Before you launch into the weekend, ask yourself this question:

Does my writing space inspire me?

I’m the kind of person who loves to fuss over my writing space. Just the right desk. Just the right monitor setup. The proper assortment of knick knacks, a great office chair, and a cozy room and I’m happy as Larry.

Except when I get bored.

No matter how awesome your workspace, you can’t peak in excitement and enthusiasm every time you sit down. In fact, it would be weird if you didn’t start to think of even the most amazing set up as normal. As long as your space is conducive to enjoyable and productive writing, that’s perfectly fine.

But at some point with every writing space I’ve ever created, the normal vibe turns to discontent and even discomfort. Sometimes there’s a reason (desk and shelves never quite fit right in the office), but sometimes it’s just me getting stone cold bored.

Most books about writing, don’t discuss the importance of where you write. I think that’s a mistake because I don’t think I’m alone in the impact that my writing space has on me, not only in terms of productivity and satisfaction but also from a creative standpoint.

I remember when I was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan and discovered the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library reading room. Glorious! High ceilings, monstrous stained glass windows with beautiful designs, and books everywhere. I found inspiration when I sat down to study or write at the long wooden tables.

Since then, I have found writing inspiration in all kinds of places. I got tenure while doing 75% of my writing at the Espresso Royale coffee shop on State St. in Ann Arbor. I loved the coffee shop buzz (and the caffeine). My office at the University of Michigan-Dearborn was a haven for many years. I even had a library carrel for a couple of years that I used when I needed a total change of scenery. It was TINY but it was also on the sixth floor and had a lovely view of the summer foliage below. I’ve had great sessions writing in university libraries all over the world. I’ve written next to rivers, on the beach, and on the train.

The moral of this rambling story is just this: place can have a powerful impact on our mood, our thoughts, our energy, and our output. If you’re blocked, feeling low motivation, or just aren’t enjoying your writing sessions enough these days, think about executing a change of scenery. Maybe all you need to do is rearrange the furniture or, like I did yesterday, move your space from one room to another. Or maybe it would be inspiring to find the most beautiful building in town and plunk yourself down there for a bit to see what happens.

I hope your scenery is doing it for you :-)

Happy writing,

Trevor