I have a writer’s bag.

It matches my laptop case.

 

 

Inside I always have a journal. The journal is for all of my scribbling.  I must have a journal to write my books. Some books take one journal. Some books take four journals. Inside the journals I sketch out characters and plot lines, conflicts and personality quirks, changes and deletions, additions of new characters and the reasons for getting rid of old ones.

I get to know people initially in my story in those journals, although they change as I write the book because characters do that as they take over their own lives. I write down any personal stuff I’m dealing with, prayers and hopes, baggage that needs to be dealt with, and plans for the future. I write down blog ideas, too.

 

 

 

I always have the book(s) I’m currently reading. Without it, I’d feel lonely in a literary sort of way. I’m writing about a farm right now and I need more info, so I’ve started this book. The writer’s voice is excellent. Recent favorites have been Unbroken, The Help, The Vagina Monologues, and Love, Loss, and What I Wore.  Seabiscuit is next.

 

 

I always have an inspirational writing book.   The book could be Bird by Bird by Annie Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King, Writing Out The Storm by Jessica Morrell, or one of Julia Cameron’s or Natalie Goldberg’s. I feel better when they’re with me.

 

 

I am considering getting a kindle or an IPAD, but I like the feel of  books. I like that I’ve highlighted different parts of my most special and treasured books. They’re part of a reading and writing journey for me. They are mine in a way that having books on an electronic thing-a-ma-doodle could not replicate.

For writers, artists, knitters, thinkers, inventors, sketch artists, dreamers, science – followers, builders, idea – pushers, miracle – believers and jugglers of all sorts, get yourself a bag, or a basket, even a decorated box.   Go for polka dots or army fatigues or a white stork or lace and satin.

Think of it as a treasure chest for your creativity and your favorite stuff, a place for hopes and chance, wisdom and fun, luck and laughter, and those perfect magical moments when you…can…just…be…you.

Just you.