This started out as a blog about my writing space, but soon became a record of my never ending struggle to claim my space from an interloper…
And there are, after all, not enough cute cat photos available on the web.
I am fortunate to have an office in my house – it’s terribly cluttered but it is all about writing. Apart from the bits that are all about the cat.
Here’s a quick tour…
The door to my office has maps on it. This is where I created the town of Coorah Creek.
The printed google map shows the town in relation to the rest of Queensland – while the hand-drawn map is the town itself.
There are three big bookcases crammed with books.
And there is a futon, which is supposedly there for me to sit on while researching or proof reading – or just to get away from the computer for a while. This is the first place where I lose my battle for ownership of the office.
My desk was a present from webmaster John when I sold my first piece of fiction. It’s my favourite place to write. The framed covers on the wall above the desk inspire me.
The other totally ‘me’ part of the room is the shelf with copies of my books.
And just so I don’t get too Wow about myself – I keep tripping over the second chair in my office. This was my old chair, but it’s got a broken base. I was supposed to throw it out when I got my new chair – but a certain cat had other ideas.
I love my office. I write in other places – airports, planes, hotels when I am travelling – but the best writing I do is always here, to the sound of a snoring cat sleeping on the futon.
Comments
28 responses to “Author vs cat”
No writing space is complete without a cat! I am envious of your office. I have a back bedroom, though it does have a spectacular view 🙂
I once read a comment from Stephen King, who said make sure your writing space does NOT have a window – because you will spend too much time looking out the window instead in writing. I disagree, I think I would hate a writing space that didn’t have a window. Lucky you to have a great view. All I see is the road…
It’s always interesting to see another writer’s ‘space’. I have a window in my study which faces the long drive and front garden, but because of the room size, I have to sit in the opposite corner, with my back to it! So – no view. But I do have family photos, and like you Janet – a row of my published books. A welcome reassurance on the days when the writing doesn’t flow. No cat though!
Reassurance is the right word Margaret – that’s what having the books and covers around me does. It also drives me to try harder to always write the very best book I can. J X
I am so envious of your office Janet. I write in my bedroom (equally cat-infested) and I love your bookcase and your desk! Also your cat is absolutely beautiful (but don’t tell my cats that I said so…)
Shhh. I won’t tell my cat either – he’s quite vain enough already.
My plan to write a comment has been overruled by Wellington, who wants you to understand that the needs of the cat come first.
I understand totally, Beth. I am a well-trained human.
A gorgeous cat,goes well with your well-ordered office!
I confess Margaret, I tidied up the worst of the mess before I took the photos. 🙂
I too love seeing writing spaces. Mine is mainly in a corner of the dining room with my back to the French doors and conservatory. Doesn’t stop me peering around the corner every so often as I can see through the lounge windows if I wiggle a little to the right! And I think I need a cat, just to complete it 🙂
When I lived in New York – I decided one day to go and write at the new York Public Library – a gorgeous place. But I found it a bit intimidating to try to write in such hallowed halls 🙂
If you call that desk untidy, you’ll have to shut your eyes if ever you come to my home!!
I really enjoyed looking at your pictures, and at the little cat. It’s so sweet.
Liz xx
Great post, Janet. I’ve just finished ‘Flight from Courah Creek’ and loved it! Adam and Jess stayed with me after the reading was over.
Sue x
Aww – thanks Sue.That’s high praise indeed. J X
I also love seeing how other writers work. You have every reason to go ‘Wow’! I’m looking forward to reading Corah Creek which I plan to buy from you, signed, at the book launch.
And I am looking forward to similarly acquiring a signed copy of The Maid Of Milan.
Janet – your desk looks positively pristine compared to mine! I even have to unearth my keyboard some days!
But I have a furry friend in my office too. She sleeps on top of the printer, amongst all the books, behind me on the same chair – and sometimes slums it on the sofa. I have a lot of toy bats which friends have sent me over the years – and Millie-cat is obsessed with those too! Never a dull moment – and I’m sure it’s the same for you.
Your little ginger friend is gorgeous!
Good luck with the launch of Coorah Creek – I hope you sell gazillions!
xx
I don’t know if you could see it in the photo – but sitting on top of the cd player is a little black and white Alice Cooper tour teddy bear – compete with eye makeup. He’s really cute.
Your desk is way way tidier than mine as well! I tend to tidy my desk at the end of a book or a project and then it gets progressively messier throughout the writing of the next thing. At the moment I’m on the home straight to finishing novel 2 and the whole place looks like a bombsite!
I am also on the home straight – and I look like a disaster zone 🙂
How marvellous to see a writer’s workspace – I can see why you write such lovely books now. Sadly I don’t have a cat to keep me company – though I do have a cardboard cut out of Jenson Button (long story!).
I had to google Jenson Button – but OK – he’s almost as cute as the cat.
Hard to know which I love more, the over-stuffed book shelves or the blissed-out cat!
Both equally important to the creative process, I think.
I know some people write in their sheds, but that’s just waaaaay too cold. Your writing space looks lovely and cosy, especially with your cat, they are a great comfort when writing
My husband paints in our shed – but only in the summer. And only then because I won’t let him do it in the house. 🙂