Writing Supplies: The Desires

Ah, summer mornings. I'm eating a leftover Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie from B&N, my absolute favorite thing to get there. It is The Perfect Cookie. Even for breakfast.

These are writing supplies one wants but not technically needs. Ask any teenage girl, and she'll tell you there's no difference between the words.

1. The Steno Pad. My baby sister bought three for her school supplies, and I'm so jealous. Steno pads evoke secretaries and classic shorthand. They're also useful for idea jotting and they make you feel like a real writer.

2. The Pens with Character. You already have everyday pens and pencils, because those are needed. Now, again from Putting Your Passion Into Print, you need a special pen. A pen with personality, or maybe five personalities. My mom gave me a Belle pen one year with bright yellow feathers and a picture of Belle that lit up when you wrote. Yes, it was awesome.

3. The Clip Binder. As you start getting published, it's a good idea to keep records and copies of what was published where. Get a high-quality, fascinating binder that screams Keep Me Up to Date! And keep it. Up to date.

4. The Ergonomic Keyboard. Haha. But, guys, carpal tunnel and tendonitis are serious, especially if you have a family history of the two. Take care of your hands, because they are the one body part (apart from your brain) that you need in order to write. Check out a book on proper typing position. If you play an instrument, like I do, double-check with your teachers on the best ways to relieve stress on your hands.

Writing Supplies: The Necessities

1. The Laptop. If, by any force of nature, you are able to possess, rent or steal a laptop, do so. Private desktops work pretty well, too, but laptops are better. You need a laptop in a quiet space that you can access at almost any given time, when inspiration or deadlines strike thee.

2. The Big Book. I used to not believe in the power of an Empty Book (Putting Your Passion into Print) or a writing notebook for jotting down ideas and notes. I do now. I suggest at least an 8 x 11 notebook, preferably with rings on the side so it's easy to tear out paper.

What do you write down here? Ideas, deadlines, notes, observations, practical and impractical things. Guys can carry it in a backpack, girls in a large purse.

3. Lots of pens, maybe pencils. I love pens. I really, really love pens and have to have lots of them all the time. They usually have logos of beauty salons and pharmaceuticals on them, because these are free.

Buy these things now before school hits and your brain is so swamped you've forgotten you love to write. And stay tuned for Writing Supplies Part Deux and an announcement of next week's giveaway.