There are many of us authors out in the world, but we all have our different styles, backgrounds, and processes. I love getting to talk to other writers to see what makes them tick! I recently got a chance to do just that with Barbori Garnet, author of Home at the Office: Working Remotely as a Way of Life.
What inspired you to start writing about working from home?
I was inspired to start writing about working from home because I wanted to share the things I had learned along the way. In addition, I wanted to let readers know that working remotely could provide them with more flexibility in their schedule and freedom in their life.
As I wrote my book, I began to realize that I also wanted to inspire others by sharing the work experiences of other remote workers as well as the variety – in size, shape, color, décor, and more – found in home offices. This led me to include interviews with remote workers and photos of home office spaces.
The coronavirus pandemic has obviously put quite a few more people at home instead of at the office. Do you think this is a trend that will continue even as restrictions lift?
As restrictions lift, I think that the trend of working from a home office will continue as there are many benefits to it such as time saved commuting and less office space needed by companies. However, I also think that hybrid work will be another option that more people may start to incorporate for their work. With hybrid work, people can work from home and work in an office for two or three days a week. This would give people the best of both worlds – working remotely and in-person interaction with colleagues and clients.
What’s your favorite thing on your desk?
When it comes to my favorite things on my desk, those would be fresh flowers, a special pencil case that I have had for many years, the notebook that I have on the go at the moment, and reference books. In addition to my favorite things, my desk also has what I call the “essentials” – a phone, lamp, laptop, pen, and notepad for taking notes and making lists.
Do you have another book in the works?
I do have a few ideas for other books with some initial ideas and rough drafts in progress. As I like writing non-fiction, it is most likely that my next book will be non-fiction, too. I might have more information in January on another book in the works so that might be a good time to check in again!
What are you reading right now?
I have a few books on the go at this time but I thought I would share books I have read earlier this year. Some of the books that I have enjoyed reading are The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict, Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo by Grant Faulkner, and Creative Journal Writing: The Art and Heart of Reflection by Stephanie Dowrick.
Coffee or tea?
I enjoy many varieties of tea, including rooibos, herbal, and green teas. Tea is great for enjoying during an afternoon break or sipping on while working as well as for relaxing before bed in the evening. There are so many good-for-you benefits to drinking tea!
What do you feel is the most important piece of advice for someone who’s considering working from home?
For someone who is considering working from home, the most important piece of advice I would give is to know what your goals are – financially, short- and long-term, where you want to live, how many hours you want to work, etc. Once you have an answer to these, it will help you to know what kind of work from home is right for you, whether that is part- or full-time or hybrid.
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Barbori Garnet is a writer and author of Home at the Office: Working Remotely as a Way of Life (Atmosphere Press, September 2021), artist, musician, and gardener based in Alberta. She
enjoys writing non-fiction and writes on remote work, home offices, gardening, and more.
Barbori has a BFA from Academy of Art University and an MA from Southern
New Hampshire University.
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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective. Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous. Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world. You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.
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Ashley O'Melia, Author 