Writing space: Where to write and why it’s important

I was recently talking to a friend who was struggling to write. When we unpacked the reasons why, she realised that before the pandemic she was stimulated by long train journeys. And being in the office all the time was stunting her creativity.

Over the last 18 months, you’ve probably spent a lot of your day at your computer, staying in the same space. And work you may have originally done in person has been relegated to Zoom, Skype or Teams.

So, when you need to focus on your book and your writing, this ‘space’ may not be the best place to do it.

In effect, you will ‘anchor’ your ‘work’ to your workspace – meaning that you will associate what you do in this space with work.

You can find yourself less resourceful and less effective, and you may feel stuck.

And when you’re in your ‘work’ space, it’s very easy to just check your emails, go onto social media or do other things that distract you. Especially if you want to take your mind off what you really should be doing!

So, you may find it useful to find a different space for writing and create a new ‘anchor’ for creativity.

How to find the right writing space

I’ve had various conversations with clients about this over the years and it came up on the last Make It Happen day.

I’ve had clients use an old computer on a different desk for writing, which isn’t connected to the internet. Some like the hubbub of a cafe or a shared office space. Others like the silence of a library. Or you could dictate to your phone, which means you can do this anywhere.

When I’m working on a client’s book, I often escape to the dining room table so I can spread out bits of paper and go ‘old school’, annotating my suggestions in a coloured pen, before updating the electronic document later.

If the weather is sunny, you could grab a notebook and pen, and go outside to get some rays and still claim that you are working! Or escape to a shady place with your laptop to be inspired.

However, if these tips aren’t practical, then make sure that you become resourced before you start writing.

Clear your desk of unrelated tasks, turn off distractions and shut your door to interruptions.

Get everything you need within reach, and set yourself a timer and focus on your writing for 30 or 40 minutes at a time.

And if anything stops you from being creative or you feel stuck, take some time away from your writing space. I’m a huge fan of going for a walk to let my creative juices flow.

So… Think about your space.

Where do you write at your best?

If you feel stuck, move.

Model what works for you to get your writing done!

And I’m hoping that next year, we’ll be back in Spain for the next writing retreat… A perfect space to get creative and for the ideas to flow!

Want help to write your book? Here are three ways I can support you

1. Join a Make It Happen day (via Zoom)

Like a mini writing retreat, spend a day with me to get focus. Whether you are planning, writing, editing or marketing your book, you will work alongside a group of like-minded authors, and get guidance, support and advice to make your book happen! www.librotas.com/make-it-happen.

2. Sign up for the Smart Author System

The Smart Author System is my six-week online programme where you’ll learn everything you need to turn your book idea into a manuscript ready to be published. Plus, you will discover how to self-validate and self-fund your book as you write it, so you don’t have to wait until your book is published to get results from your writing and expertise www.librotas.com/smartauthor.

3. Work with me on a one-to-one book mentoring programme

I work with a small number of people on a one-to-one basis, so if you want my personal support to help you to plan, write, publish and launch your book over the coming year, then ​click here to book a call.