Importance of the Writing Space

Writing is a complicated craft and profession.
A great story, characters and setting are of course needed to make the process of writing even a possibility. But it takes more than that. It requires tenacity. Perseverance. Stamina. An unfaltering confident belief that what one is writing is worthwhile. It takes an understanding from friends and family that they can lose us for hours a day while we adventure in the foreign and alien territories of our imagination.
Writing is made easier, I have found, if a writer finds a comfortable space to work in.
For me, the writing space is very important.
I tend to allow my story to percolate outside of my home, where I dream and outline the posts I write for Suvudu as well as the work I do with my own stories. I feel most comfortable during this time of development surrounded by people—whether it be a coffee house, pub or restaurant. When I do begin to write, like I am now, I have to do it at home. I cannot write meaningful sentences and paragraphs with noise around me. The room I write in must be clean and organized. The television must be off. No music can be on. That way nothing distracts me.
Yes, I am a bit obsessive compulsive. But it works for me.
Every writer is different and each must find out what works for them. Like these bestselling authors:

• Kevin J. Anderson writes a great many of his books while hiking outside. He carries a voice recorder and storytells into it, surrounded by nature. He then has the story transcribed where he begins editing on a computer. He can do this at home, on the plane, on the train—everywhere.
• Terry Brooks writes from 6:00 am to noon, alone in a writing room at the top of a self-described tower in his home, where no one can bother him. It is quiet there and has a wonderful view. He only writes in that room.
• Opposite from Terry, author Steven Erikson only writes in public, usually at a local coffee shop. He spends hours there, surrounded by loud conversation. When he leaves he is done for the day.
• R.A. Salvatore has a writing room at home but he can also write on the road. In fact, he prefers to write while flying because being in the depths of his fictional worlds allays his fear that a thin aluminum casing separates him from a 30,000 foot fall to his death!

As you can see from just three authors, each writer is different in how they approach their writing space. Take Terry and put him in Steven’s writing spot, nothing would happen. The inverse is also more than likely true.
Peter V. Brett, author of The Warded Man and the forthcoming The Desert Spear, is giving us a far more personal look into creating his perfect writing space! Peat is as we speak building his writing space from the ground up. When finished it will be exactly what he needs it to be—a sanctuary for the imagination.
Peat decided to share with the rest of the world his foray into creating his writing space:

To watch the transformation occur, click Peat’s YouTube account HERE or visit him at his blog, Peephole In My Skull!
If you are a writer, I hope you find your perfect writing space.
It’s as important as everything else in the craft of writing!