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Many
people imagine a writer's studio to be an oak-lined room in a
Georgian House; with shlves of books rising up to the ceiling.
In fact, so do I, and if I can ever afford it that is exactly the
kind of room I intend to have.
Instead, when I arrived in
Shaoyang, the University were so impressed they fitted out an entire
flat to be my office. I've occupied one room, which is
pictured here, and have an interview room next door. It's all
clean, simple and very minimalist, which is probably what a writer
needs; because, like Chatwin, who found he could never write at
home, I have a fear that my oak-panelled Georgian office would probably be too cosy
and satisfying to ever write in.
For writing I like to surround
myself with some favourite pictures. The picture above the
desk is an antique painting I picked up in a village somewhere, and
I call him The Venerable Scholar, which Chinese friends agree is a good
enough name.
He's mid sentence, pausing on
a word, and when I find myself in the same position I look
up to him for consolation.
I also collect all kinds of
quotes, descriptions and ideas on index cards and pin those up
around my room. When I sit down to write a new chapter I pick
ones that I think will be useful or relevant and pin those up on the
desk in front of me - and use them like point-to-points.
Inspiration is an irregular
and untimely visitor. As well as pictures and music, I find
good tea (jasmine) and incense (sandalwood) helps it come. But
then lots of writing is less inspiration than slog.
   
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