The significance of a well-designed writing environment cannot be overstated. As a writer, the space I’m writing in has always impacted my motivation, mood, and ability to focus on the work at hand. I’ve often sat down ready to write, only to feel uneasy and distracted by a mess, a background noise, or something about my workspace that doesn’t feel right.
As I’ve grown and developed as a writer, I’ve started to understand what my perfect writing space looks like and make conscious efforts to set it up in a way that not only fosters productivity but also nurtures my imaginative process and puts me in the creative zone.
I want to share my thoughts on the importance of shaping the perfect space for you to write and be creative in and delve into the essential elements and considerations needed.
Setting the Scene
Every writer’s sanctuary begins with one crucial element: location. If you are writing from home, you may want to consider which room of your home works best for you; this could be a dedicated office or basement, far from all other distractions, a bedroom with a view out onto the neighbourhood, or a desk in the corner of the living room, with people often passing by. If you are on the road, you may want to write in your hotel room, out on the beach or pool deck, or in the corner of a bustling cafe.
I have always preferred a dedicated space where I can lock myself away and not be distracted, but somewhere with a calming view helps immensely. The perfect spot will vary for each individual. You must experiment and seek a space that speaks to your writer’s soul, helping you feel most creative and productive.
Tame the Clutter
For many, a cluttered room will cause a cluttered mind. For me, that is especially true, and I find it very hard to get into writing mode if I’m surrounded by mess and chaos. If I’m in a cluttered space, it often leads to some form of writer’s block, and I’ll need to clean and organise before the creative juice flow – or move to a new space entirely.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo, and eliminate distractions to create a writing environment that sparks joy. It may even be a good routine to allow yourself 10 mins before you start writing and give your space a quick clean. Organising the room and putting everything in it’s right place can be very cathartic and prepare you well to enter the creative zone.
Comfort is Key
If you’re like me, you are easily distracted when writing and trying to get/stay in the zone. One of the common distractions for me is not actually loud noise or people passing by, but the feeling of discomfort. If my writing space isn’t comfortable, it won’t be long before I’m fidgeting, and my attention is slowly being drawn to my chair or desk, or frustration with the temperature of the room.
Whether you prefer a cosy armchair or a minimalist desk, comfort reigns supreme in writing. As romantic as it may seem, few people could actually pen a master novel while shifting around on a stiff wooden stool in a cold, lakeside cottage. Carefully set your ideal temperature and invest in ergonomic furniture to support your creative journey and avoid transforming into Quasimodo hunched over his manuscript.
Let There Be Light
Light is another crucial element when designing a creative space. If my workspace is too dark or dim, my motivation will soon fade. Having a space well-lit by natural light will also free up my creative mind much more than an unnaturally lit room.
A well-lit space can make all the difference between a room fit for inspiration and a cave-like lair. Harness the power of natural light to illuminate your workspace, or invest in a lamp that mimics sunlight. It’s scientifically proven that light improves our mood and intensifies our positive emotions.
Embrace the Soundscape
Now this one will vary drastically from person to person. Some writers I know love to write to music or even put a TV show or news channel on in the background. For me, I like complete silence, and any music or the sounds of a TV will be a total distraction.
With that said, I do often work well with the window open and the hum of life passing by outside. Equally, I can find the sound of heavy rain and stormy weather relaxing, and it rarely distracts me. Experiment with different soundscapes, from classical symphonies to white noise machines, to discover the perfect auditory backdrop for your next writing masterpiece.
Add a Touch of Inspiration
Once you’ve found a space which suits your style, is clean and clutter-free, offers you the perfect comfort and light, and has the ideal soundscape, the final touch is that of inspiration.
For me, the perfect writing space will have a sofa or armchair in the room, away from the screen. I will also have a large whiteboard. Even when I am in the zone and things are creatively following, I often feel the urge to step away from my desk. I can’t quite explain why, but it’s not that I am feeling a block; it’s more that I need to take that step back and see the bigger picture. Walking away from my desk and sitting in another chair for a few moments helps me reflect and recharge before diving back in.
When I do feel a bit of a block coming on (or similarly, when I feel overwhelmed with an idea), being able to move to the whiteboard and physically write things down can help me regain that inspiration.
While for me, it’s more of a practical touch, you may prefer to add inspirational art pieces to the walls of your room or famous quotes. Another final touch of inspiration could be to add some greenery and natural plants: not only do plants provide oxygen, but they also bring a sense of serenity and connection to nature.
Crafting the ideal writing environment is an art form, a delicate balance of aesthetics, functionality, and inspiration. Remember, your sanctuary reflects your creative spirit and is as unique as the stories you weave. So embrace the process and allow your space to evolve as you grow as a writer. By cultivating a writing environment tailored to your individual needs, you set the stage for a fruitful and fulfilling creative journey.
