If you're a writer, whether of fiction or nonfiction, you probably face more challenges than the average entrepreneur. You most likely work at home, which sounded great until you actually started doing it. Working where you live lends itself to a plethora of obstacles.
1. Distraction. there's always an excuse not to sit down at the notebook or keyboard: the baseboards need dusted. The plants need repotted. The phone never stops ringing. Something is always luring you away from your desk, and you find yourself working more hours and getting less done because of the interruptions.
2. Guilt. If you're a fiction writer trying to get published, this can be especially problematic. Your practical mind may whisper to you, "What's the point? You're not getting paid. You have no talent. You'll never break through." Because of the endless chores surrounding you at your home writing space, you may find yourself putting off writing until absolutely everything is done. And it never is. So you never write.
3. Isolation. Connecting with other writers, editors, publishers and agents is crucial to your career, not to mention your mental health. With all the electronic opportunities to get in touch right at our fingertips, face-to-face contact is rare, and therefore more impactful than ever before.
4. Lack of inspiration. It's hard to get inspired staring at the same four walls, day after day.
An option worth considering? Working at a virtual office in the city a day or two each week. Think you can't afford it? Think again!
The advantages of leasing a virtual office, executive suite or serviced office in a downtown area near your home (but not too near) are legion:
An affordable work space. Since you're not leasing by the month, it's unbelievably cost-effective. You're not tied to a long-term lease, you're not paying for utilities, and there are services you can't get at home -- like a prestigious office address to put on your writer's business card, use of a conference room as well as wi-fi, copiers, faxes and other office equipment. Often there's a kitchen involved -- one you don't have to clean up all by yourself. And your productivity will no doubt soar, making it worth the cost and then some.Concentration and focus. Without home chores (and home worries) to distract you, you'll be able to focus solely on writing, and you may get more done knowing that you're investing money in your writing career.Professional image. You'll take your writing more seriously if you work at a professional address in an office that doesn't have a bunkbed or water heater in it.New surroundings. Being able to look out over city streets in all seasons can work wonders on your inspiration. It worked for Hemingway. It can work for you.Networking opportunities. Check with the building management to see if you can host writing meetups or critique groups in your serviced office. And beyond meeting with other writers, you'll be meeting people of other professions within the building. They may know someone in the industry or even serve as inspiration for characters.An executive suite, virtual office or serviced office may be just what you need to take your writing to a whole new level. And you'll probably be closer to Starbucks.
Nathan Jansch is owner and president of The Boardroom Executive Suites in Denver, Colo., which provides office space, virtual office services, conference room rentals, telephone answering, and other services and amenities to small and medium sized businesses. To compare executive suites to traditional office space or subleases, visit the Boardroom Executive Suites website. Read the Denver Office News blog for helpful business news and advice, financial and real estate news, and working green tips.
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This article has been viewed 8 time(s). Article Submitted On: October 27, 2010
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