The Writer’s Toolkit

Any craftsman will tell you — you can’t show up to do a job if you don’t have the right tools.

This goes for the hobbyist as well. How can you plan to knit a scarf if you haven’t got any yarn or needles?

What tools could you possibly need for writing? Well, it’s nothing fancy and unlike the value menus at your local fast-food joint, are pretty affordable or already available right in your own home.

Tool #1: A Notebook (Or Two)

Now this one should come as no surprise to you, and I’m sure if you’re anything like me you already have a dozen or so notebooks lying around just waiting to be used.

While not many of us choose to write by hand (my hand hurts just thinking about it) a notebook is an essential part of any writer's toolkit as a place to keep all writing-related thoughts, keep track of goals or novel progress, or as a simple dumping ground for all those ideas that seem to hit us when we’re not in a place to start typing away.

Keep a small notebook with you for ideas on the go and a larger one near your writing space so that it’s ready to go when you sit down to write.

Tool #2: A Writing Software

In this digital age, one thing a writer needs to keep in their tool kit — is a place for their stories to come to life and live where the fear of them disappearing in the blink of an eye isn’t a possibility.

There are dozens if not hundreds of writing software out there, but I’m not an expert enough to tell you which one you should choose. While I use a combination of Google Docs and Scrivner, I’ve heard great things from those who prefer to use Microsoft Word or Atticus. It’s important to find the one that suits your needs and your budget.

Tool #3: A Writing Playlist

Writers who underestimate the power that a good playlist can add to a writing session are seriously missing out on a tool that can add a whole new spark to your writing.

Building a playlist on your streaming app of choice that fits your novel theme or helps you get into a writing headspace can boost your productivity and help you set the perfect mood.

I tend to listen to the same song on repeat while working on a novel, but I admit — I know this would drive some others crazy. If you haven't tried curating a playlist, whether instrumental music, ambient sounds, or a specific genre give it a shot and see where your writing session takes you.

Tool #4: A Dedicated Writing Space

While this tool would be pretty hard to carry around in your backpack it is one of the essentials for a writer.

You don’t need anything fancy such as renting out a hotel room or renovating a closet into a writing space (unless you have the cash to burn.) Your writing space can be as simple as the front seat of your car, the end of the couch furthest away from the TV, a desk table set on top of your bed, or even a dedicated folding table with a folding chair sitting in the corner of your bedroom. Your writing space just needs to be a place that tells you that it’s time to sit down (or stand) and get into writing mode.

Tool #5: Time Tracking or Productivity Tools

We all know how it goes, you’re in the middle of a writing session when you go to look up one specific thing and then two hours later you’re out of time to write and you’ve now been doom scrolling social media instead of writing.

It happens to the best of us and there are easy solutions to stop this from happening.

Tools such as Pomodoro timers, simple stopwatch timers, or site blockers to keep you off of social media during writing sessions can be game changers for your writing sessions.

Your writer's tool kit doesn’t need to be equipped with the fanciest of items or the most expensive of software. Its purpose is to make your writing journey smoother, enjoyable, and most importantly productive.

At the end of the day, the most important tool you have is your determination to write. The rest is just there to help you along the way.

Best of luck.

With love.

B- xoxo

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This story was originally posted on Medium.

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