How to set up your writing zone and writing environment in three simple steps
First published June 2017: This article has been updated and improved.
Ahhh, the actual act of sitting down to write.
This is the serious part!
As a journalist I’ve had to learn to write in all types of situations.
Most commonly it is in a noisy newsroom with the screech of a police scanner two feet away, a news channel blarring on an overhead television, not to mention the often ‘enthusiastic’ sarcasm and cussing of my colleagues as they race to file for deadline.
Once a few years ago, after Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia hit our town and ripped up 1800 power poles in the area, I had my handy neighbour rig up my laptop to a solar panel on the front lawn!
Clearly you REALLY can write anywhere and everywhere – you just need the time and a way to record your thoughts.
But to make writing your autobiography easy it is best to prepare a designated space in which to relax and get creative.
Best places to write
The best places to write are where you can sit down and quickly slip into your writing without distracting yourself.
Most writers I know like to have a writing desk or zone that they can call their own.
It is here that the bulk of the routine writing gets done.
For most people this writing zone is their home office.
Alternatively, you can take your writing on an ‘excursion’, maybe once a week or every few sessions, to give yourself a change of atmosphere and inspiration boost.
What about these writing locations to try:
- Kitchen table early in the morning with a cuppa
- Chilling on the lounge listening to music, pen in hand
- Writing date at your favourite cafe
- Relax at a picnic gazebo on a coastal headland
- Down the back yard under your favourite tree
Writing flow: Atmosphere is key
Wherever you choose to make your place of writing, you must make sure you will be at ease.
This place should be comfortable and somewhere you won’t easily be disturbed.
Turn your phone off or set it to flight mode to limit the notifications.
Tell your partner that you will be writing for however long so they won’t walk in on you or make too much noise in other areas of the house.
Make sure the area gets lots of fresh air to keep you alert and writing well.
If you need to put the air-conditioner on to feel comfortable, do so.
Or alternatively turn up the heating or grab a snuggle blanket to wrap around your shoulders.
And don’t forget, some quiet or uplifting background music can help.
When I’m really stuck, I throw on some Mozart.
The songs are long enough to get you into the writing groove and I believe some scientists say the pieces are ‘magic food’ for your brain.
Related article –How does memory work? What is memory and where is memory stored in the brain
Tools for the job
To minimise yourself getting distracted have all the tools you might need handy.
This includes pens, notepads (a few extras scattered about the house too will help when memories come to you!), laptop, voice recorder, and any research or reference details you need.
Related article –Writing tools to help you beat bad spelling and grammar woes
Set up your desk correctly
If you are writing for extended periods at a desk, make sure it is at a good height for you.
You might need to get an adjustable chair so you can raise or lower your seat to suit the desk.
I find I’m most comfortable sitting when my feet are flat on the floor and my elbows are at 90 degrees to the desk when I’m typing.
I also like to raise my laptop slightly so I’m not looking down too much and craning my neck.
Lighting in the spotlight
Lighting too is an important consideration.
I like to work looking out of a window but sometimes I find the contrast between the laptop screen and outside is too great for my eyes.
Often I will pop on an overhead light or dim the blinds to cut the glare.
You can also adjust your computer screen’s brightness and colour for extra comfort.
Important little extras
And finally did someone say coffee?
This can be an essential tool for getting writing done no matter what you choose as your best places to write!
Or if you prefer, an herbal tea or other drink.
You definitely need to keep yourself well fed and watered while you write.
Have everything ready before you sit down so you don’t break the writing ‘trance’ by getting up.
Final say
So there you have it.
The best places to write are; distraction free and inspiring, have a good atmosphere and all the tools for the job.
If you are comfortable when you write, you will increase your chances to create a wonderful story-telling legacy.
Your life-story work is important – one sentence at a time you are stringing your chapters together like precious gems on a necklace.
When finished, your autobiography will be just as priceless.
Happy writing!
Once you have found the best places to write, a good next step is to review your autobiography structure by brainstorming, prioritising and organising what stories you want to include. I’ve recorded a short video on how to do this. Sign up here.
I hope these writing tips keep you moving steadily towards finishing your memoirs. I’d love to hear about your best writing places. Drop me an email.
Got a question or idea for an article? You can let me know here!
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
