Create a Writing Space that Works for You
If you’re struggling to get words on the page, one thing you should look at is your writing space. Is it really working for you? If it’s not a functional and comfortable space, you likely don’t want to be there.
I used to dread going downstairs to my writing “cave.” I spent a lot of time making excuses for why I actually didn’t have time to write just because I didn’t like the thought of entering the basement bedroom that I had designated for my writing space. It was cold, dark, and cluttered. Every bit of it was uninspiring. Finally, I realized I needed to revamp the space in order to make it more inviting. No, I didn’t do a complete home office renovation. I already had a big desk I loved, but everything else about the space needed to be addressed.
I now have a writing space I love, and I think, with just a few intentional changes, you can, too.
You don’t need a lot of room for your writing space. After all, many writers are productive at coffeeshops with nothing more than their laptop or notebook and an empty table.
Or maybe your only option is the coffeeshop or some kind of portable office. Scroll to the bottom to see how I created an “office in a box” for times when I need my writing space to be portable.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Consider the following factors when making over a writing space or when creating one from scratch.
Lighting
My Problem: My basement office (and guest room) used to have horrible lights from the 1970s, which were not adjustable and not pleasant on the eyes. Because it is a basement bedroom, it only has two tiny windows, which do not let in much natural light. It didn’t help that I had never replaced the original blackout roller shades. Because these barely-functioning shades were so difficult to open and shut, I left them closed all of the time, so that our occasional overnight guests would have privacy and not feel like people could see down into their room from the back patio.
My Fix: In order to get rid of the dark, cavelike feeling of my office/guest room, I painted the room a bright color (turquoise), switched out the overhead lights to modern ones with adjustable daylight bulbs (thanks hubby), and replaced the old inoperable privacy shades with blackout curtains that could be easily opened, allowing for some natural light.
Tips for you: Look at the light level of your writing space. Is it working for you? Is it too bright? Too dim? If the lighting is a problem, what change can you make to have optimal lighting in your writing space? Can you simply add some task lighting? Or do you need to address overhead lighting? Can you add a dimmer switch? Or do you need to move your writing space to a different area altogether (maybe near a sunny window)?
Temperature
My Problem: My basement office was often too cold for my liking. I write best in the early morning hours, but I live in Montana where the mornings are cold for much of the year. Our old 1970s house stays nice and cozy upstairs, but the basement is always cool.
My Fix: My first solution was to bring a space heater into the room. This certainly warmed the room up—too much. I found myself constantly adjusting the space heater up and down because I needed the room warmer in the morning, but by the afternoon, the room would be too warm. There’s a delay, of course, in adjusting the temperature of the room. I finally got smart and set the space heater to a constant temp that feels comfortable even in the warmer afternoons. And I placed a cozy blanket in a basket next to my writing desk. When the room is still slightly cooler than I want in the mornings, I just put the throw blanket on my lap, and I feel perfectly comfy.
Tips for you: Analyze the temperature of your writing space. If it’s less than ideal, what change can you make to get it into the Goldilocks zone? Should you add a cozy blanket? Or maybe a small noiseless fan? If your space is next to a sunny window, do you need to add adjustable shades to keep from baking in the sun?
Organization
My Problem: CLUTTER! My space was not well organized, and it was being used for more than just writing. This meant it was often covered with stuff. Before I could sit down and write, I had to deal with (or at least move) all the stuff. This was frequently enough of a deterrent to keep me from getting words on the page.
My Fix: I added a shelving unit so I could store all my notebooks and craft books close at hand but not on my writing surface. I designated a cute mug for my pens and pencils. I bought file boxes to hold printed manuscripts, and I made a rule for myself that this desk would only get used for writing and editing. Other tasks like bill paying and project planning got moved to the kitchen table.
Tips for you: If inspiration strikes, you need your writing space to be ready for you. Remember that empty table at the coffeeshop? That clear, open surface is key. If the space you have designated for your writing is constantly covered with other stuff (like junk mail or kids’ papers), you are not very likely to sit down and write. Can you designate a writing space that doesn’t get used as a catchall for other tasks? Can you add shelves, drawers, or bins nearby, so your desk doesn’t have to hold all the accessories to writing?
Ambiance
My problem: I’m big on paying attention to the mood/vibe of a space. If I don’t find it inviting, I don’t want to be there. I had fixed a lot of problems of my home office by addressing the lighting, temperature, and functionality. I just needed to put on some finishing touches to take it from a space I didn’t mind being in, to a space I actively wanted to enter.
My fix: I brought the coffee shop to my home office. For Christmas last year, I asked for a portable speaker. This micro bluetooth speaker from Bose puts out amazing sound. I just pull up my instrumental coffeeshop playlist on Spotify to get in the zone. I also added a little coffee station, so I could refill my cup without going upstairs to the kitchen. I love using my Mocca Master every afternoon during my writing time. I brought in a plant that doesn’t need a ton of light, and I set up a diffuser, so I can stimulate my senses with a nice energetic scent. This citrus fresh is my favorite. I also made sure everything about my space was comfortable. I added chapstick and chocolates to my desk drawers, a comfy seat cushion to my chair, and this portable standing desk has been a game changer. With the flick of a switch, I can continue to work even after my body tells me I’ve been sitting for too long.
Tips for you: Take the ambiance of your writing space to the next level. How can you turn it into an area you really want to be in? Do you have your creature comforts nearby? Is the seat comfortable? If aesthetics are important to you, how can you make it live up to your standards? Can you bring a little nature inside (with flowers or a plant)?
What if I only have a small space available to write in?
I realize many writers don’t have the luxury of a whole bedroom they can claim as their office. I’ve been in that situation myself. I challenge you to look around and analyze what you do have. I’ve seen some people turn a coat closet into a writing space. Others simply have a lap desk and a corner on the couch. The key here is to make sure you have the essentials as well as some creature comforts, so you can still make the space functional and inviting.
Keep in mind:
task lighting
comfy cushions
basket or shelf to hold writing notebooks and utensils
an outlet (or extension cord) nearby so you can charge your laptop.
When working in communal spaces, it’s extra important to time your writing to the least disruptive part of the day.
What about a portable writing space?
This is possible. Remember how my home office serves double duty as a guest room? Occasionally, I have to pack up my office when my parents come to stay…which is pretty often. I found a decorative box (similar to this one) with handles, which fits my laptop, portable speaker, notebook, and any manuscript I’m working on. When my office has to serve as a guest room, I cart my “office in a box” upstairs and work at the oversize chair in my bedroom. The same can be achieved with a laptop case.
I also travel a lot. In these instances, I have to minimize and digitize. I only pack my iPad with attached keyboard and Bose earbuds. I keep all my notes and story outlines stored in the Plottr app (referral link), which I can access anywhere.
If you’ve been feeling discouraged about your writing space, I hope you have gained a few ideas about how you can make it more functional and inviting, and, ultimately get more words on the page.
Keep Writing!
Tiffiny
P.S. Want some accountability for getting words on the page? Check out my affordable Accountability Partner book coaching package.
Don’t forget to pin the image below, so you’ll have these tips later.
