As a writer, editor and publisher, it's important to have a space in which I can write, think and be productive. Here are 11 tips that I find useful when creating a productive writing space.
1. Have a clean and organized area.
A cluttered mind equates to a cluttered area. A clean and productive area helps you think and produce at your highest capacity.
2. Write in an area that has limited distractions.
The top three distractions authors encounter are television, cell phones, and social media. You want to limit these as much as possible. If you need some help doing so, check out these apps.
ZenPen
Calmly Writer
Anti-Social
Cold Turkey
Self Control
Aren’t those some awesome app names!
3. Surround yourself with things that inspire you.
As writers, sometimes we can get stuck, and we need that inspiration to help us get unstuck. I have inspiring quotes throughout my office that reminds me to keep pushing and keep going because there are readers out there that need to read my words.
4. Accessorize strategically for a more organized workflow.
You want things you access most often near you. For example, as a writer and editor, I tend to reference books to ensure that I am quoting something correctly. My bookcase is in arms reach to my desk, so that trying to get a book doesn’t stop my workflow. You will need to figure out what works best for you.
5. Lighting.
Make sure that you have ample light in your writing area. The proper lighting not only helps you see but can also brighten your mood. The brighter the light, the brighter your attitude, typically. Unless the light is as bright as the sun, and its burning your eyes. Then, you are not happy, you are irritated.
6. Desk and Chair.
As a writer, I tend to sit a lot! I need to ensure that I have the proper chair for my tush. Have you ever sat in an uncomfortable chair that your legs go numb and back begin to ache? I have, and I know its not fun. A slightly reclined chair posture is best to reduce pressure on your spine and minimize lower back pain.
7. Color.
Colors affect our moods and brain function. It evokes both a physical and emotional response. So make sure you choose the right color for your workspace. My office space is white and pink. When I walk into my office, I feel at peace and that I accomplish that days tasks.
Here are the emotions that specific colors evoke;
Orange
Refreshing, energetic, and sparks creativity.
Blue
The color of peace, calm, and serenity.
Yellow
Optimism, happiness, and energy perfectly sum up this joyful color.
Red
The color of urgency, passion, and excitement.
Brown
Brown is often associated with nature, simplicity, and honesty.
Green
Green symbolizes vitality, life, and personal growth.
Pink
Evokes feelings of peace, compassion, and love.
Purple
Royalty, intrigue, and spirituality are the three most common meanings for the color purple.
8. Room Temperature.
You want to be able to work in an office that is comfortable for you. Not cold and not hot, but just right. Most offices keep their temps at 65 to 68 degrees, but studies show that warmer rooms have higher productivity. You don't want the office at 78 degrees, but just right for you. Some people love the cold and can't stand being hot. I am one that enjoys being warm, so a suitable temperature for me is 74 in the winter and 65 in the summer. I am in Georgia, and it gets hot down here. Yes, I said gets! Lol.
9. Room Scents.
Just like color, scents can affect our mood, mindset, and productivity. So find a scent that you like and create a writing atmosphere for you. If you work in an office where there are numerous people nearby, you may want to check if people have allergies. Below you will find scents and the mood they create.
Pine- Increase Alertness
Cinnamon- Improves Focus
Lavender- Relaxation
Peppermint- Mood lifter
Citrus- Wakes you up and mood lifter as well
10. A place to store all your great ideas.
Haven't you been writing, and a great idea comes up, but you push it in the back of your mind so you can focus on what you're writing? And that same thing you drove to the back of your mind comes to the forefront again? Well, what I like to do is to write all my ideas on a sticky note or my white erase board so that I can reference it at a later time. Perhaps, you can keep open an additional word document just in case an idea strikes you.
11. A great writing utensil.
This is a must for any writer. Whether it's a pen and paper or a laptop, you definitely need something to create the beautiful work of art we call a manuscript.
Thanks for reading my blog. If you have any tips please post them below to help other writers.
Respectfully,
Ashley King
The 'Get It Done' Queen helping people of faith tell their story by writing a book and maximize their reach through speaking and events.
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