A WRITER’S DESK

Like most people I spend more and more time at my desk these days, doing everything from writing my novel to working on my blog. It can get cluttered quickly so here's a few tips to get the most out of your desk.

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1. Keep it organised

First and foremost a writer’s desk needs to be organised. It doesn’t even have to be necessarily clean or minimalist but it has to be organised. Having clutter on your desk will only clutter your mind. Gandhi said that. Well no, he didn’t, I did, but it’s definitely something that’s proven true in my life. Clutter is also a great time waster. Breaks in between my writing often led to my desk turning into a meeting ground for discarded sheets of paper, books, cups, hell even the odd piece of clothing. All the motivation and energy to write was put into cleaning up the desk and making sure it was crystal clear and as pristine as possible. This usually took long enough to make cleaning my room the next step; after all how can I concentrate if the very room’s messy. Several hours and numerous tea breaks later, the notepad lay unopened and the pen sat uncapped. Not a word had been written. This problem is easily avoidable yet plagues a lot of writers work. After your writing session concludes place any miscellaneous items into their rightful place. Especially during holidays or the weeks you stray from writing, keep your desk organised.

2. If you don’t need it, leave it

You can have a lot of items on your desk without it necessarily getting cluttered. Those ten notebooks you have neatly stacked on top of each other? Keep one. The six packets of multicoloured pens, lining the top of your desk? Grab a black pen and a red pen and put the rest away. At best numerous items on your desk are a distraction, at worst they’re demoralising. There’s not a hope of you filling one notebook in a day, let alone ten especially when you have thirty six pens crying multicoloured tears to be used. A whole day will be spent making an admittedly awesome first page with a stylish header and flawless handwriting but tomorrow will not be as pretty. Time for writing should be spent writing; save the art for later. It’s best to keep your stationary in particular as bare bones as possible. If you don’t need it, leave it

3. Radio-silence

Leave your phone outside. Put it on silent. Never, ever, have it on your desk. It’s so simple. Except it’s incredibly hard. We’ve all put it in our pocket and stared defiantly at the unforgiving computer screen, assured of our stamina. Within the first notification we’re back to square one. Even silent the phone has it’s problems. What if someone rings me or try’s to get in contact with me? The age old question the leads to the inevitable quick peak that turns into an hour of scrolling Instagram. Make the hard call. It’s not easy, especially the first few times but it’s a must. Not only will your quantity suffer but also your quality. And the world deserves your best. Leave the phone in another room and for however long you plan on writing, maintain that good old radio silence.

4. Keep a light on

Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird your mind and head will thank you for this one. Wherever, whenever you’re working keeping a lamp on your desk is always a good idea. If you’re close to a window make use of the natural light as much as possible. However, as we enter winter that light will continue to be more and more sparse so give your eyes a break and keep your workspace well lit. Headaches and strained eyes will ruin your writing experience and leave you feeling worse with ever passing hour. Those hours carry on to the next day and so forth. And no, the light from your laptop doesn’t count. Endless staring at the cold blank page on word will leave you feeling tired and sick. Try to get a yellow light if you can as it’s less harsh on your eyes, but get a light either way.

5. Hydration is key

Keeping a glass of water on your desk will greatly benefit your writing and health at the same time. We all know the benefits of drinking enough water but so many of us simply forget or can’t find the time to get our six cups of H2o a day. Keeping the water at your desk and refilling it each break is a great way to get into the habit of reaching the recommended amount. I often go through the six glasses without even realising it but be careful not to over do it; too much water isn’t ideal either.

And now you're all set, so get organised and most importantly get writing!

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