More Tea Parties | Content warnings
Hello everyone! It’s the end of August already which means it’s time for another tea party. This time we’re talking about what’s in our bags as writers and, at the end, we’ll also let you know the details of our next and upcoming break! Grab a drink and let’s get started!
What’s your usual writing set up?
Raspberry
Laptop for writing, some fidgets for when I need to pause and think (I have squishy stress-cats, some spinners, and some clicky keys), headphones and my phone with a pre-loaded playlist so I don’t waste time browsing for music, and snacks! My go-to snacks are usually Twizzlers, but I’ve been chewing gum lately instead.
Pineapple
I generally like sitting at my desktop tower best. It’s in my bedroom, so I sit in there with my headphones on and something to drink usually. I have my phone handy and almost always my planner is open with my goals for the day and other hand-written notes whatever it is I’m working on.
Apple
It depends on which writing step I’m on. I tend to outline at the table with a spiral notebook and pen, draft on my phone before bed or early in the morning, and flesh things out more fully on my laptop back at the table again. I usually have headphones on at home while I write, with either music playing or a screen reader to listen to what I’ve written so far when I get stuck (and help me check for typos). I love having a little desk friend around too, like a small figurine or a plushie.
When you’re away from your usual, what are your MUST HAVE items for writing?
Raspberry
Access to the internet usually. Or a nice notebook and a pen that sparks joy! I have a friend I do a care package exchange with, and she sent me a really cute purple pen that writes well and makes me happy, so handwriting drafts has gotten easier for me!
Pineapple
Most of my stuff is on the cloud these days, so I really just need my laptop and the internet. I even try to write my outlines digitally, just in case.
My planner and headphones would be nice, but they’re not necessary.
Apple
My phone, my outline (if I’ve written one already), a pen, and a piece of paper. I’m not too picky about what kind of paper either; honestly, the less serious, the better. Something about writing on a small piece of notebook paper or the back of a sticky note helps me feel a little less anxious while I’m trying to get started. It’s a nice reminder to turn off my inner editor while working on a first draft.
What do you pack for a writing day?
Raspberry
Laptop, charger, phone, headphones, and snacks! And fidgets to hopefully keep my distraction levels to a minimum.
Pineapple
I’ll pack my laptop (and charger) and my planner for sure. Sometimes I take notes about stories I’m working on or books I’m reading in a journal, and I’ll take those if I think I’ll need them. If I’m going to meet up with somebody, I don’t usually take headphones because I don’t want to be rude.
I’ll usually pack post-it notes of various sizes and pens or highlighters. I’ve also usually got coffee with me and a water bottle in my bag.
Apple
Too much. I am an overpacker. I always bring my laptop and charger, even if I won’t be out long, and then I don’t end up using them because it’s way easier to just pull out my phone or paper and pen. I also bring a cardigan in case I get cold, a water bottle, a notebook, sticky notes, a couple pens, and a highlighter.
Any recommended items for a writing day out?
Raspberry
I like having post-its and a journal on hand, in case I get random ideas unrelated to my project. That way, I can jot it down and return to my work without falling into a rabbit hole! Of course, this is all theoretical, as I am talented enough to get distracted despite all the safeguards I have in place!
Pineapple
Post-it notes! I have a whole collection of them tbh. I think it’s also good to set goals about what you’d like to accomplish when you sit down to write, that way you have something to aim for. I use mildliners to cross off what I’ve done on my to-dos.
Apple
I like having a timer on my phone. There can be more distractions when I’m out, (cool books if I’m at the library, yummy drinks and snacks if I’m at a cafe, friends I really want to catch up with), so checking in with myself to make sure I’m still focused and writing really helps.
What else do you keep in your bag?
Raspberry
I like having my mini-planner, because time blindness is too real. So many times, I’ve almost missed a deadline because my brain thinks the date (or month) we’re in is completely different from reality. I also have chapstick and hand lotion, since I pick at my cuticles and lips sometimes when I’m zoned out, so I need to rehydrate them constantly!
Pineapple
I almost always have pain killers on me just in case, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. I don’t think I keep anything particularly interesting in my bag, but I do try to be prepared for minor medical problems, so I carry a lot of otc medications ha ha.
Apple
Going through the rest of my tote bag, I’ve got chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand cream, my coin purse, a card game (sometimes the distraction I need to be worried about is me), pain killers, allergy meds, and a face mask. They’re not in there right now, but I’ll also typically bring my phone charger and maybe a book to read if the writing just isn’t happening that day.
Announcement
We’ll be taking another break! This time for two months: September and October. We’ll be back just in time for the holidays on November 6th! We’re researching and planning a lot, so we hope you look forward to it lots. Take care, and we’ll see you soon!
JAAM Writing 