Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. Be sure to check out ’s Desk Tour from last time if you missed it!
I know very few people who work harder than my Bad on Paper co-host
. She is deeply committed to her craft, her friendships, and her love of Le Pens, and there is rarely a week that goes by that I don’t learn something from her, especially when it comes to writing, podcasting, and the publishing industry as a whole. Her Google Calendar is impeccably organized, her home is as gorgeous in real life as it appears on Instagram, and she’s hilarious. In other words, when she randomly emailed me in January 2022 and asked me if I wanted to take over as the co-host of Bad on Paper, I got very lucky! And if there was anyone who I knew I wanted to feature on Desk Tour right away, it was Becca. So without further ado, let’s take a look into her daily workspace, and the place where she wrote her beloved novel THE CHRISTMAS ORPHANS CLUB.OM: Describe your workspace.
BF: When I moved into this apartment in 2019, I was recently freelance and SO EXCITED to have a home office for the first time. I painted it pink and went all out on decorating. Except, joke’s on me, I never use it and my dining room table has become my most productive workspace.
About twice a year, I make a concerted effort to work in my office, but it never sticks. I don’t totally understand the psychology behind this, but will say I like that my dining room table gives me space to sprawl.
OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now?
BF: 1. A printed copy of the current draft of my novel: I find the process of printing early drafts so satisfying. It’s empowering to see the big stack of words you’ve written, and I also find the experience of reading on paper vs. a screen to be completely different. Reading on paper helps me to be more objective about my own work. 2. My five-year journal: You got me addicted to my five-year-journal, and I can safely say it’s my favorite habit I adopted in 2023. This year, I have 2023’s entries to look back on. Sometimes I laugh at how little I’ve changed when I write almost the same thing year over year, but in other ways I can see huge progress. It’s been especially fun to read about my mindset in the lead up to the publication of my first novel. 3. Laptop stand: I know I’m supposed to use this all the time to lessen strain on my neck and back, but I only use it for Zoom meetings. But I can say the angle is so much better for my self-esteem (fewer chins).
I find the process of printing early drafts so satisfying. It’s empowering to see the big stack of words you’ve written, and I also find the experience of reading on paper vs. a screen to be completely different. Reading on paper helps me to be more objective about my own work
OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive?
BF: At the moment, no. In the previous draft of my novel, I put up a sticky note outline and a mood board with images from Pinterest on the wall opposite my workspace, but it came down after I finished the draft (TBH, I was sick of looking at it, and also, I was having a party and it didn’t match the décor). But I’ve been really struggling with negative self-talk as I work on my second novel (it’s widely agreed that second novels are instruments of torture and self-doubt), so it’s not a bad idea to put up some mantras!
OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?
BF: Two drinks minimum, ideally three. Iced coffee, some kind of seltzer (I’m very into Wegman’s Black Cherry Vanilla at the moment), and regular water. TBH, I am currently stretching the limits to four as I have a can of Brooklyn Best Peach Iced Tea I got with lunch.
OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what? *
BF: I mean, I really would like to train myself to work in my actual office. I also went through a brief phase last year where I tried to be a standing desk/walking pad person, which didn’t stick either. But at the end of the day, the productivity is more important than the where, so you can find me at my dining room table.
…at the end of the day, the productivity is more important than the where, so you can find me at my dining room table.
OM: Describe your "ideal" work day at your desk.*
BF: I sit down around 8:30 with a cup of coffee. I do the New York Times Connections puzzle and then go through my inbox. I’ve recently signed up for a glut of Substacks, and reading newsletters has taken the place of my morning Instagram scroll. I feel much better about this new habit!
I start my writing work at 9:30. When I’m drafting, I can really only do 2 – 3 hours (I try to get 1,500 words) before my brain taps out. But when I’m editing (which I am now) it can be an all-day affair.
I stop at 12:30 for lunch and a walk, and am back to my desk at 2. I do another email sweep, and then get back to writing for another 1.5 – 2 hours. Around 4, I’ll switch tasks and work on my newsletter, podcast outlines, or any other outstanding admin. A couple times a week I book a 5p Pilates class to enforce a strict end-time, but otherwise, try to wrap things up by 5/5:30.
In case this is making anyone feel bad about themselves, I’ll mention that things are rarely this easy and I’ve been struggling a lot with procrastination recently. So, it’s usually more like some time around 10:30 or 11, I’ll set my Time Timer (which is fully meant for distractable small children) for an hour to FORCE myself to get to work, and then work through lunch and my walk because I haven’t gotten enough done yet. But, I’m trying.
OM: Where can people find you on the internet?
BF: I co-host Bad on Paper podcast with you. I’ve had a newsletter for a while, but started investing more time in it the past few months and 10/10 excited about it. My debut novel THE CHRISTMAS ORPHANS CLUB, a delightful holiday friend-mance (a romcom focused on long-term friendships), came out last September. You can find me on Instagram @beccamfreeman.
Note from Olivia: I loved Becca’s Desk Tour because it’s a perfect representation of who she is — hard-working, whip smart, organized, hilarious, and honest. I feel lucky that I get a behind the scenes view into how Becca works, and I’m thrilled to be able to share a little bit of that with you all, too! I, like all of you, am counting down the days until I can read her next book. Stay tuned for the next Desk Tour, which will hit your inbox in two weeks. And in the meantime, be sure to check out the past editions: Amy Estes’ Desk Tour, Iman Hariri-Kia’s Desk Tour.
PS: One last thing before I go… you can pre-order my first novel now! Pre-orders are so important (more on that here) and one of the most impactful ways to support debut authors.
A portion of April’s subscriber proceeds will go toward Save the Children to support its work in providing essential services and support to children affected by violence in Gaza.
I *really* loved seeing Talking at Night nearby for handy reference on Becca's desk--bodes well for the next book!! <3
I adored this! The writing and pictures were a match made in heaven, just like you guys!