Lori’s List of 20 Writing Supplies Every Writer Should Have
1. Space
a. Space is probably the most important consideration aside from what you’re going to write, so take the time to think about this. Whatever you choose, the space should be easily accessible.
b. Space Options:
i. Your Home: Either an office, a spare bedroom, a patio, dining room, basement or wherever else you think will work
ii. Co-Working Office: This option is becoming more popular. Check to see if your town offers a space to rent on an hourly or daily basis.
iii. Local Café or Coffeeshop: Scope it out first to make sure it’ll be a writer-friendly spot. Some venues don’t want you there for hours on end. And, you probably already know this, but I’ll say it anyway – bring money to buy something. After all, this is a place of business.
iv. Local Library
v. Local Park
vi. Your Car: For those who are on a tight budget or cannot find a space
vii. Your Workplace: If you have your own office space, then this could definitely work.
viii. AirBnB or Local Hotel: This is the priciest of options.
2. Notebook, Journal or Laptop
a. Notebook: I have no real recommendations here because this is purely up to individual taste. I have tons of notebooks for different purposes and I keep them all throughout my house, in my car and in my purse. You never know when the writing muse will visit, so be prepared!
b. Journal: Again, this is a taste thing, so get one you like and definitely see yourself using because you will be using it a lot! I personally like using hardcover journals.
c. Laptop: Truth be told, as much as I love journals and notebooks, when it comes right down to it, I use my laptop more than anything else to write. It’s purely for a logical reason – my handwriting is illegible and sometimes I can’t even read it, no thanks to being a journalist and having to take rapid notes all the time. Plus, it saves me the time of transcribing from one medium to another. I prefer using Apple products (MacBook Pro rocks!) but again, this is a taste thing. Go with whatever you feel most comfortable with. Also, be sure to bring along your accessories (battery charger, etc.).
3. Pen/Pencil/Markers/Colored Pencils, etc.: I prefer to use gel-type pens because the lines are so smooth. Plus, they feel good in my hands. Be adventurous and write in color!
4. Mug/Water Bottle
a. Mug: Regardless of whether you drink coffee, tea, hot cocoa or something else, you’re going to be drinking a lot of it, so why not use your favorite mug? I am slowly building a collection of mugs that I use a lot when I’m at home writing and there’s something about the coziness I get when I use the mug that makes me more motivated to write. If you decide to go elsewhere to write, then select a favorite travel mug.
b. Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is very important, and your brain works better when you’re not thirsty. I switch between my variety of stainless steel and plastic drinkware all the time (#savetheenvironment).
5. Clothing Layers (Sweater/Jacket etc.): Always be prepared for the environment, even if you’re planning to be inside. Sometimes your venue may have the heat or AC cranked up, so plan accordingly.
6. Backup System: There is nothing worse than losing data, especially if it’s a project you’ve been working on for a long time. Some backup options include: iCloud (for Apple), Google Drive, external hard drive or USB drive. I use both iCloud and Google Drive and will be adding an external hard drive in the near future.
7. Access to the Internet: You will need this access not only to research but to send documents and store data.
8. A Library Card: If you’re either old school or the Internet scares you, then having a library card may be an option. Just remember that libraries have stepped into the 21st century, so at some point, you will need to learn this technology. Another reason to have a library card is you can get a lot of new books for free!
9. A Bookstore Membership: I am an advocate for shopping small, but sometimes I have to compromise by visiting my local Big Box bookstore. It can be a huge benefit to be a member of said bookstore to receive merchandise discounts and early access to upcoming events. You will have to decide whether this is something you’d like to get for yourself.
10. A Local Bookstore: Knowing the location of your local bookstore is a huge asset, and getting to know the store owner is just as beneficial because they can recommend items to you that you may not have even considered. If you don’t have a bookstore near you, I highly recommend www.bookshop.org which is an online store that gives part of its proceeds to independent bookstores across the U.S.
11. Books about the Writing Craft and Experience:
a. Writing Craft: There are too many books for me to recommend in this small space here. However, I encourage you to do some research in the genre that interests you and see what you can find. If you are a beginning writer, then look for books that cater to you. If you are a veteran writer, find books that challenge you and maybe even encourage you to try something new.
b. Experience: There are fewer books covering this topic than on the writing craft, but it’s worth the hunt. Again, there are too many for me to list here but just do an Internet search and see what pops up.
12. Dictionary & Thesaurus: You can always use the Internet but it’s handy to have hard copies laying around. I still use the books from high school and college.
13. Snacks & Gum: These come in handy when you’re in the zone and don’t want to leave to get a meal. My go-tos: granola bars, dried fruit, nuts and minty gum.
14. Earbuds or Headphones: Depending on the location, you may need to tune things out so you can concentrate. Or, maybe you work better with music but you’re in a public space and don’t want to bother others.
15. Pocket Tissues
16. Hand Sanitizer: This suggestion is the mom coming out in me, but really, think about all the things you touch in a day. Gross! Your fingers are probably the germiest parts of your body.
17. Your Phone: For emergencies only…but put it on silent so you won’t be disturbed. My phone connects to my watch so although I have the phone on silent, I can still feel it when notifications come in.
18. A Planner or Calendar: Why do I recommend this? Because you never know when inspiration will strike. Say you’re researching, writing or checking email and suddenly you realize you need to do something or are invited to do something. If you have a planner, you can jot it down. Now I know most of us have phones with calendar apps, but what if something happens and our phones go kaput? There goes the app. Okay, I admit it, I’m old school but only because I’ve experienced what happens when you don’t have a backup. Back in the day when Personal Digital Assistants were a thing, I had my whole life stored on it. Well, I think you can guess where I’m going with this. Yup, it glitched and I lost all the info. So, I started backing info up on the cloud and in a pretty but very old-school hardcover planner. It keeps me from worrying about losing information and from doublebooking myself.
19. Chocolate: I believe in external validation, so why not have this to reward yourself for getting your writing done? If you don’t like chocolate, choose something else but be sure to make it delicious and oh so decadent. Ha, ha!
20. A Tote Bag, Back Pack or Messenger Bag: How else are you going to carry all these items around? I use my work bag for local writing trips and my backpack for longer trips.
21. BONUS ITEM: A Positive Attitude & Curiosity: Believe that you can do this. Be open to where the writing road will take you. Accept where you are and don’t beat yourself up if it’s not where you think you “should” be. Writing is the journey and not always the destination, so enjoy the trip!
Write & Rise, my friends!
