Tools Every Writer Needs to Own

Every writer has their own methods of writing. Some use outlines, note cards, or pages of notes containing characters, plots and climaxes. Others will write in the moment on the train, in a park, or in the middle of the night. However, your writing environment only counts as half of the importance of your writing task. The other half, perhaps more important, is having the right tools at your disposal.

First, you need a good, solid desk. I would suggest a multiple-drawer desk where you store items you use for your writing such as paper, notebooks, pens, pencils and so on. The desk must be near an outlet for your laptop or computer. It must have efficient lighting and a bookshelf to store all the books you use for your writing. Your bookshelf may also serve as your file area. In this case, I would buy a label machine to keep more organized. It only takes awhile to get unorganized on a five- or six-shelf bookcase.

Next, you’re going to want some type of recording device. This can be a tape recorder or a voice recorder. You can find these reasonably priced at places such as Best Buy and Target. With these you’re able to record your thoughts any time, any place. If you have to record an interview, you have that interview for later recall. In addition, a microphone becomes a necessary tool. With this tool, you’re able to record voices better. Just be sure to keep the microphone at least six inches away from the other person to avoid static.

Third, remember this rule: A writer never leaves without a notebook and pen. Ideas come at the most inconvenient places–on the commute to work, in the shower, in the middle of the night. They may come in the form of a dream or over dinner with colleagues at work. Ideas at everywhere, and it’s up to the writer to writer to write them down in the moment. If you don’t answer your muse, your muse may stop paying you visits.

Two important tools are these: a video camera and a digital camera. Another rule to keep in mind: A photographer never leaves without their camera. Now don’t get me wrong, please. I don’t expect you to be an expert photographer instantly. I know there’s people who struggle with technology, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The reason I’m suggesting these two items is that it’s a way to preserve memories. Also, you may be so struck by a photo or video you took and may want to write about it. In addition, what better piece of photography to accompany your piece of writing than your own?

If you’re serious about writing, I suggest getting a Mac over a Windows platform. It’s a better platform not only for writers but for photographers as well. The Adobe Suites software has programs such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. For the Mac version of Microsoft Office, you’re able to get Microsoft Word and Powerpoint. I have used four out of five of these on the Mac and find them much more easier than on Windows. Also, if you do your resume in InDesign you have so much more room than you do in Microsoft Word.

 Next, and perhaps one of the most valuable tools, is a flash drive. I usually buy 16G because they store so much information. However, use caution. You can still lose all your files off your flash drive. If you’re using aMac, remember to eject it on your desktop before taking it out of your computer. I usually make this mistakebecause I constantly use Windows. Fortunately, I have never lost anything off of my drive. I usually back themup with a print copy.

Finally, you’re going to need a computer bag to keep all your writer tools in one area. I prefer a book bag because it has so much room. I put my pens/highlighters in one area, laptop & cord in another area and my writer notebook goes in the back. I usually have a few writing books in there as well to keep my inspiration flowing. In addition, I carry extra AA batteries for my hungry battery-eating Canon camera. If you own all these tools then you’re well on your way to becoming a great writer!