Let’s talk about the magical wonderland that is your workspace. Whether you’re penning the next great American novel or crafting compelling content for your blog, the environment in which you work can have a profound impact on your creativity and productivity. So, let’s dive into the importance of curating a space that sparks inspiration and fuels your creative fire.
Welcome to my office—aka, my happy place. Picture this: a kaleidoscope of LED lights, Star Wars Legos scattered about, and shelves overflowing with theology books. Yep, this is where all the magic happens. With two giant windows flooding the room with natural light, I’m constantly inspired by the world inside the walls and outside.
But it’s not only about the aesthetics—although the ambiance certainly helps. It’s about creating an environment that speaks to your soul and fuels your creative spirit. For me, that means surrounding myself with things that bring me joy and inspiration.
Take, for example, my vintage record player, adorned with a treasure trove of classic opera albums I stumbled upon at a local thrift store. The sounds of a symphony in the background help me stay focused and on task.
And let’s not forget about the essentials—my Bible and my trusty prayer book, The Valley of Vision, always within arm’s reach. The Word and prayer always guide the content I create.
Of course, no writing session would be complete without a healthy supply of snacks to keep the creative juices flowing. Enter the brand-new bag of Doritos, a staple in my writing arsenal. Because let’s be real—nothing fuels creativity quite like a cheesy snack break.
But beyond the physical elements of my workspace, there’s something deeper at play here. It’s about creating a space that feels like home—a sanctuary where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process without distraction or inhibition.
So, why does all of this matter? Because your environment shapes your mindset and influences your productivity. By curating a space that reflects your personality and passions, you’re setting the stage for success and inviting creativity to flourish.
Whether it’s a cozy corner of your living room, a sunlit nook in your bedroom, or a dedicated home office like mine, the key is to make it your own. Surround yourself with the things that inspire you, fuel your creativity, and make you feel at ease.
So, fellow writers, I challenge you to take a look around your workspace. Does it reflect who you are and what you love? If not, it might be time for a little creative makeover. Trust me—you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
Here’s to creating spaces that inspire, ignite, and elevate our creative endeavors.
Weirdest Book-Signing Experience
My workspace has come down to this,
a Smartphone and hard chair.
I really don’t need much for bliss,
and I can write with flair
anyplace where I might be
for I have learned it’s true
that diligence and quality
have residence in you.
Poor Barb, she thinks me quite insane,
can’t fathom my Third World aesthetic;
left to her, she would maintain
for me a workspace sympathetic
to the image she has got
of the person I am not.
As always, Andrew, your sonnet speaks to my mind, humor, and/or heart. My world changed drastically when I lost my beloved husband 18 months ago, and I’ve found, like you expressed so well in the last six lines, that what I think is best for me now and what those who love me think is best for me now are not always the same.
I pray for you every time I read one of your posts.
Dear Megan,
Most grateful for your sharing, I am a 60’s San Francisco Hippie at heart.
I am surrounded by my plants that all have names, travel mementos from around the globe, candles on both sides of my screen as if on an altar, Mayan statues and photos of my Great Grandparents.
Just beyond my window are some ancient trees of Frankfurt, Germany’s Grüneburgpark.
My Mom’s Last Supper flanks my right, and a print of The Golden Gate Bridge conjures memories on my left.
Bottom line_______my entire work space is dedicated to Ruach Hakodesh (The Holy Spirit in Hebrew), who inspires and enlightens me.
Blessings Always,
Albert
Hello Albert!
We will be visiting Frankfurt this summer and I would love to connect. Will you be there in August? I need help translating my novel to Spanish. Let me know how we can connect!
😊 Julia
I agree. I play guitar and my space has all my guitars, my amp, a small TV, and my bookcase – not to mention my La – Z – Boy! Great for inspiration!
Hi Megan, I love your workspace! My guest room is my office. While behind me is a wild collection of photos of the characters in my next book, my desk is clear. My Bible and Strong’s Concordance are always handy. A window overlooks the backyard, my monitor is lit up with Scrivener, while the laptop below shows my favorite screen saver: my hiking boots overhanging a cliff above The Grand Canyon. The screensaver reminds me to let my imagination take me to heights above the ordinary.
Megan, I enjoy your posts because they touch my real world. I currently write in different locations—coffee shop (waiting for Mom to finish dialysis), couch (comfy but distracting), laying in bed (sometimes a last ditch effort to meet a 100 Day Writing Challenge), and my new garage (my favorite place until the heat/cold pushes me out).
I was recently encouraged to “rearrange the furniture” of my life to make room for what really matters. Your post is a literal reflection of that—making space for writing (and studying). Hmmm. If I could add ac/heating AND a couch to my garage I think I would be set!
Megan,
I love this subject! You have inspired me to stop trying to be creative in the wrong space! I too have set up a beautiful office with all of the inspiration a writer for teens needs—a bookshelf full of teen and young adult books that show me it can be done, binders of reference material from conferences, and posters from the World Book Fair!
Sadly, I cannot work in this space. I have realized it’s too distracting. The best place I have found to work is at the library in the quiet room overlooking the Fox river where I can look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and let my mind wander free among the clouds.
Great post! 🙂 I created a personal floor plan for my new workspace. Looking forward to designing and putting it all together Lord-willing soon.