I read an interesting post yesterday by Scrivener expert and blogger, Gwen Hernandez, in which she wrote about her new office and comfortable surroundings. Included was a photo of her new writing office, and I can well imagine the enjoyment she’ll have working there.
Her post got me to thinking, again, about how important it is to have a regular place designated as my office, study, work room, workshop, etc. But whatever name I give it, though, the only thing that matters is that this is a place where I write…regularly!
And, like Gwen, I’m fortunate to have my own room. It is complete with three large floor-to-ceiling book cases, two cabinet/shelf units for storage and printer and stereo, and a perfect-sized writing desk.
I have a view of trees and the street through two windows, and a room all to myself.
And, just as Gwen writes about her new office’s view of trees and the street, I also have one—my writer’s window. The view it provides is very important. I believe that if I wasn’t able to look up from my writing every now and then, out onto the back yard and the farm fields beyond to the east, and our small town’s water tower standing sentinel out a few hundred yards away, the Union Pacific Railroad freight line tracks below, I wouldn’t be as productive.
There are so many stories out there through my writer’s window in every season of the year. Right now, at -2° and the wind chill -26°, Jack London seems to come to mind. Quite timely, I think, with the special miniseries, Klondike, that I watched on Discovery Channel this week.
In spring I watch the planting of the fields, which at the moment are empty and waiting; summer is heat and watching the corn grow so tall much of the water tower is lost from sight; autumn is harvest time, amidst the golden tinges and a feeling of closing up for another year. And then, it’s winter all over again, and the search continues for new stories through my writer’s window….CortlandWriter
Down Many Roads... 
I mused about something similar on my blog long ago, and I came to the same conclusion as you: the view is important. At the time, I was down in a dingy basement room with nothing but a tiny window. The office upstairs that I originally decorated for myself when we first moved into our house had long since been taken over by my husband. Since I was now spending so much time writing, he agreed to relinquish my room back to me. It is a much more productive place, and he has a new space of his own in which to park his generous tuckus. 🙂
Hi, Carrie! Yep, the view is sometimes the best part of sitting here trying to make sense of what I’m trying to get done. This morning I was rolling right along with revising and editing one of the late chapters in the book I’m hoping to wrap up soon, and then I suddenly didn’t want to work on it any longer. Instead, I looked at the very cold scene outside and recalled reading Gwen’s nice post yesterday and shifted gears for my writing plan for today. So it goes. But with all of this posted, I will now go get a cup of coffee, get Scrivener going again, and proceed with the revising once more. Thanks for checking in…and tell your husband to keep his “tuckus” out of your space! 🙂
Haha, will do.
Thanks for the mention! I’m glad you have your own space too, with a few that sounds fabulous.
I think I can write anywhere, but having my own space (and something decent to look at when I look up) really does make a difference. I have the same view downstairs when I choose to write in my favorite comfy chair. Between those two spots, I never have to leave home. 🙂
You’re welcome, Gwen. Besides the wonderful view, I like that I don’t have to pack up and put way whenever I’m finished for a session. My very-messy desk is testament to that! 🙂
Oops, “view” not “few,” jeez. 😉
Must be that annoying autocorrect!
We’ll go with that…
I have four designated writing places in our house…yes, I’m taking it over. 🙂 All have views with the exception of one. I usually head to that room when the scene is already in my head and I’m ready to pound out the words on my laptop. My favorite spot to brainstorm is on our back patio in the spring and summer. Thanks for sharing Gwen’s post. I see she’s from Northern Virginia…that’s where I lived for 40 years.
Jill: Wow, four writing places! I like the thought of us writers “taking over!” With this weather right now, patios in spring and summer sound awfully good! Thank you for checking in and sharing your thoughts.
I think windows are a curse and a blessing. I’d go crazy without one, but I have to position my computer so that my back is to the window or I’d too much time staring out it.
Hi, Empty Pen: I know what you mean, as often there seems to be more interesting “stuff” happening outside than on my MacBook screen! Thanks for checking in. Come again…:-)
When I was writing full time I had an office in the basement. More like a little cell. It had a window, but about all I could see was the sky. I let my husband have it for his music. Now I write in every room in the house. My favorite is the dining room because of the very large windows. So I agree 100%. A view is very important. 🙂
Yeah, those windows! I doubt if I could be very inspired without some windows for me to peer out into the world beyond. Often, I do more “peering” than I do writing! 🙂