Apart from the occasional visit to a café for a change of scenery, my home office is the place where I do most of my writing. It isn’t a very large space. The room’s original purpose was as a bedroom, and all of the bedrooms on the second floor of our century-old home are small. My office is filled to its limit with bulky furniture creatively tetrised into place – huge U-shaped desk with hutch, four-drawer filing cabinet, tall bookshelf, and large printer with stand – and there’s just about enough room to walk around and get at everything (though you do have to sort of sit on the desk, suck in your stomach, and lean back ever so slightly if you want to retrieve anything from the top file drawer).
More than half of my desk – the left-hand side with the hutch, plus what would be considered the bottom part of the U – is earmarked for my day job (the one that actually pays me!) and holds the office supplies, binders, and files I need for my work.
The right-hand side, though, is my writing space.
Watching over me on my left as I write is a large print – a birthday gift from Peter – featuring Famous Women Writers from Jane Austen to Jhumpa Lahiri.
Over toward my right, above the printer, is a copy of The Holstee Manifesto. The moment I saw it online I knew I had to have a copy for myself, and when we moved here two years ago it was the first thing I ordered to be delivered to our new address. It took me awhile to get it dry-mounted and hung (isn’t that always the way?), but it’s done now and provides daily inspiration.
As far as office accessories go, at any given time there may be one, two, or three cats lounging about on the surface of my desk.
Sometimes staring out the office window is more their speed, though (and come to think of it, it’s often mine as well when I’m facing writer’s block).
And of course, I can always count on the kittens to make sure the printer is functioning properly.
My writing space is small (jammed full of furniture), crowded (usually with cats), and sometimes rather messy (the clutter gets the best of me sometimes) – but it’s mine, and I’m so very grateful I have it.
What’s your writing space like?
Please share!
Inspired by NaBloPoMo writing prompt for Tuesday, November 5, 2013:
Tell us about your writing space. Where do you write your blog posts?
{ 18 comments… add one }
Twitter: ElinWaldal
November 5, 2013
Love this post Laurel, what a great tour and I love your helpers too!
Elin Stebbins Waldal recently posted… A Text Message, The Voice and James
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 5, 2013
Thanks, Elin!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
I love that you have cats everywhere in your writing space! ♥
Kathy recently posted… The Secret’s in the Sauce
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 5, 2013
It’s actually a lot of fun!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
My little writing space is right on top of my bed. I have to go in my room and shut my door and pretend I don’t exist. I absolutely must do this because usually my kids don’t notice whether I am around or not and if I need them and am calling for them, they particularly cannot hear me. However if I am trying to write or I get within the last 30 minutes of a movie, I am suddenly the go-to person. They must immediately tell me all of their funny stories and they need four million things that may or may not be based in reality and they need to go somewhere and they need it all RIGHT NOW! I try to hide, in the belief that if they can’t see me, they will forget me!
Theresa Ledford recently posted… The scariest holiday ever
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 5, 2013
LOL, love it! Kids can be contrary that way.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
Twitter: SunbonSmart
November 5, 2013
Hey there, Laurel! What fun is this!?!? Love having a virtual visit to your home and I soaked up all the details, such as the fact you are in an older house. I know, for that very reason, I would LOVE it, as I LOVE older homes. Your space is fantastic. The poster is wonderful. Never have seen photos of at least half of your women authors. And, who can forget to mention the cats? Not me! I know just how much fun it is to have little buddies for guidance. All, in all, you have created a very creation-inducing space. Thanks so much for sharing. Oh! And I love the verb, “to tetris.”
Much Love, Fondly, Robin
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 5, 2013
Heehee – I thought that was a pretty good verb myself! Glad you stopped by – maybe some day you can stop by my actual home!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
Twitter: SunbonSmart
November 6, 2013
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 6, 2013
LOL, that would be just fine by me! And you and Peter would get along like a house on fire.
Laurel Regan recently posted… In search of the mythical eighth try
Love your inspiring posters and, of course, your employees! Thanks for the tour — I always enjoy seeing where writers I admire make their magic happen.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted… my family travel stories: a guide through the forest
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 6, 2013
You’re most welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
Twitter: mamatransitions
November 6, 2013
I could crawl right into this space, begin writing, and never stop. Love that poster of the women writers and will now need to go online to find it and the other. As for the 3 cats, I’ve got those, too, typically trying to sprawl across my keyboard.
Mary Lanzavecchia recently posted… Calling Myself Out
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 6, 2013
What is it with cats, LOL?! They’re truly wonderful creatures.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
I type in the living room. I like, no make that LOVE your space! I keep thinking I’m going to move my art supplies and computer into a spare room, but I don’t really want to lock myself away in a different room. I’m thinking about the sunroom? Anyway, I love your space
How many kittehs do you have?
Karen recently posted… Tuesday Things
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 6, 2013
We have three cats – a mom and her two kittens (who are now approaching a year and won’t be able to be called kittens for much longer!). Love them to bits.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
Twitter: karenandwendy1
November 6, 2013
Like yours, my space is tiny, crowded, and home to a couple of cats. And a beaver, wearing a snazzy red scarf and beret. It’s also full of wool, spun and unspun. Love this glimpse into your life, Laurel!
Karen recently posted… Awesome Advice Central lays down the law
Twitter: alphabetsalad
November 6, 2013
Thanks, Karen! Your space sounds great!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Meatless Monday No. 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of “Meatballs”
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