This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
My writing space is like my head. Cluttered, disorganised, and overflowing with random stuff.
The extra-large iMac is the central feature: an extravagant gift from my husband when he was sick of me whining/ranting/crying down the phone after my laptop had crashed again and lost all my work. I never back up. Why? Because I’m always too busy doing other stuff. Besides, I’m a writer don’t you know, and I wouldn’t want to hinder my creativity by doing something as mundane as saving the work my entire career is dependent upon.
On my desk invariably there will be evidence of the day’s snacks and hot beverages. I’ve stopped drinking coffee because it was sending me a bit crazy so now I alternate between green and peppermint tea, usually every half hour or so. I have a short attention span.
There’s always a hefty a pile of personal admin plaguing me from the periphery, such as party invitations for my children and various unpaid bills. Surely Thames Water and Amelie’s mother should understand I’m on a deadline?
Despite my frenetic working style, and terrifying proximity to the South Circular, there is a sense of calm in my office. Rufus, my dog is always with me: on my chair, on my lap or sleeping on my feet. I love that little fellow and can’t imagine writing, or life for that matter, without him.
During episodes of self-doubt or prolonged procrastination, I hoist Rufus onto my lap and look up at the photo of my daughters which is pinned to the noticed board. I don’t need rolling hills or Spanish sunsets. That view is enough to inspire me.
Haley's book It's Got to Be Perfect is available here.