What is a writing desk?

A writer is nothing without a few accessories. Back in the day a writer needed a good quill, ink, and parchment. These days a writer just needs a computer and a printer with ink. In between the two were printing presses, typewriters, and the classic pen and paper, much like quill and parchment. While all of these have been detrimental to writers through the generations, there is one other thing all writers have had at some point.

A writing desk. It is true that not all writers have a true desk of their own, but I imagine they have all used a desk at one point or another. A desk, after all, could be one in a classroom or a study, a dining room table or computer desk; a desk could be the writer's own lap, or a piece of land, bed, a floor in a desolated spot. A desk is not always pieces of wood put together and kept in a room designated for writing of some nature-- a desk, in itself, is unique to each and every writer.


I have had many desks in my short 21 years: my lap, the floor, dining tables, coffee tables, side tables, kitchen counters, beds, the ground, play grounds, porches, chairs, music stands, pianos, stairs-- you name it and I have probably used it to balance a notebook or piece of paper on. I suppose being creative with desks goes with the creativity of being a writer, but I must confess I have always wanted a real desk of my own.

I cannot tell you the first time I thought or dreamt it. To be fair, I've been more more adamant about it lately, but I do believe God gave me this want well before I was born. Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted a secretary desk. Something so personal it would only make sense for me to use it. No one else would sit or linger at it because they'd feel as though they were intruding. That is what I always wanted. In middle school and high school I knew it was too much to ask for, and to be honest it was a want I kept to myself up until this year. As I've been getting closer and closer to my college graduation, I've been looking for ways to feel and ultimately be an accomplished writer. While I may not get something published until I'm 50, I want an atmosphere or world to escape to that is entirely my own to be a writer in.


Earlier this summer our office/guest room went under construction to become my writing room. The dreadful red-pink walls were painted an Evening Glow, the old twin bed was tossed out and replaced by a comfy pink chair, and the hutch of our monstrous desk was transformed in to a personal bookshelf. The room, or at least half of it, officially became mine, but something was still missing. I found myself using the computer desk chair as my desk, and that's when I realized that my writing room was missing a writing desk.

My husband had previously built us a coffee table, and I waited for the perfect opportunity to request a writing desk. I decided that since my coming graduation had sparked the writing room, I could use it as the reason for the desk as well. On a day where I was somewhat down in the dumps, I decided I would bring it up and ask if he would build me a writing desk as a graduation present. He immediately went to work.

With the coffee table I was more of a nuisance than a help, but with the desk thus far I've done my best to be positively involved. I've gone to Lowe's every time to help select wood and understand what each piece is for; I've offered my opinion and advice on the design, since it is to be mine. Last, but not least, I have made sure every particular detail about the color and hardware involved is for me to handle. Monday of this week we went to two different Lowe's and a Benjamin Moore store to find the perfect stain. While I wish to give nothing away, I shall tell you it is unique ad not the Mahogany my husband wanted to stain it. Then, Wednesday afternoon, we were able to put the first coat of stain on the base structure, a process I willingly helped with. It's going to be positively perfect.

Lewis Carroll, in regards to countless inquiries about the Hatter's riddle ("Why is a raven like a writing desk?") in "Alice in Wonderland," wrote, "Because it can produce a few notes, though they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front!" In response to his response I can only reply that I hope the notes which I write on my writing desk are none too flat, but are the makings of a real writer.