E=Environment
This is the second ‘E’ in CREATIVE HABITS and one I think that tends to get overlooked. Yet the environment around us has a real affect on ourselves and our creativity as a writer and infopreneur.
The environment where you write must be conducive to allowing your mind to be creative, as well as dedicated and tenacious. Many of us need an atmosphere that allows isolation to become creative rather than boring and dull. After all we will spend a lot of time in their writing environment, and it should have an ambience conducive to quality writing. What does this mean?
- The majority of writers use either a laptop or desktop computer and obviously need a good space to set up the computer. A comfortable chair with a cushioned back is a must, as we often spend a long time each day sitting in front of the computer.
- Besides designing the work area for ergonomic comfort, writers can ensure that their creative side is catered for. Clutter around the computer area is not going to promote a clear mind that allows ideas to be generated easily. The environment should ward against any sorts of distractions, such as clutter, noise and bad light.
- This means as writers, we should be organized, and have a clear space to work in. If you are using books for research, have them nearby, but limit the amount of items within your immediate ‘eye space’ near the computer. Keep your files neat and up to date to avoid excess disorder.
- Ensure the lighting, both natural from outside with windows and electric lights, is adequate to prevent your eyes from getting sore. On dull or grey days, you will need additional light within the room. Add a lamp near your desk area that you can turn on when natural light is not bright enough. Working in a darkly lit room is not only bad for your eyesight, but can be depressing, which is certainly not an emotion that is advantageous to writing.
- To promote creativity, some writers like to burn scented candles or have a small oil burner near the desk. I like a Jasmine scent on days when I seem to jump from task to task, as Jasmine helps concentration. Amber is great when I need a boost of creative genius, so I tend to use this when planning the structure of articles or when brainstorming ideas. Gardenia gives me an instant lift of cheer and is brilliant on the grey days. Find the fragrances that work for you to add impact to your writing surroundings.
- If noise is a problem, you may like to add to your creative atmosphere with soft background music. This helps to block out other, more distracting noises, such as traffic going past. Music is also relaxing and soothing and aids concentration for some people. Avoid songs that you love to sing along with as this means your mind is focusing on the song and not your writing. Classical music works well as background music.
A writer’s environment should also allow for creativity, even away from the computer.
One of my favorite tools in my office area is a large whiteboard. I use different colored marker pens to draw and write on the board, for many different reasons.
- Sometimes, I use the board to brainstorm the ideas surrounding the topic I am writing on. Sometimes, I simply create an outline of the article I am writing, to add structure to my work and make the writing easier for the audience to read.
- Sometimes my whiteboard holds a to do list, with the most urgent or deadline items in red, as this keeps me motivated to cross off or rub out my list. This is more common on days when I just do not feel like writing and need to meet deadlines. I give myself a couple of small tasks and rejoice as the to do list gets smaller on the whiteboard. The different color marker pens add color to the room where I write in too.
Creating a good environment to write in I believe is essential for successful writers. Find what motivates you to write and ensure it is included within your surroundings. Make your writing space uniquely yours, well lit, clear and free of clutter.
How do you have your writing area set up? What tips do you have to help make where you work more conducive to be inspired to write?
