As someone who partakes in the act of creative writing, there are some essentials that you need to have on your person at all times. No matter what your platform is, we all write because we are passionate about something. Someone may write for the Odyssey because they want to be discovered, or because they believe writing to be fun. Others write because it is an emotional release and it helps them out with their day to day struggles. But no matter the reason for writing, there are some essentials that you need in your bag.
1. An idea notebook
This can be anything from a spiral notebook that you can find at Staples for a quarter a week before school starts, to a $10 designer notebook from Target. Your idea notebook is one of the most personal things to a writer. In your idea book, you can list out character sketches, descriptors, character names, a general plotline or even article ideas. The cool thing is, it does not have to be an actual notebook. For me personally, I use my Kindle to hold my ideas for articles on, and I type them out on my laptop.
2. A good pen
What classifies as a good pen varies person to person. You may like the $4 box of 12 pens that everyone got as soon as they were in the 4th grade, or you may like fancy ballpoint pens. It all depends on how the pen feels in your hand, and how you like it to look on the page. You won’t be able to find your “go-to” pen on the first try. I have been writing for approximately five years now and I have just recently found my favorite brand of pen, and that will most likely change as my specific preferences change.
3. A name book
Plain and simple. When you cannot think of a good non-binary antagonist name, you can easily look it up. Online browsers will also work for getting the specific meanings of names, in case you have specific traits that you want to be associated with the name.
4. Some sort of music player
In my personal experience, I have found it easier for me to write if I am listening to music. The music can also help set the mood for the piece, or if you need some sort inspiration for a scene. Even sounds of the rainforest to help calm and declutter your mind will also help. Whatever music you listen to will work.
5. A laptop (optional)
Using a laptop on the road can help you make sure that you are keeping on track with your word count, and will sometimes even help you keep motivated. An example would be every 1,000 words, you can check Facebook for 15 minutes. Also you can use online sources so you will eliminate what is in your bag, and it will be easier to keep track of everything.
