Monday, March 16, 2009

I have a new space!






I'm bouncing with joy here! I've got a new space in my house that's perfect for writing EVEN with a houseful of people!



Here's some background on why this needed to be done. I was trying to get some edits done, I had edits for two different stories at two different publishers, both due NOW and a synopsis to write as well. Well, the kids were out of school, I forget why, and so there were other kids who ended up staying over too. By the end of that day I was frazzled, frustrated and realized this can and will happen again unless I take action and do something to change the situation.



First, I don't like the idea that my kids can't have friends over just because I have work to do. So, my husband and I brainstormed. We realized I needed a space of my own, where I could close a door and shut out the noise and get some writing/editing done. We have a small house though, finding 'me' space wasn't really easy. We figured the only spot was in our bedroom. I had to do some reorganizing, but we worked it out and knew where I'd put a desk. Next problem. We don't want to spend $300 or more on a new desk, one that I plan to only use on weekends, etc. So, my husband being the clever guy he is, remembered some glass shelves he still had up at his mom's house. He'd saved all this glass from an old dept. store he used to work at years ago. Now we had the surface of the desk, it was just a matter of pulling it all together.



Tada! My private little haven!


The chair is my old desk chair. My husband and kids bought me a new one for Christmas. Glad we saved the old one! The laptop is perfect in here, because my daughters can still unplug it and bring it out to the couch if they want. The little salt rock light is supposed to release positive ions, a gift from my mother. Although you can't tell from a picture, my husband found a nature cd and the room is filled with the sounds of the outdoors. Best of all, it's a few feet from the bed, so if I need inspiration....hehe.
On the weekends I close the door and it becomes the perfect space to create!

21 comments:

Kelley Nyrae said...

That's great, Anne. I love it. Looks very nice. I need one of those!

D. Musgrave said...

That's a very nice cave away from cave!

Derek

Liane Gentry Skye said...

I love it, Anne! I know your productivity will soar, I know mine did when DH and I carved out a hiding space for me. :)

Anonymous said...

Very cook, Anne! It looks great and sometimes you just need that designated spot. I really don't have anything...just carry my laptop and where ever I happen to be seated is where I end up. :D

Anne Rainey said...

Kelley--Thank you! It didn't cost a thing because we used items we already had.

Derek--Thanks! My husband wanted to do something more extravagant, but considering this won't be used ALL the time, I didn't want him wasting a lot of time creating this thing. Simple seemed like the way to go for this.

Anne Rainey said...

Liane-Perfect way to describe it. Now I have a place to hide and write steamy stories. hehe!

Shelli--I used to be able to write anywhere, but as the kids get older (13 & 15) I realized I needed a quiet space. :) Not to mention they can read over my shoulder now and I don't write kids stories! LOL

Lee Anne said...

Very nice Anne, I love your salt rock light.

Christine Morehouse said...

I love it Anne!  Makes me wish for my own...lolol  Peace and quiet now that's a luxury i'm desperate for...lolol

Anne Rainey said...

LeeAnn--that salt rock is so cool, huh? I need to thank my mom again for getting it for me!

Christine--My hope is that I can go in there on the weekends and work on a few novellas I've been wanting to write for Red Sage and Samhain, then during the week I'll use the main desk to work on my full lengths for Kensington. That way I can get more done. Use my time better!

Regina Carlysle said...

I love this, Anne. Just perfect. Every writer needs a cozy little space! Congrats.

Anne Rainey said...

Thanks, Regina! It was neat to work on this with the hubby. We managed to get in some quality time and it seemed less like work!

Karin Shah said...

Great new space, Anne! How great that you and your husband did it for free and it turned out fabu!

Karin Shah
Starjacked
Available now!
Samhain Publishing

Anne Rainey said...

Karin--Thanks! Also, it's nice to have the rocking chair in there too. If we want to have a private spot to talk we can go in there. :)

Mary Ricksen said...

I love and I envy your new place. My house is so small I have no place to get away. And the interruptions (by my needy DH),really stop me cold.

Someday I am gonna have a room of my own to write in. That's my goal. Even If it's in the corner of a bedroom, as long as it is quiet!
Then I am gonna lock the door and put on ear thingees to listen to soothing music.

By the way, I love the rock lamp.

Genella deGrey said...

Your chair looks sooooo comfy, Anne!
Great work space and I love your salt light!
:)
G.

Amy Ruttan said...

Oh Anne, I am so envious. I'm trying to declutter my life to find a corner in my very crammed house.

Anne Rainey said...

Mary--I hear ya!! My hope is that someday I'll get that big NY Times author advance and I'll be able to add onto the house and have my own office. Until then...

Anne Rainey said...

Genella--My mother is going to be so thrilled to hear so many people love that salt light! Thank you!

Amy--Well, right now I've got the girls reorganizing the bathroom cabinet and the hall closet. Tomorrw is the pantry and the coat closet. This weekend coming up is the bedroom closets. I'm tired of the clutter! Look out, mama's on a roll! LOL

Julie Robinson said...

OMGosh, Anne! You are so neat!!
Uncluttered for clear thinking. I need to do that.
Juile

Anne Rainey said...

Julie--Don't forget this is a NEW space. Give me time, baby, give me time. LOL

Dawn Montgomery said...

That's a lovely writing nook!