My schedule allows me to devote only a few days a week to writing. So I need to be productive on my writing days, which for me means getting rid of as many distractions as possible. I cannot write in my own room for there will be bills to pay, camp forms to fill out, or closets to organize. I cannot write in the kitchen as there will be groceries to order or food to cook and eat. We live in an apartment in New York City so I don’t have the luxury of an office. But that’s okay. Because I’ve found I’m most productive in my eldest daughter’s bedroom (shhh…Don’t tell her!).
My daughter’s room is neat and empty of the paperwork that needs my attention. There is a comfortable twin bed with mounds of pillows. The sunlight from her window is just right. And the lavender walls and gray carpet offer a soothing palate. Best of all? Our dog, Rowan, usually joins me. He races down the hall when he sees me carrying my laptop towards my daughter’s room. Rowan often tries to snag the best spot against the largest and most comfortable pillow. No matter. I climb onto the bed, nestle against the cushions, and pull up my feet. As I start to write, Rowan curls up beside me–and I can snatch back the best pillow. Did I mention the room is quiet? No police sirens or honking horns invade the thick walls. And the ringer on the phone is off. It is my own writer’s cave, inside our New York City apartment.
Ismée Williams is a doctor, researcher, wife, mother and writer! She lives in New York City with her husband and their three daughters. She loves to read, travel, cook and play with her kids and their dog, Rowan, who is commonly mistaken for a muppet. You can follow Rowan on his own Instagram @redrowandoodle. (You can follow Ismée on Instagram and Twitter at @IsmeeWilliams).
