Some authors rent office space and go off to work each day like the rest of the world. Of course, those authors generally have millions of books in print. For the rest of us, the challenge of finding a space to write is more daunting.

     But take heart! JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book at her kitchen table after her kids were in bed. Ditto for romance legend, Nora Roberts. If that's the space you have, run with it. You'll be in good company.

     If you have a spare bedroom you can convert to an office, hallelujah! You'll be able to leave your research sprawled across your desk. If you're the visual type, your collages of characters and writing awards can be plastered all over the walls.

     But what if that's not an option?

     Some writers enjoy working in public places. My friend Jana DeLeon writes her hilarious romantic comedies on her laptop at Starbucks. She enjoys the stimulation of conversation and action around her.

     If, like me, you need a bit more solitude, you'll need to carve out a niche for yourself at home. I do have a desk. It's home to my printer and scanner. It keeps copies of my manuscripts safe along with my contracts. I keep files of research stored in the drawers as well as my expenses for tax purposes. Consult your tax preparer for more info.

     Then of course you have to have a few book shelves. Even though I left a large number of books behind when we last moved, I still have more than usual. When I run out of shelf space, I've been known to press window sills into service. When I can no longer see out, I'll think about an electronic reader.

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"There are plenty of rules for attaining success, but none of them work unless you do!"

~Mark Twain

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     Even though I have a desk dedicated to my writing, I don't actually use it to write. I work in a recliner with my laptop on a pillow. Sounds lazy, but it gets the job done.

     Another way I increase my concentration is through the use of headphones. I know, I know, it's a Joan Wilder cliché, but it works for me. Before I start a new book, I choose the movie soundtrack that best sets the mood for my story. I use movie soundtracks because they generally don't have any words, which would be distracting and because they usually span a wide range of emotions. Choosing the right music is important. I have to love it, because it's what I'll be listening to for the next few months. By the time the revisions come back, I've usually started the next project. Without the auditory cue, it might take more effort to switch gears. The music takes me right back into the world of my story.

     Plus, the headphones signal my family that I'm working and I'm not to be disturbed unless the condo is on fire or there's blood. Lots of blood.

     If you put a little effort into preparing your writing space, the payoff can be big. When I settle into my writing chair and put on the headphones, I'm in the zone. Writing becomes an almost autonomic response.

     Make sure to create a "brag" wall. This is actually for you, not your adoring public. There are plenty of folk who will try to knock you down in life. Use this space to remind yourself of the ones who lift you up.

     Choose a writing space that enables you to slip out of your everyday life and into your fictional dream.   

Got questions?  Contact Em.