I love being surrounded by my library wall of reference, decorating, organizing, business and inspirational books that I have collected over many years. I ordinarily read from 1 - 3 books a week, and have done so since I was a child.

Having my favorite magazines nearby also helps me tap my writing muse. My biggest writing joy was when long-time editor of Cottage Style magazine, Barbara Jacksier, called to hire me to write for the magazine.
 

Sometimes I get comfy and write in my sunny living room, where I can sink down in my floral sofa and put my feet up with a cup of tea. Having my favorite objects around motivates me, especially when I am writing about home and garden.

I am truly inspired by my favorite author, Alexandra Stoddard, and my hubby and I have visited her own cottage in Connecticut. I keep copies of all her autographed books and the notes she has written to me over the years on a buffet behind my sofa.

My Scottish Fold cat, Monique, a.k.a "La Princessa," never fails to help me out with my writing projects ... when she's not sleeping, that is!

And my black smoke Scottish Fold cat, Beau, is such a feline gentleman. He too, motivates me to write, as he provides plenty of humor with his cat antics!

I am very fortunate to be supported in my writing by my hubby of 25+ years, Steve. He is my "Mr. Fixit" and implements all the ideas I think of for our home decorating projects.
 

Steve is also the "numbers guy" for this "word lady." He acts as my accountant and tax advisor for my writing business. I often joke that together, we make one "normal" person; i.e. he's numbers and I'm words!

Sometimes I write at my dining table. Flowers give me joy!
 

My home office is where I do my adminstrative and business tasks vs. write.

A writing business requires keeping good files, and I have a large filing system I set up which I update regularly.

I work best when I am organized and I use baskets in my home office to store binders of my writing and research.  

Another favorite place to take my laptop and settle in to write is my outdoor patio. With a floral pillow and my loveseat, I'm in heaven!
 

My little patio table also serves as a sunny writing spot and I love being around my favorite flea market garden objects that I've collected.

The fountain hubby Steve installed for us in the corner of our patio garden provides a soothing sound when I am stressed from a writing deadline.

My pink beach cottage sign from my decorating colleague Brooke Fleming at Bella Rose Cottage makes me want to write about cottages!