It wasn’t until I started writing seriously that I realized how important it is to have a writing environment and for it to be consistent. I have discovered that changes in my writing environment can really affect how well I write.
So what do I mean by writing environment? I mean where you write. For some people, this might be in a coffee shop or at the dining room table. For me, it means at my desk in my room with the door slightly closed and music playing.
Now, I’m going to break down each of those components. First, why do I write in my room? Because my desk is in there and my desk is huge so it allows me to spread out all of my writing resources. There is also a slightly more complicated answer, but I’ll get to that later.
Next, why do I have my door slightly closed?
I cannot stand the thought of someone reading my writing over my shoulder without me knowing. I used to write at a desk out in the open, and I was always scared that someone was reading over my shoulder. Yes, I would probably notice a person before they could get close enough to read anything I’ve written, but it a psychological thing. I write better when I know that I am writing for me. It can be awful and no one will ever know because I was the only one to see it before it got edited. Also, it lets my family know that I am writing and filters out some of the noise, which brings me to the next thing.
Why do I listen to music as I write?
Well, there are a couple reasons. First off, it acts as a white noise of sorts. Actually, I have to have music to be able to concentrate while writing now. Otherwise everything just seems off. Second, music affects our emotions. So if I am writing an intense scene, I might listen to a more dramatic song. For the most part however, I have just one writing playlist that I always use.
When writing, I listen to film scores and the Piano Guys or other instrumental music. I never listen to songs with lyrics. I wouldn’t be able to focus. I do know, however, that there are people who can write while listening to people singing, so to each their own I guess.
Now, that covers all of the physical aspects of the writing environment, but I think that there is another part to your writing environment: Time
I have found that what time it is affects my writing. I do not write well when it is later in the day or when it is dark. I just cannot focus unless I really apply myself. That brings me back to why I write in my room. I always write in the early afternoon when the sun shines through my window, making my room bright and sunny, perfect for writing in.
So as long as I have all of those pieces of my writing environment, I should be set up for a great time writing.
Tell me, fellow writers, what does your writing environment look like?
Hailey Huntington 