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My Writing Space

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Back in June, I wrote about a typical day in my writing life and the routine I tend to follow. However, at the time, I didn't say much about the physical space in which I write and I realised that it's actually quite important to me. Whilst I'm renowned for being able to read pretty much anywhere, when it comes to my writing I'm generally a creature of habit. Yes, I sometimes go and write on location and occasionally I'll go and write in a local cafe (the Lido and the Lobster Pot being my usual haunts), my favourite place to write and the spot I am most productive in, is my desk.






I'm very lucky that when we bought our house, my husband decided that the loft conversion was a better option for our room than the main bedroom. Initially, that room was used as a playroom for our eldest son, but as he got older and stopped using it, I claimed the space for myself. Bookcases went in as the Playstation moved out and I bought myself a decent desk (as well as an old Captain's table one which isn't remotely practical, but which I love!) to work at.






I went for a 1920s theme for the decor, but instead of artwork on the walls, I decided to buy prints of the covers of favourite books, or artwork that was in some way linked to the books. As an incentive for myself, I also bought a small bookcase that was specifically for my own books (i.e. the ones I've written) and each time one is published it takes it place proudly on the shelf with the others. Above this shelf I have art associated with my own books - the framed cover art of 'Folly' and 'The Mermaid', a Robin Hood plaque and my pottery statues of Frakes' Folly and Max the Cat, as well as my little building of The Mermaid Hotel.



On my little table I have photos of my kids and a few knick-knacks (a wind up clock I was given as a small child, which got a mention in 'Unforgettable' and my late sister's Sindy doll amongst other things). This is my 'things to remind me I can do this' table! On the wall near my desk is my calendar, so I can see at a glance what social media I need to do and three pinboards. The first has general notes on it - ideas for future blog posts, contact details and Castle Priory Press notes. The second is for future books and is where I stick post it notes with questions and ideas on about the next book on my 'to be written' list. The third is my reading board and has everything on there for my end of month reading roundup blog - TBR list, monthly reading list and list of books I've read.




On my actual desk, along with all the practical things like post it notes, tissues, desk tidies, index cards and noticeboard pins, I also have a lego model of a Minecraft beekeeper set that my youngest son insisted had to go on my desk - he made it for me to remind me of him when he's at school, as he knows I love bees - and a shelf of useful books, such as writing prompts and baby names. There is also a photograph of my sister and me at my wedding and it's there for a practical purpose as much as anything else. Before she died, if I got stuck with my writing, I'd ring her up and chat my issue through with her. She didn't always have to offer advice, frequently, it was enough to just verbalise it and then the solution would come to me. Now if I get stuck, there are other people I can ring, but before I do that, I often talk to her picture and chat it through with her first. It rarely fails to set me on the right path again and makes it feel as though she is still helping me out.


And of course, as well as everything else, there is pretty much always a mug of coffee and a plate of biscuits on my desk as well. I don't know any writers who don't have these things to hand for most of their writing day. A mark of me having had a productive day is if the coffee has gone cold and the biscuits are uneaten!




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