A short while ago I was able to get a little “writing office” set up in the back room of a local business that I am familiar with. And so far, it has been the perfect remedy for the unbearable cabin fever that COVID and lockdowns have slowly but diligently introduced me to over the last couple of years. It’s a relatively small space, but fortunately I don’t need much as a writer—just a little corner of the world that will help me separate my “work mode” from my “home mode.” And after only a few days of use it appears to be doing the trick.
But even as I try desperately to separate work from home, part of the fun of having an office space—especially a creative workspace—is being able to make it your own.
Me, personally: I’m all about color. Seriously, why make your workspace boring at best and grim at worst? That’s why I have an assortment of colored pens and highlighters sticking out of a bright pink cup; my scheduling is all color-coded, and I keep all the dry-erase markers in a neon-green pencil case. A couple of woven baskets in different shades of blue are used to house a few loose items, and my sticky-notes come in pink and orange. And I absolutely cannot have just one composition notebook lying at the ready, so I have three: one in black, one in red, and one in purple.
But color is not the only aspect of a creative space; I also happen to be a plant person—who isn’t always the best at keeping them alive. So I’d like to officially thank Dollar Tree for the two plastic succulents that adorn my desk. They’re cute, and they won’t die no matter how cold it gets in here, or for how long I may (occasionally) take a vacation.
I also have a few books on the shelf: some choice non-fiction I brought in from home. Some are guidebooks on editing, others are about publishing. And then there’s The Very Best Baby Name Book (Lansky) that everyone always questions me about when they see it.
It’s for character names. Sheesh.
The point I’m trying to make here is that no matter where you work, no matter how important it is to distinguish your “work” space from your “home” space, your office doesn’t have to be bleak. You, of course, always want to have the essentials: your computer, your paper, your pens, your schedule. And whiteboards and corkboards are always helpful in the long run. But the space you work in should also be inspiring. It should feel as much like home as not-being-at-home could possibly feel.
And most of all, you should enjoy being there. Not everyone is lucky enough to be their own boss—but if you are, the last thing you want to do is give yourself an unhappy work environment.
— C.M.
Night Owls, what does your workspace look like? What are some of your essentials? What are some fun things?
No posts next Friday, as it is a holiday week here in the states and my family is coming up for a visit. For those who celebrate, have a happy Thanksgiving! And we’ll see you all in December 🙂
