If you visit most coffee shops today often enough, you will invariably encounter some number of people tapping away at laptop keyboards. Some of these people may be simply surfing the internet, but some of them are very likely writers like yourself. There may be a number of reasons why writers tend to hang out at coffee shops, but many of them just don’t have a place of their own to concentrate on their writing. Most writers need to find a place that they feel comfortable in before they can begin to write effectively. The possibilities for creating a private writing nook are nearly endless. However, there are some basic building blocks that most writers consider “must haves.”
A Quiet and Restful Place!
This is probably the most important aspect of a writer’s office. Trying to write in a noisy and chaotic environment doesn’t work for most writers. If you continue to struggle with stress once you have established your office, you may want to consider incorporating some Stress Management techniques into your daily routine.
The Writer’s Desk
- A clean, smooth surface with ample room to write (keep it clutter-free!)
- Small drawers for paper clips, pens, pencils
- A large drawer for filing ideas, drafts, finished projects, and receipts
- Some manner of storing busincess cards and contact information
- Pencil sharpener
- Stapler
Chair
Above all else, your chair should be incredibly comfortable, especially since you plan to be there for a while. Beyond the comfort of your chair, here are some basic suggestions from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:
- If your current chair does not have a lumbar support, use a rolled up towel or a removable back support cushion to temporarily provide support and maintain the natural curve of the spine.
- Use a chair with a backrest that is easily adjustable and able to support the back in a variety of seated postures. A backrest should have the following:
- A lumbar support that is height adjustable so it can be appropriately placed to fit the lower back. The outward curve of the backrest should fit into the small of the back.
- An adjustment that allows the user to recline at least 15 degrees from the vertical. The backrest should lock in place or be tension adjustable to provide adequate resistance to lower back movement.
- A device enabling it to move forward and backward. This will allow shorter users to sit with their backs against the backrest without the front edge of the seat pan contacting their knees. Taller users will be able to sit with their backs against the backrest while still having their buttocks and thighs fully supported. Note: some chair designs provide this adjustability by adjusting the position of the seat pan.
Further advice from OSHA on the proper positioning of your body in your chair:
- Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
- Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
- Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
- Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
- Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
- Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
- Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
- Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.
Lighting
If you write during the day, having natural light is a healthy option. If you write at night or natural light is not available in your office location, then you will want a lamp with soft natural light.
Message Board
Cork or whiteboard (or both) for posting important reminders and goals
Desktop Computer or Laptop
If writing is all you plan to do with your computer, it isn’t essential to buy the latest and greatest most powerful machine on the market. You also have two formats to choose from, either PC or MAC. There are differences between the two, but more often it is simply a matter of preference for the writer. If you plan to write only in your home office, a desktop would be suitable. However, most writers today find that they need to be much more mobile with their writing platform, so a laptop would be essential for a writer on the go. Regardless of your format and form choice, a 2GHz or better processor is sufficient, but make sure you get at least 2 gigs of memory. A large hard drive is essential, especially for prolific writers and researchers. Don’t forget the CD/DVD player and if you like to archive, make sure it is a burner as well. On board sound is okay, but a set of quality headphones or speakers is important for writers who use music as inspiration. Above and beyond the basic building blocks of the system, make sure your computer is protected with a warranty and a service guarantee.
Operating System
Almost all pre-configured computer systems come with an operating system already installed. If not, there are choices, but there are definite advantages and disadvantages to each.
Microsoft Windows: The global leader in computer operating systems. Windows has its share of issues, but for writers it is a stable enough platform and the support that backs it up may be very important to you.
Linux: An open source operating system with a cult following of dedicated users. Support forums are out there to help you with running this software
Monitor
If you are purchasing a desktop rather than a laptop, you will want to get a decent monitor. CRT screens becoming more and more obsolete so invest in a good quality LCD screen at least 17 inches wide. Its best to buy these new and to speak with a customer sales agent to ensure you get a quality product.
Printer
It seems as if there is an almost endless spectrum of printers available today and it will be up to you do do a little digging of your own to make sure you get the printer you want. Many people prefer the “all-in-one” type printers that include a fax machine, scanner, copier, and printer in one convenient package. The cost of ink is a huge factor in selecting a printer so if you print a high volume of paper, you may want to consider Kodak’s printer as their ink is cheaper. On a side note, some people have created a small side income from Refilling Ink Cartridges. Just something to think about.
Internet Access
There aren’t a whole lot of options here, but check your locality to determine what is available in your area. You can choose between dial-up, cable, dsl, or satellite. Packages and pricing vary from area to area so make a few phone calls to get the best deal.
Software
- Microsoft Office: There are great guides to get you started using this powerful software.
- OpenOffice: A free software package very similar to Microsoft Office.
- Google Docs: Compose and store your writing projects online. This platform is not a feature intensive as other platforms, but it is very mobile. Security vulnerability may be an issue if you want to guarantee privacy.
- yWriter: This free platform for novel writing is a great tool for writers
- Accounting software may be another option a writer should consider. Taxes and income tracking can be tricky business so a way to manage your finances is important. If you have Microsoft Office, you can set up your own spreadsheets with Excel. To add a little more power and usability to your income tracking, consider Quickbooks.
References
No writer’s desk is complete without access to quality resource books like a dictionary, thesaurus, or market writing guides.
Spend time with this list and consider what options would be best for your office. You may want to make small changes once your office is put together, but try to get it right the first time. You want to devote your time to writing, not decorating.
