This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Tom Vowler, author of the psychological thriller, What Lies Within, has let us have a look at his writing space. Over to Tom…
Well, this is one of them. The one I retreat to when the temperature allows. I have an office indoors but the den at the bottom of the garden is preferable, with light pouring in from three sides, the babble of the nearby river and the lilting sound of birdsong. I hope to install a log burner this year, allowing me to cocoon myself there in all weathers.
The space I work in has become increasingly important to me, a good balance needed between inspiration and the absence of distraction (writers being able to resist everything but temptation). Having favourite books nearby can boost morale during the slumps, reminding me what’s at stake, why I started. And post-it notes with a few well-chosen mantras strewn at eye level offer sermonic cues and snippets of wisdom. The sounds of nature aside, I’m one for silence when writing, craving ever deeper isolation, especially during final polishing, but first drafts are often composed in coffee shops or nearby pubs.
Out of shot the den has a sofa bed, just in case I throw an all-nighter. I think it’s important to cosset yourself in your writing space, to make it nurturing and comfortable, so you want to be there when the going gets tough. Sat out there, wrapped up like a polar explorer, only a big pot of tea for company, I feel monastic at times, but during the summer months it’s a joy, the den balmy, a cool beer marking the day’s end.
Tom Vowler's Website