As I’m frantically trying to catch up on all the blog posts I need to read, I ran across this one from the Writers in the Storm blog. BTW, if you don’t follow that blog, you should.
The post talks about what writers need in order to create, beyond the obvious pen and paper, or computer, or typewriter, or cuniform tablet (for those who like to go old-school and have a lot of clay around). Things like backups–you do back up your writing on a regular basis, right? Right? Do it now; I’ll wait.
Other necessities include a beverage of choice, whether caffeine-enriched or not. And snacks. Gotta have snacks! I like Chex Mix, the bold flavor. And Turtle Chex Mix. And boring stuff like carrots (because they are crunchy 😀 ).
Comfy clothes are a must, because who likes to write when they are all dressed up with nowhere to go? I rely on sweats, unless it’s too warm for sweats, then lounge pants/ pajama pants work. And as many pairs of socks and slippers as it takes to keep my toes warm.
The list item that really made me think is the one about needing to belong, and to have fellow writer friends for support. It made me think again how grateful I am for my Writing Sisters. Not everybody has a tight circle of writing friends, but having a few fellow writers to hang with is enough.
Don’t forget about writers’ groups, either. Our Twin Cities chapter of Sisters in Crime is another wonderful, supportive group I feel fortunate to be a part of. It’s a club not just of writers, but readers as well. And online writer friends are also treasures; if you get an opportunity to meet any of them in person, do it. It’s like meeting an old friend, even though it’s the first time you can give them a real hug or pat on the back.
The post struck me as something to remember; I’ll have to print out the infographic and hang it in my soon-to-be-set-up-before-Christmas writing office. I thought I’d share it with my writing friends, because you’ll relate.
For those in the US, enjoy your holiday weekend! For everyone else, enjoy your shorter weekend 😀 😀
Facets of a Muse 
August 31, 2019 at 6:44 am
I like this idea, Julie, of thinking about what writers really need for success. Absolutely backup is one of those things. But just as important are some of those others. I’d also say you need a place to write that’s yours. Doesn’t have to be a huge room, (I think it can even be a corner of the living room if you do it right). But it has to be Your Writing Place. Where nobody bothers you unless it’s an emergency. Where your stuff is left alone and your creative touch is there.
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August 31, 2019 at 7:26 am
AMEN! Yes, I whole-heartedly agree! I’m looking forward to setting up my real-life writing office. I keep running into the “I really should be writing” reasoning, however. My son will be home this weekend; maybe I can get him to do half the work for me (the not-fun half 😀 )
Have a great weekend, Margot!
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August 31, 2019 at 7:55 am
A writing instructor once talked about the importance of having a comfortable space to write. She said it didn’t need to be fancy, but having the space was essential. And I agree. I also like comfortable clothes, my iced tea (I’m not a coffee drinker), and I want the room quiet. Music often inspires me to write, but I have to turn it off for writing sessions.
I follow Writers in The Storm. They have some great tips.
Enjoy the holiday weekend!
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August 31, 2019 at 8:11 am
Yes, a comfy space to write, something I’ve been searching for since my previous “writing space” lost its appeal (possibly due to it becoming a “catch-all” during the hurried rush to organize the house for a family gathering). I am looking forward to co-opting my son’s room, since he’s off at his own apartment most of the time these days. Alas, one of a long list of to-dos. Once the garden is finished, I think I’ll steer those energies into creating that space.
Have a great weekend, Joan!
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August 31, 2019 at 8:57 am
Julie, some of my best writing is done early morning, still in my nightie, snuggled up in bed, scribbling away in an A4 notebook! The quiet magic aura of dawn seems to release the floodgates to creativity!
Many thanks for the tip about Writers in the Storm! I love the name and am off to check them out.
Have a lovely long weekend, we had ours last weekend here in England. Happy Writing (& gardening!). Xx
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September 2, 2019 at 6:29 am
There is definitely something about the creative energies early in the morning, before the rest of the world stirs. I think you’ll like Writers in the Storm. They have a lot of great posts.
Enjoy your week, Annika!
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August 31, 2019 at 10:39 am
I do follow Writers in the Storm and I read that post, Julie. I enjoyed your follow-up. I’m off to write outside with our hummingbirds! Enjoy the holiday and be safe.
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September 2, 2019 at 6:31 am
Man, if I had hummingbirds to watch, I’m not sure how much writing I would get done 😀 Hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend.
Have a great week, Jill!
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August 31, 2019 at 10:39 am
A pet is also a necessity for writers. My dog–that’s who I discuss stuff about the plot with!
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September 2, 2019 at 6:32 am
Come to think of it, when I talk my plots through on my walks, one of the dogs is at my side. Hmm. I wonder if she has any opinions on my ideas …
Have a great rest of your holiday weekend, Jacqui!
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August 31, 2019 at 11:06 am
That support group is so important! Not only because this is a solitary venture most of the time, but also because we need honest constructive feedback. Making sure to carve out time for writing is another key to happy writing. The rest – comfy writing spot, pj’s, snack food, and a hot beverage are easy. A great list, Julie.
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September 2, 2019 at 6:36 am
Yes! A good group gives great feedback, and does the ever-important “reality checks”: would that character really do this? Does that make sense? That’s one of the most valuable things about a group. And yes, carving out writing time! I’m still struggling with that, but I’m working on it. I have a system that sort of works right now; once the outside stuff is done (read: garden) I’ll be able to reclaim that time.
Have a wonderful week, Diana!
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August 31, 2019 at 12:19 pm
I can’t help but feel like you were thinking of me in a few places during this post… 🙂
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September 2, 2019 at 6:41 am
Yes, yes I was 😀 😀 It’s weird, every time I buy Chex Mix on sale at the store, I think of you 🙂 There is no CM guy there, though!
Have a great week, Betsy!
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September 2, 2019 at 12:31 pm
That’s too bad. You can create your own CM guy by first becoming Crazy Chex Mix lady yourself if you really wanted. 😉
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September 3, 2019 at 8:29 am
LOL!
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September 3, 2019 at 11:54 am
BTW, saw my CM Guy yesterday. He asked where the post was about our last encounter. I said I thought people might be getting tired of the ongoing story. He said I ought to have a post every time I go there. I think he enjoys seeing himself in print. Hence, my forthcoming post. I may have created a monster, so do not take my aforementioned advice!
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September 4, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Ha ha! You have created a monster 😀 😀 I read the post (haven’t had a chance to comment yet). It’s great!
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August 31, 2019 at 2:11 pm
Thanks for sharing that, I really enjoyed it. I’m a sweats, shorts or leggings kind of gal. No caffeine though and I do miss it. I do back up by sending my work to myself on email. That way I can always get to it. I lost a book a long time ago and that hurt so I make sure now. Have a great rest of weekend Julie!
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September 2, 2019 at 6:44 am
Thanks, Denise! I wear shorts when it’s warm enough, but if the A/C is on, hubs has a tendency to keep the house just cool enough that shorts aren’t quite enough, so I go with cotton lounge pants. I limit my caffeine, so usually cold water is my go-to, unless I need a bit of energy, then mint herbal tea works.
Enjoy your week!
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September 2, 2019 at 8:14 pm
I definitely need a comfortable place to write, but I switch it up depending on mood. I have a dedicated office which gets used mostly during the fall and winter months. Summer will find me on my covered porch out back, and you might catch me any day (depending on mood) at the dining room table.
I wasn’t familiar with Writers in the Storm, but it looks like a great site. I couldn’t find a follow link, but will try to remember to check in and see what they’re posting. The writing community is a great one and I’m always looking to connect with more members.
And I have to agree with Zoey about summer. I can’t believe it blew by so quickly. Someone, please—say it isn’t so!!!
Happy writing, Julie!
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September 3, 2019 at 8:49 am
I am searching for a comfy place to write. I have put off setting up my son’s room in favor of garden work at this point, but I am looking forward to having a dedicated spot rather than a chair in the living room in full view of the TV (which hubs has on ALL. THE. TIME. Except when he’s working outside, which these days will be less and less since it gets darker earlier.
With Writers on the Storm, I follow them by email, I think. Between them, Janice Hardy, and Jane Friedman, I think I’ve got a pretty good writing blog reference network. And Career Authors is good too, with Hank Phillippi Ryan and Paula Munier as a couple of their members.
O. M. G. Yes, Summer blew through. I think it was a cooler summer where we are, with fewer 90+ days than usual, so that might contribute to the rushed feeling. And a late spring. Ugh. I’d be good with longer days; the equinox is three weeks away!
Have a great writing week, Mae!
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September 3, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Wishing you a awesome writing week too…and finding that perfect comfy spot 🙂
Thanks for the info on the writing blogs. It’s always great to find new sites that offer good information!
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