The Writing Studio

A Look Behind the Scenes

After retiring from teaching 6 years ago, I decided I wanted a space to write and sew. Not a room, but a studio…as in “a place where an artist works.” You can see my original post with a detailed description of my space here. Why was creating a space important to me?

In a recent read from Natalie Goldberg’s book Writing Down the Bones, I came across this thought:

“Creating a Writing space is an indication of your increased commitment.”

I’ll admit, that there are days I don’t feel like an artist. Words don’t come or sewing projects require more seam ripping than seam sewing. But having a dedicated space motivates me to continue. Goldberg goes on to say:

“A little apparent disorder is an indication of the fertility of the mind and someone who is actively creating.”

Whew! Oh good, because I usually work in “a little apparent disorder.” According to Goldberg, my clutter is fertilizer for my creative process…apparently. Let’s take a closer look at my “compost.”

My favorite reading spot, journal open, shoes kicked off.

The end table…fertile ground? Hmmm…photo of grandchildren, cup of day old tea, cell phone stand , assorted pens and highlighters, dental floss (pitched from my purse after a recent trip to the dentist), random bead, seam ripper and thread, Kleenex, fabric book mark I made years ago (but it’s too thick and I don’t like it as a bookmark… I don’t really know why it’s still on the table….)

My desk. Ergonomically lifted laptop open to current WIP, today’s cup of tea, assorted office supplies, post it notes, a note card containing haiku submissions, my hiking journal, Rick Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, sharpened #2 pencil (teacher habit).

All this is well and good, but it the end Goldberg says:

“Finally, there is no perfection. If you want to write you have to cut through and write. There is no perfect atmosphere, room, notebook, pen or desk. Train yourself to be flexible.”

So there you have it. If you want to write, cut through and write from your studio, kitchen table, on a notepad while waiting for an appointment… Simple enough. Let’s go! Just imagine what we can create!