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As a way to kick-start 2016 on a fresh slate, I spent the past week cleaning my home office and rearranging the furniture to create a comfortable work environment.
View of my office from the door
I'm very pleased with the result - it has the tools I need to brainstorm, write and track projects. It also provides me with the space to organise my life and hobby projects.
So when Sarah from
Where are you working right now?
Is it at your dining room table, surrounded by dirty breakfast dishes? At your local Starbucks? In a well-appointed home office?
Wherever you’re working as a freelance writer…the space needs to work for you.
And your home office is about more than physical space—you also need to think about your phone service (and voicemail message), your equipment and supplies, your working hours, your mailing address, and more.
To help you create a home office that improves your focus, creativity, and professionalism, I interviewed Dr. Joe Webb, the co-author of The Home Office That Works: Make Working at Home a Success—A Guide for Entrepreneurs and Telecommuters. (He’s also someone I used to do karate with in Rhode Island!)
During this interview, Joe reveals:
- The importance of a door that closes. (And it’s not just to keep people out!)
- Why you shouldn’t use your home address as your mailing address.
- Options for home office space if you don’t have an extra room.
- Why you need to project professionalism to the outside world…even if people never set foot in your office.
- How to adapt your work hours to the pace of the day.
- The most important item in your office. (Don’t skimp on this!)
- What to do if you share a phone line with your family.
- How to communicate your work hours with clients without going all TMI.
- How to deal with loneliness when you work by yourself at home.
- The professionals you really need to hire.
- And more!
Listen to the interview. (MP3)
Download the PDF transcript.
Enjoy!
By:
Claudette Young,
on 3/20/2012
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Claudsy's Blog
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Have you fallen into a black hole of office debris and battled to rise above the clutter, rather than drown before you can finish writing that opus to the literary world? Did you accidentally come across that reference book that the library made you pay for when you didn’t remember having ever seen it?
What about that brownie that disappeared from your desk three weeks ago that you accused your five year old of absconding with? Does any of this sound familiar?
If not, you’re either fanatically organized, blessed beyond measure, or not a writer.
This past year I’ve been trying desperately to keep my office area organized and easily accessible. With my life in constant flux at the moment, keeping my work space organized is becoming a nightmare. Living in limbo, as we are, doesn’t make for a well-ordered life.
Take my desk, please! I’ve lost control of it. When we moved into the apartment complex a couple of years ago, I didn’t have a desk. To remedy the situation, I purchased an eight foot Formica countertop at the local home improvement center and added six thick table legs with mounting brackets. The unit is sturdy, easily cleaned, and can be disassembled when necessity demands a move to another location.
Plenty of work space is provided for computer, layout work, bins of office supplies, etc. What more could I want? Two—2-drawer file cabinets nestle nicely beneath, within easy reach from my desk chair. So handy. A large trash can has a home where I can toss odds and ends for later removal. The printer caddy, all-in-one printing machine and bookshelf table resides perpendicular to the computer end. Great set-up, don’t you think?
I thought so, too. A few weeks after installation and working appreciation, that fantastic work area became a catch all for everything that entered the room; library books disappeared under current working project files, mail, magazines, minor office supplies, brochures, you-name-it. When frustration during a hunt for materials became too much for me, organization blazed with flames fanned by a clean-up whirlwind.
Except when we were on our country tour during the winter of 2010-11, I’ve fought this Battle of the Debris every couple of months since creating this work space. Ask any of my writing buddies. They’ve heard about my efforts on a few occasions.
This week’s clean-up effort, I’ve decided, will be my last. I discovered black mold growing up the outside corner wall of my closet. I think I found the cause for our continuous allergy problems.
Maintenance is tracking down the problem outside before developing a real solution. I’m learning patience today. In the meantime, everything stored in that end of the closet clutters the living room and the rest of my bedroom.
You ask “What does that have to do with organizing your office?” I answer “Everything!” I’ve finally arrived at that point where I can no longer ignore the clutter, no longer blame work/life circumstances, and no longer believe that I’m actually not hoarding useless “stuff.”
The campaign to permanently organize my office life began with the removal of all those boxes from the closet. This morning I went through the first set of bagged debris and boxed minutiae, sorting out that for which I had no need. Everything not needed for my file cabinets, but necessary to keep, will g
As writers, we all know the importance of B.I.C. (Butt in Chair) if we want to get any work done. We spend hours in front of the keyboard on a daily basis, so why not give your behind—and your back—the comfort it deserves!
WOW
! Women On Writing is proud to team up with
ComputerChairs.com and
inmod.com for this luxurious giveaway. The Bliss Mid-Back Management Office Chair – 7202 by SAFCO features Tilt Tension Control, 4-Position Synchro Lock Mechanism and Height Adjustability, making it perfect for use as an office chair or conference chair for any home office or meeting room. Its comfortable seating and adjustable features create a look that is contemporary and functional. It’s valued at $399 and retails on ComputerChairs.com for $263. It’s available in flowers (as pictured) or plain fabric (your choice!). Full details and dimensions can be found here:
http://www.computerchairs.com/safco-bliss-mid-back-management-office-chair-7202.html Here at WOW
! Women On Writing, we want you to know that we appreciate you! We want you to be comfortable while you are penning the Great American Novel at your desk or typing your next blog post. To express our gratitude, and to encourage great writing, we are giving away the Bliss Mid-Back Management Office Chair to one lucky reader! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win. Good luck!
[Notes: This contest is open to US residents only. If you can't see the form below, click the "Read More >>" link or click
here.]
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Disclosure: we did not receive anything in return for this giveaway.
The things we do to ourselves… Last week I decided it was too hot to have the lights on in my office. I worked in a dim room all week and ended up with an annoying twitch in my right eye. So, I decided to do some research on eye strain and how to prevent it. Are you ready for the condensed version?
Office Ergonomics:
Your computer screen should be at arms length, with the middle of the screen setting approximately fifteen degrees below your sight line. Place the monitor at a right angle to any window or bright light source to reduce glare.
The lighting in the room should be no more than three times brighter than the screen. The best lighting is indirect; the aim is to avoid glare and shadow. Use task lighting for any paperwork.
Paperwork should be placed at the same level and angle as the monitor, or directly in front of the monitor, to reduce the strain of repeatedly changing focus.
Rest and Exercise:
Take a break at least every thirty minutes to relax your eye muscles, either rest with your eyes closed for a few seconds or choose one of these exercises.
The Stretch
You know this one. Look up, look down, look left, look right-- you should be able to feel the stretch. Making “figure eights” will work just as well, or look around the room and trace the outline of objects with your eyes.
Zen Vision
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures where there are two possible images. For instance, one might see either a beautiful woman with a bared shoulder or an old hag with a wart on her nose. The trick to seeing both images is to look without focusing. This type of vision relaxes the focus muscles.
The Painter
Hold up your thumb, now look at your thumb then look at something distant. Go back and forth several times.
Finish by quickly rubbing your palms together and placing your hands over your eyes, the warmth and darkness will relax the muscles.
Lubricate:
Did you know that when we are relaxed we blink twenty-two times per minute, but when we are at a computer we only blink seven times per minute? Blinking replenishes the moisture shield across our eyes. This moisture shield protects our eyes from germs and also allows proper light refraction for accurate sight. If your vision is fuzzy, or if your eyes are red or feel gritty, you may have dry eyes.
Artificial tears are perfectly safe to use as often as you need. Choose a good quality tear replacement product; many are available in preservative free formulas.
Increase your intake of EFAs (essential fatty acids), they are essential in keeping the mucous membranes moist.
If eye strain continues to be a problem, ask your ophthalmologist about computer glasses.
I’m more aware now of the improper lighting and the discomfort it has been causing, and my eyes feel better after trying just a few of these exercises. These tips helped me; I hope you find them helpful as well.
Robyn Chausse
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By: LuAnn Schindler,
on 5/15/2011
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So, you think you want to be a writer?
It doesn't matter if you devote 24/7 to the writing life or work another job and squeeze in writing time when possible. You still need basic necessities that make writing an easier task.
First, you need a space. Virginia Wolff believed a woman needs a room of her own. And, she's right. A writer needs an office/spot at the dining room table/a booth at the local coffee shop that she can call her own. Granted, some places provide better work opportunities than others, but a writer needs a space to set up shop. When I started freelancing, I converted a former bedroom into my cramped office, but I made it comfortable by repainting the walls to a cheery tangerine, adding memorabilia that inspires me, and using the space for writing only. What is your ideal office set-up?
Second, you need supplies. Even though you'll submit the majority of your work online, you still need to stock up on basics, like envelopes, paper, and stamps. I also make sure I have plenty of ink cartridges on hand, as well as Post-It notes, notebooks, batteries, postage (it's a 17-mile trip to town) and pens. I keep a separate notebook in my office, kitchen, bedroom and car. You never know when inspiration will strike! If you will be conducting interviews on a regular basis, invest in a digital audio recorder. It's a time saver! What office supplies do you have available?
Third, you need a computer and accessories. When I began freelancing, I didn't have the latest, greatest computer. I had a five-year-old laptop that was slow as molasses. But, I could still produce articles and stories. After a couple successful (translate: lucrative) sales, I upgraded to a computer that fit my needs. This included a photo software program, since photos must accompany most articles I write, as well as digital movie making software, since more online publications are asking me for a video to accompany a story package. But you can't just think about what computer you need. Think internet connection and make sure it's reliable. You also need to consider a printer, camera, digital video recorder, and scanner, depending on what you write. What type of computer essentials do you rely on most?
Fourth, you need a phone. Plus, it needs to be reliable. Nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of an interview while on a cell phone and the network cuts out! We do not have a landline in our home, so I rely on my Blackberry to connect with contacts. With its myriad features, I use it to schedule appointments, network, send Twitter updates, and even type a story if I am on deadline. Do you use a land line, cell phone, or both to connect with your contacts?
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By: Annie,
on 11/8/2010
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As a freelance, especially a full-timer who relies on steady income, it's important to find some kind of balance with my cash flow. If there's one constant in freelance, it's this: some months are busier than others.
How do I handle those slow moments? I tackle my "to do when I have time" list. No, this laundry list isn't filled with household chores. It's not a "honey do" slate of activities I'm unable to execute, like the one I have for my husband.
Instead, this list pertains to my writing business. Here are a few ways I keep occupied when I'm between assignments:
- Contact editors at places I've been published. If I haven't written for a particular magazine or newspaper for a few months or even a few years, I draw up a list of ideas and pitch them. Immediately.
- Review old files. What articles can I update for a new feature? Which articles can be revised and sold as a reprint?
- Update my portfolio. I like to add my latest work and hopefully, my portfolio shows how I've expanded my expertise.
- Revise my website. Now, don't make this task more difficult than it sounds! Remove old articles and links, add new clips, update news. This process can be a time sucker! I just finished scanning 10 years of clips and am going to finally add my best pieces in a variety of formats.
- Clean the office. Or, as my husband says, rearrange the junk. It's organized chaos, but I know where everything is located. I give my desk a thorough cleaning, file paperwork, and rearrange the furniture. Change does a writer good! :)
- Research. I've mentioned it before, but I'm a Post-It note queen. When inspiration strikes, I jot it on a post it and stick it to any available space on my desk. This is when I begin grabbing those individual notes of goodness and decide my strategy for my next project.
- Network. This task isn't just for down time. Writers should always be networking and promoting their work.
At some point, every writer will experience a slow down. It's the natural ebb and flow of the writing business. Having a plan of attack for those calm moments will keep you focused on the writing bottom line.
Blog post and photo by LuAnn Schindler. Visit LuAnn's "I-need-some-down-time-so-I-can-update-my-website" website at http://luannschindler.com.
By:
David Billings,
on 3/11/2009
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Sparky Firepants Art Blog
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Guest Post by Lisa Braithwaite
Creative businesses are fun! But, like any other business, creative businesses still require a lot of hard work. Most of us start a business because we’ve found something we are good at and passionate about, and we want to make a living doing what we love – for example, turning a favorite hobby into a business. Unfortunately, we often forget that there’s more to running a business than just doing the stuff we love.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the creative side of what we do and neglect the business side. If you want to make money and move from “hobbyist” to “entrepreneur,” here are some tips to help you make the transition.
1. Take yourself and your business seriously
Carry professional business cards, and not the free ones that have a generic template and advertising on the back. Put up your own website, even if you’re using a third-party seller. Get over the discomfort of approaching retail shops, galleries, media outlets and other professionals who can help you grow your business.
When people ask you what you do, tell them! “I’m an artist.” “I’m a handbag designer.” “I’m a writer.” Don’t shy away or show embarrassment just because you might be struggling, or don’t yet feel “successful,” or still have a part-time job. Hold your head high and be proud of your creations! When someone admires your necklace say, “Thank you, I’m a jewelry artist.”
2. Charge what you’re worth
If you keep your prices low from fear that no one will actually pay what your work is worth, you might as well stay a hobbyist. You have to take into account your materials, your labor, your overhead, your health insurance (you want health insurance, right?), vacations, family needs, retirement funding, and your general lifestyle. How much money do you want and need to make to have the kind of life you dream about?
You undermine the value of your work when you price according to fear and discomfort rather than looking at your own needs and what the market will bear. You also, by the way, undermine other creative entrepreneurs. Your customer then expects that every other soap maker, graphic designer and illustrator should offer their wares for the same low prices you do. So you hurt yourself by not bringing in as much money as you should, and you hurt the industry as well.
3. Learn all the aspects of your business, even the parts that aren’t as fun
As I mentioned above, most of us start a business out of passion and excitement for what we do. And it’s infinitely more fun to play with paint, experiment with designs, shop for materials, mix flavors and visit galleries than it is to pay invoices, maintain your website, and send out press releases.
I’m not saying that you have to do all of those things yourself. You can outsource any administrative task, hiring contract workers or a virtual assistant for example. Have a bookkeeper do your books, a web designer update your site, a rep sell your products.
However, knowing the basics of how your business works will protect you from quacks, scammers and other shady or unprofessional types. Also, if you’re without help for a period of time, it’s great to know how to add photos to your website, place a magazine ad or balance your books.
Being an entrepreneur can be frustrating, exhausting and gut-wrenching. It can also be exhilarating, rewarding and an amazing learning experience. Take pride in your work, take pride in all of your successes, and be willing to learn and grow. See yourself as a businessperson as well as a creative soul, and your business will flourish.
Lisa Braithwaite is a public speaking coach working with individuals and groups to build their skills and confidence as speakers. Her philosophy of public speaking is that it’s fun, it’s an awesome way to express yourself creatively, and that authenticity and passion are worth more than a thousand techniques.
Before launching her public speaking coaching business in 2005, she worked in the nonprofit sector in Santa Barbara for 16 years as an advocate, educator and trainer, creating and implementing programs, curricula, and training materials for nonprofit organizations. Her areas of expertise in the field of training and education have involved gender equity, domestic violence prevention, media literacy, adult learning principles, and communication skills development
In 1997, she co-founded Body Electric, an organization promoting sports, physical activity and gender equity for women and girls. In 2003, Lisa was honored for her work with Body Electric with the Louise Lowry Davis award, named for a pioneer in womens sports.
A lifelong jewelry artist, Lisa was the creative force and the “LB” behind Elle B. jewelry from 2004-2007, when she made the difficult decision to close up shop to focus on her coaching business.
Lisa received her B.A. in Theater from Pomona College and her M.A. in Education from UC Santa Barbara.
Website: http://www.coachlisab.com
Speak Schmeak blog: http://coachlisab.blogspot.com
This really happened to me yesterday afternoon, I felt like such a doofus. I must've wound my mouse pen into my ponytail while I was on the phone, but I don't have even vague memories of doing it. At least my piles of paper are now in order and the little slots down the side of my desk by the wall are vacuumed. They were pretty dusty.
Yesterday was really rainy and I didn't go out on my bicycle and stayed in working hard all day. It almost drove me nuts, but my neighbours were doing their unintentional best to keep me amused, embarrassed, what have you. I really need to get out today.
I had a good laugh at today's Beartato strip by ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
nedroidcomics, nice job!
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By:
Sara Lewis Holmes,
on 7/22/2007
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"The Marines love it. As soon as we post a sign-up sheet they fight to get to the head of the line because it fills up within an hour."
What are they fighting to do?
Read a book to
their kids.
(Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron J. Rock)
For the full story, click here.
For a well-organized list of books about kids with a military parent, see children's librarian Jan Pye Marry's website, built as part of the requirements for her MLIS degree. The background for this project is interesting, too, for as she points out, there are over a million children in military families, but she could find only about fifty books, most of them NOT contemporary, (Vietnam era or earlier!) that even in some small way, reflected their experience. My personal favorite, The Great Santini, is on the list as "an adult book for teens." (If you want a look into the world this book was based on, read the eulogy the author, Pat Conroy, delivered for his Marine aviator father.)
I would also recommend the YA novel, Battle Dress, by Amy Efaw, who was one of the first women to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, and who was a classmate of mine at the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua in 1996. The book is not about a military family, per se, but it is a gripping fictional account of a young woman's first year at West Point.
P.S. I have some commitments for the next few days, so I'll see you (and reply to your comments) when I return to the blog...
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Congrats!
The past few months, I have been on a mission to get rid of things that I don’t use or haven’t used in a long time.
It is so refreshing. I was doing an item (sometimes 3-10) each day to make it easier. Felt nice to recycle, trash, or donate the things from clothes, to kitchen utensils, to tools, to old teaching documents.
Oh Claudsy, how I used to be such an organized and neat little thing. Now that the third kid is here….my whole life is disorganized and every time I try to get it all neat and tidy, something falls apart. LOL I wish you the best of luck, luv. White boards and cork boards are my best friends. As well as anything with DRAWERS!
Thanks, a.eye. I try to go through things every year and rid myself of unwanted, unneeded things. Every time, though, there are always the office boxes that are sacrosanct and untouchable. The time has come to dive in, sort, and decide what’s worth the space it takes up in my closet and my life.
If I did only a few things a day, I’d never be finished. Thanks for the comment.
Claudsy
I used to be a neat freak, too. I’m trying to go back to that simple lifestyle where only those things which are pertinent to today and a week from now are what take up space in my home and my life. Friends are in another category all together.
Thanks for dropping by, Kristi. It’s been a long time.
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Thanks for the pingback, Ann. Love your post, BTW.