The place where I write is special because for a very long time I didn’t have my own space. I did all my writing at the kitchen table. When my sons grew up and moved out, I had the opportunity to create an office for myself. The possibilities thrilled me, and I’m happy with the space I’ve created. It is full of things that inspire me and remind me what is important.
The core of the room was remodeled when we added ceiling lights and hardwood floor, then painted it a lovely green. Blinds that matched the walls were a touch of perfection. My son still comes to visit, so I needed a couch that made into a bed. I also needed bookshelves and a desk. Everything is practical and beautiful.
Personal touches make the room mine. Medals won by my books hang from “when pigs fly” hooks, reminding me how much of a dream writing has always been for me. My favorite books are in this bookcase, and I have a scarf in the MacMillan (my maternal family) plaid with pins from places we’ve traveled. On the couch (in picture above) I placed pillows that reference my writing, and framed posters of three of my books on the wall.
The magnificent horse on my filing cabinet belonged to my mother-in-law. On the side of the filing cabinet are writing-related magnets, including one from Powell’s Books in Portland and one from the Steinbeck Center in Salinas, that hold memories and reminders.
Copies of my own books are above my head, and above that is my collection of Roseville pottery that started with a piece that was my grandmother’s. The tiny painting above that cabinet on the right was painted for my father-in-law by a family friend. Below that is a shelf of craft and research books, with some of my inventory of books below that. On my desk are photos of my grandchildren and a painting of my dog, Luke (lost too soon). I have an author clock, which I love, that I got for Christmas.
There are a lot of individual inspirations in my office, but the real business of writing happens in the center of my desk, where my computer resides and my ring light waits for meetings, interviews, and virtual conferences. Think of me in this space working on my next novel!