Books
10 Art Prints to Hang in Your Writing Space For A Visual Pep Talk
Writers get a bad rap for being lonely, antisocial, angsty, and a little too pale from years spent toiling in a dark office, lit only by the blue glow of a grubby laptop. The truth? It's all 100 percent true. And do you know why? Because you cannot get a single damn thing done if you don't shut up everyone and everything. So, shhhh. Writing in progress over here.
In the absence of actual social interaction, here are 10 stunning art prints to keep you company in your writing space. Think of them as your personal pep talk for when you're deep in the word-weeds and can't hack yourself out.
Don't Give Up Now
This is the print that should go right above your desk or next to your office door. Every time you feel frustrated and just want to slam that laptop shut and stomp out of that room, this print will be there to talk you off the ledge.
Image: spellandtell
Write Drunk; Edit Sober
I’m not sure that writers need more encouragement to booze away their bookish woes, but you know what? Nothing will loosen you up to write that terrible first draft like a little bit of liquor. Just make sure you hang this print by your bar, so you remember to take (actually not) Hemingway’s advice and save the editing for the morning. Also, drink some water, you lush.
Image: whiskerprints
Write Whatever You Darn Well Please
Really. It’s easy to forget that we can write whatever the heck we want in this country. So sit yourself down, salute this Kurt Vonnegut print, and enjoy those First Amendment rights every day.
Image: Parachute425
Fitzgerald on Saying Something
What do you want to say? It’s an easy question to overlook, but forgetting to suss out why you’re writing can lead you deep into the woods of pointlessness. This print will remind you to never forget the forest for the trees in your writing.
Image: The Bookworm Prints
Anne Lamott on Terrible First Drafts
Let’s begin at the beginning, with a terrible first draft. If Anne Lamott allows herself to ditch the expectations on her first round, then you are most definitely granted permission to spew nonsense on your initial pages. This pretty (and free!) print will remind you to just start.
Image: cooks&books
To Write is Might
According to highly legitimate sources, ”The pen is mightier than the sword” is a metonymic adage indicating that communication, or in some interpretations, administrative power or advocacy of an independent press, is a more effective tool than direct violence.” In other words, smack some bullies around with your prose, you newly empowered nerd. This blunt print will remind you to keep your words and your wit razor sharp.
Image: CornerChair
Let Inspiration Spark
Sometimes, you just need to take a break from plotting and go freewheeling into a session of free writing. Keep this print around to remind you that writing can be fast and loose and fun sometimes.
Image: Christy Ann Martine
Seriously, now.
Oh, so you like your writing advice bold, direct, and happy-shouted at you? Well, this is the print for you! Because, really. Just. Do. It.
Yay, You Wrote a Novel!
Huzzah — you’ve done it! Now make sure you take a good long, leisurely while to celebrate the fact that you’ve polished off the first draft of your manuscript. Once you’re done running up and down the street and shrieking “YAAAYYY!” it’s time to get down to revising. This bright print will remind you of all the euphoric moments of the journey, even when your publishing skies may be gray.
Image: CarolineCreates
Kerouac on Simplicity
Kerouac is right–simple is best. Hang this print at eye sight as you transition into editing your work, to remind you to prune away every word and phrase that doesn’t serve a purpose.
Image: Rabbit Hole Art
