This is something I’ve struggled with for years–how to stock my writerly toolbox. From research books to notebooks to pens and finally to the Ooh, Shiny of the computer world.
Folks who know me in person for more than a month already know I’m one of those people called “early adopter”. I LOVE technology. I LOVE the shiny. In fact, in FIRST GRADE, one of my report cards mentions how much I enjoyed working with the tape recorder.
This was in 1964 in a Catholic school. The nuns were working with me on my English. So we’d work one-on-one with a reel-to-reel tape machine. I listened to words and sentences and repeated them. To this day, I remember being absolutely fascinated by the equipment.
My fascinating hasn’t waned. Instead, it’s grown exponentially stronger. I bought my first computer in 199-something and never looked back. Today, I’m a MacGeek, all Apple all the time. I wrote my first 4 books on laptops, while sitting in my recliner in my wee studio apartment. Now that I’ve moved, I’ve got a couch (no recliner), a real desk/work area and a dilemma.
I LOVE LOVE my iMac. It’s a 27″ screen, so crisp, clear and gorgeous. I splurged on an Aeron chair and loads of elfa drawer units and folding shelves so I can organize all my research books. I can haz office! I’ve never really tried to write a book in this office area, after all, I’ve only lived here 7 weeks. I’ve written a short story and several essays, plus loads of tweets, Facebook and blog posts.
I figured I’d go back to writing on an Air. I sold my sister the first gen Air that I had (she needed a new ‘puter) and purchased a brand new one, all spiffy and shiny. Guess what? The couch is NOT conducive to writing. Instead, after I opened the laptop, turned out all I did was use it twice to look something up–something I could have easily done on the iPad.
As my buddy Dana Cameron said on my Facebook post–it’s about the environment. Now that my office is getting really close to being “done” (bulletin board is hung, white board paper on the wall for notes, printer set up) – it’s more like a writing place. The atmosphere is right. The chair is right. The computer is right. So, really, it’s not just about the tools. The Air is a fabulous laptop for writing, but doesn’t work in my new digs. I’m sure I’d love any of the newer Apple laptops, but the same would apply.
So now, it’s time to divest myself of the extraneous and sell the brand new laptop on eBay, in hopes of recouping as much as I can. (I bought it 3 weeks ago, and the return policy only allows for 14 days).
Perhaps next time, I’ll let the situation settle in for a bit before I make such an expensive purchase. Live and learn!!
I’m curious to know what other writers have experienced regarding tools and their writing environment. Was there a lesson learned for you?
Sadly, I am *still* not rich. I hadn’t budgeted for moving this year when I made my travel plans last year. I’m VERY glad I’m in my new place: it’s FABULOUS. I’m sad I had to cancel going to Mayhem, since it’s one of my favorite cons.
