Be a voueyer: writer's rooms round up

September 25, 2007

When I saw this round up in the Guardian on writer’s rooms I was surprised at how much they had in common — a certain stillness, I think. And LOTS of books. And LOTS of red furniture. Wonderful. Any way, Margaret Drabble’s (below) is my favorite. The authors’ descriptions are full of detail and insight. What does your creative space look like?

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As the daughter of a writer, the room where my father works has a mystical quality. It is where he has gone — day in, day out — to create every single day for the last 28 years I’ve been here to witness it. His room was tucked away in a far corner of the farmhouse in VT (only accessible through the attic). His work table was made by my mother from a piece of flooring from a bowling alley (it’s surface is slightly grooved from all the balls). He has almost no decoration or books. Just his computer, some pens, a framed butterfly my sister gave him a few christmas’ ago and like many of the writers featured, a comfortable chair for reading.

Recently a couple of people have said to me “where do you get your energy” I think referring to the fact that I’m working full time and going to school. This question always makes me uncomfortable because I don’t feel particularly energetic, I just feel that this is what I need to do right now. Anyway, I think that at least a particle answer lies in watching my father’s relentlessness in practicing his craft.

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

christina September 25, 2007 at 9:04 pm

This section is wonderful and I love the way you describe Craig Nova’s writing room as you saw it as a child -tucked beyond the attic with a bowling alley as a table. What a wonderful magical child you were. Lucky parents to have you as a daughter!

Angie September 26, 2007 at 8:41 am

A sweet post :-)

Sarah September 26, 2007 at 10:14 am

gorgeous!

Tate September 26, 2007 at 10:16 am

Your energy truly amazes me. Daily.

keep up all the good work!

Design for Mankind September 26, 2007 at 3:36 pm

GREAT post! You’re a daughter of a writer? Totally jealous.

Nancy September 27, 2007 at 7:08 am

I love your description of your Father’s office – what a wonderful memory. It makes me want to redesign my own office space!

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