This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Where you write often sets the tone for what you write. I am my most creative when I write in my own space. It is an office in our home. My office is a small room, overcrowded with books and memorabilia, but I am happy here. I am with the people, places and things I love.
The books on my shelf are ones I have read. Many of them have been around for decades, they are a bit worn but no less loved. On the bookshelves there are also a dozen or more framed photos – they keep me close to my family and friends, they remind me of vacations we’ve enjoyed and even the dogs I’ve loved and lost.
The walls of my office are covered with framed book covers and prints that are meaningful. If you look closely at my office picture you will see the painting of a Bichon with wings above the left side of my desk. It is a gift that was given to me shortly after I lost a furry friend of eighteen years.My desk is small, not just small but postage stamp small. It is often covered with a jumble of papers, sticky notes and the spiral binders I use to jot down research findings, and things to remember. In the center of the desk is my laptop – a 15” MacBook Air; like everything else it is small. Crowded as the desk might be, there is always enough room for a bit more memorabilia. Right now it is a ceramic pencil cup crafted by a friend, a tissue box that looks like a stack of books, and a picture of my husband and me. In the picture we are both laughing and I like that.
My office is a place of peace and quiet, but I am never alone. In addition to all the wonderful memories, I have a furry friend named Sugar. She comes to work with me every day. More often than not, she is content to curl up on my lap while I am working. When she needs a break, she naps on the floor or the sofa.
The one big thing in my office is a picture window that looks out on tropical foliage and a giant oak tree.
I write novels that are much like my office. They are heartwarming tales of life. There is often a child or a dog in my stories, no doubt inspired by my surroundings. I shudder to think what I might write if I were to work in a highly caffeinated coffee shop – such tales are better left untold.
Passing Through Perfect is scheduled for release on 14 January.