Mar 9, 2010

Writing Spaces and Other Forms of Solitary Confinement by Jamie Ford

If you'll recall, I recently reviewed Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (click for my review).  Ford was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to share with us a sneak peek into his writing space and writing life, along with some great shots of his dogs.

You know I love dogs, so this was a real treat to see that his dogs act like Charlee does when I'm on the computer.

I hope you enjoy today's guest post.  Please welcome Jamie Ford.

I have a lovely home office, with a door and a lock. Which my children still happily ignore, despite telling them that when I’m writing they should only interrupt if the house is on fire or if someone requires stitches. Who knew that rides to the mall, and “I can’t find my iPod headphones,” would rival such emergencies? Nevertheless, this is where I get a lot of work done. 

The Desk. My neighbor is a chiropractor and has been steering me in the direction of something more ergonomic for months, but old habits (and writing desks) are hard to break. And yes, I’m a Mac guy. I bought an iMac, thinking the ginormous screen would be easier on the eyes, but still gravitate to my trusty MacBook Pro. Scattered about my desk are a Jenga-like tower of galleys I’ve promised to read, my new manuscript (tentatively titled Whispers of a Thunder God), my current itinerary, a photo of my parents, and an assortment of iTunes gift cards and desktop statuary made by my kids. The map is of the North Pacific, circa 1943.  


The Shelf. Actually, shelves. My office is filled with assorted knickknacks. Daruma dolls—you color one eye when you make a wish or set a goal and color in the other upon completion. I have two, you can guess what they’re for. I have a small urn with some of my father’s ashes—a morbid little paperweight (thanks dad), a snuff tin, used by my grandmother who actually chewed the stuff, and my gloves from when I used to compete in karate tournaments, with a tarnished silver medal. 

The Floor. My carpet is usually covered with an assortment of barely animate objects—my dogs, which are easily mistaken for throw rugs. There’s a doggie bed in the corner, but they still prefer the floor. They’re great to bounce ideas off of and they always let me know when the UPS man arrives. 

That’s my space in a nutshell. I’ve tried writing at the library, or the local coffee pub, or in the back yard on a sunny afternoon, but I love being surrounded by my notes and maps and such. Plus I don’t have to chase them all over the lawn when the wind blows.

Thanks, Jamie, for taking the time to share with us a sneak peek inside your writing space.

16 comments:

Andreea said...

Great post! I haven't read his book yet, but I will keep an eye on it!

Serena said...

Andreea: You should read the book!

Julie P. said...

I love this post! It's so cool to get an insider's look at an author's writing space. It somehow makes it more real to me!

bermudaonion said...

I love his writing space! Milou is often in the chair with me (instead of her bed) when I'm on the computer. She's gotten so old, though, that she doesn't hear the doorbell anymore.

Luanne said...

How fascinating to see where an author creates!

Serena said...

Julie: I love getting an inside look into their writing spaces.

Bermudaonion: Charlee is getting old, but he still hears that knock at the door, though he misses the old mail person who gave him treats.

Luanne: Thanks for checking this out.

Anna said...

What a neat writing space! I don't have any pets right now, but one day I envision myself typing away while a furry child warms my feet.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

Charlee used to warm my feet, but now he's preoccupied with his own problems.

Kim Allen-Niesen said...

Love this post! More fun and in some ways more revealing than an interview.

Unknown said...

My Cooper is sacked out on the floor right now. In fact, if you cropped out the black doggy, I could easily pass that photo off as one of Coop!

I love getting a glimpse into writer's lives. Thanks!

Valerie said...

My Golden Retriever Winston looks just like Jamie's dog, even the way it's laying around like that!

I enjoyed the "sneak peek" of his writing space (and how he described interruptions from his kids; mine do the same), and still am planning to read this book soon!

Ti said...

I haven't read the book yet but I love reading about a writer's space. Plus, he's a Mac guy. Gotta love him :)

Jenners said...

I love the knickknack shelf!

Amber Stults said...

That is a lovely space. My dog lies anywhere he can find a space.

Anonymous said...

Great space. Great guest post. I know that book is supposed to be excellent from what I read out here.

Robin M said...

Dropped in from Carrie's sunday links. Great post and I haven't read the book yet. Will have to put it on my wishlist. I wish I had a room to call my own for writing. Although I do have 4 cats that love to sleep all around, over and under me.