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Where Stories Are Made is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It’s where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals. My guest today is the lovely Jaye Wells…
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I’ve written lots of places. When I first started, it was in a Starbucks while my then-toddler son attended a mother’s day out. I’ve written on planes, in cars and even on park benches. But now that I’m a full-time writer, most of my work happens in my home office.
Since I spend a lot of time staring at words on-screen, I bought a large monitor to hook up to my Mac. This makes hours of revising text or scrolling through hundreds of pages much, much easier on my eyes. The stack to the right consists of random Post-Its, research books, my check book for bill paying, and notebooks filled with story notes. Tacked to the wall next to Buddah–who is supposed to remind me not to panic–are quotes by David Milch, Robert Penn Warren and a poem by Charles Bukowski called “Bluebird.” Some fun items on the desk include a container of Chinese Fortune Sticks, a pen holder my son bought me for Christmas and two gris-gris bags I bought on a recent trip to New Orleans–one for creativity and another for success, happiness and good health. The desk is located next to a window for my frequent wool-gathering sessions.
My desk
On the opposite side of the room, I have a smaller desk and my collection of research and writing craft books. This surface is the one I use when I need to get away from the computer. Besides the books, my favorite items on the shelves include a bobblehead money wearing a fez, gargoyle figurines, a sign that read “She was armed with intuition and the fearless courage to act,” and a book-scented candle (yes, really, it smells just the fresh hardback pages). You might also notice the large pink ball tucked under the desk. A few months ago, I pinched a nerve in my upper back, which cause numbness in the fingers of my right hand. A scary proposition for someone who spends so much time sitting and typing. Fellow writer Nicole Peeler inspired me to try the yoga ball. And you know what? She was totally right. It helps with my posture AND it’s fun to bounce while I work.
My research shelves
In between my two desks are my main book cases. Unlike the other shelves, these contain the bulk of my book collection for pleasure reading. Being the generous wife I am, I allowed my husband to take three shelves for his books. His shelves are far more organized and neat than my own (He’s a virgo. I’m an Aries. Enough said.) Of course, these aren’t all our books. We have big stacks everywhere in the house. In between the two tallest towers is a feather wreath I bought at Halloween last year. It’s amazing how many things other people consider Halloween decoration I use for every day decor. My favorite nick-knack on these cases is a reed diffuser my husband bought me for Christmas. It keeps my office smelling like jasmine, which reminds me of a trip we took to Tuscany last year.
My bookcases
So that’s my main office. My second office is actually my patio. We have a large table out there where I spend a lot of time working when the weather gets warmer. I didn’t take a picture because right now my backyard is in the awkward in-between stage where it’s warm enough but my grass still looks like hay. But you’ll to trust me when I say that one of my favorite things is to write out there at night with my chiminea burning pinion wood. I try to limit these outdoor sessions because the chairs are hell on my back.
My office mate
I’ll leave you with a picture of my coworker, Oscar Wilde One Wells. His job mainly consists of sleeping on the futon or the patio while I write. Occasionally, he’ll rise from his throne to bark at passers-by or the UPS man. But mostly, it’s the napping. As you can see, he doesn’t appreciate having his hard work interrupted. He’s grumpy, but he’s a whiz at plotting so I think I’ll keep him around.
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Red-Headed Stepchild: in stores now
The Mage in Black: in stores now
Green-Eyed Demon: March 2011
You can find out more about this feature HERE
**Next week on ‘Where Stories Are Made’: Marianne de Pierres**
15 Comments
I am so nosey so I love posts like this!!
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Agree with Dot. I love these posts!
And I really love the feather wreath, Jaye. But yeah, I have way to much Halloween decoration in apt the whole year, too. o_O But I love it that way!
Thanks for letting us take a look!
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I love knowing where authors write too. It's so interesting!
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I love her "mate" so cute. Yoga ball?
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It is so nice to "see" the place where all the wonderful words are put into place for the books. You should have showed us the patio Jaye, hay has character!
Oscar is very much a "cool and cute" companion for your writing and love the fact that you have a beautiful bright space to work both inside and out, makes it easier to enjoy what you are working on..
Thanks for sharing Carolyn and Jaye, love to read these posts…
jackie b central texas
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Jaye…what a great writing environment! I especially love your inspiring Buddah and most of all your assistant, Oscar Wilde One Wells. I hope you are paying him a handsome salary. Sleeping and barking are not for the faint of heart.
Another great post, Carolyn! Thanks so much….
Penny
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I can't tell you how much I love this feature of yours! Seeing an author's writing space is like getting a glimpse of what's going on inside their heads! I love it!
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Jaye, I love Oscar Wilde One Wells. He seems a very devoted office mate and plotter. And he looks very comfy in the pic.
I'm with SusiSunshine – - I like the feather wreath as well.
Your writing environment looks very inspired. I may try a yoga ball myself when working!
Thanks, again, BCC for this delightful weekly feature!
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I love these posts! It's so great seeing where the authors I love work and getting another peak into their personalities. Love that Buddah painting!
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Hi everyone – thanks so much for stopping by and making Jaye feel welcome! I'm so pleased you're still enjoying the feature
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what a great writing space! Thank you for sharing this with us by posting it.
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I also love knowing where authors write. I am trying to get my novel some exposure, and truly appreciate reading authors who have, and how they have done so. Thank you
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I just wonder if the Boxer snores. I know my doberman does! LOL Cute.
Love the Mac set-up too. Thanks for letting us take a glimpse!
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I love the office mate! He is adorable. I think I am going to have to think on using the yoga ball myself. That sounds like a wonderful idea! I do love the face painting above the desk, amazing! Thank you for sharing the great works space!
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Jaye, I am fascinated to see where authors work and all the little things that make them interesting.
I wish my office look so good. I have just started setting it up and have a long way to go.
I love your co-writer..He is adorable.
I have 3 cats who insist on helping me ck blogs and other things. But sometimes they jump into my lap and delete or cancel what I am doing. I could put them out of the room but then they keep knocking on the door so it is easier to leave them in and just try to watch out for when they decide to jump into my lap. LOL
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
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