by Kelly A. Mello

Created on: March 22, 2007   Last Updated: July 07, 2009

"I only needed to be where I could think straight, remember, and properly invent. I needed the blessed emptiness of mind that comes from birdsong and dripping trees. I needed to sleep at night in a square box made of chestnut trees who died of natural causes."

-Barbara Kingsolver "Knowing our Place"

In order to create a magnificent piece of writing, you need "Your Place". This place should bring you motivation and inspiration. It needs to give you comfort and relaxation. It is a part of who you are and what you will become. Your place molds your future. Whether this is at nature's doorstep or a loft in the city where you hear the bustling of the busy bees below, your place is how you get things done. This is all you truly need.

Aside from that, there are also a number of tools that could be useful too. A writing utensil and paper can be used to jot down notes that could lead to the next greatest novel. Write down anything that strikes you as interesting. A thought. An observation. A dream. All these things make for great material that can be used to get those creative muscles flexing.

Next, you will most definitely need light to shine down on your precious work, so that you may see what exactly it is that you are writing. Perhaps you could take that pen and paper outside in the fresh air, as long as it isn't windy. However, it may be more practical to stay inside.

If you are looking to get your piece published, a computer would come in handy. Laptops give you the advantage of going wherever you need to find just the right place to start typing away. Desktops can be better to write on though, because you are not as cramped. The mouse provides an easier way to edit something you just don't like. Of course you should also have something to save your work on.

Another thing you may need in "Your Place" is a coffee pot. I don't know how many countless nights I have felt the need to get everything down on that blank page because I was afraid I would forget something if I waited until morning. Coffee can provide those extra minutes you need to finish a masterpiece.

Lastly, as I alluded to earlier, you need comfort. A big chair you just sink into relaxes your body and lets the words flow from your fingertips. A beanbag chair lets you be laid-back without caring about whether what you are writing is garbage or not. You can always go back and fix it later. A stiff chair emphasizes rigidity, forcing you not to stray from your writing. No distractions, no going over your deadline.

Whatever it is that makes you comfortable, remember that this is your place. It does not matter how odd other people may think it is. Barbara Kingsolver wrote her first novel in a closet! Your place is your sanctuary where many wonderful things may emerge.

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