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Sunday, April 26, 2009

My Writing Space

As an author, I need my space to write and feel comfortable. I love having my own office while my husband has his in our finished basement. Bonding with your spouse is wonderful, but there are times I need to work and not be interrupted!

I recently bought a new desk. My old roll-top had outlived its usefulness. It had the monitor near the left side and a pull-out writing board on the right. Great for people who are right-handed, but not convenient for those of us who are left-handed. I constantly set up a tray table on the left side to give me room to scribble notes. Not pretty or comfortable, but functional.

My new desk has the monitor right in the center. The two shelve/drawer inserts are movable, so I can place them where they're not in my way. And, I have two pull-out writing boards, one on either side. Of course, I have lots of space now on the left side to scribble my notes without any difficulty.

I don't listen to music while I write. It distracts me. I hear the cuckoo clock in my dining room as it alerts me to every new hour or half-hour. Sometimes, though, I'm so engrossed in writing that I don't hear a thing. I'll admit, however, that I've toyed with the idea of getting a small TV in here, just so I can keep track of baseball games as I'm a big fan of two teams.

I like lots of light when I write. I open the drapes to let in the sunlight, and always have the overhead light on. At night, I also turn on a lamp on my desk. Maybe it's "old eyes" syndrome, but I need to have things really bright.

I'm surrounded by bookshelves, cabinets, and a fireplace. And, of course, lots of photos of family and friends adorn spots with shelf space. I have one vase with flowers received from Mid-America Romance Authors, my RWA chapter here in the Kansas City area. And I'm into glass flowers, so have four different vases with various sizes/types of glass flowers throughout the room.

My desk chair is comfortable and "worn-in" to suit my needs. I also have a rocking chair near the window, one I've had for almost 34 years.

This is where I create my stories. I can see out the large window near my desk and watch as the season change when I need a break from writing. I'm happy in my writing space and feel fortunate to have it all to myself!

Where do you write? Or, where do you go for some private time?
Marianne/April

Check out www.mariannestephens.net and www.aprilash.net for updates on their books. April just received a new contract so another erotic book will soon be available!
Marianne and April blog at www.goddessessofstorytelling.blogspot.com on the 8th of every month and also at www.romancebooksrus.blogspot.com.
Join our newsletter for a monthly contest and updates! Send an email to marianne@mariannestephens.net or april@aprilash.net and put "Join Newsletter" in the subject line.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely surrounding to write.
I have to have lots of light as well for anything I do. Maybe someday you can include in your blog a photo of your writing space.

Michelle
bradnchelleprice@aol.com

Marianne Stephens said...

But, Michelle...that would mean I'd hafta actually CLEAN UP the room!!
Thanks for commenting! Got your extra entry written down.

Judy said...

I am not a writer, but the space I have for my computer is in our den. I have all different kind of trinkets. These are mostly from the grandchildren. Of course, my animals stay in there with me. My husband would rather rest and watch TV in our bedroom.

magnolias_1@msn.com

buddyt said...

I am not a lover of artificial things such as the Glass flowers that you have.
I much prefer natural thing such as wood rather than concrete, etc.

But as far as flowers are concerned any sort will do as long as they have a soft elusive scent rather than an overpowering one.

But to each his own and our differences are what makes us interesting !

Carol
buddytho@gmail.com

Molly Daniels said...

I'm just the opposite. Music helps me write! I've written some of my best stuff to Bon Jovi, Prince, or classical music. Even in a noisy bar one evening, I got a brainstorm while waiting for my friends to show up and completely plotted one of my books:)

Then I couldn't wait to get home to start writing on it...

Marianne Stephens said...

When my kids were little, noise never bothered me. When my grandkids come, noise never bothers me.
But when I write, I like it quiet. Maybe my brain functions better without distractions!

housemouse88 said...

Loved the post. I'll have to check into the glass flowers. I'm not a writer so my private time is spent reading. I do the majority of it when hubby is gone to work or after he goes to sleep. Have a great day.

Carol L. said...

Hi Marianne,
The glass flowers sound like they'd have a beautiful look to them with all the bright light bouncing off them. I love the real ones but can certainly see the effect. I also have to have a bright enviroment. Love the light. :)
Carol L.

Carol L. said...

OOPS, I forgot to add my email address. Sorry..
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

She said...

I don't write and I live alone so I always have a quiet spot but I like to sit outside at night in the dark and let the summer breeze come past. It's wonderful!

Sheila
smg5775@yahoo.com

kansassweet43 said...

Glass flowers huh, well you never have to water them or throw them out when they die. Nice idea. Of course then you can't smell the wonderful scents, I am a rose person myself. I like the old Damask roses best. They smell so divine.

Cathy M said...

The flowers sound lovely, I'd love to see a picture.


Cathy MacDonald
caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com

CherylS22 said...

Sounds like a comfortable retreat for you. Private time for me is spent in our computer room where I can read, browse, etc. on the internet.

Cheryl
megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

Meljprincess said...

I want to see pictures of your glass flowers, Marianne.

My hubby works all day so I remain secluded in my home doing everything and anything I want.

Mel K.
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

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