What Five Kittens and a Cat Taught Me

When our son moved downstairs, I took over his bedroom and renovated it into my writing space. I justified it by calling it an office and a guest room.

This room became my place of bliss. Especially when COVID hit, and I needed somewhere to hide for Zoom meetings, online conferences, and virtual writing gatherings. With a big window, a calming colour palette, pleasant lighting, and an ergonomic desk and chair, my room was always inviting. The small touches helped as well, like having my spare computer plug sitting ready and waiting, making it super easy to plunk myself down. My mood can always be met as I can lounge on the cushioned couch/guest bed or lean back on the perfectly sized recliner.

When a cat in need presented to my veterinary practice, pregnant with nowhere to have her kittens, I volunteered to bring her home. Unfortunately, the only open space for her to take up residence was my writing room. I cleared away my personal belongings, set up a cat litter, removed the soft furniture and covered my luxurious rug with mats and sheets.

There are times when being in a room alone isn’t best for my inspiration, however, having a welcoming space to be creative is essential. I enjoy writing in a busy café or restaurant, but in the end, I found I took my dedicated writing space for granted. Once the new momma had moved in, my writing had to move out.

After a short period, my office became overrun with five kittens and a mothering cat. Two long months later, when the kittens were ready to be vaccinated and sent off into their new homes, my writing haven had been all but destroyed. Kittens (and cat litter) have a way of getting into everything.

Not having a place to retreat, to ponder, and to draft has been detrimental to my writing habits. In the past, even if I couldn’t mold my schedule to meet my writing-goal time commitments, if I had a few precious moments to edit or write new, it was easy and convenient to pull up to my computer, plug in and quickly begin.

Now, without my dedicated room, I’ve been jostling for a position on our busy kitchen table. My attention constantly being stolen by the television, kids looking for their lost shoe, unfolded laundry beckoning for attention and the flashing light on the dishwasher telling me the dishes are ready to unload.

 

 

I have missed my writing space, but I’ve also learned some valuable lessons.

1. Having a space with good air flow and inviting lighting will inspire you to stick around.
2. Keep your spare charging cord set up on the desktop, so you can plug in without extra steps.
3. A tidy desktop is generally more inspirational. Take a moment to straighten up. This will also give you the time to organize your thoughts.
4. Get a comfortable chair! Mine is a high-end gaming chair. Toss a pretty shawl over it and it suits the mood just fine. Plunk a foot stool down and now my chiropractor is happy.
5. Keep your writing goals posted where you can see them!
6. Set up a library. Seeing your favourite author’s work on the shelf–the books that inspired you to tell your own story and craft it better–will remind you of your dream outcome… to be published.
7. Turn off the television! And for goodness’ sake, keep the chores in another room. Don’t leave around baskets of laundry or stacks of bills in the space where you plan to be creative.
8. Thinking about writing and actually writing are two very different things. Everything you can do to remove the barriers to your writing time will help. Have a spot that is always waiting and ready for you.
9. A comfortable chair and a cozy blanket never hurt. (Don’t forget your coffee or hot cocoa!) Lean into your own definition of pampering. Remember – WE LOVE WRITING!

In conclusion, #10. find gratitude.

I took my writing nook for granted. Be grateful for whatever time you can carve out and make the most of it. Set up a space that’s special to you and guard it. I’m glad I was able to share my home (and my writing haven) to save the life of a cat in need, but next time—because let’s be honest, this is who I am and there will be a next time—I’m going to set them up in the garage!