It is with great fanfare that I announce that I’ve finally made the leap to my own laptop and printer! (Drumroll, please!)
Even more exciting to me is that I am converting one of our empty bedrooms into my own writing area. While not as romantic an idea as the writer’s garret that one reads about in stories like “Little Women,” it will still be my space. A place where I can set up my laptop, my printer, a desk, a few bookshelves – and my beloved Keurig machine. Maybe even play a little music to spark an idea or two from time to time.
I’ve done my fair share of typing on an iPad at the dining room table. That’s how I got started writing stories two years ago. But I wanted something with more power and more options. And I also wanted a space of my own. Over the past couple of years, I’ve accumulated bits of paper with story ideas which I’ve managed to scatter all over the house. I have notebooks here and there stuffed full of quotes, news articles and other minutia that were collected in hopes of sparking an idea for a story or blog post. It’s time to consolidate and move everything to one place, where I can easily get my hands on things.
Yesterday, I spent an hour or two looking at laptops before finally deciding on a touchscreen Windows 8 model. It’s a pretty nifty little laptop. I think I’ve fallen in love with it.
You might wonder what the point of this blog post is – I mean, seriously, does anyone care that I’ve bought a laptop? Probably not much. But here’s the thing: it signals to me a seriousness of purpose. It’s do or die. Setting up a work area is a visible commitment to my writing and to my aspirations. I now have a space in my house that is specifically set aside for my writing, and when I sit down before the laptop that is what I am there to accomplish… it is my work space.
Like Jo March, I may place a bowl of crisp apples there and munch on ‘em as I try to write a story or two. I like the idea.
Odyssey of a Novice Writer 
First… are we the same person? I’m starting to think we are the same person. I’m always yelling to the beau, “Have you seen my notebook? The one with the Mosquito Fog outline? No, the other one. No, not that one either.”
Second. PURE GENIUS! You have moved your Keurig maker into your writing area! PURE FLIPPING GENIUS!
Congrats on your setup! I find it helps my brain focus when I commit to writing in a particular spot. It tells your brain, let’s get to work!
I was struck by my genius at moving the coffee pot into the room, too… LOL!! Writers and caffeine – like applies and pie!
Laughed at the rambler remark! Fortunately, a garret is a state of mind. Give your husband a copy of “Little Women” and tell him you’re making over the office. 🙂 I wonder what the male version of the romanticized place to write is? Perhaps one with an old manual typewriter (just for show), packets of cigarettes, a photo of Ernest Hemmingway? I’m envisioning something rather 1930s-ish.
I would like to have a space of my own. While perfectly adequate, I share the office with my husband, who is also a writer. Luckily we have two seperate desks. I love your picture of Jo March. Where can I get one? I think I’ll poke around the house and see if I can find a hidden garrett behind a secret passageway or something.
Dang, I live in a rambler.
I find my writing is better on a laptop than on a tablet. It’s an essential investment.
I’m still working on developing a good writing space. I have a lot to do, so having a tablet allows me to write on the go, but I prefer sitting in a reserved spot and using my laptop.
Now I’m looking for the desk, something small, to fit into a corner, the corner that has a window that looks out over my neighbor’s farm. Regarding the tablet, I like my iPad for being on the go, and my laptop for home use. I do find it more comfortable to write on the laptop.
Dya read a Room of One’s Own by V Woolfe? =)
You betcha, clever girl! 🙂
This whole post made me smile so big! Setting up your own writing space, investing in a laptop… What a wonderful thing!! Jo March would be so proud. I have followed your blog and can’t wait to see your progress!! 🙂
Glad you’re smiling – that makes two of us! (Well, perhaps three – if there is a place where fictional characters such as Jo have access to our antics!) Thanks for the support!
Good for you. Enjoy!
=)
Thanks, Staci. 🙂
I so understand your excitement! My precious and supportive hubby gifted me with a new Windows 8 computer–but I chose a desktop. It, too, represents a commitment to making writing a serious, though part time, business! As a novice blogger, I am growing to love it. I so admire the professional and tech-savvy nature of your posts. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! A good friend is responsible for dragging into the world of blogging and teaching me the ropes. Your husband is a good guy – sounds like mine!
I have just figured out how to reply to comments! Duh! You are a great example for me. And, yes, I am blessed with a great husband.
I’ll be getting a new laptop soon as well. It’s kind of interesting now how instead of making a space or room of one’s own, we take our writing “space” with us wherever we go! 🙂
That’s a good point! Technology does free us up. Still, having one’s own space can’t be beat. It is uniquely ours. (But so too is a hotel room when on the go, and laptop is at our side!)
It’s great to have your own space and place for writing. I think it does make a huge difference. Congrats 😀
Thanks – I think it will. Just being organized will help!
Congratulations on purchasing your new laptop and printer, Kate!
I completely agree that making such purchases is a sign of your commitment to become a published author. We all need our own ‘writing space’, an area where we can feel comfortable and not have to deal with the distractions of the every day
You go, girl!
Heather xxx
Thanks, Heather! You’re such a cheerleader for me! Everyone needs a “Heather” in their lives. 🙂
Well I sure hope there’s enough of me to go around! 😆
Heather xxx
Just save some of “you” for me! lol
Oh you compel me to get organised Kate, bless you and your writings, and may words flow from your fingertips. x
You’re very kind, and I appreciate the blessing! Thank you.
Having a place void of distractions makes a world of a difference too! I know when I go to my desk it’s business time. No facebook, videos, chatting, just writing. Dedicate your new space to productivity! Enjoy your new space!
Thank you. I liked the way you worded it: dedicate your space to productivity. Nice!