This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Today we're having a peek inside Victoria Lamb's writing room. Victoria Lamb was awarded the RoNA for Young Adult Romantic Novel of the Year for her book, Witchstruck, on Tuesday evening at the Romantic Novelists' Association 2013 RoNA Awards. Victoria's new book, His Dark Lady, is out today and we'll be reviewing it very soon.
My Writing Room by Victoria Lamb
I'm a massively restless person; my urge to keep moving is part of what drives me on as a writer. Not surprisingly then, I don't enjoy writing in the same space every day. In 2011 though, I bucked that trend. I rented an office and worked there 9-5, occasionally also going in during the evenings – despite concerns over office zombies!
When we moved to Cornwall, I chose a home office instead, thanks to increased space. Nonetheless, I've since moved it to a different room twice. My first study had lovely views over the surrounding fields. My current study has a more restricted view though, something I recommend for high productivity. Views are wonderful, but it's too easy to stare at them idly for hours instead of working. Distractibility probably accounts for more unfinished novels than lack of confidence or ability.
I rarely work all day in my home office. A change of scene is required to keep my brain firing, so I regularly visit a local cafe where I can write while enjoying a latte. When facing a deadline, I often leave home altogether for a week or two; holed up in a remote cottage or hotel room, I can really focus on a novel.
Once into a new book, I try to write at least 1000 words every day. If I leave long gaps between writing days, I risk losing the overall shape of it in my mind, and that can lead to plot and pacing issues.
Atmosphere is the single most important element for me when choosing a space to work in. I have to feel productive and comfortable there, something which is unconnected to the clutter which inevitably follows me everywhere. The genius loci, or spirit of a place, can be very real for me.