Can you write in the dark?
Yes?
If you have a laptop, surface, iPad, or phone, I suppose you can. You don’t necessarily need light to see what you’re typing, but it’s helpful.
Would it be any fun, though? Would it be inspiring?
Unless you have a mind talent like Eleven or “El” from the Netflix original, Stranger Things, and you can visit people or places telepathically, writing in the dark is probably lame.
I don’t know about you, but I need light. Lots of sunlight. It affects my mood and mood is essential to writing. Can’t write a romantic love scene if you’re depressed. It will show in your writing. But if you surround yourself with things that make you feel good, better, romantic, etc., you can write anything.
My writing space needs to be filled with life. Sunlight is part of that. The others are images or pictures of nature, preferably flowers and trees.
Artwork can, but doesn’t have to, invoke inspiration. Sometimes just looking at my pictures helps me feel less stressed.
As a writer, a single sentence structure can frustrate me for an hour if I let it. I love how Chanel Cleeton has her book covers framed on her wall. Brilliant! I may have to copy that idea.
Another element my writing space needs is color. Currently, my office is pink because it’s a feel-good color, and I like it.
(Fun fact: There is such a thing called the Pink Effect. This is when exposure to large amounts of pink can have a calming effect on the nerves and helps relieve feelings of anger, aggression and neglect.)
I may—Probably will. I will—change the color in the future, but for now the pink works for me. I prefer to write at home in my dedicated workspace, but I don’t have to be in my office to write. In the fall and spring, when it’s not too hot in Florida, I love to write outdoors. It can be in my backyard, by the garden with the sounds of the waterfalls from the pool and the belling of windchimes from the tree.
I can also write at a coffee shop, a friend’s house, or the library. I do some of my best writing while flying. Go figure.
Living in Orlando, I’ve had the luxury of writing at local resorts on Disney property. Talk about gardens and inspiration! On occasion, I’ve sat on a rocking chair on the veranda of the Yacht Club Resort overlooking the lagoon and Disney’s Boardwalk. Less crowds, beautiful views.
Sometimes getting out of your usual routine or space can be helpful for writing, especially if you have writer’s block. Other important components to successful writing are temperature, scents, and a comfortable chair, whether it’s a desk chair or a cushy one with a furry ottoman.
Recently, I added an airlift top to my desk so I can write while standing. Sitting for long hours isn’t good for the body. Walking and stretching and having space to do it is important, too. Your body and mind will thank you for the small breaks.
Like people, writing styles and spaces are specific to individual taste. Some people love my office. Being in it makes them feel good. However, I’ve no doubt some people might see my office and want to run. LOL. It’s subjective—a word ALL authors are familiar with. Pick your writing place or places, no matter how quirky, eccentric, calming, or exhilarating, and use them! Use them every day if you can! Having a dedicated space or spaces will help you stay consistent in your writing pursuit, whatever that may be.
Tara Gallina is the author of the serial new adult romance, The Forever Series, including Risking Forever: vol 1, Daring Forever: vol 2, Claiming Forever: vol 3, Sebastian – Risking Forever: vol 4, & The Forever Series Book Bundle. She writes and reads romance in a variety of genres but has a soft spot for retellings. She believes in fairies, true love, and HEA. She favors characters and/or couples who defy the odds and make a way, even when there isn’t one. She lives in Florida with her patient hubs, two older sons, and two fur-babies. Daily needs: sunshine, laughter, coffee, family. Daily wants: a castle, an English accent, princess hair, anti-age venom. You can follow Tara on Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub.
