What does it for you?

Ana here. Cinthia’s blog post is just below mine and we’re teaming today so that everyone in our blog group gets a chance to share their “writing space” this month.

I spend a good portion of my time at my computer, banging out stories, papers on special education issues and checking on my Facebook friends. Not necessarily in that order, of course.

In the three houses we’ve lived in since I began writing for publication, I’ve always placed my computer in front of a window overlooking the back yard. Twice it was in the sitting area of my bedroom; currently it’s a large office I share with my husband. I have to say I prefer the separate office, just because I can write until all hours of the night without bothering him. Even when I get together with my writing group at Atlanta Bread Company, I’ve noticed that I’m more comfortable looking out the window than with my back to it.

There is something about green trees and vegetation, birds flitting to and fro, and the occasional dog barking that keeps me focused and gets the creative juices flowing. If hubby is in the office, talking on the telephone or watching something distracting on television, I’ll put in my ear buds and listen to my vast collection of country music on I-Tunes. Gotta love Garth Brooks.

My desk is an old-fashioned office credenza with a keyboard drawer, and I managed to confiscate a relatively comfortable desk chair that allows me to rock back and forth while I contemplate my next sentence. The desktop is usually a mess, covered with bills, magazines, snack wrappers, half-drunk soft drink bottles and cans, and the book I’m currently reading—usually a historical, or a textbook for my online class. I try to clean it up every couple of weeks, but it’s usually messy within a few days. Surprisingly, the mess doesn’t seem to affect my production. Perhaps I’d be more prolific with a cleaner desk? Maybe I’ll give it a try in 2010!

Oh, and a hot cup of chai tea. Gotta have the chai tea. Which leads to my question—what is the one thing you must have when you sit down to write? All comments are entered to win a free copy of Beverley Kendall’s debut historical, Sinful Surrender, which is set for release tomorrow!You get three chances to win if you post a comment in both mine and Cinthia’s blog post!