Self Care for Writers: Building Your Toolbox

Introduction

QUICK!

You're leaving to a weekend writer's retreat and need to pack a bag. What is in your writer's toolbox?

• Notebooks

• Pens/Pencils

• Whiteboard/Corkboard

• Sticky Notes

• Index Cards

• Planner/Journal

• Vision Board Supplies

• Timer/Hourglass

• Headphones

• Lap Desk

• Ergonomic Chair

• Throw Blanket

• Water Bottle

• Desk Lamp with Adjustable Lighting

• Filing Cabinet

• USB Flash Drives/External Hard Drive

• Bookmarks

• Laptop

• Your Favorite Scented Candle

• Fidget Toys/Stress Balls

Is that it? Is that too much? Are you focused on the right items for your toolbox?

1. Writing Tools

It's likely you've heard the myth about NASA and the pens:

NASA spent millions of dollars developing an 'astronaut pen' that would work in outer space, while the Soviets fixed the problem much more cheaply and quickly by using pencils.

Snopes has debunked this, but a deeper meaning still stands: "sometimes we expend a great deal of time, effort, and money to create a "high-tech" solution to a problem, when a perfectly good, cheap, and simple answer is right before our eyes."

A pencil and paper is a staple for a reason. Do you know how many amazing ideas have been written on a napkin?

I'm not here to knock the craftsmanship of a Smythson notebook, a Montblanc cahier, or a Faber-Castell pen. What I am here to say is that these luxury tools won't make you Stephen King.

And your writing tools shouldn't make you empty your wallet.

I LOVE going to TJMaxx or similar stores because I often find Moleskine notebooks for a steep discount. As a leftie, I also enjoy the Ticonderoga pencils and felt tip pens I'm often able to find there, too.

This is what I mean by your writing tools need to accommodate you! Ball point pens and thin smudgable paper is a no-go for me. I also don't do well with spiral bound notebooks because my hand wobbles on the binding. What I do like is a saddle stitch notebook and felt tip pens.

What writing tools would accommodate your writing needs?

Voice-to-Text Software

Have physical limitations? Dictate your thoughts and have them transcribed into text, providing an efficient and hands-free writing experience.

Adaptive Keyboards

You may benefit from customizable or specialized keyboards, such as those with larger keys, reduced mobility, or programmable key mapping

Wrist Rests for Keyboard and Mouse

A gel or memory foam wrist rest (for both keyboards and notebooks) provides comfortable support for the wrists, reducing fatigue for writers who spend a lot of time typing or journaling.

Writing Desk with Adjustable Heights

An adjustable standing desk can provide the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing, promoting better posture and reducing strain during long writing sessions.

Pencil Grips

Adding a soft grip to your writing tool can make a huge difference in comfort, especially for writers who experience hand fatigue or have difficulty maintaining a firm grip.

Vertical Mice

A vertical mouse allows your hand to remain in a natural handshake position, reducing strain on the wrist and forearm during long periods of use.

Posture Correctors

A posture corrector brace can help writers maintain an upright posture by gently reminding them to keep their shoulders back, preventing slouching that can lead to neck and back pain.

Those are the items to think about! The tools that accommodate you! Not the other way around.

2. Digital Tools

This post isn't sponsored, but I'm a paid user of Evernote. I've been a user since January 21st, 2012!!

I used Evernote to write all five of my manuscripts. The drafts of this blog were written in an Evernote note. I have notebooks on notebooks in stack on stacks inside of my Evernote's system. I can access my account online, through an iPhone app, an app on my Mac, an app on my iPad, etc etc

And let me tell you, they have note history. NOTE HISTORY!

I can look back at what my notes looked like from INCEPTION. Did I remember that I wrote a funny thing and then deleted it but then realized I want that funny thing back? Note History has any version of the funny thing I need!  Did I have a gnarly case of imposter syndrome and need assurance that I can take mere notes and create a masterful chapter? Note history can perk me up with evidence of effort. Did I forget my process of creating chapters for a certain novella? Note history can give me insights as to what I tackle and at what stage so I can create more efficiently!

Highly recommend for fellow cyborg writers that go through many versions of their writing (and themselves 💚).

Beyond Note History, Evernote has the capability to capture text, images, and audio clips. I can set tasks, keep a calendar, and set tags on tags on tags. I'm a better writer because of my organization on Evernote.

And there are so many other writing apps out there. I'd be interested in knowing what ones you use!

3. Refurbished Devices from Back Market

Girlie pop I know what it's like to try and type your story into a laptop that is nearing it's 10th Birthday. The fan is roaring, the battery life is a fraction of what it used to be, and its "charging quirks" are becoming electrical concerns. I also know what it's like to have a computer randomly give you the grey screen of death as it fails to boot up. I also know what it's like to have a tablet that inches along because it's processor isn't what it used to be. I know what it's like to have tech rendered unusable because it's the first of its kind and can no longer support the latest operating system updates for security, features, and compatibility with the newer apps.

I've used a lot of tech and I've used a lot of tech for their entire lifetime.

But, to buy brand new, upgrading tech can feel like a luxury. I have found refurbished tech to be a good middle ground of buying new (to me) tech. I can stay modern and effective while also score some deals on costs.

I got my most recent laptop from Back Market. I also got a pair of AirPods. They offer refurbished smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, smart watches, audio accessories, home appliances, and accessories for them all!

Plus, their focus on refurbishing helps reduce electronic waste, making it a more sustainable option for the planet. 

What tech do you use for your writing?

4. Courses on Writing

B.B. King is quoted by saying, "The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."

If something hits the fan, you will always have your knowledge to fall back on! So writing courses and lessons can become pretty invaluable!

Online platforms like MasterClass, Reedsy, Writer's Digest University, or Skillshare feature classes from established authors and instructors who cover everything from storytelling techniques to character development.

Alternatively, I have an honorary degree from "YouTube University" with all the videos I've consumed regarding writing and publishing. Some favorites include:

2020 Creative Writing Lectures at BYU presented by Brandon Sanderson

There are THIRTEEN Lectures in this playlist

LEADERSHIP LAB: The Craft of Writing Effectively presented by Larry McEnerney

UChicago Social Sciences' channel

And there are SO MANY creators on Youtube with MUCH to say about Writing and Publishing:

Alyssa Matesic - a seasoned developmental editor on YouTube who offers insightful advice on writing, editing, and the publishing industry

Rachel Writes (Rachel Scarsdale) - Has commentary and advice on creative writing, editing, and inspiration, as well as insights into her self-publishing journey.

Abbie Emmons – Known for her character-focused approach to storytelling and practical writing tips, especially on plotting and character development.

ShaelinWrites (Shaelin Bishop) – Offers in-depth discussions on various writing topics, including drafting, editing, and the creative process, often with a literary fiction focus.

Alexa Donne – A traditionally published author who provides advice on querying, publishing, and navigating the traditional publishing industry.

Kate Cavanaugh – Known for her “writing experiments,” including marathon writing sessions and challenges that explore different writing processes.

The Creative Penn (Joanna Penn) – Focuses on indie publishing and offers insights into marketing, self-publishing, and creative entrepreneurship for writers.

Heart Breathings (Sarra Cannon) – Provides guidance on self-publishing, productivity, and organization for writers, with a focus on indie authors.

QuotidianWriter (Diane Callahan) – Offers well-researched videos on the craft of writing, covering techniques, storytelling, and character development.

Vivien Reis – Known for beginner-friendly writing advice, including planning and outlining, as well as insights into self-publishing.

Furthermore, there are YouTube creators that post their commentary on books they've read. That's a heavily distilled definition about the thoughtful work they put into the reviews, but distilled down nonetheless, you, a writer, have struck gold.

Books—even titles you list as comps in your query—are getting in-depth reviews and loads of comments about them.

"Duh, Katherine," you say.

Listen! These reviews could explain tropes your future readers love—and the ones they never want to read again. These reviews could discuss character development or pacing issues, giving you and other writers a sense of what elements to prioritize or avoid in your/their own work. These reviews can spark inspiration in your approaches to plot twists and other narrative techniques that engage readers. These reviews start to explain what the readers are hungry for.

These lovely, dedicated humans are putting forth (mostly) constructive criticism. All it takes is a little self awareness to see how their words about that novel can translate into free* advice about your novel.

Girlie pop, that's a free workshop!

Who do I watch on the reg?

BooksandLala (Kayla) – A popular book reviewer who reads widely across genres, with in-depth reviews and reading challenges.

Jess Owens – Known for her honest book reviews, industry commentary, and thoughtful discussions. AND her Book CommuniTEA series keeps me in the know.

Bowties & Books (Jesse) – A reviewer who offers thoughtful reviews on books, often with a focus on intersectionality, queer representation, and diverse authors.

Books with Chloe – Provides book reviews, hauls, and reading vlogs, highlighting a wide range of diverse books, especially in the fantasy and YA genres.

Steph's Romance Book Talk – Specializes in romance novels, with detailed reviews focusing on diverse and inclusive love stories.

Reads with Rachel – Offers book reviews, commentary on the author community, and has extensive videos that range from 30 minutes to three hours!

lexi aka newlynova (Lexi) – is a vibrant booktuber who shares engaging reviews, reading vlogs, and book recommendations

It's also worth mentioning that actual workshops and conferences are excellent places to learn about writing and publishing. See my blog about Self Care for Writers: Finding Other Writers.

*the cost of your time and attention from advertisements notwithstanding

Conclusion

"With the right tools and a little teamwork, we can build anything!" —Bob the Builder.

I hope your toolkit takes you to a higher level of writing. I hope your tools lead you to beautiful prose. I hope your tools bring you a masterpiece.

Above all, I hope your tools assure you that it's your big, juicy brain is the most important instrument in your toolkit. You are the person wielding the tools and that's where the real magic happens.

✨✨✨,

Katherine Arkady