Where I Write
My writing studio catches north light. The sun doesn’t shine brightly into my space in the morning, all the better to see my computer screen without squinting.
But when I need a change, I sneak into Cliff’s art studio flooded with eastern light after he leaves for his coffee shop “office.” He says light energizes him.
He’s still there . . . I’ll wait.
Where and How They Write
George Bernard Shaw, well known for the play Pgymalion on which My Fair Lady is based, depended on a country setting for his inspiration. Here is his house in Hertfordshire.
Home of Geroge Bernard Shaw
Credit: Escape to the Country Collection, Episode 22, Hertfordshire County
Peek into his studio that features a movable foundation and a phone to deliver room service.
Click below to see his studio revolving on a turntable – stunning, I’d say.
George Bernard Shaw Writing Studio
Emily Carr, British Columbian artist and writer, irritated her sisters when she took up too much writing space in the dining room of their grand Victorian house. Emily talked them in to giving her space in the barn loft.
Here is her caravan, which she could move to a choice spot and set up shop.
Emily Carr caravan Interior, cot and chair
“One night I had a dream of greenery…weighted with sap, burning green in every leaf, every scrap of it vital.” 1942
May Sarton, poet, novelist, and journalist, apparently didn’t mind a messy desk or spaces darkened with curtains partly drawn.
Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, encouraged her students (including my son Joel Beaman) at Columbia College Chicago to vary their settings for creative work and do something else when the well runs dry.
Her book was made into a movie about the marriage of a woman and a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel.
Sometimes when you’re focusing on a problem head on, it is very difficult to solve it. And when you’re in a sideways drift, it comes. Often it is much easier to work on something when you are not actually working on it!
She often wrote at night but moved her manuscript around the house to experience the punch of energy a new site gave her, recalls Joel from her lectures.
Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, says she has two desks.
On one desk there’s a computer that is not connected to the Internet. On the other desk is a computer that is connected to the Internet. You can see the point of that!
Sherrey Meyer, writer and friend Husband Bob has constructed a hexagonal writing studio for her in a leafy cove close to their house. Inspiring floor plan for an inspired space, don’t you think!
Light or Dark – a Preference?
Research supports both viewpoints for the creative life. I was surprised to find so many arguments for dim light as a preference, including this from The Daily Mail.
Barbara Brown Taylor explores darkness (the physical and psychological kind as well as the spiritual and theological sort) in her New York Times bestseller Learning to Walk in the Dark. Readers should be prepared to have their notions about the value of light and dark challenged. I know I did. So inspired, I read the book twice. Here is my review on Goodreads.
* * *
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge ~ Psalm 19:2
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. ~ Psalm 139:12
Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light. ~ Madeleine L’Engle, A Ring of Endless Light
What is your preference for creative activity: writing, painting, cooking, sewing, or something else? Can you add to the examples here?
Congrats: Mary Beth Martin is the lucky winner of Lucinda Miller’s memoir Anything But Simple. Thanks to all who participated to make this the most-viewed post.
Coming next: Mennonite Girls Go Camping
I always love to take a peek into writer’s work spaces. In the spring and summer, I love to write outside on our patio. During the winter months, I’m like Cliff, I like my office in the front of the house that gets full sun.
You are in touch with the weather, Jill. That probably explains why there is so much sensory detail – in your blog post and in your book. If you are still getting up at 3:45, you obviously see my blog notification the second it comes in. Yay – first commenter again!
I rarely experience writer’s block; only deadline procrastination. My desk window faces the shady west side of our yard. I placed a hanging bird feeder within view; observing the birds as I write is both entertaining and helps me re-focus.
Before Irma’s visit, we took down the shepherd’s hook and then re-positioned it in front of Cliff’s art studio. I hooked a bright-red hummingbird feeder just outside the window and filled it with fresh nectar, but I have yet to see any birds. Maybe it’s the off-season now.
Living in Orlando, you must be feeling some effects from the hurricane, all minor I hope. Thank you, Lynn.
I enjoyed seeing you and Cliff in your spaces. As you know, I write at my kitchen table. At my usual seat, there I have a view from my kitchen door and dining room windows, one cat with me, and the other right now in a basket in front of those windows. I get morning sun from that view, but I also get the afternoon and sunset in the kitchen window behind me. For me though, it’s not so much the light, it’s more that I don’t like to be closed off from the rest of the house, especially if I’m alone. Plus, I can also cook at the same time. 🙂
Your writing space seems to function as a kind of Command Central, your adoring cats in the observation deck. I probably mentioned this before, but author Louise DeSalvo spends time in her kitchen cooking, which fuels her writing. She says so in Crazy in Kitchen with outrageous anecdotes about her noisy Italian family.
Whatever you are doing in your own kitchen, it’s working. You cook up wonderful prose and poetry, Merril.
Thank you, Marian. 🙂
I do most of my writing in the early morning so the amount of light varies depending on the seasons, near the summer solstice I write when the sun is bright and often in my eyes. These days, it’s dark and quiet. Your post gave me cause to think about the differences. I can see that the light can make a difference in how I write at times. Fascinating!
Like Merril, you cook / bake / can in your kitchen. Maybe you write there too, but somehow I see you in a different room. I am amazed that you are able to produce good content on your blog every single day, and always with the “third eye” of your camera lens. I’m glad you find this post illuminating. Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.
James Michener and James Clavell are two of my favorites. What were their writing studios like?
Welcome, Matt. And thanks for balancing this post and these comments with a masculine point of view. James Michener always appeared on my students’ reading list because of his focus on travel and adventure. Here’s what I found about his writing habits: http://jimfishertruecrime.blogspot.com/2013/10/james-michener-on-his-work-habits-and.html
Not much appeared in my Clavell search. As you probably know, his action novels are heavily influenced by his life in the military, including his years in a Japanese POW camp. Thanks again – and do visit again!
Thanks for your comments. You are a gifted writer and it is a joy to read what you share. The habits of creative people like yourself, when shared inspire others like me and bring out the best in us. Thank you!
Thank you, Matt, for returning and replying again here. You are kind to follow up: thanks for the compliment.
I’ve got a fairly dark office upstairs (painted a deep burgundy) with a single eastern window and view to the driveway. But I’ve had my laptop downstairs these past few months, writing in all sorts of spots, including now in our sunny bow window. Come fall, I’ll move it back upstairs and hunker down to work. It was fun to see Cliff gazing off into the distance and you hunkered down over your laptop, just as I remember you doing in Chincoteague.
I can see you writing at your desk in Chincoteague, last year getting an audio book set up for purchase. Remember that? Now you are in Danville, so I’ll have to imagine the sun’s rays shedding more inspiration. By the way, my writing space is blue, which you can’t see from the snapshot. I find it calming although I don’t usually gaze at the walls – often stare out the window at trees and the occasional bird flitting by.
I, too, enjoyed your photos. Thanks for the glimpse into your life! Writing is my creative outlet and also, often my job (writing PR / promo, communications and manuals for businesses & organizations). I write anywhere and everywhere and when I’m writing I tend to live entirely in my head, not even noticing my surroundings. Sometimes, however, I go to a place I want to write about (and not merely in). Out in nature, preferably by water, or sitting in a coffee shop, hotel lobby or garden, or restaurant (eavesdropping, of course!)
You are not tied to a space – a good thing – and benefit from variety! And I’m guessing you are not easily distracted either. Eavesdropping in restaurants is a good way to add spice to your dialogue. Right? Thanks, Tracy!
I write my blog posts on my iPad at the kitchen table looking out the big window into my back yard. Then I transfer it to my lap top downstairs in my office for the finishing touches. I write regular devotionals for “Rejoice!” (an Intermennonite daily devotional reading guide) downstairs in my office because our library is down there and also our reference books (I still use the old familiar ones as well as going on the internet). My memoir writing happens down there as well. When I write spontaneously, from the heart, I write best at the kitchen table.
A quote from Mark Twain: “The only one who enjoys change is a wet baby.”
Thanks for the chuckle from Mark Twain. 🙂
And for charting for us your familiarity with new and old technology. It sounds as though you have a belt & suspenders approach to blog writing. I can relate to that. Sometimes I begin with pen or pencil on a tablet which then becomes a WORD document. If my blog content ever goes POOF! there will be a back-up somewhere. Thanks too for sharing your own writing process, Elfrieda, perfected over many years.
I loved seeing where you work and I can more easily picture you there crafting your thoughts and stories. I don’t have a “writing place”. At my stage in life, between home, work and ministry, I rarely sit. Instead, I scratch notes wherever I can find paper and pencil (losing them often), wherever I happen to be when inspiration strikes, and so many posts come together brilliantly in my mind, but never making it beyond there. Anais Nin wrote “My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living”. lol
Your posts are candid and true; that’s why I keep returning for refills. I think I’ve seen your ministry space a time or two – and your sassy green boots. The Anis Nin line echoes the quote from Niffenegger about the light-bulb moments coming at odd times. This for readers who don’t know you: https://jennsmidlifecrisis.wordpress.com
Thank you Marian. You are such an encouragement!
🙂
Lovely post, Marian. I like your writing room with the serene view of your garden. I’ve had to temporarily move my creative space, and once I’ve finished tidying it up, I’ll need to update my blog’s writing room page. It’s got a small south-facing window that helps me not get distracted since it’s high above the sofa I sit on with my laptop. With my other room I often ended up photographing birds that showed up in the trees outside my window. 🙂
Now I get lost in my work and am able to write deeper than before.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Getting lost in your work means you are in the writing ZONE, a sweet spot for any writer. I do remember visiting your blog recently. After I poked around in your website again today, I subscribed to your monthly newsletter. Thanks for stopping by with a comment, Wendy.
Thank you, Marian. 🙂 Yes, the “writing ZONE” is a sweet place to be. Blessings as you write.
I just visited your website again and enjoyed the short video of doves in the garden. No wonder they are symbols of peace. Blessings to you too as you write, Wendy.
Marian — Thank you so much for sharing those glimpses into the creative space of other writers. That was fun!
To my way of thinking, you and Cliff have ideal zones for creativity. Similar to both of you, I have lots of large windows that overlook a gorgeously landscaped historic site.
Placed for non-glare, I work at a loft-sized desk with nothing on it except for my laptop and a tea light candle. Once lit, that’s my “contract” to stay put and write until the flame goes out of its own accord.
It’s rare for me to listen to music; my preference is silence.
You mention music. Right now I’m listening to classical music but I also prefer silence. The world is noisy enough!
My writing studio surrounds me with blue, which your handy-dandy book says promotes self-expression and creativity along with original thought. Bring it on!
I remember you mentioned the tea light candle not long ago. How long does your tea light candle usually burn? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
I typically buy Yankee brand tea lights so they burn (on average) five hours. Unfortunately, they’re paraffin wax (not as healthy for the environment as soy) but in my experience, soy candles have a much(!) shorter burn time.
I admire your devotion to candle light both for the illumination it inspires and your awesome output. Wow, Laurie!
I’m sitting on a stool writing with laptop at kitchen counter in Kate and Nik’s third-floor Airbnb right now. There are two or three other locations where I write in this space, including the bed, the place where Edith Wharton wrote her novels.
As you know, I too love to visit author’s and artist’s homes. Two vivid ones from this summer’s travel. The hut where Edvaard Grieg wrote his music was about the size of Shaw’s house. It looked out through the Norwegian forest to the sea. Karen Blixen at her writing desk is shown here: https://www.pinterest.se/pin/25966135328795925/ A study in dark and light.
You make me want to read the Barbara Brown Taylor book in your review. Reminded me of Brian Wren’s hymn “Joyful is the Dark.” I spent a year as a Senior Fellow at Valparaiso University, lighting a candle in complete darkness every night for my prayer time. I looked forward to it, although like most contemplative practices this one attracted distractions also. 🙂
Thanks for all the research you put into this question. The dim light hypothesis was fascinating. I know that when I go by a faculty office light by a warm lamp instead of the florescent overhead, I feel much more open myself. If I lived there, I might be more creative. 🙂
Your comments are always instructive and remind me that recently you too have adapted to different writing rhythms, cutting a new groove in another place and space. Thank you for adding a Scandinavian flavor to the conversation here and for introducing us to Karen Blixen’s writing room. My first thought viewing the monochromatic scene was “thoughts recollected in tranquillity” – much going on in her head if not on paper.
Like Laurie, you mentioned a candle lighting ritual. It strikes me that perhaps the distractions may have attracted new thoughts, fresh ideas. Thanks for shedding more light on the topic with great examples, Shirley.
arrrrgh, my comment got lost, I did something I don’t know what. I read your review of Barbara Brown Taylor’s book on Goodreads Marian, it sounds intriguing indeed.
I like my space in my study at home. It is contained yet feels spacious. My books are behind me, my desk has the computer and monitor on it and it looks out into my garden. I like the idea of changing the writing/working space and scenery once in a while, I will try this.
If and when we move down to the sea and stop living in Johannesburg, I will be faced with creating my own studio at our seaside home. I’m very used to writing on the balcony overlooking the sea and mountains, but I need a proper room – a room of my own ..
I have found walking to be a good creative activity. My ego takes a bit of a needed break while I’m walking and ideas come to mind which is nice to air them, stretch them out some more while walking . Thanks Marian & for showing us other authors’ writing spaces.
Creating your own studio at your seaside home sounds like a fabulous opportunity. I am SO excited for you. Yes, I agree with you and Virginia Woolf: you do need a room of your own. And certainly, walking is a great way to air thoughts as you stretch your limbs.
I’m glad you enjoyed Taylor’s review and now we are “friends” in Goodreads too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here every week from the southern hemisphere, Susan.
By the way, thank you for persisting – and so sorry you have trouble commenting back. I hate it when comments disappear into the ether. If I comment using Chrome instead of Safari, my usual browser, I sometimes copy a reply into WORD so I don’t have to create from scratch. I know the feeling, believe me!
Marian, this is a beautifully written post filled with many illustrious writers (excepting one) and their creative spaces. I am currently writing in my usual writing cave in a corner plus of my quilting/sewing room. It faces east and so I get the morning sun but I don’t look directly into it. My desk is a corner with the window to my left. I am a lover of light, and I find the lighting levels in our home to be my only criticism. We live under a mini-forest and the eastern exposure has only two windows–my current space and Bob’s office. Otherwise, the sun misses most of the windows during the day.
I enjoyed the peek into the Beamans’ creative spaces. They seemed well suited to their occupants. However, I’m curious. Does Cliff keep an easel and paints/pastels/chalks in his space? I know his works are quite large when he’s doing a presentation but wondered if he dabbles in smaller pieces. So glad no damage was done to your new home during Irma.
Of all the authors you featured, I suppose my favorite is Barbara Taylor Brown. Our pastor quotes her works frequently, and I usually find myself curiously hunting down the book to read. Thanks for sharing your review. You have piqued my interest in this book on dark and light.
And lastly, thank you for featuring in your listing Bob’s creative endeavor on my behalf, The Writing Studio, set in Meyer Woods. He has enjoyed reading this post with me. We are closing in on finishing up the interior. Currently, the rain is preventing any finishing of the exterior walls. But we’re so thankful for the rain we’ll gladly take a break from working on the outside of the sweet little building.
Love and blessings on you and your writing,
Sherrey
When I saw your writing space under construction, I couldn’t wait to feature it here because the idea for this post was already germinating. One day you can show us the interior, Sherrey. Bravo to Bob and to you, who I’m sure had some input on the design. Even though the rain is putting a damper on the completion, I’m sure you prefer it to smoky skies you’ve had to contend with.
You asked about Cliff. The large 4′ x 7′ easel stays in his high-top van unless he is doing a show. Last week he performed “Exploring America Through Art and Music,” a theme which he hadn’t done in a long time. So that he could practice synchronizing the drawing with the tunes, he listened to the sound track while doing a smaller study on paper. However, when he creates a totally new show, he sets up the easel in the garage and practices usually 3-4 times until he finds the rhythm.
Blessings on you too and that “sweet little building,” dedicated to fine writing!
How wonderful a revolving office and I love your view Marian…I have had many ” offices” none so pretty or calm as here though. I have a desk on my landing and a sofa but when everyone is home it gets too busy as they come up and down and they seem to find me more available …When I am not!
So my bedroom is my haven..I have a lovely balcony and much space I could build a kitchen here and still have room( now that’s a thought) but surrounded by trees the light is diffused and I don’t get direct sun coming in so my screen is always glare free.
In the early morning I watch the squirrels backwards and forwards along the telephone wire…..I keep the door open but even Saangchai pokes his head in and if no “come here boy” is offered he lays just outside the door…Of course hoping to jump on my laptop if I leave it unattended so he can write to his fans…lol
So this my haven,….and of course it goes without saying my kitchen…But the planning is done here…It was so lovely reading about everyones perfect little spaces to write and create…..x
I picture your airy writing loft – bedroom, balcony, and space to pace, if you need to – ha! Trees to diffuse the light sounds like a nice touch too. I believe your pet Saangchai is both your companion and muse. I had to smile when you mentioned Saangchai writing to his fans. You may be surprised: Recently one of my blog friends published a post from her doggie’s point of view – hilarious. For some reason I need to mention today I prepared some Thai food. Even my husband complimented the taste, and he’s not usually a fan of Asian recipes.
Thanks for sharing your description and pet lore with us, Carol.
Oh, wow, Marian so pleased you tried Thai food and it was well recieved….Saangchai has written posts albeit not as many lately but be certain he has a lot say on his next post…lol Have a lovely day and yes I have plenty of room to pace… I even have a prayer room in my bedroom which you could fit a single bed and wardrobe in this room is just enourmous …I will have to measure it…My haven even hubby has to make an appointment…lol
As you can see, I displayed a link for Melodie Miller Davis to view posts featuring your precious doggie. Just follow the thread under her name, Carol.
For many years when doing extensive traveling I would sometimes see an old abandoned house in West Virginia , the way the early morning sun caught waves of blue grass in Kentucky, or a lone daffodil sitting along the highway on a dreary, cloudy day in Missouri–and scribble phrases that caught the essence of what I was seeing, feeling on a notepad beside me–while trying valiantly to keep my tall van on the road! (This was before No Texting was allowed. Besides I was writing not texting)
Sometime later I would try to decipher the several pages of chicken scratches from the pages to see if it would become a poem or story.
When creating art projects or new performance art and music shows I still crave the natural light to write my ideas down, often with a hot cup of coffee in my hand, preferably a ceramic mug.
So you were writing TEXT as you drove. It’s a wonder my husband is alive. Still, I thank you for the creative bits that have come to me as a result. 😉
I love this post and the comments. Both of your creative spaces are perfect! Our place in Spain is small so we turned the second bedroom into my office. I don´t have a view but that´s OK as it can be distracting. I am however surrounded by pictures of my family. If I need a change of scene, I take the dog for a walk. I hand write on the terrace, in the car and on airplanes, then transfer it onto my computer and polish it. I write in the morning, afternoon and often late at night.
Oh, Darlene, you too have photos of family in your writing space. I have moved pictures of the older generation to a little “gallery,” place of honor in the great room. They have all become ancestors.
Now the photo on my desk my eye catches most often is of my sisters and me. After all, we shall a common history together.
I noticed you too have a progression from handwriting to computer. One of my memoir instructors emphasized that hand-writing makes the process a physical one, enabling access to deeper memories perhaps. Thanks for telling us about your writing space and pace. You are certainly prolific. Cheers – as in settle in once again to life in Spain.
Be sure to catch Amish writer Lovina Eicher’s column this week which we titled “When does Mom get her bubble” (she was looking for space/time in which to pen her piece) which reminds me of your reflections here.
I feel so blessed to have a corner of our guest room that looks out over the Green Hill environs and a hay field with raked hay in it right now. Often deer watch me through my window or screen, depending on the season. I “inherited” my daughter’s desk she purchased for an apartment when she first moved to the city and got her first real job, but she and her husband did not have room for it when they moved in together after getting married.
My dog curls up nearby, waiting for treats, but this dog doesn’t have the sensitivity my old Fable dog did, who always sensed when something I was reading or writing moved me to tears, and would come and place her head on my lap while I sobbed or whimpered, depending.
There were many years when my best quiet space was my kitchen table as well, and then my husband’s mother’s desk.
I did not read “blondieaka”‘s post until I finished this and note her pet’s affection also. (Do you think it is a cat or a small dog who hops on her laptop?!)
You are one of my few writer friends who has written and published all her life. Recently I think you mentioned over 40 years in the business – impressive. I have seen glimpses of your home nestled in a rural setting. Maybe you take you dog for a walk in the meadows. I wonder if you can see Massanutten from your vantage point, a blue peak I remember from EMC days.
Thank you for reviewing many of the spaces in your writing history. And, If that is your wish, I hope you can keep your daughter’s desk. By now, it must have some writing magic in it!
I was touched by your dog acknowledging your sobs and whimpers. Yes, Carol’s pet is a dog. You can read more about her rescue dog here, Melodie: https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/?s=Saangchai
Also, I enjoyed reading about Lovina’s life with 8 children. For readers who spot this: http://www.bradenton.com/living/food-drink/article174202336.html
I do love the light and will choose it every time!
Your photos glow with light and brilliant color. That’s why I visit every single time you post. Thank you for returning the favor, Lady Fi.
Wow! You obviously touched on a spot that is dear to every writer’s heart. Our space is so important to us. I begin at 5:30 AM so the light is thin but I can look out my window at the moon almost half of the month. As the light shines brighter, the trees in my 2nd story office grow clearer and fuller and then soon I can see the birds on the branches tweeting good morning.
I so enjoyed seeing the writing spaces of you and Cliff. My guy and I share a large loft as our office. He gave me the desk by the window, knowing how important light is to me. By the afternoon the sun is beaming in. Ahhhhhh. We listen to classical music and feel each other’s presence, but never talk or disturb the other- and somehow it works!
I’m jealous that your son had such a fascinating professor-I thought her book The Time Traveler’s Wife was brilliant.
Thanks for this fun wonderful post!
I see the light, hear the trees rustle and the birds chirp, and feel a presence – not your husband’s but that of another warm body. You have the ambiance and prove it works. Thanks for sharing your writing life. Love it!
You must have read Niffennegger’s book. Did you see the movie – another experience entirely of course.
Thanks, Pam!
I crave for light. At home in England, I sat on the far end of the sofa closest to the window facing west, where we had the lovely afternoon light and warmth. In the morning, we had breakfast in the kitchen, facing east. It helped me beat the SAD syndrome, but now we are in Eastern Spain and the light is gorgeous all throughout the day. I don’t want to leave. ☺☺☺
One thing I notice about your posts is that light is usually beaming down on you and you’re soaking it all in. You’d your husband beat the SADs traveling in warm climes. The Mediterranean is ideal for that. The light when we visited Italy was heavenly. Happy – and safe – travels, Fatima!
Mmmmm I’m an early bird , a lark without doubt . I enjoy the quite hours before dawn . If it’s winter I have lamps and a perfumed candle. If summer I take advantage of the natural light and go out side . I love writing anytime on Cumdudi beach with my gorgeous King Charles Oscar . He always helps with my creativity
Cherryx
I love that you have lamps and a scented candle, which I imagine may be quite spicy. Leave it to you to have a muse with such a gorgeous name – King Charles Oscar. Hugs to you too, Cherry!
If you have chance, look at Emily Dickenson’s and Carl Sandburg’s writing spaces for a great contrast. Thanks for getting us to think of light and dark.
Here is a link to Emily Dickinson’s writing space: https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/node/548
I couldn’t find a comparable link to that of Carl Sandburg, except as part of the Wikipedia write-up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sandburg
Mary Sue, feel free to post an addendum here; you probably have a better “view” for Sandburg. Thanks for adding another dimension to this discussion!
“I’m late. I’m late. For a very important date.” Finally here, Marian. I’m swamped by caregiving and my butterfly and writing passions. It’s a good thing my Monarch kids are almost all out of the house. Nine released yesterday. Like every other passion, they take time.
As usual, you’ve taken up a fascinating topic I wouldn’t have considered. I enjoy thinking of this because I write in an oddly well lit space, considering I often write about dreams, deep feelings, and unlit unconscious matters.
My office is bright, but remember I live in a place that is often cloudy and cold. There are windows to the east, south, and west, all with darkening shades which I rarely pull. Two of the windows are actually glass doors onto a covered porch or a deck, so I have great views of flower gardens, bird feeders, and sunsets and access to outside.
I enjoy a writing class every week. New things happen at someone else’s table and I spend time with other writers. I keep a notebook with me wherever I am, including next to my bed, and try to catch any intuitions that fly by. I almost always edit or polish at this well lit desk, although I often write a first draft elsewhere with pen and notebook.
I don’t have to worry about quiet since I live alone. There is no room service here, a good thing. I need to get out of this chair to make my own tea, walk out either of those office doors to catch the butterflies and birds in action, and/or walk across the yard to the main trail that leads to other trails. I don’t have to tell you I need the inspiration of nature.
Your comment sparked the thought of Hemingway’s story “A Clean Well Lighted Place,” a title that has done its duty for describing (or not) many writing spaces. Remember reading that in college?
Thank you for taking the time to shine a light on your own writing spaces, most always with a view of nature. Nature nurtures me too and keeps me in my writing seat. No matter where I sit in this house, there is always greenery or water. After the hurricane, I moved the shepherd’s hook with a hummingbird feeder to a window facing east, but I have yet to attract one bird. I probably need fresh nectar and more patience. Perhaps a different season.
I admire your discipline as a writer, taking a class every week and keeping a notebook with you, which I think Joan Didion also does.
Your comments, always meaty and meaningful, are never late and arrive with fresh images and clear insight. I hope you view commenting here as a wee break and not an obligation. With all you have on your plate, I can easily understand your skipping a week every now and then. Until then, enjoy the fall foliage and birds on the wing. 🙂