You may read many articles and blog posts, including posts
on this site, on setting up a workspace that supports your goal of becoming a
productive writer. The advice given is valuable and will make a positive
difference, however it is important that not having an ideal workspace does not
become a barrier to achieving your goals or an excuse not to write regularly
even when you do have the time.
One effective approach is to identify a space that you use
only to write and nothing else. No checking emails, no research, no catching up
on social media, no admin and no planning. Just writing. It does not matter
where this space is, although minimising distractions will be an advantage. It
could be a desk in your bedroom, the dining table, a fold-up table and chair in
your sitting room, or even a lap tray used whilst sitting on the sofa or bed.
It does not matter if you use this space for other writing or non-writing
activities at other times as long as this space becomes your writing place, and
nothing else, as soon as you open your notebook, laptop or tablet. If you do
undertake other writing activities in this space then use a prompt to ensure your
mind knows this is writing time and not admin time. This could be something as
simple as placing an object – a stone, notebook, inspirational quote, or
photograph of a favourite place – on the table.
Once you have decided on your place then develop the habit of
writing continuously at least once a day, before long your mind will learn to
automatically switch into writing mode as soon as you sit down. When you sit
down ensure you know what you are going to write, not necessarily the actual
words but which scene or article you will be completing. Don’t worry about
getting the words exactly right at this stage, that can come when you edit.
Just type, or handwrite, whatever comes into your mind. You might start off thinking
you are writing rubbish – just keep writing. Amongst the words will be some
real gems, everything else can be polished.
Adopt this approach and, within thirty days, you will find
that every time you sit down to write your mind will switch off from all the
other things that need doing – real or perceived - and you will be able to
focus entirely on getting those words written, in other words you will be in
flow.
