As a freelance writer and a full-time content specialist, my desk is sacred to me. It is the place where my magic, and sometimes a bit of tragic, happens. It’s my bubble, with plenty of clues about my personality: little gizmos I’ve brought back with me from my travels, more mugs than I could ever need, owl figurines, papers and notebooks scattered around.

It’s chaos for some, but an organised mess to me. Opposite my desk is my partner’s highly organised desk, with its gadgets and files. Our desks are inches apart, yet miles away.

I’ve always been fascinated by how desks really reflect a person’s mind and I always find myself attracted to the most chaotic ones as they are the ones that can tell their owner’s story. And I love stories. So I sit down with John A. Bonello and Christopher Mintoff at their desks and go through their drawers.

John A. Bonello

Award-winning writer

You and your desk: how did it happen?

When we first moved into our home in 2001, I was looking for a cheap solution for a desk and small library. I looked around but could not find something suitable. The ones I kept seeing were well over my budget.

Then a good friend of mine told me about an open house sale in Msida – the new owner wanted to get rid of the contents quickly so he could start renovating. I went together with my friend and indeed found what I was looking for. I really felt something special about this old, battered desk. I was told the previous owner was an architect, and although the desk is about 70 years old, its design is quite unique. My friend even provided the transport for free in his brother’s van, so it was a real bargain. For just €200 I got my desk and library which I use every day.

Why this desk and not another?

I suppose it was the right desk at the right time and at the right price. Or maybe there’s something else at work, some sort of ancient magic seeping through the dark wood grain that speaks of old legends and dark secrets – now that could be an idea for a new story.

The desk seemed to fit perfectly within our home, a classic Maltese townhouse with a lot of character that used to be my grandfather’s house. In fact, the desk complemented the surroundings, most of which I inherited.

What are the most precious items on your desk?

I have a very special silver pen, a gift from my wife on the day I published my first story, engraved with the name of the book (It-Tielet Qamar). And then there are my manuscripts in their various stages of completion. One is sitting there, nearly finished, another one needs yet more cycles of editing, and there are always ideas scribbled on bits of paper or old diaries, seedlings for new stories that need to be nurtured and shaped. At arm’s length from my desk is my precious monkey set – one of these monkeys features in my first published novel – and the awards I received for my books.

Are you possessive of your desk?

I wouldn’t mind someone else sitting at my desk or using it. I just don’t want anyone removing or reordering my things. In fact, I share the same room where I write with my two sons Luke and Ben. They have all their toys there and often keep me company during weekend afternoons. That also means that keeping the desk off limits is quite impossible.

Any special memories come to mind when looking at your desk?

Thirteen years of memories – finishing my studies, starting my first novel, all the late night hours spent writing and editing. I keep lots of things in my drawers as mementos, like drawings my children make for me, photos and notes. And the oldest desk-related memory I recall is that of bringing the desk home in the middle of the night, in an ancient Ford Transit that must have been as old as the furniture we were carrying. It was quite an adventure.

Would you consider changing it?

It’s a good desk, with large, deep drawers, a lot of character and memories. We have chemistry and many more stories to tell. Why would I change it? A good desk is like a dear friend – hard to find but dependable, and always there for you. It takes time to find one and you must choose carefully.

Christopher Mintoff

Architect and Civil Engineer, Director of Building & Design Consultants, and vice president of Kamra Tal-Periti

You and your desk: how did it happen?

I have three free-standing desks in my office, each with a substantial amount of history. Each desk was respectively used by my great uncle Dom Mintoff, my grandfather Raymond, and my father Lawrence. The one I use belonged to my father. He had purchased it because, in his words, the other two looked dated and worn. In reality, I believe he wanted to leave his mark and have his own piece of furniture when he took over the firm almost 30 years ago.

Why this desk and not another?

I have no room, or even the need, to purchase another desk, so I had to choose from the ones that were already here. I chose the one my father used because of the sentimental value, as well as the fact that it is the best-looking from the bunch. In that respect, he was right in getting it.

What are the most precious items on your desk?

I try to keep this desk as clear as possible, as this is the space over which I talk with my clients and colleagues. I have my Mac, which was one of the first purchases I made when I took over four years ago. Then I have a red heavy-duty stapler which my grandfather owned, and a collection of vintage scale rulers which I use all the time and will never have the heart to replace.

Are you possessive of your desk?

The desk is durable and can take abuse. It doesn’t need my protection. It often gets covered with dust from plans brought from site work, or from heavy stacks of files. The scratches it bears are all part of its character. Then it gets dusted and cleaned up. I’m only protective of my chair behind it. Only my father was allowed to use that chair and now it’s mine.

Any special memories come to mind when looking at your desk?

Even though I’ve only been sitting at this desk for just over four years, I’ve met many interesting people around it, I’ve shared good and bad news over it, and many interesting ideas were discussed across it. It has also seen the occasional celebratory glass of whisky due to a festive season or other events or achievements worth commemorating.

Would you consider changing it?

I would definitely never get rid of it, mainly due to its sentimental value. Moreover, while most desks on the market nowadays look lightweight and feel flimsy, this one feels durable and has the right look for an architect’s office.

There’s nothing better than a heavy desk. There’s something quite visually gratifying about a hefty monolithic piece of furniture.