I am a firm believer in learning how to write from anywhere, in any circumstance, with a certain level of noise and distractions. In reality, there is no perfect writing space, nor should there be. At home, however, I do think writers need a dedicated work space. So, here’s what leads to a writing space you’ll love and want to use on a regular basis.

10 Ways to Create a Great Writing Space

1. A great chair, really. When you are logging long hours in front of your computer, you need a chair that can go the distance with you. Ergonomic, memory foam, adjustable height—these are all the buzzwords you want to look for when shopping for the perfect throne—I mean, chair—to craft your story from.

2. A convertible desk to allow for standing or sitting. Just as important as a great chair, the desk is a top priority. Look for a desk that can be adjusted—stand when you want to stand, sit when you want to sit—and reap the rewards as you slave over your revisions.

3. Good lighting. Both natural light during the day and lamps for those late night writing sprints are beneficial to you and your writing space. Natural sunlight through a window will provide vitamin D, which helps stave off fatigue. Good lamps and the right bulb wattage will keep you from overstraining your eyes at night. Both aspects are important for a great writing spot.

4. Notebooks and pens neatly organized. Sometimes you need a scratch notebook and pen to scribble out ideas or note a certain page you need to go back over during revisions, either way you need to have quick access to paper and pen. These supplies should be organized on your desk or in a drawer. A cluttered desk=a cluttered mind. Am I right?

5. Easy access to chargers and other necessary electronics. Always keep your computer charger and other tech items you may need in your workspace. If you have to go searching your house for your computer charger and AirPods, you could get distracted doing something else and miss your window to write.

6. Inspiration. Do you have a particular quote you love? Maybe a mood board for your current WIP? Display what inspires you in your writing space. When you look up from your writing, you’ll be surrounded by items that will keep you going.

7. Minimal distractions. While inspiration is great, too much of it can become a distraction. Think about your writing space with Marie Kondo in mind: keep items and tools in your writing space that bring you joy and get rid of the rest.

8. A book shelf of favorite books. You’re not the only person to dream of writing a book, to suffer from a case of writer’s block, or feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to finish writing your book. Keep a few of your favorite books around you to serve as a reminder of all the great writers who made their dreams happen, just as you are trying to make your dreams come true..

9. A stress ball. It’s an old-fashioned workplace staple that is often forgotten, but whenever I’m struggling with the structure of a particular sentence or can’t think of the word I want to use, I reach for a stress ball. I’m sure there’s science behind the act of squeezing the stress ball and how it affects your work, but from my personal experience it works.

10. Coffee or tea maker close by. If you have to retreat to the kitchen every time you want something to drink or need a snack, you lose writing time. Keep your sustenance in close proximity and stay in your writing bubble longer.

What are some of your must haves for a great writing space?