Our basement was renovated last year, so I could have a proper office where I could research and write my books, as well as have a proper desk chair that my aching back desperately needed.
During the renovations, I envisioned myself padding into my office in my slippers, smoothie in hand, ready to write all day. One wall would be covered with a large cork board, where I would pin my schedule, daily goals, and names of murder suspects for my thriller novels. It all made me feel like a real author.
I knew that I wanted my office’s décor to be minimalist and clutter-free from the start. I wanted a glass desk as it would give my office a modern, clean look and would catch the light, brightening the space. After years of keeping many of my books in boxes around the house, I was also ready for a bookshelf to display all of them, as well as my business files.
My vision of working in my nice office lasted only until the office was ready to be used. It didn’t take me long to discover that I’m not a fan of sitting behind a desk.
I find that I get restless when I sit in one spot for too long. If I’m stuck at a desk, my mind starts to wander, and it becomes harder to focus on the task at hand. Instead, I prefer to move around while I work. Sometimes I’ll write standing up at the kitchen counter or curled up on the couch. Other times, I’ll take my laptop outside and write in the park. Whenever possible, I try to get out of the house entirely and work in a coffee shop or library. The change of scenery helps me to stay focused and motivated.
Another reason why I don’t like to work at a desk is because it feels too formal for me. My best ideas come when I’m relaxed and not thinking too hard about them. Sitting at a desk makes it harder for me to relax and let the ideas flow. But if I’m in a more informal setting, like my living room, in bed, or in a coffee shop, it’s easier for me to relax and let my thoughts flow freely.
When I’m feeling stuck, the best way to get out of my funk is to take a walk or go someplace new. Sometimes all it takes is getting out of my usual environment to jumpstart my creativity.
There are exceptions to every rule, of course. There are times when I do sit at my desk. My family knows that when they see me working at my desk, it means I’m facing a looming deadline and I’m serious about getting the job done. That often means I’m in editing hell, and need to force myself to stay put until the book is done. But in general, I prefer to work anywhere other than behind a desk.
Some people work well in offices, others in libraries, and still others like to work in their kitchen or in the park. But I think that no matter where you do your writing or what type of space you choose, the trick to working well is to find a place that feels just right for you, where you feel inspired, happy and productive.
Despite not using my office often, I still think it’s important to have a dedicated place where books, files, and other important documents can be stored. It’s easy to lose track of things when they’re scattered around the house. The room doesn’t need to be large either. There might be a tiny nook in your home that you can use for an office. Having a dedicated place for your essential paperwork will help you to stay organized and productive. And who knows? Unlike me, you might actually use your office regularly.
