Today we have such a fun treat! Our Welcome Mat Wednesday guest is historical romance author Amanda Dykes, and she’s giving us a peek into her writing space. I love it, and I know you will, too!
To go along with Amanda’s fun post, for the intro video I decided to give you a little taste of my writing room, too. As you can see, I think I could learn or two from Amanda… 🙂 I really love her clothespin thing! Enjoy!
Writing Places, Writing Spaces
Raise your hand if your writer cave
… Please tell me I’m not alone in this. It was by no means a corner of “genius”—my first novel was written primarily in the embrace of my beloved yard-sale wingback chair. And that pile of papers I mentioned? It was more like a mountain.
Nevertheless, somehow (miracle of miracles), the book got written. And I learned a few things about myself as a writer along the way…the main things being that I am a plotter, not a seat-of-the-pants writer as I had originally thought, and that I need structure.
For me, having systems in place to take care of logistics is liberating. I feel like I have a foundation, room to dream, a way to capture my brainstorms so they don’t slip away in the abyss that is my memory. I know some would feel stifled by these systems and I totally get that. For me, though… hey’re writing lifelines that breathe freedom into my creativity.
So, ready for this? Here’s my little writing corner of the world:
A—Behold, the yardsale chair in which I dwelt for nearly the entirety of my first book’s writing. I still move from the desk to the chair for some cozy writing or research time. The change of scenery (and position!) does wonders sometimes.
B—What once was a pile of papers is now a bookshelf of binders. Top shelf holds my research books and a basket of various supplies. Next two shelves are my binders—I have a thing for binders. Every time I have a new book idea, I start a binder for it so that I can add ideas, inspiration, etc. to it as they arise, rather than losing them to the abyss that is my memory (or lack thereof). For an amazing example of a book binder, check out my friend Joanne’s lovely vlog here. The bottom shelf holds my craft books. This is where my good buddies James Scott Bell, Browne & King, Strunk & White hang out.
C—My brain, in bulletin board form:
Four clipboards hug the inspiration board:
1. Monthly calendar with weekly wordcount goals and other deadlines and appointments listed. A weekly tablet also resides there for me to scribble in reminders of smaller tasks I need to see to.
2. <--This is where I track my writing. Kind of like clocking in and out...it helps me stay on task and not get distracted by the siren call of social media. Or get entirely sucked in by my arch nemesis (who I really do adore)--research.
3. Things to Research. In order to reach my word count goals, I need to write down research points as they come up so that I don’t forget them, and so that I don’t stop my writing flow and get side-tracked. Occasionally I do indulge a research rabbit trail, and occasionally those rabbit trails drastically alter the course of the plot. It’s a fun ride!
4. Things to ask my agent. This way I can save up questions to send occasionally instead of peppering her with them individually. She is wonderful and I can’t imagine her complaining, but I value her time and want to treat it with respect by consolidating e-mails when possible.
Inspiration Board
Here, I have inspiration pictures of my characters (so they don’t randomly change hair color mid-book… speaking from experience here), a map of my main setting, scribbled notes to myself, and other such whatnots—see? >>
The Clothespins
Ah, the clothespins. My joy, my pride, my sanity, my—ok, ok, I’m getting carried away.
But here’s my method of novel
outlining, at least for my current WIP. I do some quick math (Yes, math. Why must math be such a crucial part of writing? We may never know…) as described in this brilliant post.
When my storyline starts to take shape, I start clipping my notecards to these mini-clothespins hot-glued onto thumbtacks. Oh, how I love them.
And oh, how
I am lamenting the fact that they pop right off of the thumbtacks when too much pressure is applied. I’m thinking of pinning a taut piece of twine across in their place so I can still use clothespins on it, like a tiny clothesline; it makes it so easy to move cards around, replace cards, and otherwise mess with the plotline.A close-up of my notecard format:
My little cheat-sheet for scene-planning on these notecards, created from points made inJames Scott Bell’s Revision and Self-Editing:
Once I’ve written a scene, I just flip the scene card over—like so—
—for an easy visual of what I’ve written and what I still need to write.
and last, D—
The desk. Your basic set-up: computer, white Ikea cans for pens, trash, and cord/memory storage.Oh, and my timer, for when I actually stick to the Pomodoro Method:…
And there you have it! How I {attempt to} keep my sanity whilst lost in the middle of a plot.
How about you? Where do you write? What writing systems (or lack thereof) do you thrive on?
Amanda is a historical romance author who writes in the early 20th century time period. Railroads and steamships and mountains reguarly suck her into a research vortex where her not-so-inner geek revels. She is co-host of the Christian Fiction Book Club, and blogs over at Simple Revelations. Find her on Facebook (AmandaDykes <-- no space) and Twitter (@AJDykes).
Comments 44
Thanks for having me, Melissa! I love your writing space– and could I get a lesson or two in HOW to keep plants alive? The vegetation around here would be eternally grateful.
Here’s my key to keeping plants alive, Amanda: buy low-maintenance plants! Hehehe…I have seven plants at the moment and I’m amazed they’re all doing well with what I put them through. They always end up near-dead, and then I suddenly remember to water them and they revive.
Thanks so much for being here today!
My one single surviving plant (which incidentally is only a month old) is in the perpetual tug-o-war land of alive and near-dead. We’ll see how long it lasts. 🙂
You supply some great fun tips here, a few I’ll definitely remember. I have too many piles but can’t allocate office space right now–moving forward, though. Thanks again.
Will you get an office at your new farm, Dee? 🙂
I never thought I could have a writing space– we have a relatively small home. But with a little re-arranging, I claimed this wall and my mountains are finally being tamed. I’m excited for you when the time comes!
My office always looks like a tornado just passed through with notebooks scattered and papers all over the place. Maybe Melissa and Amanda can drop by and get me organized!
Haha, Pat. I do a pretty okay job of *looking* organized, but that’s only because I shove everything in closets and under beds. 🙂
Pat, this room is currently in “tornado” mode. It’s my project today to get it back in order. The writing wall is ok, but the rest of it…? There’s a reason there aren’t any pictures here of all that. 😉
I’m currently still in my grandma’s old chair with a mountain of paper:) I do share your love for binders, though. I have one for each story or idea too, soooo much easier. And, while I’m a pantser, I also love organization and structure–go figure–so I completely love your space:)I will admit that I’ve been eyeing our basement room that we’ve used for schooling (we homeschool), it has one entire wall covered with bulletin board…oh the stuff I could pin! I think I’ll take that room and the kids can have the kitchen table.
Haha, you should totally do that, Susan. I’m sure they can learn just as well in the kitchen. 🙂
Hoorah for beloved chairs! Words pour forth no matter what you’re sitting on, eh? I love that it’s your Grandma’s; I think that’s even more special. That little side-table by the chair in my picture was my Grandma’s, who was also a writer. It’s a treasured thing to have in my writing space.
Wow! Great, and very full, post!! Thanks for sharing your set-up Amanda. I’ve bookmarked this to pour over later. I’ve been trying to get organized and you’ve given us some wonderful ideas to spring from. (I could never reach your level.)
Thanks Melissa. I love the whole “Welcome Mat” theme – as well as your writing space!! (I’m also in the spare bedroom and have one plant to keep alive.) 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by, Patti! Wednesdays are my favorite around here. 🙂
LOL, Patti, you are so kind… but as I’ve shared with others, “my level” is only because I need systems to corral my pile-making tendencies. They must be vanquished! Haha.
I am totally stealing your clothespin idea! Am I allowed to do that?! I love the twine idea too. I’m a huge storyboarder and always have stacks of cards sitting around and I love how this keeps things organized and allows you to switch things around. I don’t care what you say…you are an organizational DIVA!
She is, isn’t she! I just love how everything is set up in Amanda’s space!
YES, you are allowed to do that! Since writing this I have taken the tacks down and put up a long piece of twine to clip the clothespins to. It’s much better. I just staked the twine up at several points with some pushpins to brace it so it wouldn’t sag.
I love storyboarding too, and I do love the flexibility of the “clothesline”– I hope it ends up working out for you! 🙂
Thanks for (unknowingly) letting me link to your awesome binder vlog, by the way.
No lie when I saw that picture I literally said out loud, “Holy crap!” LOL That’s awesome. As I read your post, I realized I did a lot of what you do, but mine is all digital. I create notebooks in Microsoft Notebook, I can put all my research in there and it holds the link automatically so if I have a question, I just click the link and it takes me to that site or snippet of info I copy/pasted.
I just started notecards, but I don’t think I use them the way you do. I have enjoyed hanging onto them. I keep them in a gallon size ziplock with my sharpie in my purse (the ziplock is really to protect them when I’m at the pool)!
Loved your writing room and organization. I’d so love writing in there, and in your office, Tagg. Or maybe I’d just nap on the day bed. My daughter has a day bed!
I had the exact same thought, Jess! I love it. Amanda could teach a class in setting up your writing space! I need to copy her notecard idea instead of using post-it notes for everything…and then losing them. 🙂
Daybeds are sweet! I’m not even kidding, I remember walking into my “new” bedroom at 13 and thinking, “How did they know I wanted a daybed? My parents are the best ever!” (I still think they’re the best ever, but for more reasons than the daybed. Hehe…) I will welcome guests anytime…the daybed is all yours!
Jessica, your opening line made me laugh. 🙂
I love your use of notecards– I do have an “on the go” stack as well, but I think I’ll be encasing them in a ziplok like you. Smart idea, thank you!
I also love your digital versions of the system– digital is so space-savvy, I have considered trying to set up digital systems. But I’m such a visual and tactile learner/worker that I work best with concrete versions to actually get my hands on, know what I mean? Silly, I know, in this digital world, but there you have it. It might also be why I sometimes turn to long-hand writing when I get stuck in a plot. (Which, in turn, might be what’s on the agenda for today’s writing session. I’m stuck!! I have the notecards up and all, but something doesn’t quite… click with what’s next. This should be fun.)
Daybeds are awesome- it used to be a dream of mine to have one, too, Melissa! I love that you’ve kept yours.
Loved the post, Melissa! First, I also dreamed of having a daybed, but, alas, I never received one…however, I still believe dreams do come true! 😉
Amanda, I absolutely love your organizational skills! Right now my writing space (as I type this) is on the couch, still in my jammies, with my two year old twins boys playing tug of war practically on my lap (they both want to sit next to me…). I have a long way to go in organizing my space! I have a little room, in the walk out basement that faces the Mississippi River, that will one day become my writing space. I’m already dreaming!
By the way, Melissa, one of my twins saw your picture and kept say: “Mama? Mama?” I said, “No, that’s Melissa.” But he doesn’t believe me! He seems to think we look a like! 🙂
Ohh, that’s so cute. I take your twin’s confusion as a compliment! By the way, I think I already said this over at your blog, but I love the new look. Happy six-month blogging anniversary!
Gabrielle, your future writing space sound LOVELY! I remember you commenting on one of my older blog posts about looking out over the river, and I thought the same then, too: what a beautiful place to live! I hope when you set it up you give us a virtual glimpse inside your writing space… including the view. And maybe a soundclip of the river. And perhaps a snippet of crisp country morning air (I’m envisioning the countryside… sorry if I’m way off!)? 🙂
Amanda, you are amazing. I love the clothespin method!
Mary, thanks for the Pomodoro method and for being generally awesome!
We use some of the same methods in different ways! I love it. I used to use the note cards (without the nifty clothespins, which is brilliant). Now I use the same method on an excel spreadsheet. I also have an excel spreadsheet for tracking my writing each day. And I use a timer, but I usually just use the timer built in to my cell phone. I love the colors in your office!
Julie, I’m SO glad you posted this– I got the spreadsheet for tracking writing idea off of a link you posted to Twitter a few months back– the writer was telling how she’d increased her wordcount (to the tune of thousands more words per day) and that was one of the methods I implemented from that. THANK YOU!! 🙂 Thanks for the sweet comment re: the colors– I think the paint is called “Renoir”. Maybe I’ll absorb some artistic brilliance from it, lol.
I think I just broke out in hives looking at all those notecards! LOL
Seriously though, thank you for sharing your method. It’s so funny how different everyone is 🙂
And Melissa, I finally got to watch your video! Too cute! I love that you kept your daybed. I’ve been wanting to get some indoor plants…I need to. Love yours. 🙂
Haha! Jessica, you’re so right. I love how different everyone is. We were just talking about this on our book club FB page based on a quote from Dani Pettrey’s “Submerged”– “…think how boring this world would be if we all had the same gifts. Only beautiful pictures to look at– no music or literature or exquisite desserts…”
Think how boring this world would be if we were all plotters of the notecard sort! I love that God has designed us all so differently. 🙂
Wow. I’m organized…but THAT. IS. ORGANIZED! Girl, you make me jealous. I haven’t really taken the time to really set up a writing corner. I have an entire office to myself but I sit at a desk all day long during my day job that I find it hard to sit at one at home too. So I usually just write on my couch or at Starbucks or something.
And Mel, I plan to come sleep on that daybed someday. It looks so cute and cozy, and that would mean I’m visiting you and we’re hanging out! (And the pink and green is fabulous! I love that color scheme.)
Fun stuff, ladies!
Lindsay, I totally get the need for venue change after being at your office desk all day. And ironically, although I do plenty of work at the desk shown here, the wingback chair is still my favorite spot to write. It’s where I’m sitting right now, in fact. 🙂 Still, the bookshelf and bulletin boards have helped me pull my act together so much!
Yay!! I hope you DO come visit, Linds. Although, if you do, I would probably give you my bedroom since it’s much nicer and then I can go all nostalgic and sleep in the daybed. 🙂
All I can say is, “WOW, Amanda!”
There’s some great tips here. I have a desk in the office, but I find myself doing most of my writing while sitting in bed, or on the couch on my laptop. I’m not that organized. Amanda, you inspire me!
Thanks, Loree! I think there’s a lot to be said for mixing up writing spots. I still venture to the couch or bed at times, too, or– when I’m writing by hand or working on notecards– the park or backyard.
Melissa,
Thanks for the view of your workspace. It is always so interesting to see where others are writing that future best-seller.
Amanda, I love the cheat sheet and notecard formats. Thanks for sharing such helpful hints.
Ava, you bet! Most are just pulled together from ideas I’ve seen elsewhere, and customized to fit my writing style. It’s fun to watch it slowly all click together.
Wow, Amanda, I love your clip system to keep track of your novel. What a great idea!!
(And I get to be one of those who raises her hand about having a pile of papers and chair – not mine – as my first office!)
Thank you, Amanda and Melissa, for a super fun post!
TOTALLY ORGANIZED! Love the blue and white colors so much! Very relaxing. Loving your clothespins. I’d love to be more organized, now that I finally have a “writing room” proper (well, it’s a guest room too). I do plot, but not as intricately–just the overall arc of the story. I think my pantser attitude also spills over into my lack of organizational systems! Grin. Thanks for sharing!
So lovely! And I’m so excited because I FINALLY have a room of my own (our daughter just moved out) and I’m turning it into my own Writer World. You have some great ideas, Amanda. I’m a binder-girl, too. I have an office supply fetish. Santa fills my stocking with things like funny paperclips, sticky notes, tabs, pretty folders, and amazing pens/pencils.
Melissa – I have a bed in the room, too, but it’s because we ALWAYS seem to have company in and out of our house. I’m willing to share my space if the bed is needed – thank God for laptops.
Wonderful post!
Thank you, Becky! And congrats on your new writing room; how fun to transform it (though I’m sure bittersweet, with your daughter’s moving). Let me know when yours is done and blogged somewhere; I’d love to see it!
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