Summer is fading, even if the heat persists. It’s back-to-school time and the sales of pens, paper, and notebooks are calling to me as they always do. Soon mornings will include school buses and lunches. It’s always a bittersweet time for me. I love the lazy flow of summer, but am energized by the idea of school.
I miss wandering the halls with my backpack, eager to learn new things. I miss the feel of new supplies and a fresh syllabus to tackle. But mostly, I love digging into those sales on pens, paper and all things a writer needs. It’s addictive.
But gone are the days of loading my pack up with textbooks. These days I go lighter. I stay mobile and focused. I’m picky about what goes into my bag now and include only the necessary and beloved. The problem is defining what is necessary.
Here is what I carry in my bag as a professional writer:
Writing Utensils
The most important thing I carry is what I call my writer’s kit. It includes: pens (a single traditional ball point for forms, fine point felt tips, and a handful of colored Japanese fine tip pens because I love them), pencils (mechanical so I’m never without a point), post-it notes in various sizes, note cards, highlighters, thumb drives holding various projects, and a microfiber cloth to keep things clean. I keep these things in a fabric pencil-case. I know I carry more pens than I could ever use in a reasonable time, but it makes me feel good to have options and backups.
Writing Paper
The next most important thing is something to write on. I’ve tried a variety of things over the years, but find that a medium-sized notebook works best. It has to be big enough to really write in it—not a quick grocery list, but scenes that pop into my head at the most inopportune time and always when I am away from my computer. Tiny notepads don’t work for me. I prefer thin-ruled notebooks that open flat. I do not like to use my phone for taking notes. Never have. Call me a Luddite, but I prefer traditional pen and paper for on-the-fly writing and capturing ideas. Moleskin notebooks work great, but I use others too. I have several writer’s notebooks—one in my office, one in my bag, one by my bed. I don’t want to miss an idea looking for a way to trap it.
Reading Material
I try to keep reading material on me at all times. You know the drill: a magazine or book for the car, a book for the bag and several books scattered throughout the house. I don’t like to be left without precious words. It comes in handy, especially on those days I want to eat out during the middle of the day alone. For this, I prefer a magazine that lays flat, but I will read whatever I have with me. I see no reason to waste time waiting in lines or for others when I can use that time to read. I prefer not to read on my phone, but will if there’s no other option.
The Usual and Not-So-Usual Items
Then, of course, I carry the usual things: keys, wallet, phone, lipstick, tiny lint roller (because of my cat). There’s nothing odd or unusual about my load. I do take my laptop everywhere I plan to write or work, tossing in a battery backup when I know it will be a long day. Ditto on a backup battery for my phone.
If I’m going on a shoot or research trip, I add in my project binder, a small first aid kit, sunscreen, water, and wear good shoes. I also toss in a small case that holds a tiny stapler, staples, paper clips, tape, small ruler, glue, multi-tool with screwdrivers and such, an eraser, white out, and tiny magnifying glass. It’s come in handy more often than I’d expected. On research trips, I will add in my handheld scanner with backup SD cards and a zippered folder for any materials I collect along the way. Since I have my phone with me, I use that to take pictures and location shots. I also have the flexibility to record audio or notes.
My bag gets heavy at times, but I am never caught with an idea I can’t capture in some way. If I am driving, I recruit Siri and she records whatever I want. If I am stopped, I write it down in my notebook. Being prepared is worth the weight I carry.
What do you carry? What do you need to write on the go?