Stay Cool, Stay Creative: Setting Up Your Perfect Summer Writing Spot

Summer is just around the corner, and as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to step away from the comfort of your favorite cozy cafe or indoor office space, and embrace what the season has to offer. Some of the world’s most famous authors did their best work away from an office space, so don’t hesitate to try something different to spark your creativity.

As a writer, hardly anything can be more inspiring than the beauty of nature. Being able to step outside and let your creativity flow can help you feel like you’re getting a fresh start, or give you that boost you need to get over a creative slump.

While there’s nothing wrong with bringing a notebook or your laptop and finding a shady spot under a tree to write, if you really want to take advantage of the nice weather and write outside as often as possible, consider setting up a designated spot for your work with a few simple upgrades and additions.

Create Your Happy Place

The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating the perfect summer writing spot. Take a look at your existing backyard for inspiration. What can you do to transform it into the ultimate writing location? From a practical standpoint, you’ll need to factor in things like lighting, temperature, and shade. Where does the sun hit at certain times of the day? Will you be able to stay comfortable or will things be too distracting?

Investing in things like a pergola or shade to keep you safe from the sun can be a good place to start. Comfortable and practical furniture is also important. For a writing space outside, consider some of the following pieces:

• A table or desk
• A chair or loveseat
• Cushions
• Globe lights
• A patio table for lunch breaks
• A screen for bug control

With practicalities out of the way, don’t be afraid to think about the things that would provide you with even more inspiration and comfort. Consider a Bluetooth speaker if you like to listen to music while you write. Or, keep a mini fridge nearby so you can enjoy a cold beverage while you take a break.

If you want to enjoy an alternative writing space but don’t want to be completely surrounded by the elements, consider switching things up with a shed, sunroom, or screen tent. These locations can give you the feel of being somewhere new, especially with plenty of windows and screens to enjoy the outdoors, while protecting you from weather and wildlife.

Comfort Is Key

You’re not going to be able to fully tap into your creativity if you’re struggling to find relief from the hot summer sun. Your happy place should be unique, and if that means writing in the backyard on a sunny day, that’s exactly what you should do. But, make sure you’re prioritizing your well-being, first, or being outside will be more distracting than comforting.

Make sure you have a place to go where you can cool off. If you’re writing in the yard, that could be as simple as heading inside to enjoy the air conditioning for a while. Now is the time to make sure your air conditioning unit is working properly. If it isn’t, or you know your existing one is on its last leg, consider investing in a new one. There are plenty of reasons not to buy a used AC. A new one will give you fewer mechanical issues and is likely to come with a warranty. You don’t want maintenance issues disrupting your writing.

Enhance Your Inspiration

There’s no denying the beauty of the great outdoors in the summer. The grass is green, the trees are full, and sounds of nature are all around you. But, if you’re going to transform your outdoor space into the perfect summer writing spot, it’s worth it to invest in lawn care and landscaping practices that will turn your backyard into a picturesque space.

As you decide to care for your yard, choose eco-friendly practices that will keep you from breathing in potential toxins, especially if your writing spot is on the lawn. Some of the easiest ways to turn your backyard into a summer place without harming the environment include:

• Utilizing native plants
• Composting
• Mulching
• Avoiding pesticides
• Collecting and using rainwater

There are so many benefits to eco-friendly lawn practices. Reducing chemical use will keep the planet healthier, and will reduce the risk of you, your family, or your pets getting sick when they spend time in the grass. You’ll also encourage wildlife and beneficial insects that can keep away pests that might try to destroy your plants. You’ll also create a space you can feel good about, knowing you’re giving back to the environment. There’s no right or wrong way to build the perfect summer writing spot. With a little time and a few additions, you can spark creativity and enjoy the sunshine while letting your words flow freely.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.