A Writer's Mess

A New York Times article says that a messy desk can be inspiring. "Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition," Dr. Vohs and her co-authors conclude in the study, “which can produce fresh insights.”

I agree to a point, but sometimes the mess becomes a nuisance that I can’t ignore. I don’t understand why the rest of my house is clean and orderly, but the office is not. 

This time of year I like to organise my office and clear the clutter out of the way. I tell myself this action helps me write, but perhaps it’s just a distraction or another way to procrastinate. I’m sure my office looks like many other writers’ work spaces with large shelves crammed with books and magazines, several desks—because one might become too cluttered to work at—two file cabinets for my notes and supplies, and a comfortable chair where I can sit and read.  I won’t mention the closet that is crammed full of old manuscripts and games. 

I tackle one thing at a time. The main wood desk with my computer is cleared off and polished with a lemony scented cleaner. It sparkles and I return only the necessary items, such as pens, pencil, reading glasses and post-it sticky pads. 

Then I clear one book shelf at a time. I remove each book and decide if it’s a keeper or, if I can summon up the nerve, donate it to a used book shop. Same with the magazines, and it always surprises me how many I’ve kept over the past year. I skim through each one, looking for pages I might want to save. My favourites go back on the shelf and the others are tossed into the recycle bin.

The books on my shelves account for about ten percent of my collection. I have a second edition Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontё that smells of old leather and has yellowed pages. I have the entire collection of Agatha Christie’s novels, all paperbacks that I bought in the ‘70s and read while I took the subway to and from work. One day I intend to read them in chronological order. 

Of course, I have several dictionaries and books on grammar and editing. Stephen King’s On Writing is always at hand. I keep a stash of goodies in the lower cupboard so I don’t have to run downstairs if I want some trail mix or dark chocolate, preferably Godiva or Lindt. On the other side are my candles and incense, which I love to burn and inhale the inspiring essences. 

Keeping the office organised is a continuous chore that gives me great satisfaction. A messy desk does not inspire me to be creative. I guess I don’t want to break free of tradition.