If your writing work space is cluttered and disorganised, your mind probably is too. It might be time for a good spring cleaning.
My desk is a mess. It's more than a mess. It's a disaster area. Crusty old coffee cups fill the corners, knitting needles crisscross my desk and there's a broken clock on my filing cabinet. Stacks of random papers threaten to topple at any moment.
When I sit down to write I feel cluttered and distracted. It's time for the spring cleaning.
Now, by spring cleaning I don't mean busting out the Lysol and disinfecting everything in sight – though that may not be a bad idea. For my writing space, though, spring cleaning is more of a ritual of purification. It's like recreating the blank page.
First step, files. I label my files like this, though each writer has their own system: Drafts, Ideas, Prompts and Freelance Ideas. The most helpful organization advice I've received is, “touch each piece of paper only once – it goes into one of the files, or into the garbage.”
Spring cleaning is also a good time to back up any computer files of your writing, either onto a disc or onto a remote location. That way if your computer crashes, your work will be safely stored elsewhere.
Then clear away the dirty dishes. Find another home for the broken clock, the inkless pens, the scrunched up balls of kleenex. Put your books back on the shelf.
There is something therapeutic in cleaning a writing space. Even if your writing space is a corner of the kitchen table. It's about clearing your mind and refocusing on your projects. A little order outside can help bring order inside.
Get some fresh flowers to signify the change in season. Hang a new picture on the wall.
Then, get back to writing.
