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As a kid, I can vividly recall watching old episodes of the Ray Bradbury Theater. At the time, I wasn't very familiar with him, but I found the show incredibly intriguing. It wasn't just the entertaining stories of horror, mystery, and fantasy that captivated me, although those were all good; it was the opening of the show that drew me in the most.
Every episode began the same way—spooky music, Ray Bradbury's entrance, followed by a ghostly voiceover. We were then treated to a glimpse of the author's collection of unique artifacts and curios, which served as inspiration for his vast body of work. It was then that I understood the importance of the author's unique writers space.
Where we work is just as important as how we work. It's not just about hours of plotting, writing, and editing; it's also about crafting an environment where the writer can spend the majority of their time. It should be tailored to each individual's unique style and preferences while eliminating distractions.
A writer's space should be a place of relaxation and focus. Can you envision yourself sinking into a chair and enjoying a good book in your space, or does the thought of it fill you with anxiety because of the chapters you have yet to write? If we, as writers, cannot find a balance between work and rest, our space will only add to the pressures we face. These small moments of tension are creativity's worst enemy. If we can't find our flow, frustration will set in, leading to potential abandonment of our projects.
In the modern age, our brains are bombarded with electromagnetic chaos from various sources, ranging from our televisions to our electronic devices. This constant exposure can scramble our creative abilities. Therefore, it's imperative that serious artists build their workspaces with both productivity and the opportunity to unplug in mind.
Not everyone can afford or have the means to create elaborate workspaces. For those individuals, I suggest finding a place that is both productive and relaxing. When I first started writing, I often visited a local coffee shop in the neighboring town. While I'm not a fan of coffee, the selection of cheesecake slices and peanut butter bars made up for it. Unfortunately, the old owners sold the café, and the new ones turned it into another bar, so my cozy writing spot was lost.
Eventually, I had a room to myself where I could create the perfect work area, at least perfect for me. Your ideal space might be different, but for me, I wanted something that blended modern and classic elements. I have a bookshelf where I collect classic hardcovers, a motorized standing desk for writing and gaming, another for when I feel like mixing house music (another life, another time ago), and a cozy gaming recliner tucked away in a corner for reading. My decor consists of various photos and pictures ranging from Star Wars and Justice League to Friday the 13th. I also proudly display my associate's degree in communications. Perhaps not a grand achievement, but it helped me develop the writing habit.
As I mentioned before, my space is tailored to my needs. Perhaps yours is similar with a few added plants or classic landscape paintings. The sky's the limit when it comes to designing our future, and that's what this is all about—building our writing future.