WRITING ESSENTIALS ( 13 Things I need/want/like having at my disposal when I write)
An article in the September 2010 issue of Writer's Digest, "Essentials To A Writer's Life" by Erik Larson inspired me to come up with my own list of writing essentials. Larson and I share a need for coffee, but some of the other items on his list were things like "Blocks of Undisturbed Time" "Oreo Cookie" and "A Fireplace."
Even though I wrote down the first things that came to mind, I wouldn't necessarily rank my "essentials" in the order in which they appear . . .
1) CAFFEINE: My drug of choice is coffee--General Foods, Hazelnut Café, to be specific. But in a crunch, I’ll go with an ice cold Coke, or a Dr. Pepper or even a tall glass of sweetened iced tea.
2) LOTS OF LIGHT: During the day, I prefer natural light. Thanks to the previous owner, my house has shades, blinds and a number of dark screens on the windows. I’m guessing he must have been a vampire or something . . . I needs my light!
3) A WINDOW: Yeah, the light thing again. Also, I like being able to catch a glimpse of the outside world every now and then.
4) AN INK PIN: I prefer a pen with a thick, bold, black tip. (Stop, don’t even go there, :-D) Uni-ball’s Vision Elite, Bold 0.8mm are typically what I use.
5) ACCESS TO MUSIC: Often times I write with a little jazz playing in the background or on my headset. Depending on the writing project though, sometimes I’ll listen to r&b, blues, hip-hop or rap. Typically when I’m listening to something other than jazz, I’m attempting to create a certain mood-—one befitting of the particular section I’m in the process of writing.
6) A COMFORTABLE CHAIR: Back support and an ability to embrace the tush are the two most important features here. If it swivels, rocks and turns, that’s even better.
7) CALM, QUIET, PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT: While I’ve trained myself to write just about anywhere (like the ballpark, the dentist office, in front of a blaring television), I prefer a place where the distractions are few. You’re not likely to find me writing in a bar, restaurant or a coffee shop or any other public place by choice, but I have been known to write in the bath tub . . .
8) A DICTIONARY: I can’t spell y’all, so a dictionary is a must. Plus, it helps when I’m not sure if the word I want to use is the best or proper choice. I do keep a Thesaurus nearby, but I don’t use it much—-probably because I’ve heard too many teachers, authors and others speak on the dangers of becoming overly dependent on the Thesaurus.
9) A GRAMMAR REFERENCE GUIDE: The paperback English Handbook I was assigned as a freshman in college has served me well over the years. Yeah, it’s old and some of the pages have pulled loose from the binding, but you couldn't’t pay me to part with it.
10) A YELLOW LEGAL PAD or SPIRAL NOTEBOOK: I prefer composing in long-hand with an ink pen, hence the need for a pad or notebook.
11) BOTTLED WATER: Gotta keep those brain cells hydrated.
12) A BABY NAME BOOK: I like know the meaning and origins of names. Sometimes, when I’m having “problems” with a character, I’ll start going through the baby name book and see if name change is in order.
13) STIMULATING MATERIAL: When I’m really enjoying what I’m writing, it’s like spending a little time in my own private corner of heaven.
If you write (or engage in some other creative endeavor), I'd love to hear what you consider "essential" when you give yourself over to your muse.
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8 comments:
Great list. I prefer fine point black ink to the thick kind. I must have a computer! It depends on what I'm writing. Sometimes I need it quiet, sometimes I like music.
Having my daughter run around has me accustomed to writing with background noise. Like you I have to have my trusty pen, for me a Pilot G-2 0.7mm. I have to have a spriral notebook and water also. And then there's the gum. There's nothing like a good lip smacking to get the muse flowing!
I love having a baby name book handy when I write, even though I tend to go with the first name I think of for my characters.
Will this help with writer's block? =) Great list! =)
I never write to music. I do need quiet.
I usually write my best when all is quiet. Most times this is in the morning before my girls get up. They are back to school next week which allows for lots and lost of writing time.
Happy T13!
I totally agree with "light." I'm trying to cut back on caffine, but light really wakes me up and makes me happy. In my perfect world, my office would have a huge window, sort of like my dining room window...and you wonder why I'm at the dining room table... hmm... lol
As an avid reader I enjoy reading a behind the scenes author's perspective. I use some of the same essentials when I create in my studio.
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