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The Writer Life
40
items Every writer has an essential set of tools that they use to write great stories. Make sure you have everything you need to turn all your ideas into art.
Sections
4
Tools For Writers
Writer Fuel
Platforms to Share Your Work
Second Hand Gems
Tools For Writers
Essential tools for writers of all levels and experience.
You do not want to let those great ideas slip away, because I am telling you, they will. A good journal doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, as long as it is portable. Never lose a great idea again.
Journals, Notebooks, and Diaries
There are going to be times when you feel lost as a writer. It is such a solitary pursuit, so it feels good to have the King by your side. On Writing is an essential read for anyone who has the dream of becoming a professional writer.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King, Paperback
I have countless pens, but do you think I can find one when I really need it? If you guessed, “Yes.” you would be wrong. I lose pens faster than brains cells, so a good little pen folder is a must.
Pen Holder
Organization is one of the main keys to being a successful writer, and if your space on the couch has become your home office, it's time for an upgrade. Desks come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, so pick one that fits your space and style.
Writing Desks with Drawer
Call me the pod king, because I have those cool little K-pods scattered all over my place. Writers run on coffee, and nothing beats being able to quickly toss a pod into your Keurig and have a cup of java ready to go before you know it.
Shop Coffee Makers
When you are in the groove and the words are flowing, you might well forget all about that mug of coffee sitting on your desk. With a thermal mug, you can forget it for hours on end and still have a piping hot cup of Joe when you need to jumpstart yo...
Mugs & Tumblers
The pens you choose will always come down to personal preference. I am all about ballpoint pens and am more than happy to go with a trusted brand that delivers boxes of pens at an affordable price. Trust me, one will not be enough.
Papermate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pen Black 1.4MM 2-Pack
I am an older dude and have been writing for years. There are times when I get pains shooting up my wrists and fingers, and these gloves always solve the problem. I don't wear them all the time, but it's good to know they are there if I need them.
Gloves Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Eye strain can be a problem for writers, as being stuck in front of a laptop for hours on end is never good. I like to turn off the main light and use a pair of different desk lamps. Look for one with a softer glow, and for goodness sake, turn down t...
Desk Lamps in Lamps(1000+)
This has quickly become my go to coffee for when I am writing. Even the decaf blend is delicious, which is why I sometimes find myself chugging down a mug a half hour before bed. I usually get the whole beans, but the K-Cups are great too.
Verona Starbucks
I spend altogether too much time sitting in front of a laptop, so I need to be comfortable for hours on end. A good chair is a must, but since I am also a starving artist, I also need something that is comfortable for my wallet. This one checks all t...
JOINSUN Ergonomic Office Chair - High Back Mesh, Reclining with Lumbar Support, Adjustable Headrest, Footrest & Padded Arms, Gray - Walmart.com
I am about to upgrade my printer, and since I have always had success with HP products, this will be my next purchase. The ink aspect of this one is a huge selling point, as the model I currently use requires frequent refills, which is one of the rea...
HP Envy 6165e Wireless AI Enabled All in One Inkjet ...
Many of my story ideas come to me in dreams, so for the longest time I have had a journal sitting on my bedside table. As soon as I wake up, I grab it and jot down what I can remember. This is vital for a writer, as we all know how quickly those drea...
Dreams By Heyday Graphic Journal - Large
Some writers need total silence to write, but I like a little background noise, usually in the form of ambient music. I live Skullcandy, so this one is a must.
Skullcandy Terrain XT Medium Compact Wireless Speaker, IPX7 Waterproof, 14 Hour Battery - Walmart.com
If you just want something simple to write with and not have to deal with a bunch of bloated software, a Chromebook is the place to start.
ASUS CX15 15.6 inch FHD IPS Chromebook Laptop Intel Celeron N4500 4GB RAM 128GB eMMC Pure Gray
I scribble notes and ideas relentlessly. The color coded pads help me make notes for specific projects without getting things mixed up.
sixwipe 6 Pcs Colored Legal Pads, Colored Writing Pads 5*8 Inch, 50 Sheets Wide Legal Ruled, Note Pads, Notepads 80GSM Thick Paper Memo Pads To Do List for Office Work
I love to display my own books, while also relentlessly adding to my collection from authors that I love.
ZENSTYLE 5 Tier Bookcase Bookshelf Storage Wall Shelf Organizer Display Stand Home Office Black
Writer Fuel
Most authors will tell you that they are powered by caffeine, and I am no different. Here are some of my favorites.
Not necessarily my go to brand, but when I do opt for Folgers, this is the one I choose.
Folgers 2550030407 30.5 oz. Canister Classic Roast Ground Coffee
While it doesn't taste as good as a hot coffee from the drive-thru, McDonalds still delivers a very good flavor.
McCafe Premium Roast, Medium Roast, Ground Coffee, 30 oz
If you are looking for more of a kick at an affordable price, then Black Silk is the way to go.
Folgers Black Silk Ground Coffee, Smooth Dark Roast Coffee, 9.6 oz Canister
This was my introduction to coffee as a kid, and it was my mum's favorite. If you fancy instant, you can't beat Nescafe.
NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice House Blend, Light Medium Roast Instant Coffee, 7 oz, 1 Jar
One of the great things about Maxwell House is that you can generally find it at a decent price. Tastes good, too.
Maxwell House Original Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 27.5 oz Canister, Medium
When a deadline is approaching and you need a boost, this is the one that gets it done.
Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee Beverage, Mocha, 4 Count, 11 fl oz Cans
It may not be fancy, but this is the coffee I drink on most days. I guess I do run on Dunkin.
Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 30 oz Canister
If you don't want to write a novel, how about drinking out of one?
Painted Book Mug, Novelty 3D Books Coffee Cup, 2025 Unique Handmade Colored Glass, Stackable Novelty Mug for Hot/Cold Brews - Unique Gift for Book Lovers, Readers, Writers
Notes of nuts and chocolate, this one will make you feel like you are drinking stolen treasure.
Black Rifle Coffee Company Blackbeard's Delight, Dark Roast, Ground Coffee, 12 oz
Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with this delicious organic blend.
Stumptown Coffee Organic Holler Mountain Premium Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee, Arabica, 12 oz
For those times when you need an extra jolt of caffeine goodness.
Death Wish Coffee, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, Fair Trade, Organic, Bag, 10oz
Platforms to Share Your Work
Medium is a great place to blog and make money. I have several publications there and am always looking for new writers to submit their work.
John Watson – Medium
Koala Quill is a great place to write, and to make some money doing so. They have a 100K word challenge between Nov 1 and Jan 31. Complete it and earn $120.
Koala Quill - Let's write your success story. Together.
Second Hand Gems
Used horror books at prices that won't break the bank. Why buy one when you can buy three?
I read this one when I was a kid and it totally freaked me out.
The Amityville Horror book by Jay Anson
Short but definitely not so sweet. These horror tales are guaranteed to scare.
100 Hair-Raising Little Horror Stories book by Charles Dickens
Bow down to the elder gods with these tales from the master of cosmic horror.
Great Tales of Horror book by H.P. Lovecraft
Countless kids have used these stories as their gateway into the horror genre.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book by Alvin Schwartz
While this one was not my favorite, it is a viral sensation that lots of gothic horror fans loved.
Mexican Gothic book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Another absolute classic in the horror genre. Eseential reading for fans of the spooky.
The Haunting οf Hill House book by Shirley Jackson
A group of modern horror master in one collection? Yes please.
Prime Evil: New Stories by the Masters... book by Clive Barker
Like most of King's work, the book is almost always better than the movie.
Pet Sematary book by Stephen King
Not for the faint of heart, this book is a bit of a stomach churner.
Tender Is the Flesh book by Agustina Bazterrica
The book that pushed Miss Rice into the horror spotlight. An absolute classic.
Interview with the Vampire book by Anne Rice