How can anything about your writing be organized if you don’t have a place to write? A place to store your records and resources? Today, I’m sharing with you how I’ve organized my writing space.

Ten years ago, when I first started writing for publication, I set up my computer and file cabinet in an unused upstairs bedroom. I could hide out in there and work undisturbed. However, it was too inconvenient to the rest of the house. I had to go downstairs frequently for breaks, household chores, and just plain interruptions.

Finally, I bought a desk for our den, thinking I could work on the computer and not be far from my other responsibilities while writing. The biggest challenge with this plan was where to put supplies and reference materials. I still wanted the room to be a den, but I needed to have handy storage.

My solutions for:

• Files: The desk has one file drawer, not quite enough for all my writing files. I bought a couple of portable file boxes, very cheap, and use them for overflow or special projects files. These go underneath the desk, out of sight.
• Books: A seven-shelf bookcase matching the desk provides ample space for books. Since a bookcase is often considered proper furnishing for a den, nobody suspects it’s really office storage.
• Supplies: My desk has a couple of small drawers but not enough space for all my supplies. I already had an antique secretary-style desk in my den. I stash some supplies inside and store reference books on the shelves underneath. For my printer stand and additional storage, I found an inexpensive magazine rack at an antique store. My inkjet printer and scanner sit on top. Underneath, I put a plastic drawer set, also cheap, where I store small supplies. Printer paper, envelopes, and other printing supplies go in the side pockets and around the drawer set. This is in a corner behind the desk, so it is not even visible to someone walking through the room.
• Overflow storage: Over time, my file space and book storage proved to be inadequate. I left my four-drawer file cabinet in the bedroom upstairs to be used as an archive. Periodically, I cull my downstairs files and take them upstairs. I also have a bookcase upstairs where I store books that I don’t use often.

Photos from my den/office are on Flickr here. Not pictured in the room are two recliners with side tables and a TV-entertainment center. I’m just steps from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. I still have the interruptions, but they don’t take as long to “neutralize.” I have a small folding table that I can pull up to the desk if I need space to spread reference materials while writing.

Other articles on workspace organization at the following links:

• Rachelle Gardner, literary agent
• Christina Grantham on Ehow
• Sharon Hunt on Suite 101

I welcome comments from readers if you have workspace organizing tips to share.

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This is the first installment in a series of posts in the category, Get Organized. The content will be included in my workshop session, “Get Organized and Sell Your Work,” at Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, June 11-12.