Inside looks of my writing cave and writing process are rare because it never crosses my mind to share behind the scenes of what I do. I never think people want to know about my writing process, to be honest. I’m not a big name author with a lot of experience to my name. (Hey Girl! It’s me, Imposter Syndrome) The truth is I have a lot of writing experience. I’ve been writing stories since elementary school. I just think the way I do, because I don’t have the traditional version of success as an author. And people message me every day with questions about writing and publishing, so here goes… a little sneak peek into my writing cave.
My physical writing cave/office is still new and is still a work in progress. It’s a spare bedroom that I am still in the process of converting into my writing cave. I got my desk for a steal off the LetItGo app. I’ve got a corkboard, a dry erase calendar, and physical paper calendar to help keep me organized with my book releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media posts, and my author friends’ book releases. Candles, pens, notebooks, books, boxes of merchandise for conventions, printer, printer paper… you know your typical office essentials. My next investment for my writing cave is a good Executive Desk Chair. Long hours spent sitting bent over the keyboard requires a comfy chair. TRUST ME. A good chair is essential! The chair I have in there now is an old one from my dad’s old trucking and transportation business… and it’s not very comfortable.
Before I converted the extra bedroom into my writing cave most of my writing was done in my bed, sprawled out on the living room couch, or on the kitchen table or island. It got the job done, but it was frustrating having to constantly relocate – not being able to just leave my laptop in one place. Having a writing cave teaches trains my brain to know that when we are in this room sitting at this desk it is time to sit down and write. When I sit in my desk chair my brain knows it’s time to get down to business. It’s like going to the office or your job. When you get there you work. Some writers prefer to go to a coffee shop or library, that’s cool if that’s you. Doesn’t work for me personally. I am to easily distracted by all the people and noises. Also, it’s just not as comfy as being in my own space. If you haven’t figured it out, comfort is essential to my writing process. If I am uncomfortable, I’m unproductive.
And to be honest, a lot of writing still happens outside of my office. If you follow me pretty regularly, you know that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia which causes a lot of back and joint pain, so at the moment a lot of my writing has been happening in this recliner because it is sooo much easier on my back then sitting in that desk chair that provides very little support and has really worn out cushioning.
Things I still want to do with my office, hang up some artwork and attach my corkboards and dry erase calendars to the wall. Get rid of the bed. Add some new bookshelves and set them up so they look bookstagram ready. Set up a nice meditation space. And of course, replace the desk chair. This is the desk chair I have saved to my wishlist until I can purchase it. All in all, I can pretty much write anywhere, as long as I am comfortable and not distracted or experiencing sensory overload. I like to write in silence or with music from my writing playlist. Another thing you may know about me if you have been following me regularly is that I sometimes even write while in the bathtub!
Where do you prefer to do your writing? Do you have a designated writing space? Do you prefer writing alone or in a public space? Share your writing preferences in the comments.
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Until next time, my friends!
XoXo,
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Michelle C. Hillstrom - Author 
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