...ode to my desk

This blog started its life as a step by step guide to how I create my perfect writing space, and quickly digressed into an 'ode to my desk'. The heart wants what the heart wants, so forgive my rhapsodising over a space I have become very proud of.

I hate new furniture, so when I stumbled across this sturdy looking timber thing in the corner of Strand Quay Antiques in Rye last January, I knew I needed it. (My book was complete at this point, and I was about to undertake some serious editing with no real space to do so.) I hesitated to buy it owing to its enormity, coupled with my small car.
I walked away, experienced sinking regret, and later phoned the shop to say I was coming back with cash and a van!

It now has pride of place in what I fondly call my 'writing nook'. There's a long window beside it that overlooks the river in my village. The glass is thin and I bake when its hot and shiver when its cold, and wouldn't change my 'writing nook' for the world.

My busy yet functional desk -

complete with enormous pile of 'to-read' books

The 'writing nook'

I strongly believe, if you get the desk right, the writing will follow. And so:

First things first.
Ornamentation. This in addition to stationery, and a heap of notebooks. I like to be surrounded by inspiring things when I write. I keep my favourite book trilogy by my desk as a reminder of what I'm aspiring to. Sometimes there's a plant if I can manage to keep it alive. On the wall beside it there's a noticeboard covered in pictures, maps and sketches that make up the fantastical world of my creation and give me something visual to write about. I need visual stimulus, which is why my desk is also scattered with funny little trinkets: a silver pocket watch not dissimilar to that owned by one of my characters (no, he is not a white rabbit), two spherical crystals that resemble the sun and the moon - very pertinent to my story (and yes, I know I am irritatingly cryptic), and a wax seal in the shape of a dragon, with some blood-red wax.
Quirkiness is key!

The plant that I am currently managing to keep alive. His name is Ivan - wish him luck!

Second things second.
Essentials. I try to keep essential things on my desk in anticipation of a long writing session, therefore eliminating the need to move for hours on end. This includes, but is probably not limited to: coffee, water, coasters (don't want to ruin the vintage desk), water, tissues, glasses, lip balm and hand cream.

Some essentials, mixed with stationery and ornamentation.

It's amazing that there is any space left to work in.

Third things third.
Keep it cosy. There's always a candle on my desk because I can't write without one being lit and hearing its cosy crackling. I try to use soy and natural candles so I'm not breathing in any toxins or unnatural scents for hours on end. For general interest, my favourite brands are the Sevenoaks Candle Company or PureWix.
There are also snuggly slippers and a plug in radiator under my desk because cold feet are intolerable!

'Warm Cranberry' from the Sevenoaks Candle Company
- I wish they did this all year round, not just at Christmas!

Fourth things fourth.
Set the tone. I find writing in silence so difficult, so I usually have some music playing softly. I like any of Miriam Stockley's albums, or sometimes instrumental music from soundtracks because they're ridiculously dramatic, (perhaps its the performer in me that requires mood music!)
But more recently I've been relying on a white noise machine. It was a rather unorthodox birthday present from my parents, and it's brilliant!

Last things last.
Messy space, messy mind. I can't focus if the space around my desk is messy. Since my office is also in my bedroom, the bed has to be made, the floor must be clear, and the excessive clutter on the desk needs to resemble something akin to order.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed my desk tour.

Happy writing!
~ Zuzu

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