What’s on my writing desk?
🍋 My chromebook (I have an ancient gaming laptop that I used to write on, but it’s on its last legs of life, so I’m only using it for polishing, formatting, and uploading the final document). I’d love an apple laptop of some sort someday, there’s some really awesome formatting programs that are only available on them.
🍋 my story Bible. This binder contains story outlines, character outlines, maps, notes, and more for my story. Sure, there is digital software for this stuff, but I prefer this method.
🍋 Bob the Skull. Named Bob long before I read any of the Dresden File books. There’s a theory that all the paintings of writers like Shakespeare have skulls on their desks to remind the writer that they are mortal and they don’t have forever to tell their stories.
🍋 Figment the dragon. He’s a dragon. He’s purple. His main shtick is imagination.
🍋 a light
🍋 a sampling of tiaras. I think everyone deserves a crown. And they’re shiny and pretty. Hell yeah, I wear them!
🍋 Screaming goat. It screams. It’s cathartic
🍋 coffee… sad sad empty cup. Because writers often run entirely on caffeine (the others tend to run on booze…. hence the saying “write drunk, edit sober”
🍋 blue light glasses. Because writing involves a lot of staring at screens and it does hurt my eyes. I just got a pair from zennioptocal with my prescription and they’re great so far. I got the cheapest frames, because I’m not wearing them anywhere besides my desk.
🍋 hour glass
🍋 Funko salamander from Frozen 2. Because I’m an adult and he’s adorable.
It seems that receiving my cover for The Malediction of Oak Grove was the kick in the ass I needed to work on my edits.
I both hate and love edits. There’s a quote somewhere about the rough draft is the author telling the story to themselves and the edits about telling the story to the reader. I think it’s true. The story in my head that flows down through my fingertips is not necessarily the story that ends up on my computer screen. Usually it’s vague descriptions and dialogue.
It’s edits where the magic happens, where I pause and really consider how the words flow. It’s where the five senses breath life into things. It’s when my characters become unique from each other in their speech patterns and mannerisms. It’s also where I delete, delete, delete, and mutter—“redundant”—over and over.
It’s also where I spend lots of time looking up synonyms. I don’t know why it’s so hard to find the perfect word sometimes.
The fact that I can get word to read me the manuscript is a godsend. Just reading it aloud to myself, my brain will still fill in missing words that I don’t realize are missing. Once, I tried recording myself reading my document… well it was good for a laugh. I apologized, out loud, to myself so many times for stupid mistakes. Didn’t know I did it until I listened.
#hellolemon8 #writersoflemon8 #writingmotivation #writingaesthetic #writingnook #booksof2023 #EclecticInkBlotPress #ExploringWhatIf #themaledictionofoakgrove #indiebooks
Creating the perfect writing desk setup isn't just about having a place to put your laptop; it's about crafting an environment that fosters creativity, minimizes distractions, and supports long hours of focused work. For me, my author desk setup is a blend of practical tools and personal touches that keep my imagination flowing and my fingers typing. First off, let's talk tech. While my original article mentioned my trusty Chromebook, many writers constantly debate the best device. An Acer Chromebook is fantastic for portability and quick drafts, but I've heard amazing things about Apple laptops for their editing software capabilities. The key is finding a device that suits your workflow – one that's reliable and responsive. Don't forget a comfortable keyboard and a good mouse; these small details make a huge difference in preventing fatigue during those marathon writing sessions. Investing in a quality monitor can also reduce eye strain, which is crucial for content writers typing articles on laptops for hours. Beyond the screen, every writer needs their organizational hub. My 'Story Bible' binder, as mentioned in the original post and visible in the OCR, is absolutely essential. It’s a physical brain dump for outlines, character profiles, world-building notes, and plot twists. While digital software offers incredible convenience, there's something about flipping through actual pages, scribbling notes, and seeing everything laid out that grounds my creative process. For those who prefer digital, tools like Scrivener, Notion, or even simple Google Docs can serve a similar purpose, helping you keep track of your story’s intricate details. The goal is a system that lets you quickly access and expand on your ideas, whether you're working on a short story notebook desk or a sprawling novel. Now for the fun stuff – the items that spark joy and unique inspiration. My desk isn't just functional; it's a reflection of my personality. You might have noticed my skull named Bob, Figment the purple dragon, a screaming goat figurine, and even a Funko salamander from Frozen 2. These aren't just trinkets; they're conversation starters, mood lifters, and tiny reminders to embrace the playful side of storytelling. A tiara on Bob the skull? Why not! It's about personalizing your creative writing desk setup. These whimsical elements, often captured in a writing aesthetic, can be powerful tools against writer's block, offering a momentary distraction that can help reset your focus. Finally, let's not overlook comfort and well-being. My blue light glasses are non-negotiable for protecting my eyes from screen glare, a common issue for any content writer. Paired with a good pair from Zenni Optical, they make a noticeable difference. And of course, the ever-present, sometimes empty coffee cup! Hydration and regular breaks are just as important as the words themselves. My hourglass isn't purely decorative; it’s a quiet reminder to take short, focused sprints, a great method for maintaining productivity. Creating an inspiring and comfortable writer office means acknowledging that your body and mind need care to produce your best work. So, whether it’s a specific mug, a plant, or a carefully chosen light, make sure your writing space truly supports you.
