space to write
Do you have a dedicated place to write, or are you a writer on the move? Here we share the secrets of our writing spaces in all their chaotic, cluttered glory or meticulous organisation.
Jeni smith
When I began to think about where I write, I realised that I am something of a nomadic writer. I do have a safe space for long pieces of writing at the table in my daughter’s room, but that has been invaded by patchwork pieces at the moment. Quite often I write outside and there is all the walking when I write in my head. Many of my writing spaces are café tables, with a cup of something nearby and one of my favourite spaces was a bare table in a house on a Finnish island, overlooking a boat shed and the water beyond. At the moment, perhaps, the kitchen table is where I write most often with the view to the garden and coffee close by.
Theresa Gooda
I have a noisy, busy household, so my writing space is tucked away at the bottom of the garden, away from all the hustle and bustle. It’s peaceful and private and only a little bit spidery. It contains a day bed for leaning back and proofreading - an idea stolen from Rudyard Kipling after visiting Bateman’s.
rebecca white
I can write anywhere but I particularly love the feeling of resting a notepad on my knee and curling into the huge cushion on my sofa, preferably with a blanket over me and a cup of tea by my side. In fact, that’s all I need from a writing space – somewhere comfy with place for a mug. As a teenager, I loved writing in public, creating this image of myself as someone very enigmatic with interesting stories to tell. I still like the act of writing surrounded by people but it now feels very different, as if my pad and pen are a bit of a forcefield from the rest of the world. People don’t interrupt writers in public, assuming it is a vitally important task we are carrying out. Which of course, it is! Is anything more important than creating new worlds?
Nikki garrard
Roald Dahl wrote in a sleeping bag so I probably shouldn’t be embarrassed to admit I write in bed. It’s a forgiving space for first drafts, warm and cocooning.
Now, editing what I’ve written is another matter. For me, that’s best done on an uncomfortable chair in the kitchen with its harsh lights and hard surfaces.
stephen jacklin
I feel as comfortable writing inside as I do outside. As long as I have something to write with (and on/in), a hard surface on which to plonk laptop, notebook or paper and a drink on the go I’m easy. The patio table stretches out before me. Long days and long writes often stretch out here too.