Baby Steps 1 – Set Up Your Writing Space

By Sharon M. KimbleWriting

(Rewritten and revised 2025-10-22)

Hello, fellow writers! Today, I want to talk about something that’s very important but often overlooked in our writing journey – setting up a comfortable and inspiring space where we can let our creativity flow. So grab your cup of tea, sit back, and join me as we dive into the world of creating the perfect writing space.

First things first: finding the right spot in your home or office is crucial. Look for an area that’s quiet enough to minimise distractions but also cozy enough to make you feel at ease. If possible, choose a room with a window to let natural light in – it can do wonders for your mood and productivity!

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

Now, let’s talk about the essential elements of a writing space:

  1. Comfortable seating: You don’t want to be distracted by an uncomfortable chair or backache while you’re trying to write that masterpiece. Invest in a good-quality desk chair with proper support for your back and arms, so you can sit for hours without any discomfort.
  2. Surface space: Make sure you have enough surface area on your desk or table to accommodate your laptop, notebooks, pens, and other writing tools. A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind, so keep it clean and organised.
  3. Tech setup: Whether you’re using a laptop or desktop computer, ensure that everything is set up ergonomically for easy access and minimal strain on your eyes and neck. Don’t forget to connect your phone charger nearby too!
  4. Lighting: As mentioned earlier, natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, consider adding a desk lamp with adjustable brightness to reduce eye strain during those late-night writing sessions.
  5. Inspiration boards or motivational quotes: Surround yourself with visual reminders of why you love writing and what you hope to achieve. These can be inspiring images, famous author quotes, or even your own goals and milestones.
  6. Personal touches: Add some personality to your space by including items that make you feel happy and inspired. This could be a favourite mug, a comfortable blanket, or even a small plant to keep the creative energy flowing.
  7. A designated “park” area: Lastly, don’t forget to create a spot near your writing space where you can take short breaks and clear your mind. This could be a comfortable chair, a balcony with a view, or even just a window ledge to gaze out of.

“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

7 Guidelines for setting up your writing space.

Setting up the perfect writing space is all about creating an environment that inspires and motivates you to write. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Find your spot: Look for a quiet corner where you won’t be disturbed by noise or people. It could be a cosy space in your home, a local library, or even a cafe with a view that sparks your creativity. Make sure the space is comfortable and inviting so you can spend hours lost in your writing.
  2. Set up your tools: Gather all the tools you need for writing – whether it’s a laptop, pen, paper, or a trusty typewriter. Choose ones that you enjoy using and make you feel inspired. Having everything organised and within reach will save time and keep you focused on your writing.
  3. Create a distraction-free place: Minimise the distractions around you by turning off notifications from your phone, social media, or email. You can even use apps that block these distracting websites for set periods of time to help you stay on track.
  4. Add some inspiration: Surround yourself with items that inspire and motivate you. This could be a favourite quote, a vision board filled with goals and dreams, or photos of your favourite authors. These visual reminders will keep you energised and focused during those long writing sessions.
  5. Make it comfortable: Invest in a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows for hours of sitting without discomfort. You can also add some cosy touches like a soft blanket, a plant to bring life into the space, or even fairy lights to create a relaxing ambience.
  6. Personalise your space: Make it yours! Add personal items that make you feel happy and inspired. This could be a favourite mug, family photos, or even a small collection of your published works (if you have any). A personalised space will help you connect with your writing on a deeper level.
  7. Be flexible: Remember, the perfect writing space is unique to each individual. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things around until you find what works best for you. Sometimes, a change of scenery or rearranging your setup can spark new creativity and ideas.

5 Common mistakes to avoid.

  1. Lack of comfort: Sitting on a hard chair for hours can lead to discomfort and distraction from your work. Make sure you have a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows you to sit for long periods without strain.
  2. Too much clutter: A cluttered space can be overwhelming and distracting, making it difficult to focus on writing. Keep your desk clean and organised so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
  3. Poor lighting: Good lighting is essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining concentration. Avoid working in a dimly lit room or directly under bright lights that cause glare on your screen.
  4. Distractions galore: Your writing space should be conducive to productivity, not distraction. Limit the number of personal items like phones, tablets, and TVs that can pull you away from your work. If possible, find a quiet area where noise won’t interfere with your focus.
  5. Lack of personalisation: A space that doesn’t feel like yours can make writing feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable activity. Add personal touches to your workspace, such as photos or inspirational quotes, to create a more inviting and inspiring environment.

5 Key takeaways

  1. Comfort is key: Make sure your chair and desk are comfortable so you can sit for long periods without strain or discomfort. This will help keep you focused on the task at hand.
  2. Minimise distractions: Keep your workspace free from clutter and distractions like phones, tablets, and TVs that could pull you away from writing. A quiet environment can also help maintain focus.
  3. Personal touches: Add personal items to your space such as photos or inspirational quotes to make it feel more inviting and inspiring. This will help create a positive atmosphere for writing.
  4. Good lighting: Ensure that the lighting in your workspace is adequate, avoiding both dimly lit areas and bright lights that cause glare on your screen. Good lighting can reduce eye strain and improve concentration.
  5. Organisation is essential: Keep your desk organised so you can easily find what you need when you need it. This will help save time and keep you focused on writing rather than searching for supplies or materials.

Conclusion

Remember, the perfect writing space is unique to each individual – it’s all about finding what works best for YOU! So go ahead and don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups and arrangements until you find your dream place and what works best for you. And once you do, enjoy the satisfaction that comes from having a dedicated area where you can fully immerse yourself in your creative journey. So, go ahead, create your dream writing space, and let the magic happen! Happy writing!