What is the right stuff for a writer’s home office?
As I see it, there are a few basic factors that are essential for you to focus on as you set up your home office.
Your primary concerns should be comfort, professionalism and efficiency. If you want to maximize your productivity and minimize potential problems, you should make a checklist to begin creating a successful office environment.
COMFORT –
The right kind of chairs…
Each writer’s ideal chair will differ according to personal preference, but generally speaking you want one that is ergomatically correct and cushioned enough that you can sit in it for long periods of time in a semi-relaxed manner.
My chair allows me to lean back far enough to stretch without reclining so much that my position is too relaxing and not condusive to working.
My chair also supplies support to my back and my arms, while allowing me to adjust it as needed for me to easily reach my keyboard and mouse without moving into a stressful position.
The right type of desk:
Every writer will have different preferences for what type of desk design is best-suited for their personal needs, however, I can tell you a few basic qualities that I’ve found to be useful over the years.
Adequate desktop space for computer, printer, papers, index cards, disks, pens, files etc…
Good Filing cabinets
Deep drawers… Cleanable surface….
The right surroundings:
What do you like to see, hear, touch every day?
Include those things that inspire your creativity and enhance your focus. Eliminate those items that distract your development process and detract from your ability to concentrate.
Some ideas that make a world of difference in my personal world and home office:
- Music (not a radio, but rather a cassette or CD player, so I can pick my songs)
- Plants
- Windows
- Candles or Incense
PROFESSIONALISM
Here are some of the primary items you need to conduct business professionally from your home office.
- Computer (with word processor, printer, and Internet access)
- Telephone
- Fax machine
- Answering machine
- Letterhead
- Business cards
- Filing cabinets, tracking system and organized folders.
- Accounts payable/receivable records
- Billing system
- Patience, persistence and practical sense.
EFFICIENCY –
These are some of my suggestions for what supplies you should consider purchasing to make your home office run smoothly and successfully.
- Calendar (one on the wall, one big one on desktop and perhaps another personal day planner type)
- Rolodex
- Floppy Disks
- Disk Storage Bin
- Pens, pencils, markers
- Professional Paper, forms, envelopes
- Yellow stickies
- Index cards
- File folders
- Daily “To Do” List
- Office and mailing supplies
Resource Box – Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine – A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like – love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at –
