When you’re a writer, it’s important to surround yourself with all the tools you need in order to be productive. Here are some of my favorites.
Laptop
My number one, most important tool for being productive is no surprise at all. My laptop, where I do all of my writing. Some people use notebooks or lined paper to write, which is something I cannot imagine doing because my brain moves too fast for my hand and I just end up scribbling gibberish I can’t decipher. I make sure to use security software to keep my computer healthy and backup software so I don’t lose anything in case my laptop suddenly dies.
Idea notebook
I close my laptop down at the end of the day to allow myself to decompress, but my mind is always churning away and thinking of new story ideas. When one does occur to me, I don’t feel like turning my laptop back on and typing it down. That’s why I keep a notebook handy to jot down anything that comes to me and then the next day, I put it in my computer. I also suggest keeping a notebook in your purse for writing down ideas when you’re on the go, but using a notepad app on your phone works as well.
Pens
You can’t write down a brilliant book title or plot or character name without a writing device. I keep pens in my purse and in a mug on my desk. Do I have an excessive amount of pens considering the fact that I do all my writing on my computer? Yes, I do. But my mom is also a pen collector, so I blame her.
Writing journal
Since 2019, I’ve been tracking how much writing I do every day. Before I started a writing journal, I had no consistent schedule and some days I would write ten words, five hundred words, a thousand words, or even two thousand words. Then I watched a video on YouTube where a writer talked about how much keeping a writing journal had improved her productivity and I decided to do the same. I’ve been a regular writer ever since.
Baby name book
Can I just go online and google “baby boy names” or “baby girl names”? Yes, of course I can. There are so many sites now with so many lists. But there’s something fun about picking a baby name book off the shelf and flipping through it when I can’t think up a good name for a character. I highly recommend buying one and keeping it nearby.
Desk and chair
This one’s obvious, but I thought I’d put it in anyway. I need a desk and a chair to write comfortably. Some people can write on their couches or recliners or even in bed. Some can write in the car or at a coffee shop. I’ve always done my best work at home, at a desk, with my supportive chair. It really helps with my creativity.
Formatting software
I outsource all of my editing to freelance professionals, and when I first decided to publish, I thought about hiring someone to format my book for me. But then I found out there was formatting software I could purchase myself, so I did. I use Atticus, and I’ve been pleased with the results of all four of the books I’ve published. Another popular one is Velum, but that’s only available for Mac, and I use Windows.
So there you have it, all the essential tools I need to be the best writer I can be.