Desk Tour: Annabel Monaghan
The very first tour that features a recipe!
Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. In case you missed it: Ochuko Akpovbovbo’s Desk Tour from last time. You can also browse the entire catalog of Desk Tours.
I can’t remember what happened first: If I discovered Annabel Monaghan’s work through the podcast, or if I read her beloved novel Nora Goes Off Script and then met her through Bad on Paper. Either way, every single interaction I’ve had with Annabel (including reading her novels) has left me with one distinct thought: That is a very, very funny person. And honestly, that is saying a lot because I am a tough crowd. If I describe you as funny, you can know I am telling the truth and that I love you. It is not a descriptor I just hand out. But Annabel has a very singular, sharp sense of humor that I’ve come to appreciate so very much. Of course (I probably don’t have to tell you!), her books are wonderful, too. Her newest novel It’s A Love Story comes out this month.
Today, I’m excited to feature Annabel’s workspace and habits and to introduce you to the concept of a desk frog. Maybe we all need one?
OM: Describe your workspace.
AM: It’s complicated. I sold my house last summer and am now renting an apartment in Connecticut and one in Florida. We are in flux, but I brought my mother’s chair with me to Connecticut. I am weirdly superstitious about this chair as it’s where I’ve gotten all of my best ideas. In Florida, I’ve been doing a lot of writing in the hotel lobby next door to my place. I walk in and am greeted by a floral arrangement the size of a Volkswagen and think: Yes, this will do. They have tea and exactly the right kind of white noise. I think they think I’m staying there?
Wherever I’m writing, before I begin, light a candle and ask for help. I have a deck of angel cards that I shuffle and choose from for guidance. It’s sort of a ritual to get me in the right headspace.
OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now?
AM: My mom gave me this print decades ago that made me think about saying things in a way that people can hear. It touched me so much that she picked it out for me. And I have a frog that’s reading a book and laughing, and he tickles me so much. I cannot look at him without smiling. I also got this trophy for being the world’s best mom – thanks again to everyone who voted.
OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive?
AM: Yes! The frog, but also this set of hardbound books that a reader made for me out of my paperbacks. She MADE them! She gave them to me at a book event in St. Louis last year and blew my mind. When I’m stuck or out of energy, I find them so encouraging. Just the fact that someone read my books and was moved to do something like that.
I have a frog that’s reading a book and laughing, and he tickles me so much. I cannot look at him without smiling. I also got this trophy for being the world’s best mom – thanks again to everyone who voted.
OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?
AM: Yes, spiced nuts. I know this is *nuts* but I can’t work if I’m hungry or if I am worried I might get hungry at any point in the future. They’re like hunger insurance. If you’re interested, here’s the recipe:
4 cups of any nuts (I do almonds)
2 t olive oil
1t maple syrup
2t ground cinnamon
½ t ground ginger
½ t salt
Toss all together and bake on two cookie sheets at 350 for 10 minutes. Let cool on the sheets – they’ll crisp up.
OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what?
AM: Has anyone read my book Nora Goes Off Script? I’d like to change my entire life into that tea house. Who can help me make this happen? Fireplace, bookshelves with only my favorite books, no photos of actual people. Small bed for napping and whatnot.
OM: Describe your ideal work day at your desk.
AM: Ideally, I wake up at five and sit in a cozy spot with my dog. This is the part of the day where my best self shows up. I write until eight, and then tend to myself and my dog. By ten I’m back at it. This is how the most creative part of my work looks, where I’m creating new material. When I’m fixing a wonky draft (which I’m doing now), I am using more of my left brain and I’ll do that at a desk like I’m an accountant auditing my book.
OM: What books are on your desk right now?
AM: The books on my desk are ones that are coming out really soon. Some I’ve read and I want to remember to post about, and some I’m hoping to read in the next few weeks. They are Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess, Songs of Summer by Jane L Rosen, Far and Away by Amy Poeppel, and The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick.
OM: Where can people find you on the internet?
AM: Instagram. Facebook. Website.
Note from Olivia: See what I mean? Even in a quick Q&A, Annabel is hilarious. May we all bring such easy humor into our work and our lives. And may we all find a desk frog to keep us going when the going gets tough.
Be sure to check out all the past editions of Desk Tour!
PS: One last thing before I go… you can order my first novel NOW! If you’ve already read and enjoyed, I would be honored if you would leave a kind review or rating on Goodreads or Amazon. It makes a world of difference. I appreciate your consideration, time, and support immensely.
A portion of May’s subscriber proceeds will go toward the Emily’s List, an organization that trains Democratic women (who are pro-choice) in the basics of running for office, from school board to senator.
Olivia, thank you so much for having me here and for saying nice things and overlooking the fact that i don't really have a work space. I get the biggest voyeuristic pleasure from reading your desk tours, so this feels especially cool to me!
A recipe where I actually have the ingredients? Done and dusted.