More Author Insight: All I need...

What are five things that you always have on hand when writing, either physically or virtually?

"Caffeine (did you know that they make caffeinated lollipops?), a snack, a hair clip, lip balm, and at least one totally blank Word page." - Lia Habel, author of Dearly Departed.

"Something to drink. Nicotine lozenges.  Sometimes a little buddha.  My cell phone (where I can read a little message to myself that says: get back to work, slacker dork). Notebook for notes." - Geoff Herbach, author of Stupid Fast.

"1. A computer -- I have to type to write.  Often, it feels like my fingertips are the first to know what will happen in a scene.

2. At least one free hand (two is preferred) -- See #1.

3.... hmm...

I like to write at a desk in a comfortable chair.  But I have written on the floor and in a bed and on a couch and outside on a mountaintop.  (Not recommended.  Way too much wind and glare on mountaintops.)  I like to have chocolate nearby, but it isn't essential.  (Shhh, don't tell my husband that.  He buys me fudge during particularly challenging revisions.)  Really, the only other necessary thing is:

4. Sheer pig-headed stubbornness -- Sometimes life is busy or the writing doesn't flow or you're tired/sick/grumpy/whatever.  To be a writer, you have to do it anyway.  I firmly believe that the most important trait for a writer to possess -- more important than talent or intelligence or a sense of humor or nice hair -- is perseverance." - Sarah Beth Durst, author of Drink, Slay, Love.

"Tea: Earl Grey in winter, apricot iced tea in summer. Relative quiet. My Macbook Air. Microsoft Word and either Write or Die, which I find very helpful while first-drafting, or Mac Freedom." - Jessica Spotswood, author of Born Wicked.

"A mug of tea or a Diet Coke, a ziploc bag of frozen (and now rotten) lima beans, my favorite hoodie, self-doubt, the advice of my wonderful advisors from Vermont College of Fine Arts (where I got my MFA)." - Marianna Baer, author of Frost.

"Coffee, a cat, good light, silence—and my ego box.  Ego has no place anywhere near my story or in my head because no one is that good." - Ilsa Bick, author of Ashes.

"I need something to sip. The drink choice varies. Morning: coffee. Afternoon: Water. Night: Wine or tea." - Angie Frazier, author of The Eternal Sea.

  "I always have my lap top and my hands and a glass of water. In the morning I usually have coffee and if I'm drafting a new book I like to have music. (Had to add the hands in there to get five things. I'm low maintenance!)" - Stacey Jay, author of Juliet Immortal.

 

 

"Being kind." - Stephanie Perkins, author of Lola & the Boy Next Door.

 

 

"My fingers. My computer. My stubbornness. Hopefully, my brain. And something hot to drink." - Amy Garvey, author of Cold Kiss.
 

 

"1. My laptop, a portable computer mouse (I can't stand laptop pads), my notebook of ideas, a pen, a grande Vanilla Latte.  (Unless it's fall, when it would be a Pumpkin Spice Latte.) " - Gemma Halliday, author of Deadly Cool.

 

  "Quiet (or my kids occupied so I can think). Notebook with my notes. My laptop. The Internet. A comfy place to sit. Everything else is frosting, like coffee, chocolate, and a snack." - Brena Pandos, author of The Emerald Talisman.

 

"Fresh air (through screened windows), magnifying glasses, quiet, a keyboard, or, more and more, a simple pen and paper." - Beth Kephart, author of You are My Only.

 
Find out Tuesday what our authors have accomplished and what they still aspire to in the future!
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