Here it goes! I almost feel like I’m starting fresh with this blogging journey. That’s a strange feeling. The last time I published a blog here was in 2023. My first post was posted on March 25th, 2019, titled: “Why Would Anyone Care What I Have to Say?” That post originated from an insecure place about myself as a writer, which, thankfully, now feels unfamiliar to me.

Writing has truly become my lifestyle since that first post. I’ve written two Bible study books and a novel. Currently, I’m editing the second book and finishing the third in my series. It’s amazing to think I’ll publish two more books this year. Writing has been such a joy, but it brings some challenges. The biggest one is that I spend much more time on my computer and phone. Of course, we live in a digital age, and it’s almost impossible not to be online constantly. As an indie author, I spend a lot of time online, and surprisingly, it’s not all dedicated to writing. (I wish it were.)

While I still love using pen and paper—LOVE IT!—my writing process has changed over the past seven years. I used to do most of my brainstorming on paper before writing the blog on the computer. Over time, I began to use the computer for nearly all of my blog writing.

When I wrote my novel, I preferred pen and paper. I love pen and paper, did I mention that? After drafting on paper, I would type it into the computer. When it was time to edit, I would print out the pages, pick up the freshly printed papers—which I love holding—and sometimes even hug them. Then I would grab my red pen, my favorite black pen, my bright blue highlighter, along with both mini and regular Post-it notes, and settle into my recliner with my lap desk. As I edited my story, I would mark up the clean white pages. That’s probably my favorite part of my writing process, the editing and rewriting, expanding and fine-tuning the story.  That’s the moment I get so lost in the story, like I’m living in that world, similar to what I experience when I read.

Over time, however, I felt drawn to the computer, as if it had a magnetic pull. Eventually, I began drafting directly in Word, though I still printed copies to edit. Until the other day, I found myself editing in Word and realized it had become a habit I hadn’t even noticed. I had even printed the draft, with the stack of papers sitting next to me, but I still chose to edit on the computer. Strange, since I like pen and paper so much, right?

Then something significant happened. While scrolling through Instagram, I found an author named Austin Kleon sharing a reel of his studio featuring both a digital and an analog desk. This was a lightbulb moment for me. I had already arranged a small desk for my daily Bible study, since my main computer desk didn’t have enough space to spread out. This small desk was ideal for my Bible study with just my pencil cup, journal, notepad, and Bible, creating a simple and calm space.  Mr. Kleon mentioned that nothing digital was allowed on his analog desk, not even a phone, which made me realize what I needed to do in my office — move things around.

So, I called my husband, whom I affectionately call my mouse (the computer kind, not the other—ew), because I point and click, and he moves what I need. lol. (He’s better to me than I deserve.) After we planned the new setup, we began moving the items. He did the heavy lifting of the printer, computer, and monitor, and I carried the keyboard and mouse pad. When he lifted the monitor from my work desk, I felt like the air lifted and I could breathe easier. The space had been so cramped, and I hadn’t even realized it. We relocated the tech gadgets to the small desk. My main desk is now dedicated solely to analog use only. I call my handwriting desk. Since it’s a shared space with my husband, only half of it is completely digital-free—his side has his laptop, while my side is reserved for paper and pens.

Today is the first day of the new setup, and so far, everything is going well. Having desks in two separate areas of my office, rather than an L-shaped desk with a single chair, makes things interesting, but the arrangement is still evolving. The goal of this new setup is to develop a habit of handwriting and disconnecting from the digital world, and be more intentional with my digital time, not just mindless scrolling. 

That’s why I’m writing this blog today. On my first day in this new office space, after three years of silence, I was inspired to start blogging again. Having a dedicated digital desk has helped me focus on online tasks. Since I prefer to sit at my desk with my assortment of pens, various-sized notepads, and pretty paper, I am committed to completing my digital tasks quickly.

Rearranging my office has been eye-opening. I appreciate Mr. Kleon for inspiring me to divide the worlds and be intentional about my analog life. My strategy for balancing my writing life is to no longer sit at my handwriting desk or in the den, using my laptop or phone for online tasks. Instead, I’ll only sit at my digital desk when I need to be in the digital world.

I will keep blogging as I learn to balance my writing life. If you want to know more about the analog desk concept, check our Austin Kleon on Instagram; he has some great content.

***Update – it’s been three weeks since I drafted this new post. I love my new office set-up even more.  It’s helping me work so much more efficiently. 

Until next time,