brilliant paragraph.
Here is my homepage : leadership speakers Gauteng