I wrote my first book in a booth at the local Panera Bread. It was nice to know that if the phone rang, I didn’t have to answer it. And the dirty dishes? Not my responsibility.
Now my writing happens at a desk, in an office that’s mostly mine. One corner of the room contains a desk for the computer used by my husband and eleven-year-old daughter. My desk faces a window so I can see the wildlife frequenting the road outside our home: deer, fox, and even the occasional bear.
The newest thing on my desk? The iMac computer. I abandoned my PC roots this past summer and am crawling up the learning curve. The double monitors are a nod to my years as a magazine editor—a wonderful way to edit issues!
I’ve filled my creative space—both the walls and the top of my desk—with things I love. On the wall behind my desk is an art project my son created in high school. If he can imagine twenty different ways to replicate a key, I can discover new ways to plot stories.
To the right of my desk is one of my favorite photographs of a tree in the midst of a snowy field with the words “Be still and know that I am God” scripted across the bottom. Next to this is my electronic photo frame—a welcome distraction at times, as I look at friends and family while mulling over a story. I also posted a prayer another writing friend sent me, asking that “the words our hearts tumble out . . . may they make Jesus a little clearer to someone. . . .”
My desk is usually more cluttered than what the photo reveals, and I left a little pile of papers in a flash of honesty. Under the glass top, I’ve stuck everything from a couple of childhood photos to a Pearls Before Swine cartoon, to a photo of my writing buddies, The MBT Ponderers. And yes, that’s a stuffed otter perched under one of the monitors—a gift from a friend who knows otters are my favorite animals. Just in case you missed it, that’s a photo of my husband and best friend, Rob, on the left-side of the desk.
There’s always something to drink sitting on my desk—iced tea in my Starbucks tumbler, hot tea in a favorite mug, or fully-leaded Coke with lots of ice. And if you peek in the bottom left-hand-side drawer, you’ll find my stash of jellybeans. I’ll be happy to share with you.
So where is all my “writerly” stuff (resource books and references)? On the bookcase you don’t see in this photo. It’s also covered with an assortment of memorabilia. I create best in an environment filled with reminders of people and things I love. 
Beth is kindly giving away a copy of her book Wish You were Here to one lucky reader! Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. Only those in the continental U.S. are eligible to win.
Love these “writing desk” posts, Tricia. And I enjoyed the writing toolkit sessions you and Cara did at the ACFW conference.
Laura
Fun read! Thanks for sharing.
brendon8@bellsouth.net
This is so cool! And Beth, you tweeted who do we think of when we hear the word friend the other day.
Know my first thought? You!
Your pink & red sign made me think of that.
~ Wendy
I really like that desk! So, you’ve switched over to Mac, have you? I’m still a PC girl. I don’t even own anything Apple, so I’d be completely retraining my brain. How have you liked your Mac thus far, and what software are you using for writing?
Thanks for the giveaway!
jennyjenjen92[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for sharing!
I always struggle with the balance between what I need and the piles that become clutter and distracting.
But aw well, at least I’m at my desk!
Alena T.
I love the writing and family/friends memorabilia. I now realize my whole home decor could be called “memorabilia.” One grandchild at age 4 dubbed this the Topliff Museum–well, maybe…
Love the glimpse into your writing life, Beth! and thank you again both for your pitch-honing help last year, and your enthusiasm this year!
<3 ~ shannon ~ sdmcnear AT gmail DOT com
Love, love, love! I’m finally turning one of our empty nest bedrooms into my office. Just painted it a lovely Tuscan gold last week. Can’t wait to fill it with fun, quirky, beautiful and thought provoking creations!
My dream would be an eclectically furnished attic room with a lovely view that I could hole up in for hours at a time…contemplating, praying, writing, sketching. Of course my dream also includes a turn of last-century housekeeper who would bring me delicious food & fresh coffee all day…as well as keep my house running smoothly while I live “la vie artistique.”
Thanks for sharing your creative space, your stories, and your encouragement! Happy writing!
How I wish my writing room was that neat. I get mine cleaned up, and hour later you can’t tell it. 🙂
I like the idea of the photo thingy.
Thank you all for dropping by.
I must confess my writing room isn’t as organized as I’d like it to be. But my two oldest daughters did help me organize the closet: Rubbermaid containers complete with labels! Woo Hoo! And my bookshelf is organized — except for the overflowing part. Now my desk itself on a “normal” writing day …
Sigh.
I look at all the laundry that I came home with and all the things I need to do and I just sat down and said, “One at a time,girl. One at a time.” 🙂
Love your posts, Beth and Wish You Were Here is a true delight to read
Sounds great!
Tricia, fun post!
Beth, I didn’t know otters are your favorite animal … they’re mine too!
Thanks for the chance to read this book!
lfuchs1 at wi. rr. com
This sounds like a great book…thanks for the chance to read it…God Bless! Angie angadair@nwcable.net
Looking forward to reading the new book……..babyruthmac16@yahoo.com