Creating An Ideal Writing Space

There’s nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but I’ve seen and experienced times where it became an obstacle to getting writing done. It’s easy to fall victim to excuses, like I need a better desk, an office with a door, a new computer, or the perfect pen and notebook. The reality is that the ideal writing space is where writing actually happens. Creating an ideal writing space is more mental than physical, focusing on conditions that will make writing as easy as possible. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few thoughts and recommendations on the realities of creating a writing space.

The Basics

We’re going to start with the obvious here, the basic requirement of a way to record your writing. Depending on circumstance or preference you have a couple choices: pen and paper, computer, typewriter, dictation software or voice recording app/device. Once that’s decided, you’ll need a place to work. Most people imagine an office with a closed door as the ideal. But of course, we know that’s not always possible. You should at least have a designated writing space. It could be anywhere in your home but set it up so that when you sit down to write there is nothing to distract you and everything you need to write is readily available. 

The other basic thing that’s often forgotten about is time. We need to make space in our day for writing. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, writing needs to be scheduled into your day. Literally putting it into your calendar like an appointment. Also remember to carve the time away from your family. You need to protect your writing time, letting anyone that might interrupt you know that time is off limits. That is your designated writing time, and you must not be disturbed. It might be a good idea to invest in headphones if you don’t have a door to close. If you have a door that closes, close it. It can be tempting to want to leave the door open expecting that others will still understand you’re busy. Unfortunately, they won’t, an open door is an invitation to be interrupted. 

Writing in Public Places

Writing somewhere other than your home can help eliminate distractions and interruptions. My number one recommendation is your closest library. I feel like I don’t hear enough about how great libraries are for writing, they’re pretty much built for writers. They usually have plenty of desks and/or tables available to work at, some even have private study rooms where you can work completely undisturbed. They also usually have computers and printers for the public to use. And of course there is an abundance of material for inspiration. I’m at the library at least once a week and am usually twice as productive compared to when I work at home.  

Then we have the very predictable cafe, a favorite of many writers, past and present. Similarly, a diner or casual restaurant could work just as well. But keep in mind, taking up a table for long might cost the business and/or server money. I recommend going at slow times of the day, order more than just coffee or whatever you drink and tip well. Writing in bars is a tempting idea and on occasion it might be okay, but I would warn against doing it regularly. I don’t care who you are, you are not a better writer when you drink. It may feel like that at the moment, but that’s because your inner critic is compromised. If you’re less critical, you’ll write more and be more likely to land on something good. But to think or say that you write better while drinking can be a very slippery slope that you don’t want to start down. The other problem is that people go to bars to be social. Whether you know the other customers or not, you will likely be interrupted by somebody looking for company, even the bartenders can be too chatty on a slow shift. 

Life is life and we are not always going to have the perfect conditions. The idea is to have options when writing at home does not work for you. Myself and other writers have used a bus or train commute as writing time, recorded ideas and notes while taking walks, or jotted stuff down while sitting in a park. And I’ve read at least half a dozen stories about writers with children squeezing writing in while sitting in their car waiting to pick them up from school, sports practice, or other activities. 

Writing with a Group

This is where you need to be the most discerning about what the ideal circumstances are for you. Whether it be a formal workshop or casual group, the people, atmosphere, format/structure and even location will affect your writing. The type of group can vary depending on your needs. If you’re just starting, you might look for something focused on generating new work. Maybe you have a finished work you need critiqued. Or maybe you just want to vent your frustrations with a community that gets it. You may need to try out different types of groups, but you’ll have better luck if you know what you want first. And even then, your needs may change as you progress or you might have different groups for different things. It all depends. 

If you leave a writing group feeling discouraged, drained or anything other than motivated to keep writing, quit right away. Writing alone is hard enough, you don’t need a group that makes it even harder. You should always leave inspired and motivated to write. If you find yourself in the situation where a majority of the group is great, but there are one or two members that make it hard, speak up. Others may feel the same way but assume it’s just them. The issue might be addressed and resolved, or it leads to the formation of a new group. Either way it’s better than suffering in silence.

I advise when looking for groups or workshops, your first stop should be the library. Check out local colleges and universities for free or low-cost writing classes. Don’t forget to check with local community organizations, if they don’t already have something to join, maybe you can start it. And of course, look for arts and/or writing organizations in your area or online. I will include a couple links below to various online sources.

• Eventbrite is a platform where you can find a wide variety of in-person and online events; prices vary including free offerings, you should be able to register/pay through the website, but some organizers require additional steps; search various key words such as writing workshop, writing group, writing community, etc.
• The Loft is a literary organization located in Minnesota that offers both in-person and online classes in a variety of genres for beginners, intermediate and advanced writers.
• The Writer’s Center located in Bethesda, Maryland. Offer a wide variety of online and in-person events, classes, and groups. In addition to free events, they offer scholarships and a fellowship.
• Poet Camp offers mostly online poetry workshops, with occasional in-person retreats and events; created and run by Sarah Ann Winn, poet and incredibly generous instructor. (FYI, I am totally biased after attending a handful of her classes and working with her on Free Little Lit Mag.)
• Grubstreet, center for creative writing located in Boston, MA; offers both in-person and online classes in all genres and instead of different levels they’ve created a goal-based roadmap for choosing classes to your needs.

Lastly, I will of course add in a bit shameless self-promo. I offer a variety of workshops and weekly write-ins. I would love to grow my community so please do check them out and join us sometime. The above list are my own personal recommendations. I am not affiliated with any of the organizations and do not receive any compensation for my referral. (Although I have indicated where I have a personal connection).