Desks and Writing Space...It's All About Separation

I have a rather large desk. This is the desk where I surf the internet, write blogs, tweets, compose and answer emails, pay bills, address snail mail, and do research. It's also cluttered most of the time. I put things back in their place at least once a week, but I just can't seem to keep it uncluttered.

My laptop sits on the opposite side of the room on another smaller desk. That's where I write. I used to try and write on the desktop computer, but I just couldn't do it. When I'm here, I'm tempted to surf the internet, check emails...and more. Why? Because that's what I do when I sit at this desk.

When I physically change locations to the smaller desk with the laptop, my brain switches to another mode and I can write without feeling the need to check emails, etc. My laptop is wireless, so I can go to the internet for a quick research, if needed, but I don't have email set up on the laptop.

My laptop isn't one of the expensive models with lots of bells and whistles. It's a cheap wireless model with a battery life of an hour. I keep it plugged in when I use it. All I use it for is writing. If I need to print something out, I use a flash drive to move it to my desktop and print.

I hear writers complain all the time about the distraction of wanting to check emails, etc.while they are trying to finish a book or meet a deadline. Having two separate spaces works for me. If you can do this, it just might work for you, too.

Do You Have a Story Box?

In the days of internet and multiple software programs, a lot of authors are keeping everything stored in their computers. I still have a story box.

My story box is a plastic index card holder, filled with multi-colored 5"x8" index cards. I have different color cards for each tab divider. I have a divider for characters, settings, and story ideas.

I use these to write down things that pop into my head. Also, I cut out interesting pictures and place them on the cards. I have quite a few male and female pictures. I place them to the upper left side of the card and when I'm writing a story, I choose appropriate pictures for the characters. I pull them out of the story box, write their names and descriptions and any other little tidbits about them on the card. I keep these displayed where I can easily see my characters while I'm writing.

Sometimes a setting comes to mind, or I see a picture that intrigues me. These go on a settings card. Unique plots pop into my mind, and no matter how silly they sound, I put them on a plot card.

There are many different ways to use story boxes. Mine works wonders for helping me with brand new stories.

Anyone else out there use a story box? I'd love to hear how yours is set up.