Since my office just got a good cleaning after my deadline, I thought it would be fun to take you on a little pictorial tour of the place where I write and do much of the other work my job as a novelist requires. Some people are surprised to learn that more than half of my working hours are spent doing things besides actually writing.
Here, I’m working on this post, and you can see my to-do list—none of which includes “write,” since I just turned a book in last Monday and am playing catch-up this week.
My dad designed and welded the “menu wheel” that is perfect for hanging postcards and notes and all those other papers that are too pretty to throw away.
My office is full of things that inspire me, and things with special meaning because they were made by people I love. My niece painted the blue door and my mom made the heart-appliqued curtains (which hung in the kitchen window of the farmhouse where I grew up). I bought the library shelving cart at an auction and Ken and I refinished it.
He also built this reference bookcase where all my books on the craft of writing and reference books are stored.
My coffee bar is one of my favorite parts of my office. My collection of mugs has surpassed 100 and I keep finding more to add.
This is a favorite view of my office, coming down the stairs. It’s actually a place I want to spend time, which is good, since most of my day is spent here.
On the opposite wall from the coffee bar is a windowsill that’s home to a changing collection of orchids, coleus and other plants that love the sun that streams in.
Sometimes writing DOES happen in my office. My newest book released last week is proof. I’d love to give a copy away to one of our Inspired by Life and Fiction readers. Home at Last is the fifth and final book in the Chicory Inn Novels series. Simply leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered in the drawing for a copy. Winner to be named tomorrow.
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Love the shelves. Would love this book.
Thereadmaster@me.com
Love your office! I especially like the “menu wheel.” I have problems tossing beautiful greeting cards, etc. Great idea!
Your office look so comfortable!
Thanks for sharing. I’d enjoy having a copy.
What a lovely and charming place to go to work every day! You are blessed indeed, and thank you for blessing us, your readers, with the fruits of your labor there in return. I would love to read your latest book.
I would love to read your book.
I love your coffee bar. I love the shelves for you mugs. I have a collection of mugs that I need to find a better way to display instead of hiding them in a cupboard.
Thanks, Becky. I should have mentioned that the mug cubbies were once about 100 years ago, the in-house mailboxes for a small-town Kansas bank. I bought it at an antique store in that town about 15 years ago. I turned it on its end to make the mugs fit, but in the past, I’ve also used it as an office supply cubby. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of it, and it’s the only way I could have 100 mugs! 🙂
I can see that your space to write is just that, your space. It tells a lot about the things and people who are special in your life. I like the idea of your adding a coffee bar to “fuel” you and plants to add life to your space. I love your books. Keep ’em comin’.
This look at your writing area explains your amazing ability to create and entertain! Thanks for sharing and I wish you many more years of writing for all of us!!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
What a lovely, pleasant place to just be! I love African violets and am trying to get an orchid to rebloom. Any tips? Thanks for the opportunity to win!
A couple of years ago I would have given you all kinds of advice: southern-facing window, very little water, fertilize a couple times a year, etc. But alas, this past year, I haven’t been able to get anything to REbloom. The blooms on orchids I buy or get as gifts last for months on end, but haven’t had one rebloom in many months. 🙁
Love your window view, the hearts on the curtains, the lamp sitting on the little chest of drawers, etc. What an inviting place to write.
Blessings
I love your office. If I had a space like that, I don’t think I would ever want to leave. ☺
What a cheerful office! Would love to have your new book.
I love your office and can see why you enjoy spending time there. So many beautiful and cherished things! Thanks for the giveaway and congrats on turning in your latest book.
You are such a design specialist, Deb. I am envious. Love your writing space! So feminine and bookish and adorable with all the teapots and colors and library items. I would have never thought to purchase a library shelving cart, but how perfect!
My writing space consists of my laptop and my bed with pillows propping me up from behind. Maybe when my nest empties, I’ll have to revisit this post for inspiration on how to create a creative space. Especially with that coffee bar! I’d have tea in mine, but I love the idea. 🙂
Karen, my first few novels were written at our kitchen table, and though I moved to a table in the corner of our living room for the next dozen or so books, I didn’t get a dedicated office until our nest only had one bird left in it. 🙂 And I don’t think my books written in the pretty offices are any better (or worse) than the others. We can create wherever God puts us!
What a great place to work! No wonder your creative juices flow like a river! I love, love,love it!
Love your writing space!
I like ok forward to reading your newest novel.
What a lovely place to work! I love how you have crafted a nest especially for you! Clever menu wheel made by your dad.
I Love your office! It is very open and inviting. Congratulations on completing your next book. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for this giveaway opportunity.
Such inspiration I find in your books and can’t wait to read Home at Last. Thank you for using your God given talent to bless us.
Lovely writing space! I wish I could grow orchids. My daughter has great luck with them, but they don’t like me very much. Haha
I love your whole office! Think among my fav is the plant shelf with the nice big window. Congrats on your new release!
What a beautiful office and working space! I love the light streaming in, the coffee bar, the colors, and cool furniture pieces. The stories that go along with each make them so much more, don’t they? Lovely.
So true, Angie! Stories make the world go round, and in this case, they truly make a house a home!
What an interesting space! Love the menu wheel and coffee bar!
Your office looks cheery, comfortable, and inviting. Plus the colors make it bright and a room you want to be in! I would love to have this book!
That’s such a cool work space! The coffee bar looked great! (and I don’t even like coffee 😉 ) Thanks for sharing this, and for the giveaway!
I love the green door, green is my favorite color. I ALWAYS thought the coffee bar with all your mugs was in your kitchen 🙂
It’s just around the corner from the kitchen. About 7 steps away (since this room was meant to be the formal dining room) so easy to refill the coffee maker or set out the cream and milk.
I love your menu wheel. All of my lovely cards end up in a drawer!
Thanks for the tour of your office. What a delightful place you have to work! Would enjoy reading your new book!
I would love a copy.
Thank you for sharing your office with us . I never get tired of seeing it and the changes you’ve made .
I love your style!!! We share similar tastes and I have an eclectic collection that is scattered all over my house…waiting for the grandkids to grow up so I can remove some of the clutter here….but I just adore your office and all your posts on your garage sale exploits!!! Winning the book would be nice but not necessary:)
Hi Deborah! Thank you so much for sharing another view of your office. It’s a lovely and inviting writing abode. I could see myself getting lost in there. The bookshelf is unique and I love your coffee bar with your cup collection. Thank you so much for the giveaway. Your books are such a blessing!
What a beautiful and inviting space you have created. I love it. Thanks for sharing it with us. 🌸
A very talented and inspiring author!
I enjoyed seeing your pictures.I like your turquoise accents. I see you are a mugaholic like I am.I don’t know how many I have but I dearly love my coffee and tea.
Your office is cheerful, cute, and shows your personality with all the essential for writing (coffee, laptop, and a window). Love it!
If my house was only larger I’d adore a coffee bar. My daughter has one that I love. My drink of choice is always coffee!
Thanks for your giveaway.
Oh Deborah, I saw the book A Nest of Sparrows on your desk. I just finished it last week, just loved it!!!! You said you had some exciting news about that book, I can’t wait to hear about it!
I love each room you always share with us, the colors are so vibrant, it reminds me of Spring coming forth with all her colors. And this time for you to share what an item means to you is special.
Thank you for all the giveaways you have been doing. I keep hoping I will be named the winner; but if not, I’m always happy for the person that is!
Thank you so much, Jean! I’ll probably be sharing that news later this week. And I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! It’s one of my favorites I’ve written! I so appreciate all your comments!
Thank you SO much for all the comments and encouraging words! I won’t be replying to every single comment today since this is a giveaway and we generally have a lot more comments then. But I do read and deeply appreciate each one! I’ll notify the winner here tomorrow!
I just love your office, its so sunny and such a warm and happy place (I don`t think I would get much writing done). I love your coffee corner, only mine would be tea….
My kinda office…very impressive. I can see why you can wrote in there !
You have a lovely place for writing & creativity.
What a beautiful home!
I agree that your office looks comfortable and I do so like the coffee mug shelving. I love collecting different mugs from different venues.
I’m also crazy about the windowsill but I’m afraid my kitty would displace the flowers.
Our kitty is in kitty heaven now, but he never did bother the flowers on the window sill or try to get up there. But he had free roam of several other windows in the house, so maybe that’s why? Thanks for commenting, Evelyn.
Your office and home are absolutely beautiful! It looks so calm and relaxing.
I love your office, THANKS for the tour! I am so anxious to read this book…have read ALL of your books to date. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Hi Deborah Rainey, I really enjoyed your office tour. I admit that I particularly liked the round display rack which your Dad designed and made for you. Very spiffy! That must provide inspiration itself.
Your new book will be great, I’m confident. Thank you for the opportunity to possibly win this last book in your series.
What a cute, inviting place! Love the green door, the coffee corner, and the menu wheel!
I can see that your space to write is just that, your space. It tells a lot about the things and people who are special in your life. I like the idea of your adding a coffee bar to “fuel” you and plants to add life to your space. I love your books. Keep ’em comin’.
I always enjoy viewing your beautiful office, Deborah, and checking out your latest yard sale purchases. I love your decorating style, your imaginative uses of items, and the stories behind each item.
Congrats on ‘Home At Last’, and thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Love the pops of color – especially the blue door with the lights hanging on it. Always fun to see all your pics of your home & great garage sale finds, too. And, how you use the treasures. Nice place to enjoy writing!!!
Thank you for the tour! Love your flowers!
I love your office! I especially like to see your treasures from garage and estate sales when you share them!! And then see how you incorporate them into your home. You certainly have a talent for decorating. The colors are great!! (Finally getting to finish,After the Rains. So good. I’m one of those who slow down when finishing a book,don’t want it to end😉.)
I loved this series and hate to see it end! Your office is so personal a a reflection of all you love. It’s beautiful!
I love the menu wheel and your coffee bar! Thanks for sharing. I am one of your Facebook stalkers and I never get tired of your posts. 😉
Love, love, love your home. It is just so beautiful! Would love to have you visit for a while to decorate my home. 🙂
Your office space is so warm and inviting. I love antiques, too. They have character and are so charming and fun. I love the way you’ve repurposed some of the pieces in your office.
Thanks for the guided tour. It’s lovely. I wanted to see what was on your reference book shelf so I pulled it up. The book that intrigued me was the Character Naming. I have thought about this. To me it’s kind of like naming babies but then you have to keep the names within the culture setting. Writing, what a fun way to “create” people you get to know but eventually say goodbye to. 🙁
I also saw For Women Only on that shelf. It’s an eye opener with some good insights. I recommend it for any woman that wants to know her guy better.
Yes! Those are both excellent books. And good reference!
I enjoyed seeing your cozy office! I worked i a library during college, so a cart like that catches my eye. And I collect heart-shaped things, so I love those curtains. I’d love to win this book! I have the first three in the series and need to get the fourth.
I worked at the children’s department of the library in college, too. And then taught story hour at our small-town public library. Such warm memories of libraries. A little sad that I don’t go very often now! Need to remedy that!
Please enter me. I review my books. God bless your writing.
What a beautiful space to practice the art of writing. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I just discovered the Chicory Inn series about a month ago and have become hooked. I can hardly wait to get the whole set for my church library so I can share this wonderful series with my church family.
Your office is lovely. I especially love the big window so the light comes in. You sure are neat!!!
Blessings,
GG
Well, keep in mind that I just finished a book, and cleaned my office afterwards. It tends to get messy (and especially dusty!) after a marathon writing month!
Such a gorgeous and calming space!
LOVE your office and LOVE your books!
The office looks nice. I liked the card “ball”. Hope it works well for you. Would love one of your books.
Love this! The way you display your favorite things (i.e. Cups, books). So nice. Would love a space like this for myself, not for writing, but reading maybe.
Hi, Deborah!
I love your “writing cave,” so many delightful features.
Your door as decoration is so neat and unique.
How I wish I had room for all my mugs, I somehow became known as the lady that collects coffee mugs, haha, it came as news to me. However, I love my collection even though I don’t have room for it.
Your violets remind me of my Dad, He had 50 or more, and they always flourished and bloomed, as did all his plants, fruit trees and garden (me, not so much!).
Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your delightful books! Good luck to all who have entered.
Blessings~
I love your office. Some day, I tell myself. God bless!
Waiting patiently for another Pinecraft pie shop book to come out! Love your writing! What a great giveaway! Thank you.
Nice office, it looks so light and comfy. Love how you organized the space, I’m sure it’s a great place to write.
What a great room! Open, airy, sweet personalized decor. I like it!
You office is so warm and inviting. Great ideas of how to set my office up, although I don’t write. Love the coffee corner!
Thanks for the pictorial tour. Love your office.. So inviting and comfy.
I have not read ANY of your books, but I can see from your pictures and read in your blog that I have missed something, somehow. Please draw my name so that I can start catching up. Until then, I will look for the first of this series at my local library! Enjoyed your home office tour and descriptions of those loved ones who helped you with it. You are blessed.
You’re definitely missing out! Get one of Deb’s books ASAP and you won’t want to put it down!
Your office is so you!
Oh my gosh your office is beautiful! It looks like it has such a peaceful and calming atmosphere. I would dearly love to win. Thank you for the opportunity.
I love to see when you change a few things or just add a new one, the office is “YOU”. the colors..every item with a memory. I do so enjoy stopping by to see what you have posted be it thoughts or items for the office.
I love this series! I am so anxious to read this final book. But alas, there is no extra money in the budget for new books. So, I really, really would love to win one.
I live this space. It is certainly Pinterest worthy!
I love to see your office. You mentioned us getting tired of seeing it…never! I dream of of an Aletta-room. I even used to have the space, after our daughter joined Jesus, and before we got our boys, but I never made me a room. Maybe later on.
What a awesome place you have! Love it!! Neat coffee bar too.
Everything is so beautiful!
I just love your office!!!! Would love to win your book.
What a lovely and inspiring workspace! I love the little details in each area of the room, along with the sentimental elements (like the curtains). Thank you for letting us “stop by” for a quick visit to your office.
I love your collection of mugs. People do not understand when I say I need a good mug for my tea. I try hard not to but the most interested mugs.
Love that blue door!! And your office looks like a lovely space to spend the day.
I love reading your blog and seeing where you write those books I love to read.
Congrats on finishing another book and thanks for taking time to share your beautiful, cozy office! Always enjoy seeing how you repurpose things.
Deb, I love your home! If the writing gig ever gets to be too much, you would be awesome at interior design!
Congrats on typing “THE END”!
Beautiful office, looks like an amazing place to work!
I love how simple and charming your office is. It is so bright and cheerful 🙂
I love your office and all the special stories about your accessories. Your book sounds great.
Love your office space. It is so warm and inviting. I would also love to read your book.
I really love your light and cozy work space. I thoroughly enjoy your books.
Home at last… great title. I’d love to receive a copy to read & the donate to my public library. I’m thankful for all the Christian authors it shows that America is not a despicable country. I’m thankful for our freedoms.
It’s perfect, I would spend my days there too. Your home is beautiful thanks for sharing it with us.
Oh. My. Gosh. I absolutely love your office!
What a cute writer space Deborah 🙂 I bet you find lots of inspiration there!
Thanks for sharing it with us and the giveaway chance.
Love your pictures. I see you love coffee cups as much as I do!! I just keep collecting them!!!
I love your office but my favorite part is the window sill with the orchids and the view outside.
I love your office. In fact, I love every photo you post of your inviting home, deck and yard!
I can’t help but notice that various shades of turquoise are found in your office. From the bodies of water of your globe to the little turquoise dish on your desk. Turquoise is becoming my new favorite color.
Thanks for sharing your special place! I love the blue door, library cart and the menu/postcard holder! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Loved the tour of your office.
Your office is decorated so pretty. It has a calm, relaxing and organized feel to it. Lovely!
I love your office, it is so light and beautiful. I like that your surround yourself with things you love. In my study I have a lot of things I love and often it is looks like the drop off area for everything!Thanks for sharing! And thanks for being inspired to write!
Thanx for sharing the tour. Your office is quite charming, and personalized to you. Thanx for the giveaway!!!!!
AND THE WINNER OF A COPY OF HOME AT LAST IS: Cele LeBlanc.
Cele, if you’ll email me at debraney@mac.com, I’ll let you know how to get your book! Congratulations!
And thank you again to everyone who posted such encouraging comments!
I love that you shared this personal look into your creative space. I enjoyed the tour and hearing how the space evolved. It’s a beautiful room that I feel anyone could find some inspiration in, especially knowing the history of so much of the pieces in it.
I do have to say, I know I commented on the coffee bar with the mugs when I saw it in person, but that is still my favorite thing there! I love coffee/tea mugs. There is something so warm and inviting about them and I feel you can tell a lot about someone in their choice of mugs. Especially their favorite one!
Excited about the giveaway, I’m slowly acquiring each of the books in the series, so having the last one would be incredible. I won’t start the series until I have them, I’m such a binge reader, and I have learned the hard way that for me it’s better to have them all before I start. Haha
I love the window sill filled with plants. A perfect piece of the outdoors!
Thank you for showing us around your office. I love your coffee center. Thanks for your most generous giveaway.
I had to use a magnifying glass to see it, but I was thrilled to notice that your to-do list says “mail a copy of Home at Last to Terrie Todd.”
Terrie, you nut! Made me LOL! 😉
Hi Deborah! Your special creative space shows me that you have that special something and take the time to reach out to each one of us through your writing. Thank you.
I especially like your sunny window and changing seasons ~ both within and without; orchids without artificial light! Thank you for sharing your creative spaces and memory loves around you. Kathleen
You wouldn’t believe how many photos of your home I have in my decorating photo album on my iPad, Deborah! I love the little treasures in every nook and cranny of your beautiful office and I can see why you spend so much time there. Hugs to you!