I’ve been a regular reader of Renee’s blog Writingfeemail for almost a year and have come to enjoy her observations about life and writing. I am often amazed at some of the similarities writer’s share as they pursue their craft. I hope you’ll enjoy Renee’s guest post here at No Wasted Ink.
Reading consumed me as a child and the resulting nickname – Bookworm – stuck to me for many years. I wrote my first novel around the age of nine in pink ink on lined loose paper. But growing up in the late seventies and early eighties, I was advised to follow the trail of business, not passion. Pursuing one’s bliss didn’t come into fashion until I was knee deep in the professional world with a business degree under my belt. Although my creative writing professors always encouraged me to continue with my writing, it was thought to be something one did as a hobby instead of a career.
Then I married, had a child, and followed him around baseball fields until I woke up one morning and realized that he was at college three hours away and I had newly acquired free time.
So, I ran away to France to a little village named Essoyes and the Writing School taught by teacher, editor, and writer – Janet Hulstrand. There, I found the validation and confidence that I needed to pursue writing as a second act in my life.
I returned home and began to put the many things I learned into practice and started the blog: Writingfeemail. But it took a while to get a writing space set up that was comfortable and user friendly. I found that I was constantly looking for things like staplers, post-it notes, paper clips, ink pens, etc. So I found a great divided organizer that matched my writing desk and it has been the single best piece of furniture that I have ever bought. Nothing is further than a fingertip away and the dividers keep it all separated so that I don’t have to dig around to find what I need.
And the desk is in a room upstairs away from the bustle of normal traffic coming in and out of the house. That way I can get a bit more privacy. The small sofa and love seat are perfect for kicking back and proofreading my work or just offering a bit of a rest after hunching over the keyboard for too long.
There is a second writing tool that I use, especially when traveling. It is a laptop computer. And I have a brown leather journal that I love to carry around and jot notes in. But lately I’ve found that the notepad application on my blackberry has replaced the handwritten notes and that is probably a shame. Combing over my little notations often sparks the fire again for a project in a way that a typed note in the phone just doesn’t!
To read more about my experiences in Essoyes at the Writing School visit writingfeemail.
October 19th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Thank you, Wendy, for devoting a post about my journey into the world of words. You offer so much great writing advice, useful and creative links, interviews with fellow writers, and reviews of good works. I am constantly learning something new from you – especially about the tools you and others use.
October 19th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
*blush* You are too kind, Renee.
October 19th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Reblogged this on Writingfeemail's Blog and commented:
Wendy Van Camp at No Wasted Ink has been gracious enough to allow me to guest post ‘Writing Space’ this week about how I found my voice as a writer, where I prefer to work, and the tools I use. She features different writers here as well as kick-ass links about writing, reading, publishing, social media…the list goes on and on. Please take a minute and visit her great site. I think you will all find something new and useful in one of her posts.
October 19th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Nice interview. Love her blog – and that couch (how could you not enjoy editing a little bit sprawled on that couch?)
October 19th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
It does look cozy. I love how all writers have their own ways of setting up their creative spaces.
October 19th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Always nice to get a close up view of the writer and her space
October 19th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
That is why I started this series on my blog. I am always seeing new ways to make my own space more comfortable as a writer.
October 19th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Renee, how lovely to see your work space! I’m with Philosophermouse–that couch would inspire me to edit, read, and relax, not necessarily in that order,I hope that you will soon write a post on the little village of Essoyes!
October 20th, 2012 at 5:35 am
So many have written about attending a writers’ conference/camp/retreat. I need to keep my antennae up for a space of time when something like that could fit in what is already a busy schedule.
October 20th, 2012 at 7:54 am
Love this, Renee!! Thanks for sharing photos of your work area. It’s nice to think of you being creative in that cozy environment!
October 20th, 2012 at 8:11 am
Fun to see yet another side to the lovely Renee.
MJ
October 21st, 2012 at 7:01 am
I loved reading about your journey from businesswoman to writer. It reminds me of my own–from lawyer to writer (who had always been a writer but that doesn’t pay, or so they said). And my gosh, I wish I had your organized desk setup. IKEA Run!!
October 21st, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Renee, I love the evolution of your writing space. I can totally relate to not being from a time that encouraged you to follow your passion. I’m just happy that I finally was able to, when I started this blog two years ago. It’s the best feeling, this putting words into sentences, and creating essays, stories, poetry and so much more. I love, love the written word!
October 23rd, 2012 at 10:58 pm
I also enjoyed reading your story and seeing your writing space Renee.
I’ve wanted to do a writing course for the longest time. There are so many out there how did you come to chose the one in France?