By Heather Kreke @HKreke
What environment works best?
Figure out the environment that is most conducive to your concentration. Do you need total quiet, or some kind of background noise? I have a lot of friends that listen to music when they write, but I just can’t seem to do it. I usually end up singing along and concentrating on the music, not on what I’m writing. I’ve actually found I like to have a candle lit nearby. When I need to think I can stare at the flame and it helps me focus.
What type of space gets your creative juices flowing?
Do you need a clean desk, a space that has interesting things to look at, or maybe you even have notes and pictures, or a story board of your work in progress around you. I need my area clutter free, if it’s not, I end up cleaning it instead of writing.
What type of spaces do you have available?
Some authors have amazing writing spaces, beach houses, houses with mountain views, places that can’t help but inspire. For most of us though, our options aren’t nearly as great.
For instance, right now I’m writing on a folding table in my dining room. This isn’t my usual space, but with homeschooling, the children having taken over our home office, and the husband working from home, this is where I’m at. While it’s not great, the fact that you are reading this shows it works, because it has too.
Find a place that works that you can get something done in.
Limit distractions.
“Could you leave me alone for like five minutes please?!” Oh, sorry, I was talking to my kids. Distractions are a part of life. There will always be things that try to pull your attention away from where it needs to be, so do your best to limit them. Turn off the tv, put your phone on silent and turn off the vibration setting. Hopefully, your writing space has a door. Close it. Find somewhere you can focus.
Where else can you write?
You don’t always have to write at your house. There are plenty of places to go that can spark inspiration, sometimes it’s good to get out and be in fresh spaces. You could go to your local library, a park, or Starbucks. If you can’t go to any of these places (for reasons like quarantine) just go out to your backyard, or sit on your porch.
The key to finding a place is using it. Writers write. Whether you are unpublished or a best seller, if you are writing, you are a writer. The best way to be a writer is to glue your rear end into a seat wherever and whenever you can, focus on your why, and write.
Where do you normally write?
If you would like to write for the BRMCWC blog please email Heather at Heather@heatherkreke.com with the subject line Blog Query.
Heather Kreke is passionate about showing teens and young adults they can find hope in God’s plan for their lives—even through the darkest times. Her debut novel Path of Totality won first place in the 2023 Selah awards in the First Novel category.
She is the Blog Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Readers Connection, and a writing coach. In her spare time, she teaches writing classes, writes numerous blogs, and has completed coursework through the former Christian Writers Guild. Married since 2004, Heather has three daughters.
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The Conversation
I had to think about this, since I can write anywhere. Strangely enough, I’ve morphed over the years. I used to love to write in a coffee shop but now, my most creative writing takes place in my writing chair in my office. As soon as I’m seated, my mind shifts into create mode.
I usually write on my computer in my home office. However, the ideas come from every day experiences, so I always have paper, pen and phone ready to note ideas. 🙂
Well, this was timely. Occasionally I go to the library, find a cubicle, put my ear plugs in and write. Today, two noisy talkers and library staff going in and out of the room next to me was too distracting. It was because I expect a library to be quiet and it wasn’t. However, I am able to write in a noisy coffee shop if I put in the ear plugs to soften the noise, but I expect noise there. Go figure! Mostly, to save time and not delay getting started, I write at my desk at home with a sign on the door that says, Writer at Work. My hubby respects that sign and I get lots done.