Ok, the lovely people over at Paper Hangover have asked us to talk about the five things that we just can't live without when we're writing. So here are my top five:
1: Coffee. I used to be addicted to tea, but it proved to be a gateway drug. I now drink double shot espresso Americano whenever I write. And the number of them I drink daily is slowly increasing...
2: My lovely Ikea office chair. When my husband and I bought it, it cost us the same amount of money as two weeks worth of groceries. Money was super tight back then, so it really was a ridiculous extravagance. However, I spend so much time writing that if I sat in a normal chair I may have spent ten times as much in the physiotherapists. (If you think ten times is an exaggeration, you should see the cost of healthcare in Ireland. It's unbelievable. And not in the good way.)
3: Focus Booster. I think I've talked about it before. It's a free app that aims to make you more aware of your time so that you are more productive. And it really works. Anything that can stop me wandering into various internet fora is a good thing in my book. And a good thing for my book.
4: My dog. I have a chocolate Labrador, and she lies by my feet when I write. I sometimes read parts aloud to see if the rhythm of the language is right, so she knows what is going on in my stories. She sometimes makes suggestions, like maybe one of my characters might like to run like crazy after a frisbee, catch it in her mouth and slobber over it. I politely decline these suggestions.
5: My husband. I could get all emotional and talk about how supportive he is, and it would all be true. However, he is also practically helpful. He's my number one beta reader and he picks up all my grammatical errors. I also talk about plot with him. He's my sounding board.
What about you? What things can you not do without?
How cool that your dog gives you input! Awesome list! :)
ReplyDeleteI am envious of your office chair- mine is a cheap one that makes my back ache :( Oh, and going to check out Focus Booster right now!
ReplyDeleteI think its great that your dog sits at your feet while you write. I wish my cat would do that. Mostly he tries to knock things off the desk in an effort to get attention
ReplyDelete:) It's the sweetest that you have your dog when writing.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you -- I'll definitely have to check out Focus Booster.
What a great list! I'm going to check out Focus Booster too now. :) Thanks for participating!
ReplyDeleteI'm so checking out Focus Booster.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way with coffee. I used to be a pure tea drinker (Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Peppermint). But I've been really enjoying a cup of coffee lately!
ReplyDeleteChecking out Focus Booster and that is so sweet about your dog and your hubby.
ReplyDeleteI love tea!!!!! I think I am addicted to that and Diet Coke. I love how your dog sits at your feet! that is so sweet. I also love that hubby is a good sounding board and your grammer checker. That is great.
ReplyDeletefocus booster sounds great, and how wonderful that you've got this supportive network of dog, chair, and husband!
ReplyDeleteWow, focus booster sounds awesome! Have you tried freedom yet? I think that one's particularly helpful, just because it eliminates access to the internet. Thanks for the comment btw!
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