I work from home right now, so at first, I thought, “Hey, I already have a desk set up. This will be perfect for writing!” I mean, why would I need a dedicated writing space separate from that?
Turns out, there are some pretty good reasons.
Why I Need to Write Somewhere Else
1. Leaving Work Doesn’t Happen
I didn’t notice until I started trying to write, but I have a hard time “leaving work” for the day. So far, when I plan to close my work computer and get started on my writing, it doesn’t happen. I get distracted or caught up in something, and before I know it, I’m starting my writing late.
I know I could set an alarm (and I may). That said, I think having somewhere else to go would help.
2. Changing Mindsets
People say that they get to be creative in their jobs, but unless they are writing and have complete creative control, it’s not the same thing!
I definitely use different parts of my brain when writing than I do at my day job. While I don’t really think it’s the desk or the atmosphere’s fault, I learned this week that I associate sitting there with a specific kind of thinking. It’s hard to change gears when the area I’m in tells me to stay where I’m at.
Add in that my notes and reminders are all over the place on my desk (and need to be if I’m going to get my paid work done), and I don’t focus very well. My brain stays in work-mode.
3. Physical Fatigue
Do you get tired of sitting in the same chair or place for long periods of time? I think that might actually be the worst part of using the same desk – my body needs to move!
I thought about taking a break after work and coming back. If I’m honest with myself, though, I know that won’t actually happen. So that’s out.
Where Do You Write?
I’m not sure what a good solution is. I thought about writing on the couch (it’s definitely moving and sitting differently), but it seems like it would be really easy to get distracted by tv or cats.
I also thought about working on an island. The kitchen kind, not the one with beaches (although I wish!).
It seems like that could work if I don’t mind either putting everything away every day or taking over part of the kitchen. I mean, it’s not like I have a lot of guests right now.
But where do you write? What writing space works or doesn’t work for you?
Savannah Knightly 