This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
If you trawl through the archives of Novelicious, you may find the My Writing Room video I made when my first novel From Notting Hill with Love…Actually was published. Back then I wrote at a desk in my bedroom. In fact my first five novels were written there, before last year we decided it was time for me to have a ‘proper’ office to work in.
So as part of our garden renovations, my husband set about converting our gym, (originally a garage) where I used to teach fitness as a personal trainer, into an office that would be a comfortable and warm space for me to work in. (A large summer house now houses all the gym equipment – I may not teach it anymore, but I still participate!)
As you can see from the photos it was quite a job, involving new interior walls being built and insulated, and a new door and window fitted, before it was even decorated with my antique postcard wallpaper!
I love my new office; it really helps me to keep work and home life separate – a difficult thing when you work from home.
As well as my desk (A large kitchen table – I like to spread out when I work!), one wall is painted with blackboard paint to allow me to work through problems, and note down important things I want to be reminded of when I’m writing. I have a magnetic pin board with lots of bits and pieces pinned to it that help keep me motivated; including pictures and cards my children have made for me, a letter from Richard Curtis wishing me well with my first Notting Hill book, and some of the lovely cards and notes that readers send to me. 
Behind me sits my vintage piano, that my husband surprised me with last Christmas. It was getting a lot of use during the winter, but just lately looking after the newly renovated garden has taken priority! I will get back to practising though, when the weather isn’t quite so pleasant outside!
On my desk keeping me company is Meg my Muppet. I bought Meg at FAO Swartz in New York – she’s supposed to look like me, but my hair would never go that curly! Meg accompanies me to all my events – she’s a great hit with children and adults alike!
And if you look very carefully, just behind my seat you’ll see an old vintage typewriter I bought at an auction – it’s a big clue to my next book!
The Little Flower Shop by the Sea by Ali McNamara is out now.