My preferred writing spot. I seriously live for beach workdays. 😀
I love seeing writers’ work-spaces, so I thought today I’d share mine with all of you. Some of you may know that, when weather permits, I prefer working on the beach, but that isn’t always tenable, even in sunny Santa Barbara. More often than not, I spend my time at home, especially since I decided to save on money by avoiding my favorite cafe. 😉
I live in a tiny little studio apartment, but I’ve worked pretty hard over the past few years to make myself a space that is inviting, comfortable, and cozy. One of the things that’s challenging about a studio, of course, is the fact that it’s really just one big room. As a result, I’ve had to find ways to create little nooks, to give the place a sense of depth.
The desk is where most of my writing magic happens. Once upon a time it was tucked against the wall where my current “reading nook” is located (photo below), but a couple of years back I got the bright idea to move it under the window. It was the best decision I could have made.
The desk, and my incredibly awesome zebra print chair.
When I sit down at the desk, I can see out over the whole neighborhood. Better yet, I can watch the birds flying around (always good inspiration for when I’m working on PATH TO THE PEACOCK THRONE), and on clear days, I can luxuriate in the morning sun that spills through the window.
Other times, though, I want to curl up in a comfy chair and do a little writing by hand, or tuck the laptop on my lap. My reading nook is the perfect spot for that, with my pretty yellow chair and yet another window that gets the sun in the late afternoon, right before it sets. The chair is a special one, because it was my very first second-hand shop find. I fell in love with it, and my mom bought it for me as a present for my 11th birthday (it was a steal, too, only $25!).
My comfy reading chair.
I think my favorite writing place of all is my deck. I got really lucky with this apartment; there aren’t many places I know about that come with outdoor space, especially as big as mine is. Few things are better for my creative impulses than than throwing on my swimsuit and shorts, pulling on my sun hat, and writing out in the sunshine and fresh air…. even though sometimes I end up writing alongside a “visitor” or two.
What are your favorite writing spots?
February 24, 2012 at 5:53 am
My main writing space is just my boring ol’ desk. I get too easily distracted if I go outside. I do sit on the deck once in a while if it’s particularly nice out and I have editing on paper to do, but my deck’s not nearly as pretty as yours. I always like to see what other writers’ space looks like too – must be the nosiness inherent in being a writer!
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Big Name Books We Don’t Love
February 24, 2012 at 9:54 pm
I have to say, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the deck these days. My deck gets lots of sunshine during the day, so if I’m not writing by hand, the glare on the screen is too much to handle. There’s something to be said for the simple “butt-in-the-chair,” working at the desk. 😀
Thanks for swinging by, Jennette!
February 24, 2012 at 10:32 am
I am usually in a recliner or on the couch. Lately though I’ve been craving the feel of the sun on my face, so your beach chair is calling to me!! 🙂
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February 24, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Ooooh, I like the sound of the recliner! I do enjoy curling up in a comfy chair — it’s one of the things that I like about my desk chair. It’s wide enough for me to curl up in. 😀
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February 24, 2012 at 11:30 am
Love it. Your desk and chair is a DREAM!!! I love it…and your reading nook – adorable and comfy.
My writing space is my own office right now but…I dislike the rugs and the desk immensely. It needs an overhaul sometime this year. Right now, I mostly write there or in bed. 🙂
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February 24, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Squee, thanks so much, Natalie! The chair is one of the best things I could have purchased — I spent over a year sitting on this little ottoman, and it was hell on my back.
I have to say, I love writing in bed… even though sometimes I end up falling asleep instead. 😉 Thanks for commenting!
February 24, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Isnt’ it interesting that part of the writing process seems to include a place to let your body relax and be comfortable? I’m pretty disciplined and do most of my work at the computer, but when I get stuck, I find that I have to either go lie down and re-dream my story, so I always need a bed nearby. Thanks for sharing photos of your space.
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February 24, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Rachel, you’re totally right — relaxation and comfort are definitely essential to the creative process. My bed is right next to my desk, and it always feels good to walk away from my computer for a bit, lie down, and write by hand.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
February 24, 2012 at 12:48 pm
I love to write curled up in my chair, under the blanket, when it is overcast and dark outside, with a candle burning…I have found lately that I like to edit at Starbucks. I’m not sure how I’d write at a coffee shop. Now, I’d love to try a cabin out in the middle of nowhere, maybe in the mountains…..see how that works out for me.
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February 24, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Oh, I LOVE the sound of this! We’ve had lots of sunny weather for the past few weeks which is enjoyable — I love sitting in the sun and working — but there really is something atmospheric about cozy, overcast days.
One of my English teachers in high school used to go to a cabin in the mountains for a few weeks every summer to write poetry and grade papers, and I always thought it sounded like a heavenly idea. It’s definitely on my to-do list as well. 😀
February 24, 2012 at 2:47 pm
I love, love, love this Lena! Who would not be inspired to write under those conditions! You’ve made it a beautiful atmosphere to write in. And I also like your outdoor living space. I know that rent is very high in Santa Barbara, so you’ve done marvels with what you’ve had to work with! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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February 24, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Whee, thanks so much, Karen! I made the decision last year that because I don’t really have a lot of money to go out, I wanted my home to be a place where I would enjoy spending time. It’s teeny (although my deck is shockingly large), but it is so inviting that I adore being here. So glad you like it!
February 24, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Gosh, Lena,
What a wonderful TIDY space. And your deck space is beautiful too. I daren’t put up a photograph of my space, you’d all run screaming for the hills. My writing room is filled with a variety of ‘stuff’. A desk, leather business chair. Lumie light (for SAD), a sofa,cushions, large pine chest filled with ‘ideas’ and piled high with magazines, books, writing materials, six 3’x2′ notice boards crammed with ‘stuff’, scented candles, writing pads, pens, pencils, shelves, kettle, mugs, water jug,tea,coffee, hot chocolate, ipods, earphones,BOOKS, TV, dressing table, pilates balls, pilates ring, card index, camera,back-up. On the door is STOP in red. It seems my family can’t read!!!
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February 24, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Haha, I definitely cleared away all the clutter before I took my pictures! Your space sounds a lot like mine at the moment. I have all these books stacked up around me, along with piles of papers, half-empty mugs of tea, pens, and all sorts of nonsense that needs to be put away. 😀
Thanks so much for commenting, Christine!
February 24, 2012 at 5:52 pm
I prefer curling up on a comfy chair or at the beach or lake and handwriting scenes. That is more creative for me. For editing, the desk is fine, more down to business that way. I’ve created spaces, but they never seem to stay so nice. Short on time, and long on teenage boys…
I love your space, Lena. It is so inviting! Thanks for sharing!
February 24, 2012 at 10:30 pm
I have to say, I go back and forth between handwriting and typing out scenes. I love typing because I can do it so much faster than writing by hand, and because it’s much easier for me to edit and tweak… but there’s something wonderfully visceral about that connection between hand, pen, and paper. There’s a connection that springs up in the actual action of writing by hand that I adore. 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by, Diana!
February 24, 2012 at 9:27 pm
I love your writing spots. They look so comfy. I mostly write and my desk because I have so much plugged into my computer. But I do enjoy mobility from time to time.
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February 24, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Thanks, Debra! I only have a laptop, which is nice for moving around, but I’ve been thinking that it might be nice to get a desktop. I miss having a giant screen (especially since I seem to be getting blinder by the day, lol).
February 25, 2012 at 4:45 am
I am actually turning green with envy. I too pretty much live in one room and have a bit of a mind block about when it comes to the space, I keep thinking I will get nice things when I have my own place. I lived there for five years though……!
Lovely, lovely spaces and really makes me want to sort out my own space and get an armchair!!!
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February 26, 2012 at 1:47 am
Thanks, my love! Seriously, though, this place took ages to pull together. I’ve been adding a little at a time — first curtains, followed by a few plants + outdoor chairs, and then a bookshelf or two a few months later… It’s such a process, and now that my place actually looks the way I want it to, I am super sad that I’m going to be moving away in a few months. :/
If you can, I highly recommend second-hand shops. My sofa, reading chair, desk, bookshelves, and all my cocktail glasses and whatnot have come from second-hand shops. You have to do some digging, but it’s possible to find things that are pretty high quality for way less money than you’d pay if you bought it new.
February 25, 2012 at 6:04 am
I love your outdoor writing space! That is on my wish list for Florida, for sure. Where I live now it is never nice enough to go out on my patio, so it sits empty. I also love the design you’ve set up inside. I have a whole office dedicated to writing, but when I move and become a renter again I’m going to downsize. You have inspired me to be open to studios. Thanks for that! The zebra chair is awesome!
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February 26, 2012 at 1:51 am
Thanks so much, Emma! I think the secret to studios is being able to create little nooks/conversation areas. And squee, my zebra chair is probably one of my favorite purchases. I found it at Ross, of all places, and it was crazy discounted. I’m always on the hunt for a bargain. 😀
February 25, 2012 at 12:32 pm
OMG I am so jealous of your furniture. Damn it – I WANT that comfy reading chair! Gorgeous apartment.
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February 26, 2012 at 1:53 am
Seriously, I highly recommend second-hand stores! This chair is super comfy, and I feel like it’s so much higher quality than a lot of the furniture that I see these days (and way cheaper, at only $25!). One of these days I think I might reupholster it, because it’s too comfortable to get rid of.
Thanks for swinging by, my dear!
February 25, 2012 at 12:53 pm
My back can’t handle long stretches of time in a normal chair, so I write as much as possible in my own comfy chair. In the summer though, I have a big willow tree in my front yard, and it’s the perfect spot to set up a beach chair and take my laptop to write. There’s something very inspiring about the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, the birds chirping, and the way the sun filters down.
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February 26, 2012 at 1:54 am
Marcy, writing beneath a willow tree sounds absolutely lovely! I have to agree, one of my favorite things about being outside is hearing the sounds of nature. I live right next to a freeway, so there’s plenty of noise from cars and whatnot, but in the mornings the birds almost drown them out. It’s definitely a good spot to enjoy a cup of tea, and a little early morning sunshine.
February 26, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Your writing spots are gorgeous, Lena! I had this big old fashioned writer’s desk a friend gave me and never wrote in it once… I really believe in writing where ever it feels most comfortable, which for me is the kitchen table, sofa or futon beside an open window—pending no lawn mowers or loud neighbors are in action. 😉 I also love finding new writing spots while on vacation or bopping around between errands or appointments. My recent fave was in the lobby of a hotel in Mammoth. Delish!
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February 26, 2012 at 7:08 pm
You have the cutest freakin’ apartment ever! I cannot write at the beach, so I’m in awe of you for that. I love my office and usually write there, but have been known to move my laptop downstairs. That’s usually for blogs and stuff. I loved getting this little peek into your life. Thanks for sharing!
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February 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm
coleen and I must be sisters in another reality because I write on my recliner all the time. I have a full desk upstairs, with another computer and files and all the accompaniments of an office. but I’ve never used it since I moved into this house almost 3 years ago. I should probably give that some thought and see what else I could do with that space.
great pics, Lena