Inspiration Station ( a.k.a. My Writing Desk)

Well, this post is my 50th post here at Sufficient Grace! While it's still a relatively small number, I think there's still cause for celebration! So, today I have put together a 'tour' of my writing desk and space, as well as some writing advice, and links that you can browse at your own pace. So, thank you for reading my blog! Pour yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy!

  

 

 This is it! My writing corner, my inspiration station. I have an 'everything' room on the bottom level of our two story home that is my craft and writing space combined. My craft (mainly scrap booking) supplies are in the other corner of this same room. It is not as pretty. In fact, it's almost always quite untidy! I desired for this writing space to be peaceful, clean, pretty (minus the lino) and just a place where I can slow down and breathe. Reflect. Create. Imagine. I do love this room!

 

 

The thing that I love the most about my desk area, is my pin board. It's the place where I keep Bible verses, inspirational quotes and photos of my hubbie and kids. There is also a recent photo of my Nana and myself there, she is just so precious. The 'Names of God' artwork I did years ago when I was wanting to learn more about them, I really like the reminder it now gives.

  

 

 This is what my desk looks like while in the process of doing Bible studies, compiling blog posts, going over conference notes and reading material etc. It gets messier. Much messier. The photo below is of the rocking chair that nestles into the corner of this room, providing the perfect spot to sit and gaze out the window onto our property. As you can see, Mr R looks quite comfy! 

 

 

What I write (although not yet published!):

• poetry
• songs
• children's stories
• novels (very excited to be working on a big one now!)
• journal entries/reflections  

  

 

 The Journals I keep:

• Quotes (as I find excellent quotes while reading I add them to this journal)
• Daily journal (events that happen each day - recording the 'life moments')
• Art journals/visual diaries (I have a few of these. I sketch in some, one I have for ideas, the other for creating artworks from when God has spoken something precious to me and the other one is like a 'collage' of memories)
• Personal (where I record prayers and answers, thoughts, concerns etc.)
• Writing Ideas (where I keep all the writing ideas that I have about stories, poems, songs, blog posts etc.)
• Sermon/conference Notes (where I write notes on Sunday and special events and then study further)   



 

   Mr R (and my other kids) are amazed at how many books I have (as you can see above! There are more in other bookshelves) I just love reading. It's something I've gently encouraged all my children to have a love of, and they all do!

The shelves on the wall hold some artworks from the kids, books and an artwork that my mum made for me of a 'Lily of the Valley' flower. The teddy bears were gifts from my man while we were dating.

 

 

 

 These are a series of books by Author, Lauraine Snelling ... they are brilliant! I love how she creates such real characters, they become like old friends! (I just ordered some of the series that I didn't know about, I'm a bit excited!) You can read about her here, or purchase her books here, or read her writing tips here. I have read and will re-read all of these again, and can't wait for my girls to read them too!

 

 

Advice I love and try my best to follow:

 

• There's a blessing in pressing into God (and writing as an outflow of that). Robert Fergusson. Robert is in leadership at Hillsong, and while the posts in the link aren't necessarily 'writing' focused, they are thought provoking and I have included them as examples of brilliance in the written word.
• Write everyday.
• Being teachable is fertile ground for creativity.
• Read a lot, Speak a lot, write a lot.
• Reading is fundamental.
• Excellence glorifies an excellent God.
• Quality comes with quantity.
• Challenge myself.
• Plant my gift at the foot of the cross.
• Do it all for the glory of God.  

 



 

 What inspires me to write:

• Reading new books (or any book!)
• Nature (especially when I have my camera in hand)
• Discussion and fellowship in Bible studies
• Hearing a really great sermon
• Family and friends
• My own personal quiet times
• Listening to music
• Worshipping God through singing
• Reading about other authors and their journey/tips etc.  

 

 

My favourite quotes on writing (or some that can apply to writing):

• "And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt". Sylvia Plath.
• "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart". William Wordsworth.
• "Great lives are made up of many little disciplines". Elizabeth George.
• "God is the perfect poet". Robert Browning.
• "You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream". C.S. Lewis.
• "The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books". Henry Wordsworth Longfellow.



Well I hope you have enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you!

What is it that inspires you to write the most? Do you have a favourite novel series that you just can't put down? I'd love to hear some of your favourite writing quotes too. Hope you have a great week, filled with lots of writing and inspiration!