Saturday, September 13, 2008

Office Space (Mine!)

Welcome! File in, and please squeeze together a bit to make room for the people in the back. My name is Anne Barton, and you'll be getting an up-close and personal look at my office today. I'll be pointing out things along the way that are indispensible to me, as a writer. I would encourage you to ask questions and explore; however, I will tell you the same thing I tell my kids. "Hands OFF the computer!" Now that the preliminaries are out of the way, shall we begin?

If I may, I'd first like to direct your attention to the left portion of the photo. On the top shelf of my Target Shabby Chic bookcase, you'll notice a small vase of flowers, which I feel lends an "organic, earthy feel to the space." (Warning: I watch a lot of HGTV.) Psych! The flowers are TOTALLY fake.

Just one shelf down, on the left, is my non-extensive collection of books on craft. On the right, you'll see three volumes of Calvin & Hobbes. Based on my last few contest submissions, I'm thinking I may need to tweak the ratio of craft to Calvin & Hobbes books.

The third shelf houses some of the books I brought back from the RWA national conference. I'm still working my way through them, but my favorite so far is The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt -- I read it in two sittings and was so sad when it ended!

Beneath the monitor, on the desk, are a variety of sticky notes which give me the much-needed illusion of organization. That reminds me. Please do NOT open the desk drawer, as it's definitely not ready for prime-time.

Just past my desk is the requisite window. This one provides ample opportunities for daydreaming about dukes, keeping half-an-eye on children, and making lists of yardwork chores to be done.

Finally, atop my desk, you will have noticed a 200-plus count box of tissues. This comes in handy when my heroine is in big trouble and I haven't managed to write her out of it yet. And for all the happy endings. :)

In the spirit of full-disclosure, I feel compelled to tell you there are three items noticibly missing.
  1. My fleece blanket, which used to be my daughter's. It's pink with monkeys and bananas, that's why I left it out.

  2. A candle. This is so cliche, but I often light vanilla-scented candles when I write. Not on my desk though, because that is a four-alarm fire waiting to happen.

  3. McD's sweet tea in a styrofoam cup. It's huge, sweet, and it stays cold all day. What more could you want?

In conclusion, I'd like to say you've been an excellent group. I want to thank you for coming, and hope that in the course of your visit you've learned a little about the writer's habitat. At this point, I'd like to open it up for questions. Anyone? Anyone? :)

6 comments:

Keli Gwyn said...

Anne,

I enjoyed the tour of your writing space. Your special corner is beautiful, a reflection of you. So warm and welcoming as well as being clean and clutter-free. I love how your desk faces the window so you can look out. The poster beside it is fun. Thanks for welcoming us into your creative haven.

Anne Barton said...

Hi Keli! Thanks for saying my desk is clutter-free. I believe everything should have its place, and in our house, the place for clutter is on top of the dining room table. OK, there, and just about everywhere else!

My husband got me the stack of books print. :) I'm spoiled!

I appreciate you stopping by (again!) Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

C.J. Redwine said...

What a fun post!! Our family has an extensive C & H collection...including the hardbound "everything he ever wrote" set. I find it builds my kids' vocab.

Susan Anne Mason said...

Hey Anne,

I'm so jealous! What a beautiful office. I just have my dining room table which I share with the kids homework. Needless to say it's piled high with papers, etc.

One day, probably when the kids leave for college, I may get my own space and then I'll be in heaven!

Enjoy!

Sue

Anne Barton said...

CJ, thanks for stopping by! You just gotta love Calvin and Hobbes.

Sue, you're so kind. I started writing in the kitchen, and then moved to a crowded corner of my bedroom. I only commandeered the living room a few months ago. :)

JenBC said...

Love the space Anne - still jealous. Can't wait for the desk drawer tour next :)