I find it easier to write if I have a devoted space. Even back when my desk consisted of a scrap piece of wood balanced on an old TV tray, just the very thought of having a place all my own, where no household detritus was allowed to collect, opened up a path to my muse.
The only place I have available for a separate office is my tiny enclosed porch at the front of the house. Last summer I decided to do whatever I could to make it a cozy, beautiful space–an acknowledgement of the importance of writing in my life.
I have a view of the beautiful Oklahoma landscape and plenty of light, and in the spring the mulberry tree right outside the window attracts dozens of different species of birds. The windows are positioned to catch the constant breeze, and the trees keep the sun at a manageable level. It’s paradise, in mild weather. In the winter it’s just too cold, so I sit uncomfortably on the couch with my laptop or legal pad and wonder if one of the kids would mind giving up his/her room to a good cause. I don’t even like blogging on the couch.
So for me, it’s important to have a place that is undeniably mine, and also business-like yet beautiful. I like serenity with pops of energy, such as that blue painting above my desk.
This is an old piece of textured white laminate that I washed paint over. Basically free art.
I know some people love creating in busy coffee shops, others love a quiet park bench, and others flop down wherever they happen to be, but I think most people have at least a rudimentary space in their homes devoted to their craft. And apparently I’m not the only one fascinated by them, because there are sites devoted to all kinds of work spaces. Here’s one for studio musicians, one for artists, and one for writers. I bet if you googled your brand of creativity plus “office pictures” you’d come up with a site just for you.
Where do you connect with your muse?
