A Bookish Writing Space

I admit it. I have office envy.

When I see the writing spaces that some author’s share, I turn a little green. Beautiful spaces filled with items to spark the creativity, soothing color palettes to promote serenity, and fun personal touches to add warmth and personality. Yes, Deb Raney, I’m talking about you. Ha!

For the majority of my writing career, I have written while sitting on my bed with my computer propped on my lap.

It worked fine, and I was thankful for a quiet space where I could close the door and separate myself from the rest of the house. But I dreamed of having a real desk, space to hold all my promo items and author book copies, and some decorative surroundings to make me smile with bookish delight.

Well, my time has finally come! My youngest will be graduating in December, and my nest will officially be empty. So, when we got new carpet a few months ago, we rearranged the furniture to place a desk and book shelves in one of the bedrooms.

The space is far from finished, but I’ve started using it, and I love it! I still need to find time to paint and decorate (which could be a while, since I work a day job during the week and write all weekend long), but I’ve started pulling some things together.

My favorite section so far, is my Tea & Books corner. I adore tea. I love to drink it while I read, and it is also my go-to for long writing sessions. So I thought it would be fun to bring some of those elements into my new writing space. I wanted to find a book-themed teapot, but I was having trouble finding one I liked. Then I ran across one on Etsy, and it was love at first sight.

My favorite classic novel is Jane Eyre, and the moment I saw a teacup with “Reader, I married him” on it, my heart began to race. Then I found the teapot with the ultimate romantic quote on it, “I ask you to pass through life at my side – to be my second self, and best earthly companion.” Swoon! Then when I learned that this set was being sold by the lady who runs the Bronte Sisters Museum in Haworth, England, all resistance became futile.

Reader, I purchased the set.

After that purchase, the next step became clear. I needed a collector’s copy of the actual novel. I found a second edition of Jane Eyre on eBay for a very reasonable price. What really caught my attention was the inscription on front page. It was originally given as a Christmas gift back in 1894!!! There’s a very good chance that Annie M. Coulter might make an appearance as a character in some future book. Talk about surrounding yourself with inspiration!

The first edition was published in three volumes, so I think this is the first edition compiled as a single volume. There is a preface (from 1847) written by the author, who still signs as Currer Bell, Charlotte Bronte’s pen name, but the cover includes her real name. Reading this woman’s reaction to how her novel was received (some positive, some negative) was so interesting! Her intelligence and feisty spirit vibrate off the page.

I decided it wasn’t good for dear Jane to be alone, so I searched for a well-fit companion. The Pride and Prejudice volume I purchased is not quite as spectacular. It was printed in the 1960’s. It has a great vintage cover, though, and provides a lovely contrast to the “plain Jane” cover of Ms. Bronte’s book.

Since Jane Eyre has her teapot, it seemed only fair for Jane Austen to have a set of coasters. I included a photo at the top of this post of the ones I selected. I rotate them every time I use them so that I can enjoy the full variety.

I added a few of my favorite bookish mugs and a decorative sign my husband gave me for Christmas, and my little nook was complete.

I still have a long way to go to create the perfect space, but I’m finally on my way!

Do you have special corners or nooks in your house that hold prized items?

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Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

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