Greetings and Good Monday Morning Everyone!
I hope that you're off to an amazing start this morning. Today, I thought that it would be fun for me to discuss a few of the "must-have" items for a romance writer. All of the items listed, are my must-haves. So, I hope that you enjoy! Without delay let's jump right in.
As a writer✍🏾, and most specifically, a hopeless romantic💖 who happens to write romance novels📖, I have a few items in my "writers chest" that I simply must have. If you're a writer, then maybe you'll agree. At my core, I am a stationary and "office supplies" junkie, so this list speaks to everything that I love. There are times when I honestly do not need supplies, but I order them because, I love to have "options". I hope that you can dig the items on this list, and maybe pick them up for yourself.😉 So without further delay, let's dive right in!
1. Planner
For any professional, but particularly as a writer, your planner is your life line. So you need to have a planner that is comprehensive, and allows you to track and document your writing. I love to write in my planner my writing times, words written, and document my day. I typically keep many of my planners, it's like a journal of my life. I sometimes go back and look at them because, they chronicled my day, and it brings back memories when I flip through them. Overall, the planner should serve as your guide for staying focused, and keeping you on track for meeting your writing goals.
2. Notebook
I'm sure most writers will agree that our notebooks are like our "Holy Bible". For me, it is where I mind map my chapters, develop my characters, and construct my stories. I always have multiple notebooks lying around so that I can take notes. I really like notebooks with positive messages on them because, they are a reflection of the positive energy that I like to have surrounding me. I also manage my writing plan in my notebook.
3. Ink Pens
Anyone that knows me knows that I'm an ink pen junkie! I love a great ink pen. Of course, like most writers, I have my favorite every day ink pens. My "go to" everyday ink pens are Pilot Ink Gel Pens because, I like to color code my tasks and important dates in my notebook and calendar, respectively. However, I think every great writer, especially, romance writers should have a "statement ink pen". A "statement ink pen" is not an everyday pen, but it is a writing tool that you may use to sign important documents and or write love notes on beautiful stationary. My statement ink pen is my Levenger ink pen. I love Levenger ink pens and stationary. I remember when I purchased this ink pen. It was an investment for me because, this ink pen although it is one of Levenger's low price point ink pens; it still cost me $50+ but it was worth the investment. So, make sure that you have a quality ink pen that showcases your signature and your words to the world.
4. Computer
Of course, every great writer needs a computer; not just any computer, but a great computer! I decided when I was going to pursue writing full-time that I would purchase a great computer. Now, I know that there will be some "hemming and hawing" on this one, but I'm an "Apple" person. I have all Apple devices. My husband isn't so, I know you can imagine the debates in my household, LOL! With that said, my investment was in a Apple MacBook Air! It was the best investment that I could've made. I'm super happy with this purchase.
5. Scapple
I fell in love with this program while I was working on my second book! This program is amazing. I like to mind map my stories, and I drew a lot of the key details of my first book by hand. When I began working on my second book, this program made mind mapping so much easier. I highly recommend this program, if you're a "visual" person and you'd like to have your mind mapping completed on your computer rather than on paper.
6. Scrivener
I began using this program as I wrote my second book. It makes it easier to write and compile your work. It also allows you to format your work and compile it all in various file formats. I love using this software, and I highly recommend this tool for other writers.
7. Candle
Just 614 & DéJa Vu Skin are two of my favorite brands!
I love candles in general, but right now, I'm truly in love with "Pink Champagne" massage candle and the new luxe candles by Déja Vu Skin and "Egyptian Amber" by Just 614. "Pink Champagne" is a must-have for me because, not only does it smell divine it doubles as a massage oil as it burns. It is handmade by a lovely woman out of Massachusetts. Déja Vu Skin is a family-owned, black-owned company. I'm attached to "Egyptian Amber" because, I love the message behind why this business was started. Aside from that, "Egyptian Amber" is divine when it burns, I simply love it! As a former Supplier Diversity Professional, I always try to support diverse-owned businesses. It is still one of my passions from my former career that I still hold near and dear to my heart more so, now that I'm an author. So if you love candles, you need to pick this one up.
Follow Them: IG @dejavuskin18 and @_Just614
8. Romantic Playlist
This is not necessary, but it gives me the inspiration that I need to get into the heads of my characters. It also allows me to visualize the stories that emerge. My first book, "The Violet Rose" was written to nothing but Prince's music, and my second book, "Three's a Charm" was written to Toni Braxton's music. I love the mindset that music puts me in. I love listening to old school R&B, such as, Sade; Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson...you get the picture. I know that some writers do and some don't like to listen to music when they write. I'm one that does, and therefore, I recommend a romantic playlist for writing romance. Check out my Spotify Playlists for The Violet Rose & Three's a Charm.
Click Here to listen to The Violet Rose Playlist on Spotify
Click Here to listen to the Three's a Charm Playlist on Spotify
Charmyra E. Fleming is a romance author with a deep desire to M.OTIVATE | A.SPIRE | I.NSPIRE, her readers and beyond to live their lives with purpose, intention, and full of passion. She is the author of The Violet Rose and Three's a Charm romance novels. Thank you for reading her blog post this morning. Hey, do her a favor, if you like or love this post, comment on it. She'd love to hear your feedback. Also, please feel free to share it with your family and friends in the social media universe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
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