Setting up your writing space like I’ve shown below can boost your creativity, productivity, and overall writing experience. So, lets dive in…

“The right environment can be the spark that sets off a creative fire.” – Julia Cameron

1. Assessing Your Space

“I like to create an environment that allows me to get into my writing zone. For me, this means having everything I need at hand: a comfortable chair, good lighting, no distractions (like email or social media), and inspiring objects around me.” – Susan Wiggs

Identify your priorities

Think about what’s most important to you when it comes to your writing environment. Is it a quiet space? A comfortable chair? Good lighting? Make a mental (or written) note of these priorities.

Start with an honest assessment

Take some time to observe your current writing environment and be brutally honest about what works and what doesn’t.

Ask yourself:

• What are the biggest distractions in my space?
• Are there any areas where I feel uncomfortable or stressed?
• Do I have everything I need within reach, or do I find myself constantly getting up to grab something from another room?

Walk through each area where you write and look at the following:

• Lighting: Are there any harsh or flickering lights that might be affecting your eyes?
• Noise level: Is it too quiet, or are there distracting sounds (e.g., traffic noise) that make it hard to focus?
• Comfort: Do you have a comfortable chair and desk setup? Or do you find yourself shifting around due to discomfort?
• Clutter: Are there piles of papers, books, or other items taking up valuable space?

2. Designing Your Writing Space

Create a calming atmosphere

Think about the colours and textures that help you relax. Consider incorporating elements like:

• Plants: Greenery can be incredibly soothing.
• Calming colours: Blues, greens, or neutral tones can create a peaceful ambience.
• Soft lighting: Table lamps or floor lamps with soft shades can provide warm, cozy light.

Ergonomic furniture

Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk setup to promote good posture and reduce eye strain. Consider:

• Adjustable chairs that allow you to customise the height and tilt of your seat. Many years ago I bought an office chair from an office supply company, as I was unhappy with so-called ‘office-type chairs from various suppliers, this chair has now been in continuous use for probably approaching ten years, and its not showing any signs of its age!
• Desks with built-in cable management systems or USB ports for easy charging.
• Standing desks: If you prefer standing while writing, consider a sit-stand workstation.

Zone creation

Divide your space into different “zones” based on what you’re doing. For example:

• Research zone: Set up a dedicated area with books, journals, and online resources within reach.
• Writing zone: Designate an area for actual writing, complete with comfortable seating and minimal distractions.

3. Essential Tools and Supplies

Its important that you have essential tools and supplies within reach:

Writing utensils

Keep a selection of pens, pencils, highlighters, and markers within reach.

• Consider investing in high-quality writing instruments that feel comfortable to you.
• Don’t forget about erasers, sharpeners, and correction fluid if you use a typewriter. Do many people use typewriters nowadays?

Paper and notebooks

Have multiple options for different projects or writing styles. Think:

• Spiral-bound notebooks with blank pages.
• Grid paper for organised notes.
• Index cards for brainstorming or outlining.
• A dedicated journal for reflection or creative writing.

Technology

Set up your computer, tablet, e-reader, or desktop to meet your needs.

• Consider investing in a noise-cancelling headset or earplugs if you’re sensitive to background noise. (Like children crying/shouting/wailing, loud cars, etc!)
• Make sure your device is comfortable and easy to use while writing.

Reference materials

Have dictionaries, thesauruses, and/or style guides to hand, or make a note in your writing to go back to when you’re back online to look something up. I use ‘tk’ which shows in my file as <<tk>> , easy to see and refer back to.

4. Minimising Distractions

Create boundaries

Establish clear expectations with family, friends, and colleagues about when you’re available for non-writing tasks. When mum/dad are in the writing space/den DO NOT DISTURB – except for death, fire, or any other dire emergencies!

• Set aside specific times for responding to emails or taking phone calls.
• Consider implementing a “do not disturb” sign on your door or using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

Work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-10 minute break. This can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

• Use a timer to keep yourself accountable.
• Take longer breaks every hour or so to stretch, move around, and rest your eyes.

5. Making It Your Own

Add personal touches

Incorporate items that bring you joy, inspiration, or comfort.

• Photos of loved ones or favourite places.
• Inspirational quotes or motivational posters.
• Mementos from special events or experiences.

Incorporate aromatherapy

Certain scents can promote relaxation and focus. Consider using:

• Essential oils in a diffuser.
• Scented candles or room sprays.
• Aromatherapy pillows or sachets.

Conclusion

In this post we’ve looked at assessing your potential writing space and what can be done to overcome possible problems. We’ve then looked at various strategies to make your writing space more efficient, and then moved on to what are our essential tools and supplies to work with. This has then been followed by minimising the distractions in your writing space, and ended with making your space your own and personalising it.

I would encourage you to experiment with different designs, tools, and places to find what works best for you. I’ve found that trying to write in a coffee shop or library just doesn’t work for me because I’m a ‘people watcher’ and I start listening in to other peoples conversations and observing their body language!

It may be impossible to achieve the ideal writing space, but setting up your writing space as I’ve shown above can have a significant impact on your productivity and overall writing experience.

And don’t worry if your ideal writing environment doesn’t exist yet – just start making small changes and see where it takes you!