Writing is not a job that you can leave at the office, nor is it a hobby that can wait until the weekend. Writing is a lifestyle choice. You are always on the clock.
This means a good writer needs to be prepared. So, here are five things you should have on you at all times.
1. Pen and Paper - surely this goes without saying. If you get a good idea, or overhear a snappy bit of dialogue on the train, then you need to be able to scribble it down. I do a lot of my best writing during my commute to work. You need to be able to write on the move because it will help you find more time for writing. Pen and paper (or a laptop) should always be at hand in case inspiration strikes.
2. Book or E-Reader - writers need to be readers. The work of other authors will motivate you and teach you new techniques, whether consciously or subconsciously. It also helps if you read the work of authors who you know because you will then be able to leave them an Amazon review which is a favour that they will hopefully return.
3. Fully-Charged Smartphone - a smartphone is an essential tool for a writer. It will allow you to access all manner of apps which will increase your reading (Kindle, Kobo, Nook) and market your work (Twitter, Facebook). You can also access writing tutorials on the move (YouTube), update your author website (Weebly) and check your newsletter subscribers (MailChimp). Of course, a smartphone will allow you to access your emails and calendar so you can stay in touch with other writers and keep track of your upcoming appearances. Smartphones mean that the world is now kept safely in our pockets and accessible by our very fingertips. Writers need to have the world within reach.
4. Business Cards - you never know when you might meet a fellow writer or a fan of your particular genre. Therefore, carry around a couple of business cards which you can give with people. The business cards should contain your name, website, Twitter profile and a glimpse of your book cover, so they can get in touch with you and locate your book online.
5. Your Book - it always helps to have your book on you at all times, either on your e-reader or in a paperback format. If you capture someone's attention for a good period of time (perhaps you are sat next to each other on the train or attending the same conference) then lend them your book a short while so they can read your first chapter. If you get them hooked then hopefully then will go online to buy a copy themselves.
This means a good writer needs to be prepared. So, here are five things you should have on you at all times.
1. Pen and Paper - surely this goes without saying. If you get a good idea, or overhear a snappy bit of dialogue on the train, then you need to be able to scribble it down. I do a lot of my best writing during my commute to work. You need to be able to write on the move because it will help you find more time for writing. Pen and paper (or a laptop) should always be at hand in case inspiration strikes.
2. Book or E-Reader - writers need to be readers. The work of other authors will motivate you and teach you new techniques, whether consciously or subconsciously. It also helps if you read the work of authors who you know because you will then be able to leave them an Amazon review which is a favour that they will hopefully return.
3. Fully-Charged Smartphone - a smartphone is an essential tool for a writer. It will allow you to access all manner of apps which will increase your reading (Kindle, Kobo, Nook) and market your work (Twitter, Facebook). You can also access writing tutorials on the move (YouTube), update your author website (Weebly) and check your newsletter subscribers (MailChimp). Of course, a smartphone will allow you to access your emails and calendar so you can stay in touch with other writers and keep track of your upcoming appearances. Smartphones mean that the world is now kept safely in our pockets and accessible by our very fingertips. Writers need to have the world within reach.
4. Business Cards - you never know when you might meet a fellow writer or a fan of your particular genre. Therefore, carry around a couple of business cards which you can give with people. The business cards should contain your name, website, Twitter profile and a glimpse of your book cover, so they can get in touch with you and locate your book online.
5. Your Book - it always helps to have your book on you at all times, either on your e-reader or in a paperback format. If you capture someone's attention for a good period of time (perhaps you are sat next to each other on the train or attending the same conference) then lend them your book a short while so they can read your first chapter. If you get them hooked then hopefully then will go online to buy a copy themselves.