YOUR WRITER’S TOOL KIT

Essential items

Look at – or imagine, your workspace. List the things you simply could not do without. Is yours a Zen-like existence – just a pad and pencil, or is your room overflowing? Would you like to add or discard things, or is it fine the way it is?

How do you feel about the theory that our surroundings reflect our inner state? Does a crowded work-space necessarily mean that our brain is ‘cluttered’? Perhaps your brain is more like a backpack than an orderly bookshelf. Think of it as overflowing with useful things which you can grab when you want them. If you are not happy with the contents of your workspace (or your backpack) list those things again in order of priority and see whether you can discard some. Or do you need to acquire more? If the latter, read on. Otherwise skip the next two sections – you might be tempted.

Highly useful items

• Thesaurus.
• Dictionaries of proverbs and quotations.
• Rhyming dictionary.
• Current encyclopaedia for checking dates and information.
• Books of names.
• Hand-held cassette recorder for dictating as an alternative means of recording your words. (Try timed dictation as an alternative to timed writing.)
• For PC users, a voice-operated word processor as an alternative to the above.
• A large clock and a timer with an audible signal.
• Kettle, cup, tea, etc. – leaving the room to make drinks can be distracting.
• Answering machine and/or fax.

Treats

These are important. Here are a few suggestions.

• Aromatherapy oils in a burner or applied (suitably diluted) to the skin. Try: pine for inspiration, sage for opening to the subconscious, lavender, camomile and rose to relax, grapefruit to wake up, geranium to stimulate dreams.
• For a wonderful ‘quick-fix’, place a drop of oil on the centre of each palm, rub them together vigorously, then cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply (many thanks to aromatherapist Ruth Wise for that idea).
• You might prefer to reward yourself with a large bar of chocolate, kept by a partner or friend and delivered at a specific time – with a cup of tea perhaps. Or a long soak in the bath might be more your style.
• How about a large comfy chair to snuggle into for hand-drafting or reading, with your favourite music close at hand?

Items for writing ‘the right brain way’

The uses for these will be explained in subsequent chapters.

• tarot cards in your preferred style and tradition
• a collection of beautiful objects and pictures
• coloured pens and papers
• mirror
• magnifying glass, binoculars
• tape recorder
• small dictionary
• basic astrology text or programme (optional).