by Sara Williams

Created on: April 22, 2009

The key to finding your perfect writing space is to know your "writing personality." Whether you're a pen-in-hand kinda writer or prefer banging away at a keyboard, there's time and place for writing that's perfect - your time, your place.

"Old School"

You and Stephen King have something in common, and that's a love of the type-writer (or word processor). Sure, your den/office/living room/etc. floor may be covered in crumpled up sheets of white paper, but doesn't it feel good to give bad ideas the "garbage" treatment? It's a sign that writing is happening! Okay, maybe not. Need some help? Keep a garbage can next to you just for throwing away your crumpled up "failure balls" (I believe that phrase will soon gain in popularity, I hope?). Decorate it with things that make you feel good, like flames for a "hell's writing" theme, or something like that.

"Napkin Plotter"

You like writing wherever you are, whether it's in the coffee shop or at the bar (okay, McDonald's or Denny's, sorry). Napkins are free for the taking, and you take 'em as you need, writing great idea after earth-shatteringly great idea. Try finding a quieter place to work or bringing your iPod for when you need to really sit down and think. For organization, there are a couple of options. Girls can obviously stick things in their purses, but it's better not to have a bunch of napkins floating around in there. Try using a coin purse or empty wallet. Guys may have a harder time, especially if you're too manly for a "man-bag." You might be able to get a literary groupie by telling the chicks that you're writing the next best seller, thus having a girl who carries a purse to do your organization for you, but 1) the break-up could be devestating and 2) it probably won't happen. So, I can only suggest using your back jeans pocket.

"Internet Junkie"

You're always online anyway, so why not make your writing space as virtual as your friends are? Sign up for a free blog and start blogging your novel, organizing plotting, characters, chapters, and so on under categories. Make it private if you ever want to get it published for real (there's some issues with who gets the "first publish" and so on, so be careful), but network with other aspiring writers and look over each other's writing. You can make a blog private and just give your friends access, so it's perfect.

"The Hermit"

Some must write in absolute quiet and isolation. For many, this is a difficult space to find. Johnny in the Shining tried his darnedest to find peace and quiet, going so far as shacking up in a haunted hotel over a winter, but it drove him crazy. If you have your own bedroom and live alone, or with a quiet family, then that's the place to go. Live with a significant other that doesn't require air? Try converting an unused closet into your very own chamber of isolation. A desk can be made by installing a deep shelf at the correct level, which will hold up a laptop nicely and not cost very much. Too much noise at home? The library is another choice. At my local college library, there are separate study rooms to shut onesself into. They can still get noise, but you won't be bothered. Have a pair of ear phones and a music source to drown out the guy in the neighboring study room who is using his space as a cell phone booth.

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