What every hard working writer needs

There are some common threads in articles about what writers need. Many items are common to such lists, which could include:

• Computer
• Printer
• Paper
• Pencils or pens
• A desk and suitable chair
• Dictionary and reference books
• Access to the internet

This is just a start.

Each list would most likely have many more items. For more details of what I have on my desk read the article called “A list of my writing tools.” One of the essential items for many writers – possibly all writers – does not even make these lists and it is easily overlooked. I guarantee there is at least one of these on every writer’s desk; more likely there is a huge collection of these essential items.

What every hard working writer needs:

One item takes pride of place on my desk. It is a coffee mug. Most writers will have a collection of these on their desk, on the floor, on the bookshelf, on the window sill – in fact – wherever there are a few centimetres of spare space. The contents of almost all of these mugs will be stone cold, half empty (or half full depending on your particular philosophical bent), partly or totally covered in green slime (or some other disgusting colour or substance) and contributing to the general mustiness within the room.

Special Mug

Mine, however, is a special mug. Rarely do I have more than one. I’m so good I don’t let them accumulate. (Okay – so you could accuse me of not being a REAL writer; real writers have dozens of coffee mugs lurking in their writing room.) The reason I usually have only one mug is because I like using the same mug over and over, the mug receiving something of a rinse out between each use. And I tend to use only one particular mug because it is very special. It was bought home for me by my daughter when she visited Ireland earlier this year. It takes pride of place because it comes from the Dublin Writers Museum.

Oops – the contents have disappeared.

Time to boil the billy again.

Good writing.

Links:

• Dublin Writers Museum
  
• A list of my writing tools