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How to make a Writer's Toolkit: Intro
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The Dark Knight keeps a toolbelt... Why not the noble writer?
In my experience, most professionals have a toolkit of some sort. Most doctors keep a stethoscope, ear/nasal scope, and that minuscule cheese-wedge hammer that mysteriously makes patients’ knees spaz out. When doing film or television work, my toolbelt includes a Leatherman, gaffers tape, Sharpies, and hordes of clothespins (which we film folk call C-47’s… because that’s just so damn fun to say). Even the noble Jedi dares not leave his hovel without his lightsaber, a medpac, and one of those snazzy retainers that let them breathe underwater.
Why then do most writers not have a toolkit? Generally, the phrase ‘writer’s toolkit’ tends to be a favorite catch line for articles trying to inspire authors to… well frankly, use their brains. However, upon further pondering, these snippets of encouragement are not trying to teach a tool set, but a skill set (creativity, writing exercises, brainstorming techniques, word prompts, etc.). Just like other professionals, while not every writer needs a physical toolkit, writers who work on the go certainly should consider putting one together, something you can pick up and be ready to use whenever and wherever inspiration may strike her gilded gong.
Every toolkit should be customized to fit the needs of the person using it, so do keep in mind that this is purely a list based on suggestion (we aren’t talking wilderness survival). Over the next few series of articles we’ll break down the possible additions to your writer’s toolkit:
- Tech Gear (laptop, accessories, headphones, recorders, etc.)
- Books (thesaurus, character naming assists, research books, etc.)
- Miscellanea (drink mixes, little inspirational toys, bookmarks, etc.)
The first necessity in this process is finding something to carry these items in. Laptops tend to be the most cumbersome thing to haul about unless you’re an avid proponent of hardcovers, so taking into account the size of your computer and how much time you’ll be hauling it around is key. I recall one close relative’s disappointment when she received a free laptop bag from work only to find out the brand new electric-fuchsia laptop she ordered was too big for it. Knowing how much space you’ll need is first priority. Beyond that, go with what’s comfortable for you:
- Briefcase: In my humble opinion these are best left to corporate professionals and tend to not be very writer friendly, but they certainly look good at meetings and will keep your items secure and well organized.
- Messenger bag: A recent favorite of students, these tend to come in either a sling style or in the standard rectangle-with-a-strap form. They are very laptop friendly, but most may require you to purchase a new strap with good shoulder padding if you’re carrying a heavy load often.
- Backpacks: As someone who does a fair amount of walking with my kit, this is my personal favorite and works fantastically for travel. Definitely invest in something sturdy where the straps won’t just tear themselves off at the first groanings of strain. Comfort is also crucial as a poorly designed backpack can be agony if you’re carrying the equivalent of a pile of rocks. I tend to recommend something with a good laptop sleeve, multiple pockets, and the potential for various forms of use. MobileEdge, Swiss Army, and Franklin Covey make some excellent ones.
- Roller bags: Excellent for those who may have back problems or are otherwise unable or unwilling to deal with the pain caused by back or shoulder mounted bags. Franklin Covey has some excellent laptop rollers, and you can also go the route of exploring small luggage. The really nice ones tend to be quite easy to keep organized as well, and are perfect for briefcase fans who just hate carrying that unfeeling little brick around.
- Duffel: Spent time in the army? Hike or go to the gym often and want to combine your writer’s kit with that gear? Just need something you can toss in your car? Duffel bags are the simple and sweet way to go.
The sky is the limit. Beyond department stores, luggage companies, and office supply stores, I personally place Franklin Covey and REI at the top of my list for bags that make excellent multitaskers and will last through just about anything, and both companies have a healthy presence in Colorado (check out the travel section of the REI Flagship store near Speer and 1-25, on the top floor). This may seem like a fairly rudimentary subject, but a toolkit without a toolbag is just a pile of junk.
In the next article we get into a subject that leaves many fans of the old school quivering in their chairs: laptops and tech gear.
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