It’s time to write! What tools do you use to set up and get ready? Do you have a writing ritual? Well here’s a little look into my writing tools and what I need to write.

When I sit down to write I do it in a couple of ways.

Writing in the tub:

If I’m in the mood for a warm, lavender scented bath and want to write I grab my trusty pen and pad, well that used to be the norm, but now I grab my phone and use a dictation app, then download to my computer. It’s a great way to relax and write at the same time. But I suggest you let anyone in the house know what you’re doing. My son thought I was talking to myself.

Writing on the go:

What if you’re in the car waiting in line or maybe waiting on your child to get out of school, well use that time to write. I keep a pad and pen in my purse for just that moment. Now I use my dictation app on my phone, but usually in this situation I use my writing pad because people look at me strangely if I’m talking and there’s no response.

Writing in my writer zone:

Ok, when I’m in my normal writing zone which is the corner of my comfy couch, I usually have my laptop in my lap. But since I downloaded my phone app, some days I dictate then edit, but when I’m in the writing zone, you know the one, where I’m totally into what I’m doing, I love to feel the keys under my finger tips. I also have a large spiral notebook and pencil within reach for character changes and notes. If you don’t do this, then I suggest you start. It helps keep the facts straight.

Beverage of choice:

As any writer will tell you it’s imperative that you have a cup of something within reach. I usually have either coffee or warm flavored tea handy. If I’m writing in the early morning hours I have coffee, but for the afternoon writing I grab herbal tea. It’s just a good way to stay focused.

Music:

Some writers say they can’t write with noise around them, but some days if I’m writing a pivotal part of the story I need music. If it’s a sad part, then I play something somber, but if it’s a dramatic part, well I play something to go with that. Sometimes music inspires me to go in a different direction than maybe I’d planned. The sounds not the words inspire me.

Well, that’s a little bit of how I write and what I use as far as the tools. I’m working on a post for later regarding the programs that I use in designing and writing my books. Since I own a publishing service now I’ve expanded that list. So be on the look out for that post.

Don’t forget that all of March weekdays I’m offering a sale on my website of my paperbacks. Go over to stephaniehurtauthor.com and check out today’s savings. Also, Oakley is coming soon, so if you haven’t read Ridge yet, there’s still some time to get into the Five Oaks Ranch series and meet the Cauthen clan.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…