Oddly enough, I like a messy desk. I am tempted to write this off as pure laziness, but I’d rather lie and profess clutter to be the seed of creativity. It sounds better that way.
Though there is admittedly a lot of “stuff” atop and around my desk, some things are more important than others. To me, the most important thing in this picture is the blank wall. I’ve tried many things on that wall over the years. It was once a place to hang my children’s artwork. It was a place to brainstorm after that. I had so many pictures, notecards, and colored string on that wall that my wife began referring to my office as “the conspiracy room.” Now, it’s just blank. No distractions. Unless, of course, my eyes wander to the window.
The desk itself is the stand-up variety, bought not so much out of a desire to be physically fit as out of a belief that I think better while on my feet. I bought the editor’s desk on top years ago, and it remains one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I don’t know what it is about writing on a slanted surface. I’m sure there’s some scientific article somewhere that explains how and why it lends itself to productivity. You’ll just have to take my word. Try it. You’ll thank me.
Neither of those desks are important, though. Nor the notebook, nor the computer (though the program running on that computer is Scrivener, which is very nearly important because I think it’s the greatest writing software ever), nor the stack of to-be-read books or the bust of da Vinci. The cup of coffee? Yes. A must. But not even that so much as the pen and paper.
I’m a big believer in writing longhand. It forces you to slow down and let go at the same time, and there’s a connection between you and the story (and therefore you and the reader) that I can’t seem to duplicate with a keyboard. For me, it’s a Waterman fountain pen and a yellow legal pad. Don’t skimp on the pen, but feel free to hoard cheap paper. Cheap paper allows you the freedom to get sloppy, to take risks, to make mistakes. That’s the key to a good first draft. Longhand, then a first edit as I type it into the computer, then a second edit in longhand again. That’s my process.
One more important thing. The stone on the ledge beside the printed-out papers is a tomahawk head, dug up in a cornfield just down the road. There’s no telling how old it is. A professor told me its age could well be measured in millennia. I keep it handy and often hold it when I get stuck in a particular scene or with a certain character, running my fingers over the edges, wondering whose it was and what that person was like and what happened to him or her. It’s a reminder that none of us are as separated from one another as we might think. No matter who we are or when we were, we all ask the same questions and wonder the same things. We’re all seeking something more
About Billy
Billy Coffey’s critically-acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Find out more about Billy at his website.
About The Devil Walks in Mattingly and a Giveaway
It has been twenty years since Philip McBride’s body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since—Philip didn’t kill himself that day. He was murdered.
Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly’s sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred.
Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake’s dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . Between truth and lies. Purchase a copy and learn more at Billy’s website!
To celebrate the release of The Devil Walks in Mattingly, Billy is holding a giveaway where you can enter to win a Kindle Fire! Details and entry forms are here.
PLUS you can enter to win a copy of The Devil Walks in Mattingly below! Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win.
I would write it long hand, so I could contemplate on what I was writing. This book sounds intriguing and I would love to win, as this is a new author to me. TY
I write my journal long-hand, but everything else is on the computer!
Love seeing your space and learning about your process. And I love fountain pens.
But I’m wondering… is your desk always that neat. You can take the Fifth. 😉
P.S. I already have the book, Tricia, so don’t include me in the giveaway. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know!
Due to a shoulder injury a few years back, I find that writing longhand ends up looking like chicken scratch because my shoulder will start trembling after awhile. I admire those who can write longhand. For me, I find it slow and frustrating–because scratch-thrus and the like make the page look messy. And that’s annoying to me. LOL
I’ve really come to enjoy Billy’s voice and style. Though his books aren’t my standard read, I find myself savoring his stories.
I learn something new about you every day, Ronie!
Lonhand!!
🙂
Heya sir Billy! That is the nicest mess I’ve ever seen. And that tomahawk, wow.
Thanks for sharing a bit more of your creative process. I’m a long-hander too.
And miss Tricia, thanks for this piece. This is my first time here. 🙂
Blessings.
So glad you can join us, Darlene! I host a new author every week. I hope you return!
I’ve been told there’s something very intimate about seeing a writer’s workspace — that it also gives us a glimpse into the writer’s mind and how the creativity is unleashed. (Personally, I just like seeing where other writers work.) I have a dedicated office but most days choose to write with my laptop in the family room, thus escaping the office clutter that I find distracting.
All the best on the release of The Devil Walks in Mattingly. I’m looking forward to the read.
I do 1/4 of my writing in my office. 1/4 at a coffee shop or Panera. And 1/2 on the couch while my husband watches TV!
I would write it on the computer while home, but long-hand if the inspiration struck me while, say, at the beach. I’d write on anything I could get my hands on!
I’ll write at the beach with you!
I think I would probably type it, not write it out. I have very bad handwriting, and while no one else would have to see it in that form I think it would bother me!
My mind moves to fast to wait for longhand. LOL!
I love the feel of the pen in my hand, so I definitely write long hand first. Sometimes my mind is going so fast, however, that I use the computer because I can type nearly as fast as I think. That’s usually during a brainstorming phase. I do write notes on anything and everything at hand, envelopes, receipts, scrap paper, napkins if it’s the closest writing surface, it gets used!
Carolyn, I totally understand those notes! I do that, too!
all notes would be long hand, but the writing would be computer.
Agreed!
Billy, your article about your office space and writing longhand kept me intrigued until the very end. I must find some of your books! Surely they’ll live up to this article and surpass it quickly.
I used to write everything out longhand, then transfer it to my computer, same as you. Then I got stuck on a scene for days. When I switched to working on my computer, the scene started flowing quicker, and my writing improved. So, for the time being, I’m sticking to what I’ve found to work for me, which is typing everything first. Then I print out a copy of the first draft and do my first edit by hand, usually with a red pen. Then I repeat the process. Type in the changes, then print it out for another edit.
Blessings to you,
Andrea Cox
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
It’s amazing how we’re all different, isn’t it? I find myself changes as a writer, too. Thanks for sharing, Andrea! I appreciate you!
I have not read very many books written by men, but this one sounds so interesting that I think I am going to have to give in and begin reading more male authored books! I truly admire all you authors that can just get an idea and set down and write a book, just like song writers!! You no doubt are truly blessed with a special talent!!
IF I could write, I’m afraid I’d have to do it on the computer as soon as my writing gets cold it is no longer readable!! so long hand would never work. Thanks for the invitation to the give-away and I would be delighted to be among your winners. Looking forward to hearing from you. God’s blessings to you.
Ruth, let us know what you think of Billy’s book!
Longhand. I find it helps me more to concentrate, and I love the feel of it much more. 🙂
Yes, it does feel nice, doesn’t it?
maybe computer
🙂
I would write it long hand. I think it takes me longer to write in the computer then writing long hand.
Tammy, I know that’s true for some people. I’m the opposite!
Tricia, I would probably write longhand since I’m not so good with my computer. Easier to fix my mistakes that way. I would love to win Billy’s book. Maxie
I understand, Maxie!
I don’t think you desk looks too messy. 🙂
I write my first drafts with a fine point, black ink pen and yellow legal pad. And sometimes if I’m stuck, I’ll write with my left hand. I seem to think differently when I do.
I love fine point ink pens! I’ve never tried writing with my left hand!
Sounds like a great read – thanks for the giveaway! I love the weekly author posts 🙂
as for the actual question in the giveaway – sorry! – read it after the fact…….I am addicted to the sound of the typewriter or these days keyboard 🙂 I love how quickly the words appear 🙂 …..my planning phase, outlines, and brainstorming are all pen and paper 🙂
I would write a book with a computer. I think it would flow better for me that way.
My desk is always messy. Although I don’t want it to be, there are always too many projects! But I would definitely write on the computer. I can’t read my own handwriting!!
I’m so glad to hear someone still writes longhand! I used to, but was convinced by other authors it wouldn’t be helpful if I wanted to be a “real” writer. I use my computer now, but I still scribble notes and outlines and sometimes entire scenes on paper (or on my Samsung tablet – yes, in longhand) shh…don’t tell 🙂