The Writer's Corner: A Special Place

 

Photo Credit: Pereanu Sebastian

 

They say if you suffer from insomnia, the worst thing you can do in your bed is anything but sleep in it. The rationale is that if you connect your bed with reading, working, surfing the 'net...stuff that promotes wakefulness, in other words...then your mind will go into 'ON' mode when you climb into it, even if you're exhausted. If your bed is for sleep and only sleep, then getting into it tells your brain and body to conk out.

 

The same could be said for where you do your writing. A dedicated space where you weave your worlds exclusively can make a big difference to your mindset when it's time to get those pages out of your skull. Creating your writing haven can go a long way toward productivity. It's the same idea as pledging your bed to sleep only: you sit down in your writing place, and creativity switches on because your brain has learned this is where it's expected to work.

 

Writing spaces are as individual as the writers themselves. Some are inspired by the scenery outside a nearby window or a beautiful picture. Some insist on blank walls to cut off distractions. Some like music playing; others can't concentrate unless they have silence. Good lighting and comfort are must-haves. Maybe a totem, good luck object, or a writing affirmation can be in the vicinity to put you in the mood. Just like writing itself, landing on the best environment means experimentation. Best of all, creating your own personalized setting can be an inspiration in its own right.

 

In my space, I have pictures and objects of comfort, items that remind me of family. I usually have a cup of coffee or chai. An atomizer keeps down the odor of my stinky dog (baths are effective for no longer than 24 hours with this smelly hound). I have blankets nearby in case I get chilled. I have a lot of chronic pain, so a large measure of comfort is required. To offset this wondrous scene of basking coziness, I typically have Rammstein or Nightwish thudding in the background...since I write a lot of action scenes, I need that metal attitude. 

 

That's all well and good if you can find an area to call your own during writing. It could be you don't have an area to cordon off in your home, however. If you need a quiet place but have to look outside, the library might work. Or a picnic table at a local park. A blanket on the shore, perhaps. If you're better inspired by more civilization, there's always the local coffee shop or diner. Any place you can clear your head and put words on paper/electronic device is a great writing space.

 

Find your special place if you haven't already. Figure out what works for you in it. It'll make a big difference in your writing.