I also don't have a dedicated space. Since the pandemic started, my work computer has taken over my desk, leaving no room to work comfortably on my personal one. (And we won't talk about hoe my husband commandeers my Mac as if it were his.)

It's funny you mentioned smudging because my sage sits on my desk, along with other ritualistic items used for clearing a space. And my shaman told me last week to start writing. She said "Spirit is practically yelling at you to write, so go write."

Thanks! Yes, self-compassion (in all aspects, not just writing) is my lifelong journey. It has helped so much. I can only imagine you having to write all day, then come home and be too burned out to do any writing for yourself! Very frustrating! You have a great deal on your plate! Yet, another reason to be gentle with yourself and your writing practice!

Well, I think I was envisioning a journaling practice, something along the lines of the "Morning Pages" idea. If I do no other writing that day, I usually am able to do one page of journaling, if nothing else. I honestly think journaling frequently can help any writer a great deal. There are so many benefits to your writing (and to your mental health) that they are too numerous to list here. I agree that we shouldn't put pressures on writers and suspect I considering the daily journaling practice to be included in that writing effort.

Cindy, I totally agree that we need to form habits and practice to be good writers.

But honestly, I'm not sure "write every day" should be every author's goal. Some just cannot do that, and telling them they must can create unnecessary guilt. Plus, there are plenty of successful authors who write in concentrated spurts and then take total breaks in between books. (A really great read on the habits of various authors is Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Stodola.)

"Doing something related to writing every day" has become more of my goal than actually writing. That might involve thinking about my characters or doing some book research or what-have-you, but I don't write every single day.

I love the idea of making sure it's a space that promotes your health too! Very important goal. Hope you enjoy the standing desk. That's on my wish list too.

I'm like that too! Even if it's small space, I need it to be my own.

Yeah, this pandemic has made it particularly difficult for some to have a productive workspace. Hang in there!

Wonderful! We're building a house (which won't be ready for a while), so I've been doing a lot of thinking about how to make my office that kind of space.

I write a lot in my "day job" and sometimes this makes me avoid writing for non-work / pleasure - if you see what I mean?!
I do really want to write (for me) daily but at the mo am only managing about 3-4 times a week. I have enjoyed your comment and plan to remind myself to be a bit kinder to myself - you have summed me up!