Tools for a Writing Binge

How does a writer prepare for a writing binge? With a visit to the bookstore/library/office supply store, or course! Oh, and don’t forget the grocery store for a few comfort foods and caffeine.

This week I went out and loaded up on all kinds of goodies for November. Actually, for the days leading up to NaNoWriMo, but some will carry through into my writing-binge time as support material.

Books

Notebook—At this stage I need pen to paper. I cannot brainstorm on a computer. My cute notebook is divided into three sections. History and Time line in the beginning. Characters in the middle. Plot in the third section. The very last page is where I start writing down my questions that I need to research. Then, on the covers, I write down the slang, expressions, clothing, entertainment etc. that I find in the primary sources I’m reading. This is for quick reference. It’s super easy to flip open the cover.

Reference books

I’m writing a historical so I’m hording books spanning 1895-1900. I’ve also got two diaries from the period. Nothing beats a good diary for unusual everyday details.

Inspirational books

Writer’s biographies are always nice. This year I’ve got Margaret Atwood’s Negotiating With the Dead

This line made me laugh:

My mother liked quietness in children, and a child who is reading is very quiet.

Writing books

Not sure what I’ll need, but these looked good to me: (Mostly I will read these in the next week, and then sporadically in November.)

The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction by James Alexander Thom
Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan
Creating Characters, How to Build Story People by Dwight V. Swain

First chapter peek on the Swain book:

The core of character, experience tells me, lies in each individual story person’s ability to care about something; to feel, implicitly or explicitly, that something is important….The crucial issue is that the feeling exists to the point that it’s strong enough to move him.

Miscellaneous

Pens. Colored pens make for better brainstorming; highlighters for drawing your attention to the “winners” in your brainstorming

Note cards. For keeping track of scenes

Refreshments.  I’m very disappointed to learn that Trader Joes no longer carries my favorite dark chocolate almonds rolled in black cocoa. Oh well, it’s probably best I don’t eat a package/week of those things. So, I’ve got a few packs of new flavors of tea and my old amaretto coffee standby. Not sure what my munchie of choice is going to be yet. I’ll take suggestions in the comments.

Two Calendars. One calendar is to keep track of your daily goals and actuals. The other calendar is for your family and outside commitments. This way your kids can see that you haven’t forgotten them. They’ll see that you did plan X event so they have something to look forward to.

Do not disturb/interrupt cards. You’ve got to have something to let those around you know you are seriously busy, even when you are staring up at the ceiling. I stumbled upon these neat little Interrupt Cards this summer. My kids get three a day and once they’ve used them up, they cannot talk to me until I initiate eye contact.

Menu plans. One tip: Breakfast for dinner.