WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK?

ALLISON 
         BRENNAN

My desk changes each day.

I have five kids and therefore no private space to write. Technically, my desk is in the living room, framed by bookshelves bursting with stories I no longer have time to read. This desk, on which I rarely write, has children's artwork, a scanner, my calendar, research books, bills and paper. Everywhere paper. I should have bought stock in Weyerhauser years ago.

My favorite thing about my desk are the pictures above it--my husband had my six book covers beautifully framed in dark red mahogany, which is the décor of my dream office (which will hopefully be a reality next year.) The covers inspire me, especially when I begin to panic. They remind me that my dream has come true.

But like I said, I rarely write at my desk. I have a laptop and I take it with me everywhere. When the kids are at school, I go out to write. There are too many distractions at home.

In the mornings I write at Panera Bread or Starbucks. I like the atmosphere of Panera--the comfy chairs, the wide tables, the fireplace, carpet and lighting. On that desk is an "everything" bagel with plain cream cheese and a triple nonfat caramel latte. I like their big mugs. When I'm at Starbucks it's always a quad venti nonfat no whip mocha. Panera is relaxing; Starbucks feels more like work. Sometimes I need that! I always have my laptop, a small notebook to jot down things I don't want to forget (but, ironically, I rarely look at again), my cell phone (in case there's an emergency with the kids), and often a research book if I know I'm going to be needing to look something up. 

In the early afternoon I usually end up at home or at Chili's where I sit at a high table in the bar which is ergonomically perfect for typing (go figure!) I need the break. At that time, what's on my desk is food. And laptop, because I edit what I wrote in the morning.

When I'm on a tight deadline, I even leave the house at night to write. My favorite place is a historical brewpub in my hometown. I have my favorite table with pictures of historic Elk Grove under glass. On this desk is a pint of dark beer, either the porter or the red, and my notepad.

My desk is everywhere and nowhere. As long as I have my best friend, my laptop--and in dire circumstances, even pen and paper--I have a desk and the stories escape.

Chester Drawers - drawers designed by Chester.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
(1998)

Written by:
Marc Norman
Tom Stoppard


Starring:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Joseph Fiennes

Young Shakespeare, broke and  blocked, meets a woman who inspires him to write his most famous play, Romeo and Juliet. 

A MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF WRITING

In 1989, a day after his wedding, a young groom awoke to the bright beautiful smile of his blushing bride.

“Do you love me?” she asked.

“Of course I do,” he whispered. 

“Well good. Then you're going to do something for me.”

“Yes ma'am.” 

He obediently donned his wedding tuxedo while she slipped into her wedding dress. Armed with wedding cake, video and untouched corsage and boutonniere, the happy couple hopped into the car. They drove to the bride’s grandparents, who had been too sick to attend the wedding.

Surprised, the elderly couple welcomed them inside. They pinned on the aromatic flowers, ate wedding cake and watched the taped ceremony. They held hands, flirted with each other and told the young couple how, sixty years ago, they had met and fallen in love. 

The groom, who also happened to be a writer, couldn’t get these two extraordinary people out of his mind. He considered their relationship not only a wonderful example, especially to a newly-married couple, but a wonderful love story to share with the world. 

Two days after Nicholas Sparks’ agent sent The Notebook to publishers, it sold for one million dollars. 

OUR CURRENT CONTEST

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