Hello everyone!
I wanted to share with you this week some of my favorite non-tech tools. In another post, I’ll go into tech, programs, and apps and such. Today, we’re talking old school physical tools. I am not sponsored by any of these products. These are just things I enjoy using that have made writing life a little easier and more fun.
The first tool is my favorite type of pens. I snatched up a mega pack on a back to school sale and should probably get a back-up just because I know I’ll use them up fast. These are the PaperMate InkJoy Gel Pens. They write so smoothly. No bleeding unless you have really thin paper or press too hard. But, that’s with a lot of gel pens I’ve used in the past. The color variety is phenomenal. I color code when I do my calendars and planners so having that variety is great. So, even if you’re a somewhat minimalist planner and don’t want to get overwhelmed with stickers and stuff, have a color coding system. It helps you separate things in your mind. Like, I know green is for me. Red is my husband. Pink is for my daughter. We’ll say purple is for church events when we’re able to go to church again. Maybe blue for birthdays and anniversaries. Whatever works best for you to keep track of things in your life And, you can snag a pretty good deal if you look out for sales like I did. Back to school time is great for stocking up on your home office.
Next items are my desk calendars. Yes, I have 2. My work one is shown because I haven’t had a chance to write much on it yet and I don’t want to share my private appointments with the world. I started using a desk calendar last year and it was so helpful if I couldn’t have my planner nearby. I can mark down all my “deadlines” (usually in pencil as they tend to need to be adjusted) and what my blog post plans are. I’ll also mark when a writing friend is holding a livestream event or if I’m going to a class at the library. This particular one is the Happy Planner because I love their products. I have just a plain one for the rest of my life so I can go wild decorating.
A thought dump journal- Lately I’ve been having these lightbulb moments about my series or my business at the most inconvenient times, like when I’m feeding my daughter or at work. I can’t be on my phone at work and I don’t want to be on my phone when my focus should be on my kid so I keep this notebook with me at all times. When the light goes on, I grab it, scribble, and get back to what I was doing. It’s been so helpful and just look at that cover! (If you can’t see what it says- “to do: be awesome” I found it at Michaels) And, it’s dot grid so I can really do anything with it. I’ve never been able to keep up with a whole bullet journal no matter how much I try but I like dot-grid paper for general notes.
If I’m out and about, I have to resort to talk-to-text on my phone and then try to decipher later but that’s rare nowadays. (Thanks, ‘Rona)
Now, if you have followed me for any amount of time, you know I have to mention my planner on a list like this. I originally grabbed this for reading tracking. But, I don’t get to read that much anymore so I switched it up to use as my work planner. I’m finishing off the ones I had for 2020 on top of this. (it’s from July 2020 to December 2021) I just couldn’t pass up that cover! And, the layout is so far working really well. I can see all I need to do clearly. This current year using multiple for work was an experiment that clearly was not the best for a number of reasons. All I need is this one that never leaves my desk and a tiny one to stick in my purse. It was too hard and time consuming to juggle multiple layouts at a time. So, trimming down to 1 for 2021 will, I think, work out a lot better in the long run. And it’ll be easier on the pocketbook.
Last thing is the book I’m currently writing my skinny draft in. Also Happy Planner. (Again, not sponsored… although, if they would like to, I would not complain) This book has lined pages and 3 sections. And then I took all of the lined paper in my stash, threw on the bigger discs, and packed it to bursting. And, it’s working out really well. I can take it anywhere. I can add and remove pages to other sections. And, just look at that cover! I love anything with the stars and anything mystical looking. I think that’s why I’m always drawn to fantasy as my go-to genre. I love the aesthetic along with the freedom you have with storytelling.
So, those are a few things non-tech that I love and use on the regular when I’m working. Let me know your favorites and if you have recommendations for me to try. Also, if you have any influence with Happy Planner, and can get them to sponsor me, that’d be incredible.