photo credit: johnny_nissan
The environment that you choose to write in will affect your writing in several ways. Because writing is a creative art, the way you personally feel when you write will affect the style of writing. If you are finding it difficult to maintain your focus and write creatively, you may be in the wrong sort of environment.
Do you more likely to feel down, or ‘blue’ on a day when the sky is covered in grey clouds? I do. Most people will find themselves more likely to be cheerful or energetic on days when the sun is shining. Natural light shapes our moods. You can achieve the same result with the set up of your writing space, and either create a space that provides natural lifts to energy and make it easier for you to tap into your creative force, or you can create a space that provides a natural downer, just like the grey day does.
Obviously, no-one wants to create a space which is a natural downer, but many writers end up with a cluttered, uncreative ambiance in their writing space without realizing it. By taking a little bit of time to change the character of your writing area, you may find it makes a big difference in your writing. Creating an environment that is conducive to writing will encourage you to write, even when the world is grey outside.
Pictures To Inspire
Putting up inspiring pictures in your writing office can help you to feel great and be inspired. Some writers have a collection of posters that they can change according to their mood. Scenery shots like purple sunsets, green bushland or white, snowy mountains can be inspiring, soothing and comforting.
Declutter To Create Thinking Space
Your space is important. Clear your office so that you have plenty of clear space around you. Clutter encourages mess, and this can affect the way your mind works. Just as any writer strives for clarity in their writing, you should also strive for a clear space around you. Your mind works better when there is no distractions.
The Sounds Of Music
Music can be both inspiring and useful in blocking out other, more distracting noises from your environment. Give your writing space a good ambiance with the use of well-selected music. Classical music playing softly in the background, without words to distract your mind, can be extremely helpful to writers when focus and concentration is required.
Office Layout
Does your desk face a window? A university sociology study demonstrated that people who use computers facing a window are more likely to be energetic and creative. The window allows natural light in, and encourages a clear mind by giving the writer a channel into the outside world. Writing is a task that, perforce, is performed alone, but a window can help reduce the feelings of isolation. Redesign your office space to take advantage of the window when you can.
Invest in a comfortable, upright chair that is ergonomically designed to cushion and support your back. The chair is important, because writers have to sit for long periods and need to be comfortable. Support for the back prevents muscle soreness and aches and pains that can distract you from your writing.
Taking care to set up a good writing environment will assist in clearing your mind and allowing you to tap into your creative energy, even when you don’t feel like writing.
This is the last post for E=Environment and we have now covered CREATIVE. It’s now down to finding out about HABITS and what they mean starting with H= Have passion in what you do. Until then!
