Creating a Special Writing Space

Back in 2008, my writing space was a sore subject for me, mostly because I didn't have one.  Every time I wanted to write, I had to clear off the dining table, lug my laptop over there, collect any papers or materials I needed, and then settle myself down to write.  OK, so maybe it took only a few minutes to do all of that, but all that extra effort seemed like an enormous obstacle.

That was when I decided to create a special writing space for myself.  I converted my drafting table into a workspace and decorated it with all the mascots and creative thing-a-ma-jigs I felt were necessary.

A tour?  So glad you asked.  Hop in!  For your safety, please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times and lower the safety bar.  Oh, and no flash photography please.

First stop, the desk.  As you can see, the laptop gets the place of honor in the center and to the left and right are all my mascots and totems that keep me company while I write.  The lamp itself doesn't work as a lamp anymore but it makes for a great spot to hang things (I'm a big fan of leis and mardi gras beads).  Perched on the topmost spot we have my CTU hat that I wear when I'm doing revision.  I pretend I'm Jack Bauer shooting down all the stupid ideas and cliche phrases in my writing.

I'd like to turn your attention to the handy-dandy hangy-thing on the wall.  This is where I keep lots some of the writing exercises or materials that don't fit in the ORACLE (my box of writing magic tricks).  I also keep index card notes on my characters or the plot arc of the story.  (These date back to before I started using Scrivener and had to use real index cards.)

Finally, we have the magnet/bulletin board.  Right now there isn't much on it, just a few images that stay there regardless of which project I'm working on (the purveyor-of-wool picture and the don't-forget-to-write postcard.)  At certain points in my creative process this board becomes much more cluttered.

There you have it, my special writing space.  Do you have a special writing space of your own?  Please do share.  I love to hear about writers' processes and writing habits.