Big Plans, Small Steps

"Dream big and make plans to move toward them, but appreciate the journey along the way."

—Jennifer Chambliss Bertman*

Girl looking out to sea bookplate
Can anyone identify this artist's signature?

*Via jenniferchamblissbertman.com

Storybook Dream Studio

Last week, Jennifer Bertman inspired me to explore writers' and artists' creative spaces.  It was so much fun, I thought I'd post my personal dream cottage to inspire and amuse.

Gwyndolyn cottage from Storybook Homes

After I'd imagined my ideal space, I found architects Samuel Hackwell and Andrew Perkins had the same ideas.
I am now the proud owner of a Storybook Homes preview book, as well as the perfect site for my studio.  Someday it will sit atop a long, sloping area of green.  There are turkeys, bears, deer, squirrels, and plenty of cats about.  An ideal situation for a creative space, don't you think?

Home of Jill Brinson with a perfect library loft

The Gwyndolyn has a full second story, but I don't think mine will need more than a loft.  Designer Jill Brinson's home is a perfect vision, matching my ideal dream-studio interior.  It would house plenty of books and admit plenty of light.

Josh Keyes in his studio

Of course, I'm sure it will end up looking more like the interior of Josh Keyes's studio space: stuffed with books, equipment, supplies, inspiration.  It's obviously a work place, not a showplace. That's OK, because I can't function in a stark environment.



You can see more inspiring places on my Pinterest boards.

Hey, we can dream!

What does your ideal studio look like?

Authors Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

This would make a great studio.

Do you love finding out how an author thinks?  How they plan?  Where they feel most creative?
Jennifer Bertman does.  Her blog From The Mixed-Up Files of Jennifer Bertman features author interviews and exclusive peeks at their creative workspaces. You'll find plenty of tips successful writers use everyday to organize, inspire, and motivate themselves.
Jenn herself offers some valuable tips for creating believable characters in today's Valentine's Day post.

tiny writer's retreat

Here are a few photos to encourage you to build your own creative space.

DIY: closet converted to flat files

Do you have a ritual that helps you focus on the business of writing?  What's unique about your workspace and why does it work for you?

Comment or email me.  I'd love to share what you've learned.