Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything
George Bernard Shaw
‘Real writers’ don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, they produce a set number of words or pages on a regular schedule. The first step is to find the things that trigger your creative state. Creativity is different for everyone. Some writers love working in a bustling, crowded café; others work best in a quiet room or at a retreat venue by the beach or green space.
Every professional has a territory where he or she exercises his or her skills. For a surgeon, it’s the theatre. For a swimmer, it’s the pool. For a chef, it’s the kitchen. For an author, it’s their writing space. For these other professionals, once they get into their territory, there is a mental shift. For writers, it’s often their writing space that needs the shift into writing mode.
Setting aside a specific place to write is very essential. It will trigger your brain into action! This, however, doesn’t have to get you all worked up. You don’t need to hire space to do your writing. Work with what you have. Here are some suggestions you may want to consider:
Serene location
If you can get a place that can get you away from all the noise around you, you’re good to go. Ideally, this should be a space you can control. That is, you get to determine how it looks and what goes into it. You should also have easy access to it at your dedicated writing time.
This isn’t always possible though. If you live with other people, it may be difficult to get that ‘quiet’ place. Try to get headphones that block out the noise or choose a writing time when there is little to no activity around you. This time could become your space. If you love the outdoors, there’s nothing wrong with making the park your writing space.
Inspirational items
These are things that activate your mind and encourage creativity. If you have a writing room, put a painting on the wall if you love art. Perhaps you love nature, but can’t write from outside. Consider having some potted plants in your writing room. For someone else, photos of people they love could just be the inspiration they need.
Whatever you do, add something that will create the comfortable environment that allows you to write. If your space isn’t entirely yours, like a library, carry an item that will make it feel more familiar.
Comfortable chair
This may seem obvious, but it is often taken for granted. Ensure your body is comfortable. This can be a major cause of derailment at the subconscious level. If your body struggles or is exposed to discomfort, it will rebel without your permission.
If you have any physical challenge, you need to pay more attention to this. Your comfort is of great importance. It will also prevent further physical complications.
Internet-free
Believe it or not, you’ll do well to block out the Internet in your writing space. There are tons of stuff competing for your attention on the Internet. To avoid any contradiction, writing time shouldn’t turn into ‘research time’. Avoid the temptation to use that as an excuse.
Nothing could be more disappointing than realising your dedicated time has been wasted on social media. Plus, the fact that you can’t relive any moment should encourage you to make the most of the time you have.
It’s time to reflect!
- Describe your perfect writing space.
- What other items, apart from a chair, do you consider necessary for your writing experience to be more comfortable?
It’s time to act!
Once you are done jotting down your answers, share your reflections with a friend or a group.
Remember, you are an author, and just like any other professional, you need your territory.
Writing Checklist
Did I…
- Read Day 10 Insights
- Write my reflection from today’s reading
- Write my action plan
- Share my action plan for accountability with a partner or a writer’s group