There are certain things that just make writing easier, especially if it’s a task you dread. I personally love to write but depending on the topic I still find myself procrastinating. On days when I know I will be writing I make sure to have three things with me and ready to go.
1. A Notebook
Although I do the majority of my writing on my laptop, I brainstorm and jot things down in my notebook. Even on days when I’m not writing I will get ideas for articles or copy that I know I will forget unless I put them somewhere. For me, making a note on my phone isn’t enough because I will probably forget that I wrote it there. It’s easier to have all my “good ideas” in one place. In addition to writing, I also will storyboard and doodle out ideas for campaigns or social strategy in my notebook and it’s important for me to have those drafts with me when I’m writing about them.
2. Headphones/Podcasts
Next up we have headphones/podcast listening materials. It’s impossible for me to write in complete silence, I never get anything done. I need some type of background noise whether that is music or a podcast it helps me stay engaged in my work. I typically listen to some true-crime podcast but lately I’ve been loving the Waves Social Podcast which is local to Calgary. I also found when I was working in an office having headphones in minimized the number of people that would stop by and chat. Don’t get me wrong, I loved to catch up with coworkers but it always ended up distracting me long after they had left. Who knew a year later and I would be working from home wishing someone would interrupt me with a coffee!
3. A Heater
The last essential on my list is a bit odd and probably not for everyone but having it with me has increased my productive writing days tenfold. I am cold 100 percent of the time and I get more easily distracted and fidgety when I am feeling chilled. This is especially true when it has been -45 degrees and I work near a window. When I’m comfortably warm, I find I can stay in my zone longer and let my brain just focus on writing instead of reminding me to get a coffee or tea before I freeze solid. This is especially beneficial when I work in my “hour of power” but more on that next week. I’ve tried almost every type of heating device on the market from floor heaters to heated blankets and even a pair of electric slippers and I’m still on the hunt for the perfect one. Right now, I switch between a floor heater that blows warm air on my frozen toes and a heated blanket for my upper body. If you have a favourite heater/heating combo let me know on Instagram @apage.creative.
Thanks for reading!
Alannah Page Creative 