EPISODE 3: FIND YOUR SANCTUARY: YOUR WRITING ENVIRONMENT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

EPISODE 3: FIND YOUR SANCTUARY: YOUR WRITING ENVIRONMENT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

In this episode, Pamela Samuels Young makes the case that your writing environment is not an afterthought — it’s a crucial ingredient in your creative process. 

Welcome to Episode 3.

Now that you've scheduled your writing time, let's talk about where you're actually going to sit down and write. It's important to find a place that works for you. A place where you can be productive and write uninterrupted.

Some writers need absolute silence. Others need the hum of soft music. Neither is wrong — the key is figuring out the best place to get your writing juices flowing. Ernest Hemingway wrote standing up. Maya Angelou rented a hotel room just to write. Truman Capote wrote lying down, legal pad in hand. The point is — your writing space is personal, and finding the ideal place to write is worth the effort.

I've written at work, in my office at home, in hotel rooms, in airports, and in noisy coffee shops. Some of those places worked better than others. Here are a few spots to consider for your writing sanctuary.

Your Home.

Having a dedicated space in your home to write is a great option. Be it your home office, your bedroom, or your backyard. Close yourself off, silence your phone, and treat it like a professional workspace. These actions signal to your brain that it's time to write.

In my prior home, I put up a wall with inspirational words. What's your favorite inspirational quote? One of my favorites is: Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do. Print out an inspiring quote you love, put it in a frame and set it on your desk. Decorate your writing space so it motivates you. 

Here's Your No-Excuses Challenge for Episode 3:

This week, don't just think about where you'll write — decide. Identify two places where you could realistically write this week — a primary spot and a backup location. Add your primary spot to your writing schedule.