Tips for a Writer's Space

Every writer is different. And the spaces those writers work in will be as different as each writer is. It will reflect who they are as a person and writer. Most of the time. Not all writers have an "office" space. Some make room on their dining/kitchen table. Some write wherever they happen to be at the moment. Those who have a desk or want one--this is for you...

Here are some tips to give you the perfect place and have everything you need to sit down and write!

• First, you need a place that is quiet, or a place where you can control the volume around you. It may not be perfect, but it's a place where you can allow your imagination flow. If you can--choose a room that is designated as your writing space only so people know when you're in your space to leave you alone so you can write. Or dream.

• You will need a desk that fits the space. Or a table. Whichever you prefer.

• In your space, you will need things close by--things you need to continue writing without pause. For instance, do you use a Thesaurus or a dictionary? If you do, keep one handy and within your reach so you don't have to get up and lose your train of thought.

• Every time you have to get up to get something, can risk you losing a thought, an important line in a book, or the scene you need to complete that chapter. Anything at arm's length can be vital. A drink or snack close by can be handy. Need an extra pen? Keep one close to you. It helps having a few of those (pens/pencils).

• Some writers keep a mini fridge in their space to keep cold drinks close by, so they don't have to leave the room, risking getting those interruptions from loved ones. If it's in your budget and you have a space, think about getting one. That way, you can refill your drink quicker. Plus, you have something to brag about with your non-writing friends lol.

• Having a space you actually want to be in will help. So, make it your own--decorate it, fill in the space that inspires you and motivates you. Hang pictures on the walls, fill up those shelves with your books or your favorite books. Keep the ones you use the most closer to you and easy to reach.

• If you plan ahead, be sure to keep some sort of planner, either one you make or one you buy from a store. Dry-erase boards come in different styles and sizes. You can also think outside of the box and use a normal picture frame with a plain background. You can write on the glass with a dry-erase marker. Getting several picture frames, you can create something original and in your design to match the space you decorate. Having these handy can be useful if you don't plan ahead too!

• Don't forget about the obvious things like a desk lamp for those night-time writing or when you need that extra light.

If you can't create a space that is for only writing, here are some fun things to do to create the space within the space...

• If the room is large enough, you can "build" a wall to divide the space. Ways to create the wall depends on your budget and ability. You can stack milk crates, attaching each one to another one and secure it to the wall somehow. You can put up a curtain. You can use bookshelves. Be creative.

• If the space is small, you can put a small desk in the corner or wherever it fits. A roll-top desk could be a smart choice because when you're not writing, you can slide it down to hide your writing stuff.

• You can also convert old dressers or "wardrobes" into a desk that can hide your work when you're not writing. It can be a fun way to decorate a space while giving you a place to work on your book.

What could you add that could help other writers to create a space to work in?