How to Create Space for Yourself as a Writer

As a writer, it’s sometimes difficult to cultivate a space for yourself to create.

Creative or otherwise, finding space for yourself can be challenging.

I had an eye-opening experience on the importance of having your own space when I went away for an artist’s residency this month.

Though the building was shared by several other artists who took part in the residency, each artist was given their own private room to sleep.

The room was small and humble, but let me tell you what a profound impact those four walls had on me.

First of all, I was so overcome by the calm and tranquility of the room that I immediately took a nap. After I woke up, I had this realization come to me on how STARVED I actually from having space.

My day job works on the hybrid model, where I work two days in office and the rest of the weekdays at home.

Prior to the pandemic, I could only dream of this arrangement. But after I started my new job in 2021, it became a regular occurrence.

At first, I could only see the positives. But eventually, I realized that my creative output suffered as part of the work-from-home model.

Why? Well, prior to 2020, I could ONLY work when I was in the office. Therefore, the home was a refuge where I could disconnect and focus on my passion for writing. However, in the hybrid model, work has invaded my inner sanctum.

There was no longer that separation: work had seeped into my home life. Even if I muted my work phone and closed the work laptop for the day, I could no longer call my own home a place where I could create.

I still write, but creative products come out with much less frequency, and, in my opinion, much less quality; 2022 was the first year I was unable to sell a short story. That just so happens to coincide with my starting work in the hybrid model.

So I left the residency with a newfound appreciation for protecting my creative space. Now that the home was no longer an ideal option, I made a promise to myself to set the intention to find a new place where I could write unhindered. Here are some of my observations:

Creating a Physical Space to Write

Café

This is the stereotypical solution, to tow my laptop to the local Starbucks or indie café, plop down at a table with a small cup of coffee, and write.

But real estate is limited. While there may be adequate seating, the chairs next to power outlets get scooped up quickly. If I’m left to rely on my battery power, that means I only have a finite amount of time to write (and God forbid I forget to charge my phone or laptop prior to leaving the house).

Library

In theory, this seems like another ideal option. It’s a free public space, it’s quiet, and there’s a lot of free seating. Also – depending on the branch – the power outlets could be a lot more plentiful. And there may even be books on the shelves that can assist with on-the-fly research.

However – and this may be an issue unique to high-population density cities such as Toronto – public libraries serve as a haven for individuals seeking solace from extreme weather conditions or simply desiring access to free resources and entertainment. I empathize with the fact that this diverse mix of people and activities may not always provide the ideal atmosphere for unfettered focus and inspiration.

Coworking Spaces

This is another perfectly viable option, where you can pay a monthly fee and have a space amongst other intrepid individuals to write to your heart’s content. Examples of this include WeWork and the first I ever experienced, the now-defunct Make Lemonade.

The biggest hindrance to coworking spaces? Costs. Coworking spaces are NOT CHEAP. While coworking spaces offer varying levels of privacy, from open-concept hot desk seats to private offices, this comes with a hefty monthly fee. I briefly contemplated investing in a coworking space for my work, but quickly realized going there even eight times a month would not justify the price tag. For my personal writing, I feel the same way.

Museum

I’ve seen this touted as an option, and I’ve actually considered trying this solution. As I live in downtown Toronto, I’m relatively close to some of the city’s premiere museums, namely the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).

General admission is $30 for the AGO and $25 for the ROM, and there’s also an annual pass option. I think I will do to a test run at one or both of the locations to see what it’s like. If the experience is positive, I’ll pull the trigger on the annual pass.

2023-08-12 Update on the museum:  I think I will invest in the ROM membership. The free alternative is to go to the cafeteria downstairs and park by a working outlet, but in order to avoid screaming children, it may be worthwhile to park in a secluded section of the museum and work in peace.

Airbnb

The method I’m most enthused about was the one that had actually inspired my foray into artist residencies. In the winter of 2022, our apartment had flooded due to a burst pipe and we had to seek accommodations elsewhere while our floor was replaced.

I had booked an Airbnb basement apartment downtown for a week since I was working from home at the time and needed a calm space with lots of room. After the first night, I was hooked. It really does something for your mindset to be in a different environment. While I didn’t have enough time to write, it opened my eyes to the potential of having a quiet space for myself just to create.

Like with the coworking space, opting for the Airbnb route can be cost-prohibitive. But unlike the coworking space, you share it with no one. You have the room to think and to meditate and to really let ideas flow without the interruption or distraction of others.

In September I’ve booked a weekend getaway in a neighbouring city to cultivate that creative space I enjoyed in both 2022 and from the residency. If successful, I’m excited to make this a regular habit that I practice every few months.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

The last point isn’t about creating a physical space, but rather cultivating your own personal, mental space. You can have all the room and time in the world for writing, but if you overwhelm yourself with conflicting tasks and obligations, you’ll never get down to what you truly want to do.

That’s why the word “no” needs to be stalwart in your repertoire.

You don’t have to agree to every opportunity, event, or invitation that comes your way. If you are concerned about hurt feelings, remind yourself that no one is going to place the same amount of importance on your projects as you.

You don’t have to explain yourself or give excuses. You are putting yourself and your passions first; in essence, that is the most important step in creating your own space.