Necessary Writing Tools

English: Two A7 (2.9″ X 4.1″) form factor spiral-bound notebooks on top of an A5 (5.8″ X 8.3″) form factor spiral-bound notebook. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What tools you use will depend highly on your personality, budget and writing style. They may include index cards, pens or pencils, highlighters, a laptop and a dozen notebooks, or simply a desk top computer, along with a pen and some paper for note taking and idea generation.

I have gone through phases, using different tools in each. Right now, I find these items necessary to help me keep track of everything and do my writing:

• laptop, with a sticky notes program

• pens

• notepads

• a series of notebooks

• file folders and a file holder

• poster board/ old posters or large calendars

• tape

• clipboards

• yellow legal pads

Each of the tools has a purpose for me. For example:

• The poster board hung on the wall gives me a visual (and daily reminder) of certain tasks that need to be done throughout the month. I write categorized lists on each months board, and check off tasks as they are completed.

• The sticky note program allows me to easy take notes from the internet until I can get them into the appropriate notebook.

• The clip boards help me to make lists of tasks that need to be done on my blogs, as well as for the challenges that I create. These are then hung on my wall as another visual.

What tools do you find essential to your freelance business?

Shannon L. Buck

My At-Home Work Space

MSI laptop computer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last December I moved to a new area. One where I could be closer to my daughter who is in college. Because she graduates in a couple years, I decided to just rent a room. I share a bathroom with others, bit I do have a small refrigerator, microwave, a couple of hotplates and a crock pot in my room. I also have a kitchen table and chairs.

This table is where I usually work. I do not really eat at it, unless I have company, so I can keep the necessary items for my freelance business out on the table, including my laptop. The table sits right in front of a huge window, making it easy for me to look outside when I like.

I sit at one end, with my laptop in front of me, and my project notebook, a general to-do list, and a pen next to me. The other end of the table holds a neat pile of my other project notebooks, with a notepad for notes placed on top so I can quickly jot down ideas.

The only things I don’t have are a phone line and wireless internet… For internet use, I have to go elsewhere. I am looking into options, though.

Where do you like to work when at home?

Shannon L. Buck