Jade Bennington and Her Writing Space

Here is the place I come to write. I concentrate best when my desk is simple and clear with just the essentials– a laptop, headphones, a fan to keep cool, a water canteen, and a few memorable decorative things.

Preparing myself to write is just an important part of the process as the actual writing. To me, preparation means clearing my desk of the last activity, such as rinsing out my tea cup and tea pot or putting away the book I was reading (unless I need it for the project.) It also means taking a few calming breaths and sitting comfortably in my chair.

I enjoy writing beside a window because I am the kind of writer who enters her story for awhile and doesn’t always know when to leave! Sitting by the window reminds me to look outside, to not become so focused on a project that I forget to take breaks, or lose track of time. It keeps me connected to the world outside, and the cool breeze coming through the window keeps me refreshed and awake.

My headphones have the opposite effect–the window and headphones keep things balanced. When I write, I listen to soft instrumental music played at a low volume to block out outside noises. This music draws me into my personal writing world and stirs me in a way that influences my words.

The angel at my desk brings feelings of love as does the serenity prayer heart. The kitten candle reminds me to relax, to be content in my writing, however much I like or dislike what I’m creating. And the charming corn husk dolls on the window ledge are very comforting to me as well.

Even more than writing on the laptop, I love to freely hand write thoughts in my journal. The physical effort it takes to write out the words, the slower process, and the privacy of it is rewarding to me. When I write in my journal I tuck my laptop away, so that I can focus fully on turning the pages of my notebook and writing with my silvery pen. The pen is special to me because it was a gift from my fiance, engraved with my name. The purple stone is an amethyst, which is my birth stone.

As I write, I try to remember to stay relaxed. I like to check my posture and breathing every so often, instead of writing too automatically, with my chair tilted to one side and my breath held. Of course there are times I find myself tightening every muscle in my body and becoming very frustrated with what isn’t coming, but I try to tune into the big picture whenever I can. From time to time, I find myself looking at the corn husk dolls and the trees outside my window for their silent encouragement.
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Jade Bennington is a published poet and fiction writer who lives in Massachusetts. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys parks and gardens, classical and singer-songwriter music, loose leaf tea, and visual art. She can be found blogging at Blush of Dawn .