Clearing the workspace = clearing the mind

I recently adopted a new writing space, and I love it — most of all because it looks like this:

It’s been well over a year since my desk has been a clutter-free zone — and probably since my mind has as well. But now that I have a nice, clean writing area, I am delving into projects with more mental energy than I’ve had in a good while. It’s a beautiful thing.

Writers, here’s an assignment for you: Take half an hour of your dedicated writing time and clear your space. Get rid of everything except what you need to write, whether it’s a laptop or a notebook and pen. You’ll be amazed at the focus you’re able to achieve: clearing the desk truly does clear the mind.

Of course, we can’t always have this level of order in our lives, so flexibility is key; clutter will likely find its way back into your writing space eventually. So, as a rule, try to spend a little time each month revising your workspace so that it fits your writing needs. I already have at least one intrusion into my writing space…

…but this is simply a reminder that life — like any good story — shouldn’t be too predictable.