Dear Reader Where do you write? Are you one of those ‘clear desk, clear mind’ types who needs everything just so before putting pen to paper, or are you happy to be surrounded by inspiring clutter that looks like utter chaos to everyone else (mentioning no WM editors in particular)? Whatever your ‘system’, there’s a lot to be said for carving out a special space for your writing. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have an attic or spare room you can claim? Perhaps you could indulge in a writing ‘shed’ (p34)? Not least, it allows you to shut the doors on the mess when visitors come round. More importantly, committed writing is likely to take large chunks of time. Shoving aside the dirty plates to find a work surface in the kitchen or sitting with your laptop in front of the TV not only impacts your focus but could also have a physical impact and aching limbs and posture problems will, if unchecked, prevent you writing in future. Above all, having a separate physical space for writing allows you to occupy a separate head space too. You can literally ‘go to work’ – even if that means up the stairs or to the foot of the garden – an important psychological tool that can help you knuckle down to it when you get there and shut off at the end of a productive day. And that’s what matters: get your physical space into a shape that you find conducive to writing and your writing, and wider life, will benefit. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’d better tidy my desk.
TAP HERE TO WATCH A WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR