The Right Writing Space

Writing requires a clear head and a clear desk. Is creativity-killing clutter driving you to distraction? Are piles of paperwork threatening to topple your technology in your office?

Here a few simple ways to make room for more writing:

Remove everything from your office counter or desktop. Neatly bundle all computer, peripheral and accessory cords with rubber bands. Rubber bands are the best, because they do not conduct electricity. Tuck these tidy bundles out of sight. (I keep mine behind my desk.)

Empty out all desk drawers. Sort working pens and sharpened pencils into cups or drawer-dividers. Throw away dried-out markers and pens.

Toss all non-office-related items into three or four small boxes or baskets, so they may be carried to the appropriate rooms (kitchen, garage, kids' rooms, school, etc.).

Realign printer cartridges, and resupply printers with paper.

Dust around and under all electronic equipment.

Put stacks of books into bookshelves. (Most writers have hundreds of books.) Install inexpensive wall shelves, or purchase economical shelving units.

Sturdy wood folding bookcases are widely available. These tend to go on sale at the end of the summer, as college students head for the dormitories. Why not grab a few bookcases when you spot a deal?

Install a bulletin board or corkboard over your desk. Place a calendar on it for deadlines, appointments, editorial queries, and manuscript submissions.

Sort through all of your loose papers and files. All paperwork should fit into one of these categories:

Query or Publish.

If you have been collecting clips and tidbits for new article ideas, why not whip up a query letter today? Place your notes and research in file folders, assigning one for each potential piece. (See below.)

Have you been intending to revise and send that manuscript or article draft, based on an editor's favorable response to an earlier query? This is the time to do so.

Save as Samples.

If hard copies of published items need to go into your professional portfolio, then grab the rubber cement and page protectors! Get these items off your desk and into your portfolio. You never know when an editor might request writing samples.

File for Future Use.

Article Ideas: Create a separate folder for each article, story, or book you plan to write. When you are ready to compose a query letter, this will be invaluable. Even better, once an editor expresses interest, you will be ready to write!

Clients & Contacts: If you don't keep addresses and contact information online, you will want to obtain a Rolodex or business card file. Contacts are the bedrock of a writer's business, and these must be updated often!

Financial Items: Check stubs, invoices, receipts, and other documentation must be filed where you can find it. Stashing such items in a box or basket atop your desk is distracting and dangerous. Timely billing, accurate tax filing, and audit preparation are vital for a freelancer.

Get Rid of the Evidence.

Be ruthless here. If you don't really need a piece of paperwork, then toss it. If the file is on your hard drive or online, toss the hard copy. (Often, I will even scan a receipt or invoice and keep it on my computer, rather than create clutter piles in my work area.)

Most freelancers receive dozens of periodicals each month. If we kept all of these issues, we could build room dividers in our homes with the stacks. Consider donating these to your local library or to a school.

Old drafts of published items, outdated financial papers, and other irrelevant materials should be destroyed. Shredders are available for less than $25, and they make a wonderful therapy for writer's block! Kids love shredding items as well. Maybe the loud grinding noise makes us feel powerful, but there is something inherently rewarding about running the shredder.

Write on!