Actually basement perspectives, but that doesn't work in a title.
Since joining the team at Hartline, I've been setting up a new office space in what was our son's basement bedroom. He recently graduated from college, got a job, and moved out, so I've claimed that room and begun to establish a workspace I don't have to share. This, in turn, has prompted me to reflect on what environment helps a writer work efficiently.
One size never fits all, and work spaces are no exception. So beyond the essentials: a desk with adequate surface area, a decent-size monitor into which to plug my netbook, a nearby bookshelf, and a filing cabinet and laser printer (paperless never quite works), I've indulged in a few extras based on how I know I work best.
Rather than a modern adjustable swivel chair, I sit in a substantial, scarred oak chair that was my father's. It offers continuity with my heritage. My father, as did two of his brothers, made their living with a pen and typewriter.
Instrumental music helps me focus—or provides a welcome distraction when my mind needs to reflect before I continue typing. So I installed a pair of speakers, drilled a few holes, and strung wires to my sound system in the family room. It's especially good as I listen to one of my hundreds of garage sale instrumental LP records. A born fidgeter, I need to get up every half hour and walk around. The need to go and flip the record provides a perfect excuse.
I keep on a corner of my desk a variety of Altoids, a bag of black licorice, another of pistachios, and some root beer barrels. Not what others would choose, but I know what helps keep my brain in gear.
And for those moments I need to look out the window and reflect, I enjoy a view that rivals what Jerry Jenkins sees from his writing “cave” a couple hours west of Colorado Springs. When I turn from my computer screen and look to my left, I see a snow-capped mountain behind a valley filled with aspens.
I installed the view this weekend. For my birthday, my sister-in-law gave me a giant photo poster designed to convert a galvanized window well to a view of nature's beauty—like the background image in dioramas at natural history museums.
So now when I look up from my work screen, I have the best cellar view possible.
I hope you've also set up your office to maximize the ways you're wired to work.
10 comments:
Great view.
Love that view! And you're right. Creating an atmosphere you can work in is essential. For me, it's silence, Pez candy (no dispenser needed - I eat them straight out of the wrapper) and a sleeping cat on my desk.
I'm not sure I could accomplish anything with your view. It's magnificent.
My cozy nest includes an old leather rocker/recliner that swivels. It is flanked by tables for all my "stuff". I use a MacBook and when I'm writing I face the windows and when I'm editing I swivel with my back to them. I prefer to work in silence so I can hear my brain working.
That is quite a view. I am looking for one like that right now for my office :-) East coast version of course :-)
Diana
What a view, Andy! I have to laugh, because right now, while I'm getting my office set up, I have a huge section of our kitchen that's all mine. And I must admit to the convenience, because I can get up to take a break and stir the spaghetti sauce all at once. I'll miss this. Plus I have a this cozy space that's all my own. How great is it going to feel to have an entire room?
Beautiful view! On fair-to-perfect weather days, I do my best work from our screen porch. One problem; our neighbor is a phenomenal cook and the incredible smells wafting from her open kitchen window induce character confusion. In the middle of solving a murder my heroine tends to go on Italian eating binges – very distracting for the reader!
You definitely have "a room with a view"! Clever! I enjoy my writing view, too -- plus it's beautifully real and seasonal, and essential to my writing (in total silence). . . :-)
Kathryn:
Are you sure those Italian eating binges are distracting for the reader. Perhaps it's because I have a sister who has had numerous cookbooks published, but I appreciate those writers, say Diane Mott Davidson or Aaron Elkins, who use meals to help set the scene in their stories.
-- Andy
I love the view! The beauty of nature (especially mountains) are one of my greatest stress relievers and I love them for inspiration too. Glad you've got your own work space.
Andy – I have a highly prized (solely in my eyes) cookbook collection! Although I love my e-reader, the cookbook is the one tactile piece of literature I must have. Using a laptop to guide me through Chicken Picata opens the poor PC up to a world of culinary-induced damage. I’m not pretty in the kitchen.
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