I’ve written before about what supports me creatively when I need to write. Crafting, changing my perspective, writing sprints…
Today, I thought I’d give you a peek at some of the things I need physically when I sit down at my laptop.
First, my laptop: From a technology perspective, I serve the House of Apple. Two years ago, my old Mac Book died after a long, productive life that saw the birth of my first novel The Goddess & The Bee. She served me well. This baby was a gift from a friend who’d upgraded her setup and had wiped and refurbished her laptop. She sent it to me immediately upon hearing my old computer had gone to the Great Beyond and I am eternally grateful to her. That was a point in time when a new computer was just not in our budget.
A cute keyboard: This thwoky little number is a new addition. I keep my laptop on a stand so I can keep my head up for better ergonomics. I needed a separate keyboard and mouse, and this lovely Bluetooth keyboard in shades of blue has tactile resistance so I know when I hit a key as well as a satisfying clatter when I type.
Notebook and pens: Every project I work on has a dedicated composition book for notes, musings, off-line ramblings, and keeping track of word counts in my writing sprints. I love the variety of the covers on these Decomposition brand notebooks.
Leather traveler’s journal: This is a folder where I keep a calendar; a notebook for lists, brain dumps, and random thoughts; a notebook on all things related to my kids; and where my composition book goes when I’m heading out of the house. This way I don’t have to leave my desk and wander off to find anything if I get a phone call or randomly remember something.
Timer: My little block timer is from Amazon. It has increments of 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes and I use it for writing sprints. I just tip over the number of minutes I want to the top, a digital timer starts on the base if I really need it, and it’s off to the races. Benefits include keeping my hands off of my phone timer and keeping my eyes off the countdown clock.
Headphones: I use Airpods pretty sparingly, but sometimes I need to block out the world and just focus. I also have a pair of over-the-ear noise blocking headphones for when I’m serious.
Endel Focus: A sound app that plays instrumentals that help you focus. I use Create and Deep Work all the time.
Compression socks: I have low blood pressure and find them helpful for long stints of sitting. Don’t quote me, but I’m pretty sure I think better when I’m wearing them. I need to have my feet up to read and can’t always have my feet up when I write. These are the next best thing to a foot stool.
Extra seat cushion: Comfort is key. I’m one of those low sensory threshold people who can feel their clothes all day long. I need a nice squishy seat.
My first book: Not only is it a visual reminder that I can do this, but I use it for reference. Did I spell Nikos with one K or two?
Coffee: Self-explanatory. A cute mug helps.